Applications are now open for the ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026. This fully funded, nine-month fellowship is hosted by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg, Germany, and will run from July 2026 to March 2027. The program is designed for junior to mid-level government officials and researchers from developing countries currently specializing in the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement. Its primary objective is to enhance participants’ legal expertise and practical skills regarding dispute resolution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Participants will also visit several European countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Germany, as part of the training. Please see below for more details.
Details About the Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: Hamburg
- Duration: 9 Months
- Program Dates: July 2026 to March 2027
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 6th March 2026
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Financial Benefits
The Program Covers:
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip travel costs to and from Hamburg, Germany.
- Accommodation: Participants are provided Free accommodation near the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
- Monthly Allowance: A monthly stipend is given to cover living expenses.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance is included.
- Study Visits: Participants will also participate in Group Visits to Berlin, Bremen, Cuxhaven, Hamburg, Hanover, Kiel, and other cities.
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Structure of the Fellowship
Academic Curriculum & Lectures
Throughout the nine-month fellowship, participants engage in intensive two-day lecture series led by ITLOS Judges, UN officials, and global legal experts. The program kicks off with a four-week Summer Academy, where fellows study alongside 40 international professionals to build a foundational expertise in maritime law.
Practical Skills Training
The program emphasizes hands-on professional development, including:
- Dispute Resolution: Specialized workshops in negotiation and mediation.
- Litigation Skills: Training for roles as legal counsel or agents, including document drafting and oral presentation.
- Court Observation: Attendance at live proceedings at the ITLOS, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
Institutional Collaborations
Fellows benefit from strategic partnerships with world-renowned research centers:
- Max Planck Foundation (Heidelberg): Focuses on conflict resolution and comparative public law.
- Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (Tromsø): Provides advanced training on Arctic and global maritime issues.
International Study Visits
The curriculum is supplemented by short group excursions (2–5 days) across Europe. Accompanied by legal officers, fellows receive exclusive access to international experts and the opportunity to observe high-level diplomatic and legal meetings firsthand.
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Eligibility Criteria
- The Fellowship is open to applicants from developing countries.
- Age: 25-40 years old.
- Education: Law degree and demonstrated research capacity.
- Profession: Junior to mid-level government officials (ocean affairs/maritime law) OR researchers (ocean/maritime legal issues).
- Research Proposal: Must propose a research topic relevant to their State’s UNCLOS implementation (especially Part XV).
- Nomination: The nominating body must explain the applicant’s tasks and how training will benefit the institution/State.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent knowledge of English or French, and working knowledge of the other. English is the primary language of instruction.
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How to Apply for the Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026?
All applicants must adhere to the application procedures outlined on the official website. The link to the website is provided below
APPLY FOR THE UN NIPPON FOUNDATION TRAINING PROGRAM
