Deadline: February 15, 2026
The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a fully-funded leadership and skills development programme designed to empower early-career ocean and climate action advocates. The fellowship aims to equip young leaders with the tools, networks, and experiences needed to drive impactful ocean conservation and climate solutions globally.
Application Deadline
📅 15 February 2026
About the Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a global initiative by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, supported in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. It is a rigorous and competitive programme that selects a cohort of motivated individuals who are actively involved in ocean conservation, climate action, sustainability, and related leadership roles.
The programme offers a combination of virtual learning, mentorship, leadership training, and an international in-person segment, giving fellows the chance to build strong networks and develop practical skills to advance ocean advocacy and climate solutions.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age Requirement: Must be 18–35 years old as of 20 June 2026
- Work Focus: Actively working in ocean conservation, climate action, sustainability, or related leadership roles
- Impact Alignment: Must align with at least one of SOA’s five Ocean Impact Areas (including pollution reduction, ecosystems & species preservation, ocean data, and more)
- Language Proficiency: C1-level English proficiency
- Availability: Must be available for international travel during the in-person segment (typically 9–19 June 2026)
- Restrictions: Applicants must not have previously attended certain youth leadership forums such as the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit or UN Ocean Conference youth events
What You Will Gain
Fellows will benefit from a comprehensive programme that includes:
- Skill-building workshops (leadership, storytelling, campaigning)
- Mentorship from experts in ocean and climate fields
- Peer collaboration & networking with a global cohort of fellows
- Participation in an international conference and leadership institute
- A strengthened platform to amplify your work and influence global ocean policy and action
The programme runs from 26 March to 5 December 2026, combining virtual learning with an immersive in-person institute.
How to Apply
Applications are open until 15 February 2026. Interested candidates can apply online via the official SOA application portal.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you need support with proposal drafting, refining, or reviewing your application, feel free to reach out to us.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
