UN Nippon Foundation Ocean Law Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 14 September 2025 Apply Now
Hey future ocean leaders! 🌊 Dreaming of making waves in ocean affairs and international law? Well, get ready because the incredible United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is open for 2026 applications! Think of it as a super prestigious, fully-funded opportunity for mid-level professionals from developing countries, including our beloved South Africa, to become experts in global ocean governance. This isn’t just a fellowship; it’s a launchpad for your career to help shape the future of our oceans!
The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship is designed for government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing nations who are passionate about ocean affairs and the law of the sea. It’s an advanced training programme that covers everything from international legal frameworks to marine science. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge, develop professional skills, and even conduct your own research with expert supervision. The goal? To equip you with the skills to return home and make a real difference in formulating and implementing ocean policies for your country. It’s a 9-month journey with two phases: three months of intensive research and training at the UN Headquarters in New York, followed by six months of advanced academic research at a top host institution.
Who Can Apply?
Ready to dive in? Here’s what you need to be eligible for this amazing opportunity:
- You must be between 25 and 45 years old.
- You need a first university degree and the proven ability to do independent advanced academic research.
- You must be a mid-level professional working for a national government body or a governmental/non-governmental agency in a developing State, dealing directly with ocean affairs. Your job should allow you to directly help your nation with ocean policy. This includes marine sciences and the science-policy linkage.
- Your proposed research topic must directly help your country’s ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programmes.
- You must be free from other commitments for the entire duration of the Fellowship unless otherwise authorized by the Division.
What Does It Cover?
This is a fully-funded bursary, meaning it’s designed to support you throughout your entire journey! Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered:
- Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly stipend throughout your Fellowship, both during your time in New York and during your time at the second phase host institution. This stipend is paid from the date you depart from your home country until the completion of the Fellowship.
- Travel: All your flights are covered! You’ll be provided with return economy class air-tickets for travel from your home country to DOALOS in New York, from New York to your second host institution, and finally back to your home country.
- Housing: While securing accommodation is your responsibility, the stipend is designed to assist with this, and in certain cases, host institutions may offer guidance.
- Book Allowance: You’ll get an additional US$100 per month for the six-month academic research phase (Phase Two), totaling US$600, to help with your study materials. This can be a lump-sum or monthly payment.
How to Apply?
Feeling excited? Here’s how you can throw your hat in the ring for the 2026 United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship:
The application process involves submitting a comprehensive application form along with supporting documents. Make sure you highlight how your work and proposed research will directly benefit your country’s ocean affairs policies, and ensure your “Nomination and Recommendation Form” is completed by an official who can attest to your work and how the award will contribute to your nation’s activities.
For all the detailed information and to access the official application portal, make sure you visit the official website:
Remember, the deadline for applications is 14 September 2025, so don’t wait until the last minute!
If shaping the future of our oceans and gaining world-class expertise sounds like your dream come true, then this is the bursary for you! Don’t let this incredible chance slip away – apply now and embark on a journey that could transform your career and contribute significantly to global ocean governance. And while you’re at it, explore more life-changing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
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