UNU Library Internship 2026 in Japan

Quick intro

Applications were open for the UNU Library Internship 2026 at the United Nations University headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. This is an on-site internship with the Office of the Rector and UNU Library. The internship is designed for postgraduate students or recent postgraduate graduates interested in library and information services, academic librarianship, and the work of the United Nations University. The expected internship period is approximately six months, from 1 September 2026 to 16 February 2027. However, the official deadline was 5 June 2026, so this opportunity is already closed as of today, 7 June 2026. (United Nations University)

Benefits

The internship includes a monthly stipend intended to offset part of basic living costs, including local transportation to and from UNU headquarters in Shibuya. Interns also receive access to UNU headquarters’ library resources and gym facilities where available. The stipend is paid monthly, and part-time arrangements are prorated. (United Nations University)

The internship may include:

• Monthly stipend for eligible interns
• Local transportation support through stipend
• On-site office space and facilities
• Access to UNU library resources
• Access to UNU gym facilities where available
• Hands-on experience in academic librarianship

Objectives

The UNU Library Internship gives interns practical exposure to academic library operations. Interns support library services, collections, cataloguing, circulation, reference support, library systems, and user assistance. It is intended to complement academic studies rather than lead directly to employment at UNU. (United Nations University)

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should:

• Be currently pursuing or have recently completed, within two years, postgraduate studies at Master’s or doctoral level
• Preferably have a background in Library and Information Science or related subjects
• Be under 32 years old at the time of application
• Have no more than 5 years of related work experience
• Have native or fluent written and spoken English
• Have strong computer skills, especially MS Office
• Have attention to detail and problem-solving ability
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Have interest in UNU and especially the UNU Library (United Nations University)

Required documents

Applicants were required to submit:

• Current CV in English, maximum 2 single-sided pages
• Cover letter in English
• Application Form — Library Internship
• Funding Form — Library Internship
• English language certification, if required
• Answers to application questions in the online form (United Nations University)

How to apply

The official UNU career page contains the application form and upload fields. But because the deadline was 5 June 2026, the application should be treated as closed now. For future UNU internships, use the UNU careers portal and search similar internship openings.

Official Application Page: UNU Library Internship official page