Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 in Kenya. Candidates from all countries are welcome to apply for this fully funded international fellowship. The program runs for eight months and includes a 12 day international visit to Kenya scheduled from June 9 to June 19, 2026. All expenses related to the fellowship are fully covered, and applicants are not required to pay any application fee.
Applicants from around the world are eligible to apply for this fully funded Leaders Fellowship. A total of 40 selected fellows will take part in a fully sponsored, in-person global leadership institute. The 2026 fellowship is centered entirely on the global 30×30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030. Fellows will work to accelerate national-level progress on biodiversity goals and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The program blends an intensive in-person institute with weekly online sessions running from March 26 to December 5, 2026. It is designed to support emerging ocean leaders who are already leading initiatives, managing teams, and shaping systems, and who are seeking to expand their impact.
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF), developed by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, is an annual initiative focused on empowering the next generation of leaders in ocean conservation and climate action. Each year, the program selects 40 early-career professionals and equips them with practical skills, leadership development opportunities, and access to influential global networks to help drive meaningful change. OLF is built to cultivate belonging, harness collective strength, and nurture lifelong leadership by enabling fellows to confidently and ethically connect local expertise with global decision-making processes.
Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 Details
| Offered by: | Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF) |
| Duration: | 8 Months Virtual, 12 Days International Trip |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Kenya |
| Last date: | 15 February 2026 |
Financial Benefits
- Visa Costs
- Travel Expenses
- Housing
- Food
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 35 on June 20, 2026.
- Applicants work in climate action or the ocean (with a keen interest in 30×30)
- Applicants must align with one of the five Ocean Impact Areas identified by SOA
- Applicants must possess a C1 level of English proficiency
- Applicants must be accessible for international travel from June 9–19, 2026.
- Applicants must not previously participated in OOC or UNOC Youth Forums
- Applicants must exhibit strong potential or leadership in environmental policy, climate action, or ocean conservation.
Application Deadline
The Last date to apply for the Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 in Kenya for International Students is 15th February 2026.
How to Apply for the Ocean Leaders Fellowship?
Candidates must apply online by completing the online application form below:
