The UNU Junior Fellows Internship is a paid, six-month placement at the United Nations University (UNU) headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, open to Master’s and PhD students and recent graduates from all nationalities worldwide. Fellows will work on-site from 1 September 2026 to 26 February 2027, contributing to research, policy analysis, and project coordination within the UN system. The application deadline is 8 May 2026. UNU operates at the intersection of academia and global governance, making this placement especially relevant for candidates pursuing careers in international development, public policy, or UN-affiliated institutions – fields where direct institutional exposure carries significant professional weight.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Paid Internship |
| Organising Body | United Nations University (UNU) |
| Mode | Offline (On-site) |
| Duration | 6 months (approximately 24 weeks) |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 May 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Currently enrolled in or have recently completed a Master’s or PhD degree
- Strong academic or professional interest in international relations, development studies, or public policy
- Fluency in English — written and spoken
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
Experience & Other Conditions
- Excellent communication and research skills are required
- Must not have more than 5 years of work experience in a related field at the time of application
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
Selected Junior Fellows receive a structured support package designed to cover key living and working costs during the six-month placement.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Provided to cover living costs (exact amount not specified — refer to official notification) |
| Transport | Daily commute to and from UNU headquarters in Shibuya covered |
| Office Space | Dedicated workspace at UNU headquarters |
| Library Access | Free on-site and online access to the UNU headquarters library |
| Gym Access | Free access to the on-site gym facility |
| Leave Entitlement | 1.5 days of leave per month |
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNU careers portal using the application link provided in the official notification.
- Download and carefully read all application materials, including the application form and funding form, before beginning your submission.
- Prepare your CV – this must be uploaded in place of the P11 form requested in the online application system.
- Complete the Funding Form, outlining the source, amount, and duration of your actual or projected funding while based in Tokyo.
- Write a focused cover letter addressing your research interests and relevance to UNU’s work.
- Arrange your Letters of Recommendation and ensure the corresponding Recommendation Form is completed by each referee.
- Submit all documents through the official online portal well before the 8 May 2026 deadline.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 8 May 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Internship End Date | 26 February 2027 |
Important Links
FAQs
Q1: Who can apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2026?
Master’s and PhD students or recent graduates from any nationality with a background in international relations, development studies, or public policy are eligible to apply.
Q2: What financial support do selected UNU Junior Fellows receive?
Fellows receive a monthly stipend, covered transport to UNU headquarters in Shibuya, office space, and free access to the on-site library and gym.
Q3: How are candidates selected for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship?
The selection process is not detailed in the official notification — candidates should refer to the UNU careers portal for complete evaluation criteria.
Q4: How do I apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship?
Applicants must submit a CV, cover letter, application form, funding form, and letters of recommendation through the official UNU online careers portal before the deadline.
Q5: What is the last date to apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2026?
The application deadline for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship is 8 May 2026 — candidates are advised to complete and submit all required documents well in advance.