Deadline: March 6, 2026
The ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme 2026-2027 is now open for applications! This prestigious and fully funded programme offers a unique opportunity for legal professionals and researchers from developing countries to gain in-depth training in the field of the Law of the Sea and dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Organised by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in partnership with the Nippon Foundation, this programme provides comprehensive academic and practical exposure to international maritime law, enabling participants to strengthen their expertise and contribute to effective ocean governance and dispute resolution globally.
About the ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme 2026-2027
The ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme 2026-2027 is a nine-month intensive legal fellowship conducted at the seat of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, Germany.
The programme focuses on advanced training in the settlement of disputes under UNCLOS, and includes lectures, seminars, and hands-on research guided by legal experts from international courts, UN agencies, academia, and professional practice.
Participants will benefit from office facilities, access to specialised legal libraries, and an international environment ideal for research and professional networking.
Programme Duration
- July 2026 – March 2027 (Full-time, 9 months)
Application Deadline
- 6 March 2026
All applications must be submitted no later than this date.
Objectives of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Build capacity and expertise in the law of the sea and international dispute settlement.
- Provide practical training in legal research, drafting, and advocacy before international tribunals.
- Foster professional networks among legal experts from developing countries.
- Promote the effective implementation of UNCLOS in national and regional contexts.
Who Can Apply
The programme is designed for junior and mid-level professionals from developing countries, including:
- Government officials involved in maritime affairs, law of the sea, or international legal issues.
- Researchers and academics specialising in maritime law or ocean governance within universities or governmental institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Generally between 25 and 40 years.
- Education: A first university degree in law or equivalent, demonstrating research and analytical capacity.
- Professional Experience: Relevant experience in the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English or French (the main language of instruction is English).
- Research Proposal: A clearly defined research topic relevant to the implementation or interpretation of UNCLOS.
- Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by a competent government authority or academic institution.
Programme Benefits (Fully Funded)
The fellowship is fully funded by the Nippon Foundation, covering all essential costs for the duration of the programme, including:
- ✈️ Round-trip travel to and from Hamburg, Germany.
- 🏨 Accommodation throughout the programme period.
- 🩺 Comprehensive medical insurance.
- 💰 Monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
Programme Focus Areas
Participants will engage in in-depth studies and training on:
- Dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.
- Procedural practice before ITLOS, including provisional measures and evidence presentation.
- Interaction between ITLOS, UN agencies, and related institutions.
- Current global issues, such as maritime delimitation, protection of the marine environment, human rights at sea, and ocean governance.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit:
- A completed and signed application form.
- A nomination form issued by the applicant’s nominating authority.
Both forms should be sent electronically to the Office of the Registrar, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Hamburg, Germany.
Applications must be received by 6 March 2026.
Programme Venue
- International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
- Hamburg, Germany
Why Apply
The ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme 2026-2027 offers a transformative opportunity to strengthen your professional and academic capabilities in the international legal arena. Through world-class training, exposure to global legal experts, and networking opportunities, participants gain the skills and confidence needed to address complex legal challenges related to maritime law and ocean governance.
Application Links
🔗 Read More About the Programme
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