Applications for the fully funded Government of Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2027 are now open across participating countries. The program provides eligible graduates with an opportunity to live and work in Japan while promoting international exchange and foreign-language education.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme is sponsored by the Government of Japan and implemented through Japanese ministries, local authorities and other organisations. Application periods and deadlines vary by participating country, so interested candidates should apply through the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for JET recruitment in their country.
SUMMARY:
- Programme: Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
- Sponsor: Government of Japan
- Host Country: Japan
- Programme Type: Paid Employment & Cultural Exchange
- Duration: Initially 1 Year
- First-Year Remuneration: Approx. ¥4.02 Million
- Qualification: Generally Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
- Nationality: Citizens of Participating Countries
- Application Deadline: Varies by Country
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Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2027 | The Program Overview
The JET Programme is a Japanese Government initiative that brings participants from around the world to Japan to promote internationalisation, foreign-language education and grassroots cultural exchange.
Participants are appointed through local governments, boards of education, schools and other organisations. The programme offers three main positions:
- Assistant Language Teacher (ALT): Works mainly in schools and boards of education, assisting with foreign-language education.
- Coordinator for International Relations (CIR): Works mainly in local government offices on international exchange, translation, interpretation and related activities.
- Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA): Promotes international exchange through sports. SEA recruitment is specialised and generally conducted on the recommendation of participating organisations.
Appointments are normally for one year and may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and the contracting organisation’s decision.
Eligibility Criteria
General JET Programme eligibility requirements include:
- Be a citizen of a country participating in the JET Programme.
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, or obtain it by the designated arrival date. ALT applicants may also qualify through an approved teacher-training route.
- Have excellent language ability appropriate to the position applied for.
- Be interested in Japan and willing to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society.
- Be willing to participate in international exchange activities within local communities.
- Be physically and mentally capable of performing the required duties.
- Meet the applicable immigration requirements for entering and working in Japan.
- Not have participated in the JET Programme since the 2023 programme year or participated for more than six years in total.
- Not have lived in Japan for six or more years in total since 2016.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the position and the applicant’s country.
Program Benefits
JET participants receive a salary and programme support, including:
- Approximately ¥4.02 million pre-tax remuneration in the first year.
- Approximately ¥4.14 million for a second appointment.
- Approximately ¥4.26 million for a third appointment.
- Approximately ¥4.32 million for eligible fourth and fifth appointments.
- Transportation to Japan under applicable programme conditions.
- Return transportation upon successful completion where programme conditions are met.
- Pre-departure and post-arrival orientation.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Japanese-language learning support.
- Opportunities to experience Japanese culture and participate in community activities.
- International work experience and professional networking opportunities.
Participants are responsible for some personal expenses, and individual employment conditions may vary according to the contracting organisation.
Application Procedures
How to Apply: JET applications are generally handled through the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan in the applicant’s country of citizenship, rather than through one universal international application portal.
Interested candidates for JET Programme 2027 should:
- Check whether their country participates in the JET Programme.
- Visit the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for JET recruitment in their country.
- Review the current 2027 application guidelines and available positions.
- Download and complete the required application forms.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Submit the complete application according to the method specified by the relevant embassy or consulate.
- Successful initial applicants may subsequently be invited for interviews and further screening.
Applicants should follow their local Japanese embassy’s instructions because deadlines and submission procedures vary between countries.
Application Documents
Required documents may vary by country and position, but commonly include:
- Completed JET Programme application form.
- Self-Report of Medical Conditions.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of Bachelor’s degree or expected graduation.
- Letters of reference.
- Proof of citizenship.
- Teaching, Japanese-language or other professional qualifications, where applicable.
- Medical documentation where required.
- Criminal record documentation where required.
Applicants should use the document checklist published by the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country for the current recruitment cycle.
Application Deadline: Varies by participating country.
JET recruitment is conducted separately through participating Japanese embassies and consulates. Applicants should check their country’s official Japanese diplomatic mission for the applicable current application deadline
