The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg is currently accepting applications for the ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026, a nine-month fellowship that is fully financed. The initiative will begin in July 2026 and end in March 2027.
Junior to mid-level government officials and researchers from developing nations with expertise in maritime law, law of the sea, or dispute resolution are the target audience for this opportunity. The fellowship seeks to improve participants’ practical dispute resolution abilities and legal understanding in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Fellows will also travel to various European nations, including as Germany, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands, for study visits as part of the program. More information is given below.
Eligibility Criteria :
- Applicants from developing nations are eligible.
- Age Requirement: between 25 and 40.
- Education: A legal degree and a track record of successful research are prerequisites.
- Experience in the field:
- Government representatives at the junior to mid-level who work in marine law or ocean affairs, or
- scholars who focus on maritime or ocean law matters.
- Research Proposal: A topic pertaining to their State’s application of UNCLOS (especially Part XV) must be submitted.
- Nomination Letter: The nominating authority must specify the duties of the candidate and the ways in which the training would help the State or the institution.
- Excellent command of either French or English, along with a working knowledge of the other language (English being the primary language of instruction) are examples of language skills.
Germany is the host nation.
Where: Hamburg
Time frame: nine months
Program Duration: July 2026–March 2027
Funding: The program is fully funded.
Benefits :
- Travel expenses include travel to and from Hamburg, Germany, round-trip.
- Near the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), there is free lodging available.
- Monthly Stipend: To help with living expenses, participants are given a monthly allowance.
- Medical Coverage: Included is comprehensive health insurance.
- Study Visits: Visits in groups to various German cities, including Berlin, Bremen, Cuxhaven, Hamburg, Hanover, and Kiel.
Deadline: 6th March 2026
