ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027 | How to Apply
The ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026 – 2027 is a nine-month capacity-building programme on dispute settlement under UNCLOS. It is organized by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in cooperation with the Nippon Foundation.
The programme is designed for junior to mid-level government officials and researchers, mainly from developing countries, who work on ocean affairs, maritime law, and law of the sea issues.
Read the full details of this program to see if you are eligible, understand what it offers, and learn how to apply.
ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027 in Germany Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Host: International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
- Category: Fellowships | Training
- Eligible Countries: Mainly developing countries
- Reward: Travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance
- Deadline: 6 March 2026
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ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027 Details
The ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme focuses on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It is a full-time programme that runs for nine months. The 2026–2027 edition will begin in July 2026 and end in March 2027. The programme takes place at the seat of the Tribunal in Hamburg, Germany.
At the start of the programme, fellows participate in a four-week Summer Academy organized by the International Foundation for the Law of the Sea. The course focuses on the law of the sea and maritime law.
The programme includes training sessions and workshops to develop practical skills. Participants receive training in:
- Negotiation and mediation
- Drafting legal documents
- Presentation skills
- Preparation for roles as agents, counsel, or legal advisers before international courts and tribunals
Fellows may attend oral proceedings at ITLOS, the International Court of Justice, or the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Fellows participate in study visits to institutions in countries such as Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. These visits allow participants to meet experts and attend hearings or meetings.
Research is an important part of the programme. The participants should:
- Choose a research topic related to legal issues under UNCLOS, especially Part XV
- Conduct research using the Tribunal’s library
- Work under the guidance of the Registry
- Present their research results to the Judges of the Tribunal at the end of the programme
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Eligibility Requirements for the ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027
- Must be between 25 and 40 years old
- Must have a first university degree in law
- Must demonstrate ability to conduct independent research
- Must be:
- A junior to mid-level government official working on ocean or maritime matters and related legal issues; or
- A researcher from an academic or government institute working on ocean or maritime matters and related legal issues
- Must indicate a research topic related to legal issues under UNCLOS, especially Part XV
- Must be nominated by a relevant government body or institute
- Must have excellent knowledge of one official language of the Tribunal (English or French) and working knowledge of the other
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ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027 Benefits
- Full coverage of travel costs
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Monthly allowance
- Participation in lectures and workshops
- Study visits to international institutions
- Research supervision and presentation to ITLOS Judges
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Required Documents for the ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027
- Completed and signed Fellowship Application Form
- Completed and signed Nomination Form (typed and submitted by the nominating agency)
- Scanned signed original of the Nomination Form
- Electronic version of the Nomination Form
For admitted applicants:
- Medical certificate confirming fitness for the full programme (July 2026–March 2027)
- Certificate from nominating agency granting permission to participate
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How to Apply for the ITLOS Nippon Foundation Training Program 2026–2027
- Complete the Fellowship Application Form.
- Ensure your nominating agency completes and signs the Nomination Form.
- Submit the typed Nomination Form as required (scanned signed version and electronic version).
- The Nomination Form should preferably be sent by email to [email protected], by fax, or by post to the Office of the Registrar, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Hamburg, Germany.
- If admitted, submit the required medical and permission certificates within two weeks of admission notice.
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Deadline
6 March 2026
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