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NF-IAMU GMP Fellowship Programme
Advancing maritime education through the power of a Master’s degree
The Nippon Foundation–IAMU Global Maritime Professional Fellowship supports seafarers, maritime professionals, and faculty who are pursuing a Master’s degree — and who have the ambition to educate the next generation of maritime professionals.
About the programme
About the programme
The NF-IAMU Global Maritime Professional (GMP) Fellowship Programme was established in 2021, following the declaration by Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of IAMU, at the 20th Commemorative Annual General Assembly.
Its purpose is to support individuals who have the ambition to educate the next generation of Global Maritime Professionals — by enabling them to pursue advanced academic study while remaining connected to the maritime community.
Following a comprehensive review in 2025, the programme was renewed with a clearer focus. From FY2027, the Fellowship supports Master’s study exclusively, reflecting strong and consistent demand from the maritime community for a pathway that bridges practical experience with academic qualification.
The renewed programme also broadens its reach — welcoming not only faculty members but also active seafarers and maritime professionals nominated by IAMU member universities.
Programme overview
Programme overview
The NF-IAMU GMP Fellowship (Master) provides financial support for individuals pursuing a Master’s degree at an IAMU member university. A maximum of 10 fellowships are awarded per year, each providing up to USD 60,000 in two instalments to cover tuition and living costs.
Award amount
USD 60,000
max, in 2 instalments
Fellowships per year
Up to 10
awarded annually
Degree supported
Master’s
MSc, MBA or equivalent
Host institution
IAMU member university
own university permitted
Language
English proficiency required
for reports to IAMU
Application window
April – November
annually
Who can apply
Faculty, seafarers & maritime professionals
Nominated by
IAMU member universities
Awardees are expected to contribute to the GMP Initiative and to their nominating university after completing their degree. Required outcomes during the fellowship period include:
Submission of progress and final reports to IAMU in English
Completion of a Master’s degree relevant to the GMP Initiative
Attendance at an IAMU Annual General Assembly at least once during the study period
After obtaining their degree, awardees are expected to contribute to the furtherance of the GMP Initiative, remain active in the IAMU community, and — where possible — teach at an IAMU member university.
Who can apply
Who can apply
Candidates are nominated by IAMU member universities, not self-nominated. Each member university that has submitted a Declaration Letter committing to embody the concept of the GMP Body of Knowledge is eligible to nominate one individual per application cycle.
Eligible candidates
Nominees must fall into one of the following categories and have practical experience in a maritime context:
Faculty members
Full-time academic staff at an IAMU member university
Seafarers
Active seafarers with practical maritime experience
Maritime professionals
Professionals contributing to the global maritime industry
Academic requirements
An undergraduate degree (e.g. Bachelor’s)
Acceptance into a Master’s programme at an IAMU member university prior to application
A sufficient level of English proficiency (required to submit progress and final reports in English)
Study at an IAMU member university other than the nominating university is preferred, as it strengthens the connection between member institutions — however, study at the nominee’s own university is also permitted.
How to apply
How to apply
Applications are submitted by the nominating university. Please ensure all documents are ready before submission.
1
Check eligibility
Confirm that your university has submitted a Declaration Letter committing to embody the concept of the GMP Body of Knowledge, and that the candidate meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the Who can apply section.
2
Secure university acceptance
The candidate must have been accepted into a Master’s programme at an IAMU member university before the application is submitted.
3
Prepare documents
All required documents and forms are listed in the current call. Please download and prepare them in advance.
4
Submit
Send all documents to the IAMU Secretariat by the deadline indicated in the current call.
Selection criteria
Selection criteria
The selection panel designated by the International Executive Board evaluates each nomination holistically, considering the following factors.
Academic background
An undergraduate degree and acceptance into a Master’s programme at an IAMU member university.
Maritime experience
Practical experience in the maritime industry. Seafaring qualifications and experience will enhance the standing of the application.
Leadership and mentoring
Demonstrated leadership in academic, professional, or community contexts, and the ability to mentor others in line with the GMP Initiative.
Commitment to the GMP Initiative
A clear understanding of and alignment with the goals of the GMP Initiative, and the potential to contribute to its furtherance after obtaining the degree.
IAMU engagement
The nominating university’s active participation in IAMU activities is taken into account as part of the overall evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly without going through my university?
No. All candidates must be nominated by an IAMU member university. Individual self-nominations are not accepted.
Can I study at my own university?
Yes. While study at another IAMU member university is preferred, candidates may also pursue their Master’s at their own nominating university.
Is English proficiency required?
A sufficient level of English proficiency is required. Awardees must submit progress and final reports to IAMU in English, regardless of the language in which the Master’s study is conducted.
What does the fellowship fund cover?
The fellowship covers tuition fees and living costs where applicable. For candidates studying within their home country, the portion allocated to living costs may be reduced. The exact amount is determined in consultation with the host university.
Is the USD 60,000 always paid in two instalments?
Generally yes, but there is flexibility. For 1-year programmes, the full USD 60,000 can be paid as a single lump sum. The payment schedule is adjusted to the structure of each university’s programme.
Do I need to be accepted to a Master’s programme before applying?
Yes. Evidence of acceptance to a Master’s programme at an IAMU member university is required as part of the application.
Can a candidate be nominated by a non-IAMU institution?
Nominations must come from IAMU member universities. However, if a candidate will study at an IAMU member university, please contact the Secretariat for guidance on your specific situation.
Is the PhD fellowship still available?
The PhD fellowship has been discontinued for the time being and replaced with the Master’s fellowship. If demand from member universities is sufficient, IAMU may consider reopening PhD fellowship support in the future.
Contact
Contact
For enquiries about the NF-IAMU GMP Fellowship Programme, please contact the IAMU Secretariat.
YM
Yusuke Mori
Deputy Executive Director, IAMU