2026 ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme
ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme on Dispute Settlement under UNCLOS
In cooperation with the Nippon Foundation, the Tribunal runs an annual capacity-building and training programme on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (‘UNCLOS’).
The full-time programme, which runs for nine months and begins in July each year, takes place at the seat of the Tribunal in Hamburg, Germany. Contingent upon the availability of funds, a call for applications is generally announced each year during the month of January or February.
The programme is aimed at junior to mid-level government officials and researchers mainly from developing countries who are currently working on issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law or dispute settlement.
It provides participants with a unique opportunity to develop their legal skills and deepen their practical knowledge of dispute settlement in the law of the sea under UNCLOS.
All participants’ costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly allowance, are covered by the Nippon Foundation.
Overview of the 2026 ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme
- Type: Fellowship + Training
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Duration: 9 Months
- Sponsored by: (ITLOS) International Tribunal for the Law of the sea
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Benefits: Round-trip travel costs, Accommodation, Monthly Allowance, Medical Insurance
- Deadline: 6th March, 2026
Eligibility CriteriaÂ
- The Fellowship is open to applicants from developing countries.
- Age:Â 25-40 years old.
- Education:Â Law degree and demonstrated research capacity.
- Profession:Â Junior to mid-level government officials (ocean affairs/maritime law) OR researchers (ocean/maritime legal issues).
- Research Proposal: Must propose a research topic relevant to their State’s UNCLOS implementation (especially Part XV).
- Nomination: The nominating body must explain the applicant’s tasks and how training will benefit the institution/State.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent knowledge of English or French, and working knowledge of the other. English is the primary language of instruction.
Benefits of the 2026 ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme
The Program Covers:
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip travel costs to and from Hamburg, Germany.
- Accommodation: Participants are provided Free accommodation near the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
- Monthly Allowance: A monthly stipend is given to cover living expenses.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance is included.
- Study Visits: Participants will also participate in Group Visits to Berlin, Bremen, Cuxhaven, Hamburg, Hanover, Kiel, and other cities
Academic Curriculum & Lectures
- Throughout the nine-month fellowship, participants engage in intensive two-day lecture series led by ITLOS Judges, UN officials, and global legal experts.
- The program kicks off with a four-week Summer Academy, where fellows study alongside 40 international professionals to build a foundational expertise in maritime law.
Practical Skills Training
The program emphasizes hands-on professional development, including:
- Dispute Resolution:Â Specialized workshops in negotiation and mediation.
- Litigation Skills:Â Training for roles as legal counsel or agents, including document drafting and oral presentation.
- Court Observation: Attendance at live proceedings at the ITLOS, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
Institutional Collaborations
Fellows benefit from strategic partnerships with world-renowned research centers:
- Max Planck Foundation (Heidelberg): Focuses on conflict resolution and comparative public law.
- Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (Tromsø): Provides advanced training on Arctic and global maritime issues.
International Study Visits
- The curriculum is supplemented by short group excursions (2–5 days) across Europe. Accompanied by legal officers, fellows receive exclusive access to international experts and the opportunity to observe high-level diplomatic and legal meetings firsthand.
Deadline: 6th March, 2026