ITLOS Nippon Foundation Programme 2026–2027 (Fully Funded in Germany

🌍 Programme Overview

The programme is organized by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in partnership with the Nippon Foundation. It is a full-time, nine-month training hosted in Hamburg, Germany.

ITLOS

Participants gain advanced legal training, attend lectures by international experts, and conduct supervised research related to maritime law and dispute resolution under UNCLOS.

ITLOS

📅 Programme Duration

Start: July 2026

End: March 2027

Duration: 9 months (full-time) 

ITLOS

Application Deadline: 6 March 2026 

ITLOS

💰 Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)

Selected fellows will receive:

✈️ International travel costs

🏠 Free accommodation

🏥 Medical insurance

💵 Monthly subsistence allowance

📚 Access to ITLOS library and research facilities

All major programme costs are covered by the Nippon Foundation.

ITLOS

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

Be 25–40 years old

Hold a first degree in law

Be either:

Junior/mid-level government officials working on ocean or maritime matters, or

Researchers dealing with maritime or ocean-related issues

Demonstrate ability for independent research

Have excellent English or French skills (programme mainly in English)

ITLOS

🧠 Programme Components

During the fellowship, participants will:

Attend expert lectures on law of the sea

Join the Summer Academy on maritime law

Participate in negotiation and mediation training

Conduct supervised legal research

Visit international legal institutions

The training is designed to prepare fellows for roles as legal advisers, agents, or counsel in international maritime disputes.

ITLOS

📄 Required Documents

Applicants typically need:

Completed fellowship application form

Nomination form from employer/institution

Proposed research topic

Proof of language proficiency

(Additional medical and permission certificates are required after selection.)

🚀 How to Apply

Apply through the official ITLOS portal:

👉 Apply Here:

Apply Now 

(Always apply via the official website.)