UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027: Applications Open
Want to spend part of 2027 training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and then continue your research at an academic institution?
Applications are now open for the 2027 United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS).
The nine-month programme is designed for mid-level professionals from developing countries working in ocean affairs, maritime policy, marine science, law of the sea and related fields.
And the deadline is close: September 13, 2026.
Programme: UNNF Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
Year: 2027
Duration: 9 months
Phase 1: United Nations Headquarters, New York
Phase 2: Participating academic host institution
Funding: Funded fellowship with monthly stipend
Eligible Countries: Developing States
Age: 25–45 years
Deadline: September 13, 2026
What Is the UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship?
The UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship gives professionals from developing countries advanced training in ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
Fellows learn about international legal frameworks, ocean policy, marine issues and the work of the United Nations while also developing their professional and research skills.
Participants also conduct individual research under academic supervision and develop a written thesis in their chosen area.
Is the UN Fellowship Fully Funded?
The programme provides financial support to selected fellows.
According to the official fellowship conditions, fellows receive a monthly stipend during the programme, including the New York phase and the research-placement phase.
The allowance is intended to help cover basic living expenses such as:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local and airport transportation
- Visa-related costs
- Baggage expenses
- Other basic fellowship expenses
The fellowship conditions also cover areas including travel, insurance, visas and medical clearance.
Important: The stipend is an allowance for fellowship-related living costs. It is not a salary.
Who Can Apply?
This is the most important section to read before applying.
The 2027 fellowship is not a general scholarship for every university student.
Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements, including:
- Be between 25 and 45 years old
- Hold at least a first university degree or equivalent qualification
- Be a national of a developing State
- Be capable of undertaking advanced academic research and study
- Be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional
- Work directly in ocean affairs, law of the sea or a closely related area
- Have a strong command of spoken and written English
Which Fields Are Relevant?
Your work should have a genuine connection with ocean affairs or the law of the sea.
The UN lists relevant areas including:
- Ocean policy
- Law of the sea
- Marine science
- Maritime security
- Maritime transport and shipping
- Coastal zone management
- Marine environmental protection
- Maritime zones and boundaries
- Sustainable management of marine resources
- SDG 14 and sustainable ocean development
Simply having a university degree isn't enough. Your professional work should connect directly with these areas.
Can Students Apply?
This needs a little clarification.
If you're a regular undergraduate student with no relevant professional experience, this fellowship is probably not designed for you.
However, the UN's official FAQ states that PhD students may be considered if they satisfy the other selection requirements.
That includes the professional and ocean-related criteria.
So don't apply simply because the word “fellowship” sounds like a student scholarship. Check your profile against every eligibility requirement first.
How Does the 9-Month Fellowship Work?
The 2027 programme has two major phases.
Phase 1 — United Nations Headquarters, New York
March 24 to June 30, 2027
Selected fellows spend approximately three months with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This phase focuses on training, research and exposure to the UN's work in ocean affairs and international legal frameworks.
Phase 2 — Academic Research Placement
July 1 to December 17, 2027
Fellows then spend six months at a participating academic host institution selected according to expertise relevant to their research area.
This is where participants continue their individual research with academic supervision.
What Documents Do You Need?
Don't leave this application until the final hour.
Before completing the online application, candidates need to prepare:
- 2027 UNNF OALOS Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Application Form
- Completed Nomination Form
- Signature and stamp from the nominating authority
- Copy of a valid national passport
- Information required by the online Indico.UN application
The official instructions say the required documents should be uploaded through the Indico.UN platform.
How to Apply for the UN Fellowship 2027
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Start with your nationality, age and professional background.
If your current work isn't connected with ocean affairs or the law of the sea, don't assume that having a degree alone makes you eligible.
Step 2: Download the Official Forms
Use the current 2027 forms available through the official UN fellowship application page.
Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Your proposed research should connect clearly with your professional responsibilities and an ocean-related issue relevant to your country or region.
Step 4: Complete the Nomination Form
The nomination document must be completed correctly and signed and stamped by the appropriate nominating authority.
Step 5: Prepare Your Passport Copy
A valid national passport copy is required for the online application.
Step 6: Submit Through Indico.UN
Upload the required documents and complete the online registration/application.
Step 7: Submit Before September 13
The official application deadline is September 13, 2026.
With several documents involved, submitting early is much safer than discovering a missing signature on deadline day.
Do You Need IELTS?
The official eligibility requirements say applicants need a strong command of spoken and written English because fellowship activities are conducted in English.
However, the current eligibility page does not state a universal IELTS score as one of the core requirements.
Don't turn that into “no English requirement” — strong English proficiency is still expected.
What Happens After the Fellowship?
This programme isn't designed simply as nine months abroad.
After completing the fellowship, participants are expected to return to their home countries and use what they've learned to support ocean policy, management and implementation of the legal framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments.
That's why your professional background matters so much during selection.
When Will Results Be Announced?
The UN says the 2027 fellowship award results are expected to be posted on its website by mid-December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 applications open?
Yes. Applications for the 2027 UNNF Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea are currently open.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 13, 2026.
How long is the fellowship?
The programme lasts nine months, from March 24 to December 17, 2027.
Is the fellowship for undergraduate students?
It is primarily designed for mid-level government officials and professionals from developing States working directly in ocean-related fields. It is not a general undergraduate scholarship.
Can PhD students apply?
The UN FAQ says PhD students may be considered if they meet the programme's other eligibility requirements.
Is there an age limit?
Applicants are required to be between 25 and 45 years old.
Where will selected fellows study?
The first three months take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The following six months are spent at a participating academic host institution.
Does the fellowship provide a stipend?
Yes. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend under the programme's fellowship conditions.
Final Takeaway
The UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 is a highly specialized opportunity — and that's exactly what makes it valuable for the right applicant.
If you're a mid-level professional from a developing country already working in marine science, maritime affairs, ocean policy, law of the sea or a related field, this programme can put you inside the UN system in New York and later at an academic host institution for advanced research.
But don't apply based on the UN name alone.
Check your eligibility, prepare the nomination and research documents carefully, and remember the date that matters now:
September 13, 2026.
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