UNNF Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2027

The UNNF Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is administered by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. The programme provides Government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing States with advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, as well as related disciplines, including marine science in support of management frameworks.

Fellows will:

• Learn about international legal frameworks, key issues, and best practices in ocean affairs

• Become familiar with the work of the United Nations

• Develop professional skills through training and research

• Conduct individual research under academic supervision

• Develop a written thesis on a topic selected by them

Upon completion, Fellows are expected to return to their home countries and use their in-depth knowledge and extended experience to assist in formulating comprehensive ocean policy and in implementing the legal regime set out in UNCLOS and related instruments, including through designing, implementing, and/or evaluating specific improvement projects.

Related: Learn more about UNNF Capacity-Building Programmes and DOALOS.

Successful UNNF OALOS Fellows receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full funding for the entire 9-month programme — Travel, stipend, accommodation, and research support

• Round-trip economy class airfare — From home country to New York and to the Host Institution

• Monthly stipend — To cover living expenses during both phases of the programme

• Medical insurance — Coverage for the duration of the fellowship

• Visa assistance — Support for obtaining necessary visas for the United States and the Host Institution country

• Housing support — Assistance with accommodation arrangements in New York and at the Host Institution

• Access to UN facilities and resources — During the 3-month training phase at UN Headquarters

• Academic supervision and mentorship — From leading experts in ocean affairs and the law of the sea

• Professional networking opportunities — Connect with UN officials, international experts, and fellow programme alumni

• Research support — Resources for conducting the 6-month research project and thesis development

Note: For detailed conditions regarding travel, stipend payments, visas, medical clearance, insurance, and housing, please see the Fellowship Conditions page .

All applicants must submit the following documents through the Indico.UN platform:

• Completed online application form — Submitted through the Indico.UN platform

• Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Application Form

• Nomination and Recommendation Form — Completed by a Government official or other official who can attest to the applicant's work

• Copy of passport — Valid identification document

Important: Applications or supporting documents submitted by email will not be accepted. Only completed applications submitted through Indico.UN will be processed .

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the UNNF OALOS Fellowship:

General Requirements

• Age: Between 25 and 45 years old

• Education: Must have successfully completed a first university degree or equivalent

• Research capacity: Must demonstrate the ability to undertake independent advanced academic research and study

• Nationality: Must be a national of a developing State

• Professional role: Must be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional dealing directly with ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea.

Follow these steps to complete your application for the UNNF OALOS Fellowship 2027:

1. Review eligibility criteria — Ensure you meet all requirements, including age, education, nationality, professional role, and language proficiency.

2. Identify your Nominating Authority — Contact a Government official or other official who can attest to your work in ocean affairs and complete the Nomination and Recommendation Form.

3. Develop your research proposal — Outline a proposed research and study programme that directly contributes to your nation's ocean affairs and law of the sea policies.

4. Create an Indico.UN account — Register on the Indico.UN platform or log in to an existing account.

5. Complete the online application form — Fill in all required fields and upload all supporting documents.

6. Ensure your Nomination Form is completed — The Nominating Authority must complete and submit the form as part of your application.

7. Submit your application — Review thoroughly before final submission.

8. Confirm submission — You will receive an automatic confirmation email upon successful submission.

9. Await results — Check the Fellowship website in mid-December 2026 for the list of Awardees.

Important: Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline to avoid any technical difficulties. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered .