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ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Ocean Law Fellowship
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Publish Date 2/27/2026 Application Deadline 3/6/2026 Opportunity Type Fellowships Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World Description

The ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme is an intensive nine-month training program in the Law of the Sea and dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is organized by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in cooperation with The Nippon Foundation and takes place in Hamburg, Germany.

The program aims to strengthen participants’ legal and practical expertise in the fields of the Law of the Sea, international law, and maritime dispute settlement. Participants engage in lectures, workshops, practical training sessions, field visits, and supervised research under the guidance of international judges and legal experts. The program is primarily designed for government officials and researchers working in areas related to maritime law and dispute settlement.
Details


  • Duration: 9 months (July 2026 – March 2027)
  • Location: Hamburg, Germany (including study visits to international institutions in Europe)
  • Funding: Fully funded by The Nippon Foundation, covering:
  • Round-trip travel expenses
  • Accommodation
  • Medical insurance
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Application Fees: No application fees. Applicants are responsible for arranging their visa and travel documentation.
  • Application Process:
  1. Complete and sign the Fellowship Application Form.
  2. Submit a Nomination Form from a government institution or academic organization.
  3. Send the required documents by email, fax, or post to the ITLOS Registry.


Eligibility Criteria


  • Age: Between 25 and 40 years old.
  • Education: A university degree in Law with the ability to conduct independent research.
  • Professional Background:
  • Junior to mid-level government officials working in departments dealing with maritime or legal affairs; or
  • Researchers from academic or governmental institutions in fields related to the Law of the Sea.
  • Research Topic: Applicants must propose a research topic related to the implementation and challenges of UNCLOS in their home country.
  • Language Requirements:
  • Excellent command of English or French.
  • Working knowledge of the other language is considered an asset.


Opportunity Benefits


  • Full financial support (travel, accommodation, insurance, monthly allowance).
  • Practical training within an international judicial institution.
  • Lectures and workshops delivered by international judges and legal experts.
  • Study visits to international legal institutions in Europe.
  • Access to the global ITLOS alumni network of Law of the Sea professionals.