Eligibility Criteria for the UK JET Programme

The main conditions of eligibility are as follows.

All applicants wishing to apply to the UK JET Programme must:

• Hold a full UK passport (not just permanent resident status)*
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in any subject by the July before departure
• Not have lived in Japan for six or more years out of the last 10
• Obey all Japanese laws. This includes the law concerning entry into Japan for participation in the JET Programme, where applicants must agree to reside in Japan under the status of residence stipulated in Article 2-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
• Have native level English skills (written and spoken)
• Be both mentally and physically healthy
• Have a keen interest in Japan
• Have the ability to adapt to the living and working conditions in Japan

* If you are not a UK Passport holder but wish to apply for the JET Programme, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in the country for which you hold or are eligible to hold a full passport. Please see this page for a list of countries currently sending participants on the JET Programme. For a comprehensive list of contacts for Japanese embassies and consulates around the world, please see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/

Although there is no age limit for applicants to the JET Programme, we strongly advise potential applicants who are 39 years of age or over to contact us by e-mail or telephone before making an application.

Additionally, all applicants must be available in the UK for:

• The interview period from January to February (Note: the duration of the interview period varies annually)
• Preparation and submission of the necessary documentation for successful applicants in April
• Attendance at the Pre-Departure Orientation in early July UNTIL departure to Japan 4-5 weeks later (Note: participants must submit their passports for visa processing at the Pre-Departure Orientation. Passports will not be returned until the date of departure to Japan)

ALT applicants:

• Japanese ability is NOT required but a proven interest in learning Japanese will strengthen your application.
• Teaching experience or teaching qualifications (e.g. TEFL) are NOT required but any kind of teaching experience or experience in working with young people will strengthen your application.

CIR applicants:

• CIR applicants must have a sufficient command of the Japanese language for daily work in a Japanese office environment (equivalent to JLPT level 2/N2 or above).

Please note:

• Applicants MUST NOT apply for both CIR and ALT positions. Candidates applying for both positions will be automatically disqualified from the application process. However, CIR applicants can request in their application to be considered for the ALT position should they be deemed unsuitable for the CIR position at interview. Please note that CIR candidates may only be considered for the ALT position after interview, and that sufficient Japanese language ability is essential for an application to the CIR position. Please contact the JET Office should you require more information regarding this issue.
• Applicants holding dual nationality with two participating countries (e.g. UK and USA) may only apply to one country. An application to both countries will result in automatic disqualification from the application process.
• Successful applicants holding dual nationality with Japan must renounce their Japanese citizenship by the end of March of the year of departure.
• Former JET participants who completed their contracts 3 or more years ago are eligible to reapply for the Programme, provided they have not participated for more than 5 years in total.
• Applicants with a suspended jail term must have finished their period of probation by the time an application is submitted.
• Those who have previously withdrawn or been disqualified from the Programme after accepting a place on the final shortlist are not eligible to reapply.
  (Exceptions can be made in certain circumstances, potential candidates should consult the JET Desk prior to applying).
• Participants who choose to return home or otherwise break their contract must refund their Contracting Organisation the cost of their ticket to Japan and may be subject to other appropriate actions or redresses (exceptions can be made in certain circumstances).
• Applicants with tattoos and/or piercings should carefully consider whether or not they are suited to the JET Programme. Please bear in mind that as a teacher or town/city office worker in Japan, you would have to conceal all tattoos at all times and remove most piercings. Potential applicants with any concerns regarding these issues should call the JET Office and ask to speak to the Programme Coordinator.