Scholarship Overview
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Programme Overview
The United Nations University (UNU) Office of the Rector recruits highly qualified applicants to work as Junior Fellows at the UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. This competitive programme runs twice yearly, with the Spring 2027 term running from 1 March 2027 to 27 August 2027.
For over four decades, UNU has served as a think tank for impartial research on global challenges including human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers across 13 countries, UNU’s work spans all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
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What the Internship Covers
Junior Fellows receive a monthly stipend to partially subsidise basic living costs, including transport to and from the UNU headquarters in Shibuya. The stipend is paid monthly and prorated for part-time arrangements. Interns who receive financial support from other sources (such as universities) are not eligible for the stipend—scholarships for academic studies do not count as disqualifying support.
Additional benefits include:
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- Free on-site and online access to the headquarters’ library
- Free access to the on-site gym (as available)
- 1.5 days of leave per month
- Office space and facilities for on-site work
- Opportunity to assist in organising conferences, lectures, and academic forums
UNU does not cover costs arising from accidents, illness, or death during the internship. Interns must arrange their own accommodation and are responsible for obtaining a Japanese visa if necessary.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet all of the following criteria:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed (within two years of application) postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral), preferably in a field related to UNU’s work
- Age 32 or under at time of application
- No more than 5 years of work experience in their related field
- Native or fluent command of written and spoken English
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
- Ability to establish effective working relations with people from diverse backgrounds
- Resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving
- Advanced computer skills, particularly MS Office applications; familiarity with ICT tools and high proficiency in Microsoft Excel are desirable
- Demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and UNU specifically
For the Spring 2027 term, applicants located both in Japan and overseas will be considered regardless of current location.
Work Responsibilities
Junior Fellows support the Office of the Rector in the following areas:
- Administrative research and writing: Preparation of executive briefs on priority issues; background research and drafting of topical information briefs for internal policy development
- Planning: Supporting development of project management tools and systems
- Analysis: Using analytical tools including Microsoft Excel for internal analyses on university operations
- Event coordination: Supporting organisation of lectures, conferences, workshops, and other public events (in-person and online)
- Meeting coordination: Logistical support and minute taking
- Editorial support: Proof-reading reports and copy editing
- Communication: Preparation and dissemination of newsletters, event summaries, and other communication documents
Work is full-time during regular University hours (9:30–17:30, Monday to Friday), with some flexibility for remote work.
Application Process
The three-stage application process is as follows:
Stage 1: Document Submission
Submit the following documents via the online application link:
- Current CV in English (maximum two single-sided pages; do not use the P11 Form)
- Cover letter in English (maximum one single-sided page) addressing: motivations for applying; how you may contribute to the Office of the Rector’s work; and how this programme relates to your future career goals
- Completed Application Form (MS Word or handwritten)
- Completed Funding Form outlining source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo
- Two letters of recommendation from referees familiar with your character (at least one from a professor; referees must submit directly to ro_internship@unu.edu using official institutional email addresses)
- Language certification if required: valid TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC score report if English is not your native language and you have not completed an English-medium undergraduate or graduate programme
Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted applicants proceed to a telephone or Zoom interview assessing motivations, expectations, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and English proficiency.
Stage 3: Skills Assessment
Shortlisted applicants complete a time-restricted assignment (up to 2 hours) similar to actual internship tasks, conducted on the same day as the interview.
Important Notes for African Applicants
UNU strongly encourages applications from developing countries and from women. The organisation is committed to diversity and inclusion regardless of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities.
There is no application fee—UNU does not charge any fee at any stage of the process. Be vigilant against scams: emblems, logos, names, and addresses are easily copied. Apply particular care when submitting personal information online.
Successful applicants must sign an Agreement Form and return it to complete their application. Those requiring visas must then begin the Japanese visa application process.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 1 November 2026 (23:59 Japan Standard Time)
- Expected start date: 1 March 2027
- Expected end date: 27 August 2027
- Duration: Approximately 6 months (24 weeks)
Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Official scholarship page: https://careers.unu.edu/o/junior-fellows-internship-spring2027
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships