ITLOS-Nippon Foundation Capacity Building Training Program applications are open to international applicants in Germany for Dispute Settlement Under UNCLOS.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) offers this nine-month annual capacity-building and training program from 2026 to 2027. International applicants can apply for this opportunity, which provides training on dispute settlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Tribunal training is a full-time program that begins in July each year and takes place in Hamburg, Germany. Depending on the availability of funds, the organization calls for applications in January and February each year.

This Program’s target participants are junior to mid-level government officials and researchers primarily from developing countries. Applicants should currently work on issues related to maritime law, the law of the sea, or dispute settlement.

By joining this training program, participants will have a unique opportunity to advance their legal skills and deepen their applied knowledge of dispute settlement in sea law under UNCLOS. The Nippon Foundation covers costs, including accommodation, medical insurance, travel, and a monthly allowance.

Key Details and Dates

Application Deadline: 6 March 2026

Program Duration:  July 2026 to March 2027

Funding Type: Fully funded by the Nippon Foundation

Organizer: International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in cooperation with the Nippon Foundation

Training Duration: Nine Months (9)

Eligible Country: Developing Countries

Eligible Gender: Male/Female

Target Group: Officials and researchers in maritime-related fields

Focus Area: Dispute settlement under UNCLOS

Number of Opportunities: 7 emerging youth leader advocates

Host Country: Germany

Benefits and Financial Aids

The participants will benefit from the following:

• Fully covered costs, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance by the Nippon Foundation
• Opportunity to participate in lectures, workshops, mock cases, and study visits
• Access to specialized library resources and language training
• Integration into the ITLOS community and alums network

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Age: 25–40 years old.
• Education: First university degree in law with proven research and training capability.
• Professional Background:
  • Junior to mid-level government officials handling ocean/maritime affairs or related legal issues OR
  • Researchers from academic or government institutes focused on ocean/maritime legal matters.
• Research Proposal: The proposal must outline a legal topic relevant to the State’s implementation of UNCLOS, particularly Part XV.
• Nomination: The supporting institution must specify the applicant’s role and how the training benefits the institution or state.
• Language: Fluency in English or French and working knowledge of the other (Programme primarily conducted in English).

Program Details

The following are program components and details:

Lectures:

• A series of lectures held over two days for close debate with lecturers
• Faculty includes Judges, officials from international organizations, universities, and law firms
• Topics covered include dispute settlement under UNCLOS, international organizations and the law of the sea, current issues, maritime law, and international environmental law
• Examples of lecture topics:
  • Dispute settlement mechanism under UNCLOS
  • Role of international organizations in UNCLOS implementation
  • Law of Maritime Delimitation
  • Maritime security and vessel pollution

Training:

• Training sessions, workshops, and mock cases to enhance practical and professional skills
• Training in negotiation, mediation, and preparation for roles in international courts and tribunals
• Collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for conflict resolution and procedural law training
• Study visits to institutions and expert meetings for hands-on experience
• Research component focusing on the law of the sea disputes and relevant ocean matters, supervised by the Tribunal’s Registry

Visits:

• The Tribunal also provides study visits to relevant institutions, including the Hague, Brussels, London, Rome, and Germany.

Research Program:

• Participants will conduct research under the supervision of Registry officials and present their findings to the Tribunal’s judges.

Required Documents

Please prepare these documents:

• Fellowship Application Form (completed and signed by the applicant)
• Nomination Form (completed, signed, and directly submitted by the nominating agency)
• For government officials: Nomination by a relevant governmental body
• For researchers: Nomination by the institute or academic department of the university they are affiliated with
• Two copies of the Nomination Form:
  • One scanned version of the signed original
  • One electronic version

Note: Submission options for the Nomination Form: email to training@itlos.org, fax to (+49 40 35607-245), or post to the Office of the Registrar at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg, Germany

• Conditional acceptance documents (required for admitted applicants):
  • Medical certificate issued by a qualified physician stating good health and fitness for the entire program
  • Certificate issued by the nominating agency granting permission to travel to Hamburg and join in the nine-month program
• Submission of original certificates within two weeks of admission announcement, in English or French, or with a certified translation

How to Apply?

Submit the completed Fellowship Application Form and Nomination Form to ITLOS.

Apply Now

• Nomination Form to be submitted by the nominating agency
• Send documents via email, fax, or post to the Office of the Registrar at ITLOS

Submission Email to training@itlos.org

Submission Via Fax to: (+49 40 35607-245)

Postal address to:

Office of the Registrar
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Am Internationalen Seegerichtshof 1
22609 Hamburg
Germany

Please visit the official ITLOS website for detailed information about the ITLOS—Nippon Foundation Capacity Building and Training Program.

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