UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027 in Tokyo, Japan (Paid)

The UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2027 is a paid six-month internship at the United Nations University headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Junior fellows receive a monthly stipend toward their living costs, an office space, free access to the headquarters’ library and gym, and 1.5 days of leave every month.

It is open to graduate students and recent graduates of any nationality who want to work inside the UN system. You join the Office of the Rector for about 24 weeks, from 1 March to 27 August 2027. The stipend covers part of your living costs in Tokyo, and you arrange your own flight and visa.

What is the UNU Junior Fellows Internship?

The United Nations University is the UN’s research university, a think tank with more than 400 researchers in 13 countries working on the Sustainable Development Goals. Its headquarters sits in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Twice a year, the Office of the Rector picks a small group of graduate students and young professionals as Junior Fellows. You start with a one-week orientation, then work full-time on real tasks: briefs on priority issues, data analysis, event planning, editing, and communications. It is a practical way into the UN system, and many fellows use it as a first step toward a UN career.

What you get

• A monthly stipend to help cover your living costs, including transport to the UNU headquarters in Shibuya
• An office space and facilities at UNU headquarters
• Free on-site and online access to the library and gym
• 1.5 days of paid leave per month, plus weekends and UN holidays off
• Training, guidance, and real work experience inside a UN agency
• A chance to help run conferences, lectures, and forums

The stipend goes to fellows who are not already funded by a university or another institution. A scholarship for your studies does not count as other funding, so you can still receive the stipend if you have one. The amount is set by UNU’s stipend rates for Tokyo.

What you will do

• Research and write executive briefs and background papers
• Support planning and project management tools
• Analyse university data, often in Microsoft Excel
• Help organise lectures, workshops, and conferences, in person and online
• Take minutes, proofread reports, and prepare newsletters

Who can apply

• You are studying for a Master’s or PhD, or you finished one within the last two years.
• You are 32 or younger when you apply.
• You have no more than 5 years of work experience in your field.
• You write and speak English fluently.
• You have strong research, writing, and analysis skills, and good Microsoft Excel skills help.
• You care about the work of the UN and of UNU.
• You can be of any nationality, living in Japan or abroad.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. You must be 32 or younger at the time you apply.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

Only in some cases. You do not need a test if English is your native language, or if your undergraduate degree or current graduate programme is taught in English. Otherwise, send a valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC score report.

Can I apply with average grades?

Yes. UNU looks at your motivation, your writing, your interview, and your references, not just your grades. A clear cover letter that links the internship to your career plans makes a real difference.

Do I need work experience?

No minimum is required, but there is a maximum: no more than 5 years in your related field. Recent graduates and current students are exactly who the programme is built for.

Is there an application fee?

No. Applying is free, and you do not need to create an account.

Required documents

• A CV in English, no longer than two pages (upload it where the form asks for the P11)
• A one-page cover letter
• The UNU application form
• The UNU funding form, showing how you will fund your stay in Tokyo
• Two recommendation letters, at least one from a professor, sent by your referees directly to ro_internship@unu.edu from their official email
• An English test score, if it applies to you

How to write your cover letter

You only get one page, so cover the three things UNU asks for. Why you want this programme. What you can bring to the Office of the Rector. How it fits your career plans. Use one real example of your research, writing, or event work, and keep every sentence specific. A focused page beats a long, general one.

How to apply, step by step

1. Open the official UNU careers page for the Junior Fellows Internship, Spring 2027.
2. Download the application form and the funding form, and fill them in.
3. Write your two-page CV and one-page cover letter.
4. Ask two referees, one a professor, to email their letters to ro_internship@unu.edu.
5. Click Apply, answer the short questions, and upload your documents.
6. Submit before 1 November 2026, 23:59 Japan time.

Selection process

Selection has three stages. First, UNU reviews your documents. Shortlisted applicants then have a phone or Zoom interview about their motivation, goals, and English. Selected fellows sign an agreement form, and then apply for a Japanese visa if they need one.

Deadline

1 November 2026, 23:59 Japan Standard Time.

The internship runs from 1 March to 27 August 2027. Ask your referees early, because their letters must reach UNU from their own email before the deadline.

Have a question?

Drop your question in the comments and we will do our best to help. If you have done a UN internship before, tell us how it went, it helps the next reader.

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Apply on the Official UNU Careers Website