The United Nations University (UNU) is accepting applications for its Junior Fellows Internship 2027 at the Office of the Rector in Tokyo, Japan. The application deadline is 1 November 2026.
UNU recruits junior fellows through a competitive process twice each year. The internship gives graduate-level students and young professionals experience with the Office of the Rector, university administration and work related to the United Nations system.
Eligibility for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be studying for a master's or doctoral qualification or have completed postgraduate study within two years of applying, preferably in a field related to UNU's work.
- Be 32 years old or younger when applying.
- Have no more than five years of relevant work experience.
- Have native or fluent written and spoken English.
- Possess strong research, writing, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Be able to work with people from different backgrounds.
- Have advanced computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Familiarity with information technology and advanced Excel skills are desirable.
- Demonstrate an interest in the United Nations and UNU.
Internship experience and monthly stipend
Junior fellows support activities within the Office of the Rector while gaining experience in an administrative environment, interacting with scholars and professionals and applying skills acquired through postgraduate study.
Interns who do not receive other financial support from universities or institutions qualify for a monthly UNU stipend intended to partly cover basic living costs. The stipend amount depends on the duty station's applicable rates and part-time arrangements are paid proportionately. Academic-study scholarships are not counted as other support for this purpose.
Application documents
Candidates do not need to create an account to apply. The requested materials include:
- A complete CV in English, no longer than two single-sided pages, uploaded in the field labelled for the P11 Form. The P11 Form itself is not needed.
- A cover letter in English of no more than one single-sided page, explaining the reasons for applying, possible contributions to the Office of the Rector and links to future career goals.
- A completed UNU application form.
- A completed funding form, detailing actual or expected funding sources, amounts and duration during a stay in Tokyo.
- Two referee recommendation letters, preferably including one professor familiar with the applicant's academic work.
- Proof of English proficiency, where required.
Referee and English-language requirements
Each referee must email their recommendation directly to ro_internship@unu.edu from an official institutional, academic or corporate email address. Letters sent by the applicant are not accepted and family members or friends cannot serve as referees.
Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not completed undergraduate education or undertaken graduate study in English must provide a valid TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score report. An original certificate or photocopy is accepted.
How to apply
Applicants should consult the UNU Junior Fellows Internship vacancy and application page, answer the position-specific questions and upload the required CV, cover letter and forms. The two recommendations must be emailed separately by the referees.
The closing date is 1 November 2026.
