The Junior Fellows Internship Programme places postgraduate students and recent graduates in the Office of the Rector at United Nations University (UNU) headquarters in Tokyo. Fellows draft briefs, analyse university operations, support events and meetings, and edit communications.
UNU selects fellows twice a year. The spring 2027 term runs 1 March to 27 August 2027, full time and mainly on-site with some remote flexibility; applicants in Japan and overseas are both considered.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly stipend toward part of living costs, including transport — only for interns without support from a university or other institution (an academic scholarship does not count); amount not published.
- About 6 months (24 weeks), full time on weekdays.
- 1.5 days’ leave per month; free library and gym access.
- No job offer afterwards; UNU covers no accident or illness costs.
Eligibility
- Any nationality; applications from developing countries and from women are strongly encouraged.
- Currently in a master’s or doctoral programme, or finished one within two years of applying.
- Aged 32 or under when applying (the general programme page says under 32).
- No more than 5 years’ work experience in a related field.
- Native or fluent English; a TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score is required unless English is your native language or your undergraduate or graduate programme is taught in English.
- Strong research, writing and analytical skills; advanced MS Office.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“is currently pursuing or has recently completed (within two years of application) postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral), preferably in a field related to the University’s work” Eligibility
Education required
Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled
Experience required
≤ 5 yrs
Age requirement
≤ 32 yrs
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Application process
- 1Apply online by 1 November 2026, 23:59 Japan time, with an English CV (two pages), a one-page cover letter, the application and funding forms, and a test score if needed.
- 2Two referees — at least one a professor, no family or friends — email their letters from an institutional address to ro_internship@unu.edu.
- 3Shortlisted applicants get a phone or Zoom interview that also tests English, plus a timed task of up to 2 hours the same day.
- 4There is no application fee.
Program timeline
Application deadline
1 November 2026 (23:59 JST)
After the deadline
Interview and timed task (shortlisted only)
Program starts
1 March 2027
Program ends
27 August 2027