The UN Nippon Foundation Training Program 2025 is an esteemed initiative that provides a fully funded opportunity for professionals working in maritime law, the law of the sea, and dispute settlement. This capacity-building and training program, hosted by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation, aims to enhance the expertise of junior to mid-level government officials and researchers from developing countries. The program will take place in Hamburg, Germany, from 7 July 2025 to 31 March 2026.
This nine-month immersive training program offers comprehensive legal education, covering crucial topics such as UNCLOS dispute settlement, environmental law, international maritime law, and conflict resolution techniques. Participants will benefit from lectures by legal experts, hands-on training, research supervision, and international study visits to some of the most prestigious institutions, including The Hague, Geneva, Brussels, and Rome.
Since its inception, the ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building and Training Programme has trained professionals from 79 countries, creating a global network of legal experts dedicated to the development and enforcement of maritime laws. The program provides exclusive exposure to high-level legal proceedings, allowing participants to engage directly with ITLOS Judges, UN officials, and legal professionals worldwide.
Funded entirely by the Nippon Foundation, the program covers all expenses, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend, ensuring that participants can focus entirely on their training and research. This is a golden opportunity for professionals in the field to enhance their legal knowledge, develop dispute-resolution skills, and build valuable international connections.
Quick Overview of the UN Nippon Foundation Training Program 2025
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
- Program Duration: 9 months (7 July 2025 – 31 March 2026)
- Deadline: 6 March 2025
- Fields of Study: Law of the Sea, Maritime Law, Dispute Settlement
- Eligibility: Government officials or researchers from developing countries with a law degree, aged 25-40
- Coverage: Fully funded (travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance)
Perks of the ITLOS Nippon Fellowship 2025
- Fully funded opportunity covering all costs, including travel, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
- Access to world-class training in international dispute settlement.
- Lectures from top professionals, including ITLOS Judges and international law experts.
- Study visits to global institutions such as The Hague, Geneva, Rome, and Brussels.
- Training sessions on legal research, negotiation, mediation, and procedural law.
- Opportunity to conduct research under expert supervision.
- Networking opportunities with global professionals in the field of maritime law.
Benefits of the Fully Funded Law Fellowship in Germany 2025
- Enhances legal expertise in maritime law and dispute settlement, strengthening career prospects in government, academia, and international organizations.
- Provides international exposure through immersive study visits, offering firsthand experience in global legal institutions.
- Develops practical skills in negotiation, mediation, legal drafting, and research under expert supervision.
- Strengthens professional networking by connecting participants with international law professionals, UN officials, and policymakers.
- Offers career advancement opportunities in global legal institutions, law firms, and policy-making bodies.
- Participants receive certification upon successful completion, adding credibility to their professional qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria for the UN Nippon Foundation Training Program 2025
- Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old.
- Must hold a first university degree in law.
- Must be a government official or researcher working on maritime law or related fields.
- Must have excellent knowledge of English or French.
- Must propose a relevant research topic related to UNCLOS dispute settlement.
- Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to conduct independent research and participate in high-level legal training.
- The nominating agency must outline how the applicant’s participation will benefit the organization.
Important Dates for the UN Nippon Foundation Training Program 2025
- Application Deadline: 6 March 2025
- Program Start Date: 7 July 2025
- Program End Date: 31 March 2026
How to Apply for the Law of the Sea Training in Germany 2025
To apply, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Fellowship Application Form Filled out and signed
- Nomination Form which must be submitted directly by the nominating agency.
- A Research Proposal that outlines a relevant legal issue under UNCLOS.
- Submission Methods:
- Email: training@itlos.org
- 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
Required Documents for the Legal Research Training Program 2025
- Completed Application Form (duly filled and signed).
- Nomination Form (submitted by the applicant’s agency).
- Research Proposal outlining the applicant’s study topic related to UNCLOS.
- Proof of law degree from an accredited university.
- Certificate of English or French proficiency.
- Medical Certificate verifying fitness to complete the program.
- Permission letter from the nominating agency confirming participation.
For official details, visit the official ITLOS website.
