Summary
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for early-career professionals passionate about ocean conservation and climate action. Participants will engage in an immersive, fully funded program in Kenya, designed to enhance their leadership skills and expand their impact in the environmental sector.
- 🌊 Program Name: Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF) 2026 for International Students
- 🌍 Eligibility: Open to applicants from all nationalities worldwide
- 🇰🇪 Host Country: Kenya
- ⏳ Duration: 8 months (Virtual program) + 12-day international trip
- ✈️ International Trip: Kenya, June 9–19, 2026
- 💯 Funding: Fully funded (no application fee)
- 👥 Seats Available: 40 selected Fellows
- 🎯 Core Focus: Global 30×30 initiative – protecting 30% of Earth’s land & oceans by 2030
- 🌱 Fellowship Goal: Empower young ocean leaders in biodiversity conservation, MPAs, and climate action
- 💻 Program Format: In-person leadership institute + weekly virtual sessions (March 26 – Dec 5, 2026)
- 🤝 Organized By: Sustainable Ocean Alliance with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy
- 💰 Financial Benefits:
- 🛂 Visa costs covered
- ✈️ Travel expenses covered
- 🏠 Accommodation provided
- 🍽️ Food expenses covered
- 📌 Eligibility Criteria:
- 🎂 Age between 18–35 years (as of June 20, 2026)
- 🌊 Active in ocean or climate action with interest in 30×30
- 🧭 Alignment with one of SOA’s five Ocean Impact Areas
- 🗣️ C1 level English proficiency
- ✈️ Available for international travel (June 9–19, 2026)
- 🚫 No prior participation in OOC or UNOC Youth Forums
- ⭐ Demonstrated leadership potential in environmental or climate fields
- 🗓️ Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- 📝 How to Apply: Apply online by completing the official application form
- 👨💼 About Bright Scholarship: Founded by Qamar Usman, providing trusted information on scholarships, fellowships, internships, and global opportunities.
Designation
Position: Ocean Leaders Fellowship
Organization: Sustainable Ocean Alliance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Ocean Conservation, Climate Action |
| Location | Kenya |
| Eligibility/Qualification | Open to all nationalities, ages 18-35; applicants must work in climate action or ocean-related fields |
| Program Duration | 8 Months (including a 12-day international trip) |
| Funding Coverage | Fully Funded (Visa, Travel, Housing, Food) |
Description
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF) is an eight-month program that combines an in-person institute and virtual programming to empower 40 selected fellows. The program focuses on the global 30×30 initiative, aiming to preserve 30% of the Earth’s land and ocean by 2030. Selected fellows will gain essential tactical skills, leadership opportunities, and access to high-level networks, supporting their initiatives in biodiversity targets and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application form available here. Make sure to prepare all required documents and submit before the deadline.
Last Date for Apply
Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in ocean conservation, aligning local knowledge with global decision-making. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.
