United Nations Nippon Foundation is coordinated by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea within the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations (“OLA/DOALOS”). This all-expenses-paid fellowship lasts three months and provides a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and round-trip economy class airfare.
United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship comprises two consecutive stages that offer Fellows tailored training and research opportunities in their respective areas of expertise.
Scholarship Overview
United Nations Nippon Foundation aims to provide government officials and mid-level professionals from developing nations with specialized training on ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related fields, such as marine science, to support effective management frameworks.
The United Nations Nippon Foundation Specifically, this Fellowship is designed to enhance the human capacity necessary for developing ocean governance structures essential for:
The effective implementation of UNCLOS and its associated agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement, and other relevant instruments;The realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, focusing on fostering sustainable blue economies, addressing environmental impacts (notably the severe consequences of ocean plastic), building resilience against climate change, and considering gender-related issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are expected to meet the following:
- Age bracket: Candidates must be between 25 and 40 years old.
- Applicants should have completed at least a first university degree and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent advanced academic research and study.
- Eligible candidates include mid-level professionals from government bodies of developing countries or affiliated governmental or non-governmental organizations that address issues related to ocean affairs. Their professional roles should enable direct assistance to their government in creating and/or executing relevant policies.
- Candidates must propose research and study plans that will actively contribute to their country’s policy formation and/or implementation regarding ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
- Applicants should be free from all non-Fellowship obligations throughout the Fellowship duration unless otherwise authorized by the Division.
- Candidates must clearly demonstrate that they meet the above criteria through their application forms, which must be validated by a nominating authority.
- Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to foster gender equity in the selection process.
Application Procedures
To apply for the 2025 United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship, eligible candidates must:
Fill out the necessary application forms
i. Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form
ii. Nomination and Recommendation Form)
iii. Online form
- Submit the completed application forms along with a copy of their passport to the designated email address: [email protected], including “2025 SIDS Fellowship Application Package” in the email subject line.
Benefits of United Nations Nippon Foundation
Candidates are entitled to these Benefits:
- The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship offers a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and round-trip economy class airfare.
- The Fellowship includes a three-month training programme at OLA/DOALOS, located at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
- A personalized curriculum will be created for selected candidates, addressing the challenges identified in their applications and supported by their Nominating Authorities.
Application and Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and utilize the provided application forms available on the website to apply for the Programme. Applications submitted late or incomplete will not be considered.
Deadline: The deadline for submitting a complete application is 30 March 2025.
Awards will be individually communicated to the selected applicants and subsequently published in the News section of the Fellowship website by the end of May 2025.