JET Programme 2027 Japan | Paid Jobs & How to Apply

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme was established in 1987 to promote international understanding and strengthen foreign-language education and cultural exchange in Japanese communities.

The programme brings graduates from participating countries to Japan to work alongside Japanese educators, government officials and local organisations.

JET participants may be assigned to urban communities, smaller towns or rural areas across Japan.

The programme is supported by:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

• Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

CLAIR oversees important administrative functions, including participant placement coordination, orientation, training and support for contracting organisations.

Recruitment and selection overseas are primarily handled through Japanese embassies and consulates.

JET Programme 2027 Overview

• Programme: Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

• Host country: Japan

• Administrator: Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

• Opportunity type: Paid international exchange and employment

• Positions: Assistant Language Teacher, Coordinator for International Relations and Sports Exchange Advisor

• Study level: Not a degree programme

• Typical qualification: Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Nationality: Citizens of participating countries, subject to recruitment rules

• Annual first-year remuneration: Approximately ¥4.02 million before deductions, under the published 2026–27 handbook

• Contract duration: Generally one year, with possible reappointment

• Application period: Varies by country

• 2027 recruitment: Confirmed in participating countries

Related: Browse more international jobs and exchange opportunities on OHUB.

JET is a paid employment programme rather than a scholarship.

1. Annual Salary

The official 2026–27 General Information Handbook lists the following approximate annual remuneration amounts before taxes:

• First appointment: ¥4,020,000

• Second appointment: ¥4,140,000

• Third appointment: ¥4,260,000

• Fourth and fifth appointments, where approved: ¥4,320,000 per year

These figures are based on the currently published handbook and should be checked against the terms for the 2027 intake.

The first-year figure is equivalent to approximately ¥335,000 per month before deductions.

2. Employment Benefits

Participants receive employment-related benefits under the relevant Japanese arrangements.

These can include applicable health insurance, pension and employment insurance coverage.

Employee contributions, income taxes and other deductions reduce take-home pay.

3. Travel and Arrival Arrangements

The JET Programme coordinates travel arrangements and orientations for incoming participants.

Specific airfare and travel conditions should be checked in the relevant country's application guidelines and appointment documents.

4. Orientation and Training

Participants benefit from programme orientation and professional training activities.

These can include preparation for living and working in Japan, language learning and role-specific professional development.

5. Japanese Language Learning

CLAIR provides Japanese-language learning resources for programme participants.

6. Professional Development

Participants may gain experience in teaching, international relations, public administration or sports-related community engagement.

7. Cultural Exchange

The programme provides opportunities to live in Japan, learn about local communities and build cross-cultural relationships.

The precise application documents vary by country.

Applicants may be asked to prepare:

• Completed JET Programme application form

• Passport or proof of nationality

• Bachelor's degree certificate or proof of expected graduation

• Academic transcripts

• Statement of Purpose

• References or recommendation letters

• Medical or health documentation, where required

• Background-check documentation, where required

• Proof of Japanese-language ability for relevant positions

• Professional certifications for specialised roles

• Other documents required by the Japanese embassy or consulate

This is a preparation checklist, not a universal list of documents required in every country.

Follow the instructions from the official recruitment office for your nationality.

Applicants must meet the recruitment requirements published for their country and position.

General eligibility considerations include:

• Citizenship of a participating country

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification by the required date

• Strong interest in Japan and international exchange

• Willingness to work with Japanese communities

• Suitable communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to meet applicable immigration and employment requirements

• Compliance with any position-specific language, professional or licensing requirements

Applicants should also review the official rules regarding nationality, previous participation, residence history and other eligibility conditions.

A bachelor's degree is a general programme requirement, but some positions may have additional conditions.

Is Japanese Language Proficiency Required?

The answer depends on the position.

Assistant Language Teachers

Japanese-language proficiency is not universally required for ALT applicants.

However, a willingness to learn Japanese can be valuable.

Coordinators for International Relations

CIR applicants generally need strong Japanese-language proficiency because the work may involve translation, interpretation and communication in Japanese.

Sports Exchange Advisors

Language and professional requirements depend on the particular role and recruitment arrangement.

Applicants should consult the official position guidelines issued for their country.

Related: Explore more international opportunities for African graduates on OHUB.

Step 1: Visit the Official JET Programme Website

Open the official JET Programme website.

Read the programme overview and learn about the available positions.

Step 2: Check Whether Your Country Participates

Review the official list of participating countries.

Remember that a country appearing in historical participation statistics does not automatically confirm an active 2027 recruitment process.

Step 3: Find Your Japanese Embassy or Consulate

Applications are generally handled through Japanese diplomatic missions in the applicant's country of citizenship.

Visit the relevant embassy or consulate website.

Step 4: Review the Country-Specific Announcement

Confirm:

• Whether applications are open

• Which JET positions are available

• Citizenship requirements

• Academic qualifications

• Application deadline

• Required documents

• Submission method

Step 5: Select Your Position

Choose the role matching your qualifications and interests.

Most applicants apply for Assistant Language Teacher positions, but CIR and SEA opportunities may also be available depending on the country.

Step 6: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your academic records, application forms, references and other required materials.

Step 7: Write a Strong Statement of Purpose

Explain your motivation for working in Japan.

Discuss your interest in language education, cultural exchange and community engagement.

Show how your background would help you contribute to the programme.

Step 8: Submit Through the Official Recruitment Channel

Follow the application instructions issued by the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your country.

Do not submit a general application through CLAIR's homepage.

Step 9: Attend an Interview if Shortlisted

Applicants who pass the initial document review may be invited to an interview.

The interview may assess communication skills, motivation, cultural awareness and suitability for the position.

Step 10: Await the Selection Decision

Successful applicants may be notified of their selection or alternate status.

Final placement information is communicated through the relevant recruitment and contracting organisations.

Step 11: Complete Pre-Departure Requirements

Selected participants may need to complete visa procedures, health documentation and other required arrangements.

Step 12: Travel to Japan

Successful participants complete pre-departure and arrival orientations before beginning their assigned work.

Related: Find more teaching jobs and international exchange programmes on OHUB.