ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Fellowship 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Germany
Introduction
The ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Fellowship 2026-2027 is a fully funded program. It takes place in Hamburg, Germany. This fellowship is for people from around the world who want to learn about the law of the sea. It is designed for government workers and researchers who work with maritime law or ocean issues.
All costs are covered. This means travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance. The program is nine months long. It starts in July 2026 and ends in March 2027.
This fellowship helps participants improve their legal skills. It also gives practical experience in dispute settlement. Dispute settlement means solving legal conflicts in the ocean. The program focuses on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is organized by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the Nippon Foundation. The main aim is to train people to work in maritime law and ocean governance. Participants learn how to handle disputes and improve their knowledge about international law.
The fellowship is for junior to mid-level government officials and researchers. These people usually work in ocean affairs, maritime law, or related legal fields.
During the program, participants meet experts from international organizations, universities, and law firms. They also learn directly from Judges at ITLOS.
Host Country
Germany
The program is based in Hamburg. Hamburg is a big city in Germany with a strong connection to maritime activities. Participants will live in Hamburg for the nine months of the program.
Fields of Study
This fellowship covers several areas. These include:
- Law of the Sea
- Maritime Law
- International Law
- Environmental Law
- Dispute Settlement
- Ocean Affairs
- Marine Conservation
- Maritime Security
These subjects are important for people who want to work in ocean governance or international law.
Fellowship Benefits
This is a fully funded fellowship. Benefits include:
- Full coverage of travel costs
- Accommodation in a studio apartment near the Tribunal
- Monthly allowance for living expenses
- Medical insurance
- Access to ITLOS library and office facilities
- German language classes
- Participation in lectures, workshops, and seminars
- Study visits to international organizations
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this fellowship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 25 and 40 years old
- Have a first university degree in law
- Be a junior to mid-level government official or a researcher in maritime law or ocean affairs
- Be able to do independent research
- Propose a research topic related to the law of the sea or dispute settlement
- Have excellent English or French skills
- Have working knowledge of the other language
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Fellowship Application Form, completed and signed
- Nomination Form from a government agency or academic institute
- Medical certificate showing good health
- Permission certificate from the nominating organization
- Certified translations of documents if they are not in English or French
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is 6 March 2026.
How to Apply
- Fill out the Fellowship Application Form completely.
- Ask your nominating organization to submit the Nomination Form.
- Wait for conditional acceptance.
- Submit medical and permission certificates.
- Arrange a visa for Germany if needed.
- Prepare for travel and start the program in July 2026.
Training and Workshops
The program has lectures and workshops to improve skills. Fellows learn about:
- UNCLOS and dispute settlement
- How to handle legal disputes
- Giving evidence before international courts
- Writing legal documents
- Negotiation and mediation
- Presentation skills using audio-visual tools
Fellows also attend workshops to practice legal skills. These workshops prepare them to work as legal advisers, agents, or counsel in international cases.
Study Visits
Participants visit different countries and institutions. These visits help them understand how international law works in practice.
Visits include:
- Belgium: European Commission’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
- Germany: Federal Coastguard, GEOMAR Helmholtz Center, Hamburg Port Authority
- Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Switzerland: United Nations Office at Geneva, Geneva Center for International Dispute Settlement
- Netherlands: International Court of Justice, Permanent Court of Arbitration
- United Kingdom: International Maritime Organization
During visits, fellows meet experts, attend hearings, and learn directly from professionals.
Research
Research is a key part of this fellowship. Fellows:
- Conduct research on law of the sea and maritime law issues
- Use ITLOS library and resources
- Receive guidance from ITLOS staff and Judges
- Present research results to ITLOS Judges
The research helps governments and organizations understand ocean law better.
Partners
The fellowship works with many partners:
- Nippon Foundation
- Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law, Germany
- Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea, Norway
These partners provide training, workshops, and access to legal experts.
Why Apply
This fellowship is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to:
- Work in international law and maritime law
- Gain practical experience in dispute settlement
- Become part of a global professional network
- Improve career opportunities in government, research, or international organizations
- Learn from Judges and legal experts at ITLOS
- Live and study in Germany for nine months
Tips to Win
- Submit a clear research topic
- Complete all documents carefully
- Follow deadlines strictly
- Show strong motivation and interest in maritime law
- Prepare for interviews if needed
FAQ
Q: Who can apply?
A: Government officials or researchers working in maritime law, ocean affairs, or dispute settlement.
Q: What costs are covered?
A: Travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance.
Q: Where is the fellowship held?
A: ITLOS in Hamburg, Germany
Q: How long is the fellowship?
A: Nine months (July 2026 – March 2027)
Q: Are language skills required?
A: Yes. Excellent English or French, and working knowledge of the other language.
Q: Is this fellowship fully funded?
A: Yes. All major costs are covered.
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