Applications are Now Open for the ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme (Fully Funded to Hamburg)

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

Applications are now open for the ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme 2026/2027, a prestigious nine-month fellowship designed for junior to mid-level government officials and researchers from developing countries. This fully funded program takes place in Hamburg, Germany, at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) — one of the world’s leading institutions for maritime dispute settlement.

In partnership with The Nippon Foundation, this initiative equips emerging legal professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex international maritime issues under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea framework. It’s more than just a fellowship — it’s a life-changing opportunity to build expertise, foster global connections, and shape the future of ocean governance.

As ocean resources become increasingly vital to economic development and environmental sustainability, understanding maritime law and its applications is critical — especially for developing nations. The ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Programme stands as a bridge between knowledge and impact, empowering participants to lead confidently in legal, diplomatic, and academic circles.

About the ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Programme

The ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme was established to strengthen global capacity in the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes. It focuses on Part XV of UNCLOS, which governs dispute settlement, and aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the legal mechanisms that safeguard international maritime order.

Each year, a small cohort of fellows — typically government officials, legal officers, and maritime researchers — is selected to spend nine intensive months at ITLOS headquarters in Hamburg. The program begins in July 2026 and combines theoretical learning with hands-on training in legal research, negotiation, and dispute resolution.

Fellows work closely with ITLOS Judges, Registry staff, and international legal experts, gaining exposure to real-world cases and practical insights into the operation of international courts. They also attend the Summer Academy of the International Foundation for the Law of the Sea, a four-week deep dive into the fundamentals of maritime law.

Benefits for Selected Fellows

The ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Programme offers an all-inclusive fellowship package designed to eliminate financial barriers and promote meaningful learning experiences. Successful applicants receive:

• Full funding covering travel, accommodation, and medical insurance
• Monthly subsistence allowance for personal expenses
• Studio accommodation near the ITLOS premises in Hamburg
• Fully equipped workspace, including office facilities and internet access
• Access to ITLOS’s specialized law library with resources on maritime law, environmental law, ocean governance, and more
• Exposure to international courts and legal institutions, including visits to the International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration
• Training sessions and workshops on negotiation, mediation, and case preparation
• Language courses in German and French for cultural and professional enrichment
• Networking opportunities through the global ITLOS alumni community

This program is a career-defining opportunity for professionals seeking to influence ocean governance, maritime diplomacy, or international law at the national and global levels.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the 2026/2027 cohort:

• Aged between 25 and 40 years
• Hold at least a first university degree in law
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and legal analysis
• Be junior to mid-level government officials working on maritime, ocean, or legal affairs
  OR
  Be researchers affiliated with academic or governmental institutes dealing with maritime or ocean issues
• Propose a research topic relevant to the legal implementation of UNCLOS, particularly Part XV (dispute settlement)
• Have excellent command of English or French and a working knowledge of the other language

Applicants must also secure official nomination from their respective institution or government agency, outlining how participation will benefit both the individual and their home institution.

Programme Details and Collaborating Institutes

Beyond classroom learning, fellows engage in field visits and collaborative projects across Europe. Notably, the programme partners with:

• Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law – delivering training in conflict resolution and international law
• Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea – providing insights into the law of the sea and related institutions

These collaborations ensure participants gain well-rounded perspectives from top-tier global research centers. Study visits also allow fellows to meet maritime experts, attend legal hearings, and experience real-world policy discussions.

Application Process and Key Dates

Application Deadline: 6 March 2026

To apply, candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Completed Fellowship Application Form (signed by the applicant)
2. Official Nomination Form (completed and signed by the nominating agency)

For government officials, the nominating agency should be the relevant ministry or department. For researchers, it may be the affiliated university or institute.

Both the scanned and electronic versions of the nomination form should be submitted directly to ITLOS via:
📧 training@itlos.org
📠 Fax: +49 40 35607-245
📬 Postal Address:
Office of the Registrar
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Am Internationalen Seegerichtshof 1
22609 Hamburg, Germany

Tips for a Strong Application

To stand out, applicants should demonstrate how their research topic and professional background align with UNCLOS objectives and national maritime interests. Here are a few practical tips:

• Show policy relevance: Highlight how your work contributes to your country’s maritime governance or international cooperation.
• Be specific: Define your research topic clearly — generic themes may weaken your application.
• Highlight impact: Mention any legal or policy experience that shows your ability to apply what you’ll learn.
• Secure a strong nomination: A well-detailed institutional endorsement greatly boosts credibility.
• Apply early: Early submission allows time to correct errors or follow up on missing documents.

Remember, ITLOS looks for fellows who can both learn and contribute — professionals ready to advance fair, rules-based maritime solutions.

Why You Should Apply

In today’s interconnected world, maritime law is central to issues like global trade, resource management, and environmental protection. Developing nations, in particular, need skilled professionals who can represent their interests confidently in international negotiations.

By joining the ITLOS–Nippon Foundation Programme, you’re not only gaining world-class training — you’re becoming part of a global network of legal experts shaping the future of ocean governance and international law.

Conclusion

The ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Programme 2026/2027 is more than a scholarship — it’s a gateway to global influence. Whether you’re a young diplomat, legal researcher, or policy advisor, this opportunity will equip you to champion maritime justice and strengthen your country’s voice on the world stage.

Apply now and take your place among the next generation of leaders shaping the law of the sea.