Eligibility FAQs
1. I don’t hold a UK passport, can I still apply?
No. The JET Programme accepts participants from 44 countries. However, in order to apply for the JET Programme you must be a citizen of the country that you will represent. Therefore, please contact the Embassy of Japan in the country that you are a citizen of.
Those who possess dual citizenship with Japan must renounce Japanese citizenship by the time of departure to by the April before departure. If you are of dual nationality with two of the 44 participating countries, you can only apply to one of your two countries. If you apply in two countries, your application will not be accepted by either.
2. I don’t have a degree, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, we are unable to consider applications from those who do not hold or expect to hold at least a Bachelor's degree by the summer of their departure to Japan. This requirement is imposed by the sponsors of the programme and we regret that no exceptions can be made.
3. What type of degree do I need to be on the JET Programme?
Any type of Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is sufficient and JET participants have degrees in a wide range of fields.
4. Are students from New Universities (Post-1992 universities) at a disadvantage?
Definitely not. The JET Programme warmly welcomes applicants from all universities and all fields of study.
5. I am currently studying for a Masters and my course won’t finish until September, can I still apply?
Please consult with the JET Office about your course completion date, to determine whether you can apply.
6. I’m a mature graduate, can I still apply?
Yes, the JET Programme is open to graduates aged up to 39 years of age by the time of departure. The JET Programme is essentially a youth exchange programme with young people from 44 countries working with Japanese youth.
7. I don’t have a teaching qualification can I still apply?
Yes. Although an interest in education and young people is an advantage when applying for the programme, formal qualifications are not required.
8. I have a strong accent, can I still be accepted?
Of course. What is important is that you have clear pronunciation, good grammar and vocabulary and your voice can reach the back of a classroom. The JET Programme is very keen to have participants representing as many areas of the UK as possible.
9. I am a single parent, can I still apply?
Yes. The Japanese Government will be happy to arrange visas for dependants, but financial responsibilities for flights, living costs etc. are borne by the participant. There is no problem enrolling children into Japanese schools - they are welcomed and will probably end up fluent in Japanese!
10. I am worried that a medical condition will prevent me from being accepted on the Programme. What should I do?
People with various medical conditions have been accepted on to the programme. Applications are judged on their individual merit. Providing that your doctor believes you are fit to take part, then your medical condition should not preclude you from participating. It is important that you disclose any and all medical conditions as required in the application form.
11. I have applied for the JET Programme before, can I apply again?
Yes, unless you have been on the JET Programme in the last ten years; lived in Japan for a period over 3 years within the last 8 years (see next question); or have declined a position on the JET Programme without justifiable reasons. All applicants who have previously declined a position on the programme need to consult with the Programme Co-ordinator as to their eligibility status.
If you have applied before and have been unsuccessful you are welcome to re-apply but will have to complete a new application. Hopefully you will have gained more related experience in the last year: teaching experience, research of Japan, taking TEFL or Japanese lessons. Therefore your personal statement and references will have developed. Strong, recent references will obviously strengthen your application.
12. I have lived in Japan before, can I apply?
You cannot apply if you have lived in Japan for 3 or more years in the last 8 years. In addition if you have lived in Japan for a continuous period of 3 or more years which has ended within the last 8 years you are equally ineligible.
For example: Laura applies to the JET Programme in autumn 2007 for departure in July/August 2008. Laura lived in Japan from 1994 until September 2000. Although she has only lived in Japan for a few months at most of the last 8 years, it is considered as part of a period greater than 3 years. Laura is therefore ineligible to apply.
If you have further queries regarding living in Japan and eligibility please contact the JET Office.
13. I don’t speak any Japanese, can I still apply?
Yes, for the ALT position many successful applicants apply with little or no Japanese knowledge. Although an interest in learning Japanese is an advantage when applying for the programme, formal qualifications are not required. The CIR position does require that you have Japanese language ability (see below).
14. What level of Japanese do I need to be a CIR (Coordinator for International Relations)?
Applicants for the CIR position must demonstrate an excellent grasp of written and spoken Japanese. CIR applicants have typically studied Japanese for a minimum of two years at university level. Interviews for CIRs will be conducted in Japanese. According to the Japanese Proficiency exam, you will have acquired level 2 or above.
