UNU Junior Fellows Internship Spring 2027
Get paid to intern at the United Nations University in Tokyo
The United Nations University (UNU) is accepting applications for its Junior Fellows Internship Spring 2027, based at UNU headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
- Host
- United Nations University
- Age limit
- 32 years or younger at application
- Degree
- Postgraduate studies — Master’s or Doctoral
- Experience
- Maximum 5 years in a related field
Can you apply?
The program is open to students currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program, or to graduates who completed their degree recently. There is no nationality restriction — applicants from all countries are welcome.
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, or a recent graduate
- 32 years old or younger at the time of application
- Maximum 5 years of professional work experience
- All nationalities welcome
- Availability to commit to the full 6-month program in Tokyo (on-site)
What you get
- Paid internship (stipend amount not specified by host; varies by duty station)
- 6-month placement at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan
- Hands-on research experience within the UN system
- Mentorship from senior UNU researchers and UN professionals
- Exposure to UNU’s global network of researchers, governments, and partner institutions
Applying
Applications are submitted through the UNU careers portal. Required documents include a CV (maximum 2 pages), a one-page cover letter, the UNU application form, a funding form, and two letters of recommendation. Make sure all documents are prepared before the deadline.
- 01
- 02Complete the UNU online application form
- 03Upload your CV (max 2 pages) and a one-page cover letter
- 04Complete the UNU funding form
- 05Arrange two letters of recommendation to be submitted by your referees
- 06Submit the complete application before November 1, 2026
Common questions
Is the UNU Junior Fellows Internship Spring 2027 open?
Yes. Applications are currently open.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is 1 November 2026 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time.
Is the internship paid?
Yes. Eligible interns who are not receiving financial support from another institution receive a monthly stipend intended to partially subsidise basic living costs.
How much is the stipend?
The Spring 2027 funding form associated with the current call lists JPY 133,050 per month for six months. The general UNU programme page notes that stipend rates are determined according to the applicable rates for the duty station.
Is it fully funded?
No. It is better classified as a partially funded/paid internship.
The stipend is intended to partially subsidise living expenses rather than cover all costs.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. For Spring 2027, UNU will consider applicants located both in Japan and overseas.
Can a bachelor’s student apply?
No, not based on the general eligibility criteria. The programme requires candidates to be currently pursuing or to have recently completed postgraduate studies at Master’s or doctoral level.
Can a recent Master’s graduate apply?
Yes. Candidates who completed postgraduate studies within two years of application can be considered.
Full description
The United Nations University (UNU) is accepting applications for its Junior Fellows Internship Spring 2027, based at UNU headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. This paid 6-month internship (March 1 – August 27, 2027) is open to master’s and PhD students, and recent graduates from all nationalities.
Deadline: November 1, 2026.
What Is the UNU Junior Fellows Internship?
The Junior Fellows Internship Programme is run by the Office of the Rector at United Nations University.
The programme gives graduate students and young professionals an opportunity to work directly within a UN agency and gain practical experience in research, writing, analysis, project planning, event coordination and institutional communications.
UNU describes the programme as a way to help young professionals develop practical skills while contributing to the University’s work and broader UN mission.
The internship begins with a one-week orientation, followed by hands-on work with the Office of the Rector.
What Will You Do?
Junior Fellows are embedded in specific UNU research units, working directly with senior researchers on active projects. Tasks may include literature reviews, data collection and analysis, writing research reports and policy briefs, contributing to publications, and attending seminars and workshops. The work is substantive and research-focused — not administrative.
Skills Required
UNU looks for candidates with:
- Strong research skills
- Excellent writing ability
- Analytical skills
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
- Resourcefulness
- Creativity in problem-solving
- Advanced computer skills
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills
Applicants should also demonstrate a genuine interest in the United Nations and United Nations University.
Fields and Areas of Study
Sustainable Development, Global Governance, International Economics, Environmental Policy, Technology and Society, Public Health, International Relations, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences (varies by UNU research unit).
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All quick facts
- Category
- Details
- Opportunity
- UNU Junior Fellows Internship Spring 2027
- Organisation
- United Nations University (UNU)
- Office
- Office of the Rector
- Opportunity Type
- Paid Internship
- Location
- Tokyo, Japan
- Work Arrangement
- Primarily on-site; some remote flexibility
- Internship Period
- 1 March – 27 August 2027
- Duration
- Approximately 6 months / 24 weeks
- Application Deadline
- 1 November 2026, 23:59 JST
- Minimum Degree Required
- Postgraduate studies — Master’s or Doctoral
- Recent Graduates
- Eligible if postgraduate studies were completed within 2 years of application
- Age Limit
- 32 years or younger at application
- Work Experience
- Maximum 5 years in a related field
- English
- Native or fluent English required
- Application Fee
- Free
- Funding
- Monthly stipend for eligible interns without other institutional financial support
