ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building And Training Program  2025 For Junior To Mid-Level Government Officials And Researchers (Fully Funded To Germany)

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Apply for the ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Program and gain hands-on experience in dispute settlement under UNCLOS at ITLOS headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. Apply below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline is 6 March 2025.

Tell Me About The ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building And Training Program:

The ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Program on Dispute Settlement under UNCLOS is a prestigious nine-month program organized by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in cooperation with the Nippon Foundation. This program aims to enhance the legal expertise of junior to mid-level government officials and researchers, particularly from developing countries, who work on issues related to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement. Participants gain hands-on training in dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), attend high-level lectures, participate in workshops and mock cases, and conduct research on ocean-related legal matters. 

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Which Fields are Eligible?

The following fields are eligible:

  • Law of the Sea
  • Maritime Law
  • Dispute Settlement under UNCLOS
  • International Law
  • Environmental Law related to Oceans
  • Marine Scientific Research
  • Fisheries Management
  • Climate Change and Law of the Sea

Type:

Training

Who can Apply for the  ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building And Training Program?

Also, to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old.
  • They must hold a first university degree in law and demonstrate a capacity for independent research, study, and training.
  • Eligible applicants include:
    • Junior to mid-level government officials working in ocean affairs, maritime matters, or legal issues related to UNCLOS.
    • Researchers affiliated with academic or government institutions dealing with maritime or ocean-related legal issues.
  • Applicants must propose a research topic relevant to their State’s implementation of UNCLOS, particularly Part XV on dispute settlement.
  • Applicants must have excellent proficiency in English or French and at least a working knowledge of the other language.
  • The nominating institution (government agency or academic institute) must explain how the training will benefit the State or institution.

How are Applicants Selected?

Selection is based on:

  • Relevance of the applicant’s work to the law of the sea, maritime law, or dispute settlement.
  • Quality and feasibility of the proposed research topic related to UNCLOS.
  • Academic and professional background in ocean-related legal matters.
  • Language proficiency in English and French.
  • Potential impact of the training on the applicant’s institution or home country.

Required Documents

  • Fellowship Application Form (completed and signed by the applicant).
  • Nomination Form (completed and signed by the nominating agency).
    • Government officials must be nominated by a relevant government body.
    • Researchers must be nominated by their academic department or institute.
  • Medical Certificate from a qualified physician stating the applicant is in good health and fit to complete the program.
  • Permission Certificate from the nominating agency granting the applicant permission to attend the full nine-month program.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

All countries 

Where will the Award be Taken?

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.

How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the  ITLOS – Nippon Foundation Capacity Building And Training Program?

Additionally, the benefits include:

  • Fully funded program covering all costs, including:
    • Travel expenses to and from Hamburg.
    • Accommodation in studio apartments near ITLOS.
    • Monthly subsistence allowance.
    • Medical insurance.
  • Access to high-level training and lectures by ITLOS Judges, legal experts, and international organizations.
  • Participation in the Summer Academy of the International Foundation for the Law of the Sea.
  • Workshops and mock cases to enhance practical skills in dispute settlement.
  • Study visits to major international organizations, such as:
    • The International Court of Justice
    • The Permanent Court of Arbitration
    • The International Maritime Organization
  • Research opportunities with guidance from ITLOS Judges and legal officers.
  • Access to ITLOS Library and office facilities for independent research.
  • German language classes and additional language training in English or French.
  • Integration into the ITLOS Alumni Network, a global community of professionals in the law of the sea.

How Long Will the Award Last?

The program runs for nine months, from 7 July 2025 to 31 March 2026.

How to Apply:

  1. Complete the Fellowship Application Form and ensure it is signed.
  2. Obtain a Nomination Form from a relevant government agency or academic institute.
    • The form must be typed and signed.
    • Submit both a scanned signed copy and an electronic version.
  3. Send the completed forms via email, fax, or post to:
    Email: [email protected]
    Fax: (+49 40 35607-245)
    Post:
    Office of the Registrar
    International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
    Am Internationalen Seegerichtshof 1
    22609 Hamburg, Germany
  4. Conditional Acceptance:
    • If selected, applicants must submit a medical certificate and a permission certificate from their nominating agency.
    • These documents must be submitted within two weeks of receiving the admission notification.
    • Original copies must be presented on the first day of the program.
  5. Visa Requirements:
    • Participants must obtain a visa for Germany at their own expense, but assistance will be provided.
    • Visas for study visits to other countries will be arranged and covered by the program.

Visit the official application Webpage

Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a creative writer with over five years of experience. Currently, she specializes in creating helpful content for students in the education space. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and learning new things.

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