UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2026 — Work at the United Nations in Tokyo, Japan
Internship • United Nations • Tokyo, Japan • Paid • Open Now • All Nationalities
UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme 2026 — Work at the United Nations in Tokyo, Japan
The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme 2026 is one of the most prestigious internship opportunities available to graduate students worldwide — and it is open to Indian students. You work at the United Nations University headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, contribute to real policy research, earn a monthly stipend, and get hands-on experience inside the United Nations system. Applications are open now for the Fall 2026 term. Remote participation is also available for the Fall term.
Sentpo Education Team • Updated April 2026 • Source: unu.edu official website
Quick facts: Location: Tokyo, Japan (on-site + remote option) • Duration: 4–6 months • Stipend: Monthly (amount based on duty station) • Fall 2026: September 1 to February 2027 • Open to all nationalities • Age limit: under 32 • Level: Master’s or PhD students and recent graduates • No application fee
What Is UNU and Why Does This Internship Matter?
The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic and research arm of the United Nations, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is not a teaching university — it is a global think tank. UNU has over 400 researchers across 13 countries and works on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant research for the UN system and governments worldwide.
The Junior Fellows Programme places you directly in the Office of the Rector — the executive centre of UNU. You work on real research, real policy briefs, and real projects that go to senior UN leadership. For Indian students who want a career in international development, diplomacy, or global policy, this is one of the few internships that puts you inside the UN system from day one.
What You Will Do
Policy Research and Writing — Prepare executive briefs, background papers, and policy documents on priority issues for UNU and the broader UN system.
Data and Operational Analysis — Use Microsoft Excel and other tools to conduct operational and financial analyses. Assist with developing project management systems and analytical tools.
Events and Conferences — Support the organisation of international conferences, academic forums, lectures, and symposiums — both in-person in Tokyo and online. Take notes, manage logistics, and coordinate with global participants.
Editing and Communications — Proofread and edit internal reports, newsletters, and institutional documents. Draft topical briefs for senior UNU leadership.
Benefits and What You Receive
Monthly Stipend — A stipend is provided monthly to help cover basic living costs and transportation in Tokyo. The exact amount is based on the UNU duty station stipend rates. Interns who are not receiving financial support from universities or other institutions qualify for the full stipend.
Library and Gym Access — Free on-site and online access to the UNU headquarters library and gym throughout the internship.
Leave — 1.5 days of leave per month. Weekends and official UNU holidays are days off.
Orientation Week — The programme begins with a structured one-week orientation covering UNU’s mission, structure, team, and working processes.
UN Network Access — You work inside the UN system, attend global conferences and academic events, and build professional connections across UN agencies worldwide.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply
✓ Nationality: Open to all nationalities worldwide. Indian students are fully eligible.
✓ Education: Currently enrolled in or recently completed (within 2 years) a Master’s or PhD programme. Must return to studies after the internship if still enrolled.
✓ Age: Under 32 years at the time of application.
✓ Experience: Maximum 5 years of related professional experience.
✓ English: Native or fluent written and spoken English is mandatory. Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC scores.
✓ Skills: Strong research, writing, and analytical abilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office — Excel skills preferred. Able to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
✓ French speakers: One position may be offered at the UNU Office in Paris for candidates who are fluent in both English and French.
Terms and Duration
Junior Fellows are selected twice per year. The Fall 2026 term runs from September 1, 2026 to February 26, 2027 (approximately 6 months / 24 weeks). The Spring 2026 term ran from March 2 to August 28, 2026. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Japan Standard Time. On-site interns work at the UNU headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo. Remote arrangements are available for the Fall 2026 term for overseas applicants.
How to Apply
Step 1: Go to the official UNU careers portal at careers.unu.edu and search for “Junior Fellows Internship”.
Step 2: Complete the online application form. Answer all position-specific questions. Upload your CV in English — maximum 2 pages. No P11 form is required.
Step 3: Complete the Funding Application Form separately. You must declare the source, amount, and duration of any financial support you are receiving. This determines your eligibility for the UNU stipend.
Step 4: Shortlisted applicants are invited for a Zoom or telephone interview and may be asked to complete a short written task.
Deadline for Fall 2026: Applications are typically reviewed May–June for the Fall term. Check careers.unu.edu for the exact date. Apply early — UNU does not charge any application fee. If you receive a request for payment, it is a scam.
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Can Indian students apply for the UNU Junior Fellows Internship?
Yes. The UNU Junior Fellows Internship Programme is open to all nationalities worldwide. Indian students who are currently enrolled in or have recently completed a Master’s or PhD programme, are under 32 years of age, and have fluent English are fully eligible to apply. There is no application fee.
Is the UNU internship paid?
Yes. Interns who are not receiving financial support from a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme receive a monthly stipend from UNU to partially cover living costs and transportation in Tokyo. The exact amount is based on UNU duty station stipend rates. Academic scholarships are not considered external financial support for this purpose, so most students qualify for the full stipend.
Can I do the UNU internship remotely from India?
For the Fall 2026 term, UNU is considering both applicants located in Japan and applicants located overseas. Remote participation is available in some cases. You will need access to a personal laptop and reliable internet connection for remote work. Check the specific vacancy on careers.unu.edu for the exact terms of each term’s remote policy.
UNU Junior Fellows Internship 2026 • United Nations University Tokyo • UN internship India • paid internship Japan • graduate internship UN • UNU internship Indian students • Sentpo internships
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