Work on ocean law and maritime policy with the United Nations, spend up to nine months between UN Headquarters and a leading academic institution, and receive fellowship support for travel and living costs.
Overview
The Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe Memorial Fellowship on the Law of the Sea is a United Nations fellowship for professionals working in ocean law, maritime affairs and related disciplines. The 2027 call is currently accepting applications, with a deadline of 25 October 2026.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Fellowship
- Host: United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
- Location: New York, USA + participating academic institution
- Countries involved: Developing States
- Funding Status: Fully funded fellowship
- Participant Cost: ₹0 for the covered fellowship costs; UN funding provides airfare and a stipend intended to cover required living expenses and visa fees.
- Travel: Economy-class international airfare covered
- Accommodation: Covered through monthly stipend
- Meals: Covered through monthly stipend
- Visa: Visa fees covered through the fellowship stipend
- Stipend: Monthly stipend
- Duration: Approximately 9 months
- Age: 25–40
- Nationality: Developing State
- Degree: Law, Marine Sciences, Political Science, Ocean Management, maritime/ocean-related technical training or related discipline
- Work Experience: At least 5 years
- Application Fee: Not specified
- Deadline: 25 October 2026
- Programme: Approximately 3 months with DOALOS + 6 months academic placement
What the Fellowship Covers
The UN’s published fellowship conditions state that Fellows receive a monthly stipend while outside their home country, intended to cover lodging, meals, baggage fees, airport transportation, visa fees and other basic expenses. The programme also covers the Fellow’s economy-class travel from their residence to New York, onward to the academic placement and back home.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 25–40 years old.
- Be from a developing State.
- Hold a relevant university degree or technical qualification.
- Have at least five years of work-related experience.
- Demonstrate capacity for advanced academic research.
- Be involved in ocean law, maritime affairs or a related field.
Application Process
- Complete the UN application form.
- Complete the Personal History and Proposed Research Study Programme form.
- Obtain the required nomination.
- Submit the application and supporting documents to DOALOS.
- Ensure the complete application reaches the UN by 25 October 2026.
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