Are you interested in participating in an immersive summer school on ocean literacy in Italy? Here’s an exciting opportunity. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC), in collaboration with the European Commission-DG MARE and under the framework of the EU4Ocean Coalition, announces the call for applications for its flagship “EU4Ocean Summer School 2026” on Ocean Literacy & Collaboration in the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. The application deadline is April 26th, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Here is a brief overview of this summer school: it is an intensive 5-day event scheduled to take place in Milazzo, Italy, from September 14th to 18th, 2026. The summer school offers a unique platform where young leaders will gather and collaborate on ocean-related projects, applying their expertise to promote a sustainable economy.
It is designed for students and early-career professionals up to 35 years old who are interested in ocean affairs. The program is open to participants from both EU and non-EU countries. The goal is to develop skills for effective collaboration on ocean projects and to advance the blue economy. There is no application fee, and IELTS is not required, but proficiency in English is necessary since the event will be conducted entirely in English. This year, 25 young leaders will be selected to participate. Accommodation is provided for all participants, and UNESCO also offers five scholarships to cover round-trip travel costs. Learn more details below.
EU4Ocean Summer School 2026 in Italy: Overview
- Host Country: Italy
- Location: City of Milazzo
- Duration: 5 Days
- Summer School Dates: 14th – 18th of September
- Coverage: Funded
- Application Deadline: April 27th, 2026
Also, Check: Lund University Summer Program 2026 in Sweden (Funded
Summer school topics
- Ocean Literacy
- Policy Advocacy
- Empathy
- Sustainable Ocean Tourism
- Science Communication
Who can Apply?
- The EU4Ocean Summer school is open for both EU and non-EU nationals
- Preference is given to individuals based in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions
- The summer school is designed for Graduate students (Master’s & PhD) and early-career professionals.
- Students and professionals from all academic and professional backgrounds can apply
- Proficiency in the English language, both spoken and written
- Demonstrate interest in the sustainable blue economy
Coverage
- The summer school offers the following support to students:
- No Registration Fees
- Accommodation and meals for the program duration
- 5 additional scholarships by UNESCO to cover travel expenses
Benefits
- Recieve interdisciplinary training while working with the EU and UNESCO experts
- Networking opportunities with peers and policy experts
- Field experience through a hands-on session in Milazzo
- All participants will recieve completion certificate
Summer School Learning Outcomes
- Learn about the objective and actions of the EU4Ocean Coalition
- Learn how to scale up your effort under the framework of the UN
- Know how to collaborate and advance a sustainable blue economy
- learn about the local issues
- learn about how to engage with local institutes
Also, Check:
- iNNO SED Summer School 2026 in Göd, Hungary (Funded)
- Bucharest Summer University 2026 in Romania
- Youth Summer Fest 2026 in Romania
How to Apply?
The application process for the EU4Ocean Summer School is online. Interested applicants must complete their online application form by visiting the link below.
EU4OCEAN SUMMER SCHOOL ONLINE APPLICATION
