United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2025: USA

The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2025 is a fully funded 9-month program that offers advanced training for government officials and professionals from developing countries in ocean affairs, marine science, and the law of the sea. Fellows will study international legal frameworks, key ocean issues, and UN practices, gaining hands-on experience and research opportunities. Under academic supervision, they will develop a written thesis on a chosen topic.

The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship comprises two phases: a 3-month research and training period at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by a 6-month advanced academic research phase at a host institution. The fellowship includes study at prestigious host institutions worldwide. The application deadline is 30 March 2025.

Universities/Institutions

Funded By: United Nations
Host Country: USA
Program Name: Fellowship Program.
Duration: 9 Month

United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship Structure (9 Months)

Phase One (3 months) – Conducted at DOALOS, United Nations Headquarters, New York (March/April – June)
- Research and training in ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
Phase Two (6 months) – Conducted at a prestigious Host Institution (July – December)
The deliverables of the Fellowship Programme are:
- A 100-page written thesis
- A presentation of the research
- An ocean governance matrix

Host Institutions for the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship

Türkiye:
- Ankara University Research Center of the Sea and Maritime Law
- Marine Law and Policy Research Centre, Istanbul Bilgi University
Greece:
- Athens Public International Law Center (Athens PIL), National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
Australia:
- Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong
- Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales
- Marine and Shipping Law Unit, University of Queensland
- Melbourne University Law School
- Sydney Law School, University of Sydney
United Kingdom:
- Cardiff University, School of Law and Politics
- Edinburgh Centre for International and Global Law, University of Edinburgh
- Manchester International Law Centre, University of Manchester
- National Oceanography Centre (NERC), Southampton
- Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance (SELG), University of Strathclyde
France:
- Centre de Droit Maritime et Océanique, Université de Nantes
- Centre d’Etudes et de Récherches sur le Droit des Activités Maritimes et l’Environnement (CERDAME), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), La Rochelle Université
Barbados:
- Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), University of the West Indies

also,

United States:
- Columbia Law School, Columbia University
- University of Rhode Island (Coastal Resources Center & Department of Marine Affairs)
- Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware
- School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts Boston
- Tulane Maritime Law Center, Tulane University
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Italy:
- Department of Public, Civil Procedure, International and European Law, University of Milan
- University of Milano Bicocca, Marine Sciences Programme
Germany:
- Faculty of Law, Universität Hamburg
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research – ZMT
- Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law
- Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law
Malta:
- IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), University of Malta
Belgium:
- Maritime Institute, University of Ghent
South Africa:
- Nelson Mandela University, Research Chair in the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa
Netherlands:
- Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea, Utrecht University School of Law
Norway:
- Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS), UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Portugal:
- NOVA University, School of Law
Canada:
- Marine and Environmental Law Institute, Dalhousie University
- Marine Affairs Programme, Dalhousie University
- Saint Mary’s University
Sweden:
- World Maritime University and Global Ocean Institute

Study Areas

Fellows delve into various aspects of ocean affairs and the law of the sea, including:

Maritime security
Marine environmental protection
Sustainable use of marine resources
Ocean governance
Maritime boundary delimitation

The Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme Foundation Curriculum

United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship Benefits:

Monthly Stipend: Provided by the host organization (varies by country, follows UN rates).
Local Transportation: Fully covered.
Airfare: Return economy tickets provided.
Visa: Processing and fees covered by the UN.
Medical Insurance: Covered by the host organization.
Accommodation: Covered by host organizations.
Book Allowance: $100 per month for partners.
For Details: Visit

Benefits Not Included

Dependent Support
Personal Travel:

General Eligibility for United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship

Age: 25–45 years old
Education: Must have a first-level university degree
Professional Background:
- Mid-level government officials or professionals from developing countries (for the Strategic Needs Fellowship)
- Government officials from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) (for the Ocean Governance Fellowship)
Field of Work: Must deal directly with ocean affairs, marine sciences, or policy-making related to the law of the sea
Research Requirement: Proposed study must contribute to national ocean policies
Availability: Must be free of non-Fellowship obligations during the program
Deadline: 30 March 2025
Results Announcement: By the end of May 2025
Note: Only successful candidates will be contacted

Required Documents:

Completed Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form.
Nomination and Recommendation Form completed by a government official or professional authority.
Online application form
Copy of the applicant’s passport

United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship Application Process:

Download Application Forms: Access and download the necessary application forms from the official fellowship website.
Complete Forms:
- Type or word-process the application.
- Answer all questions clearly and thoroughly.
- Focus on sections 18, 19, 20, 21, and 23.
- Provide an accurate personal history.
- Plan a detailed research and study program.
- Get the form signed/certified by the nominating authority.
- Submit the signed form via email to doalos@un.org.
Submit Application: Email the completed forms along with a copy of your passport to [email protected] by 30 March 2025.
2025 UNNF Strategic Needs Fellowship Application Form
2025 UNNF Ocean Governance Fellowship for SIDS Application Form

Tips for a Successful Application:

Demonstrate Relevance: Clearly articulate how your research will benefit your country’s ocean affairs policies.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Obtain endorsements from senior officials familiar with your work.
Ensure Completeness: Double-check that all forms are accurately completed and submitted before the deadline.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students

The cost of living in the USA varies based on location, lifestyle, and housing choices. On average:

Accommodation: On-campus housing ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 per academic year, while off-campus rentals can vary widely, typically between $500 to $2,500 per month, depending on the city and type of accommodation
Food: Monthly grocery expenses average between $200 to $400. Dining out can increase this amount.
Transportation: Public transportation costs vary by city but may average around $300 to $700 annually.
Utilities: Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost approximately $100 to $150 per month.
Miscellaneous: This includes personal expenses, entertainment, and unforeseen costs, averaging $200 to $500 monthly.

Overall, international students in the USA might expect to spend between $1,000 to $2,000 per month on living expenses, depending on their location and lifestyle choices

Why Choose This Opportunity?

This fellowship offers a unique platform to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Participants benefit from mentorship by experts, access to extensive UN resources, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their home country’s maritime policies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the duration of the fellowship?
- The fellowship spans 9 months, with 3 months at the UN Headquarters in New York and 6 months at a host institution
Are there any age restrictions for applicants?
- Yes, applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old.
What expenses are covered by the fellowship?
- The fellowship covers a monthly stipend, book allowance, travel costs, and medical insurance.
Can I apply if I am from a developed country?
- No, the fellowship is specifically for candidates from developing countries.
What are the key deliverables during the fellowship?
- Fellows are required to produce a 100-page written thesis, deliver a research presentation

Official Link for More Details and Application:

For comprehensive information and application details, visit the official fellowship page