JET Programme Requirements: Eligibility & Qualifications

If you’re dreaming of teaching English in Japan through the JET Programme, one of the first steps is figuring out whether you’re eligible to apply.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is backed by the Japanese government and places participants in schools and government offices across the country. It’s an incredible way to live abroad, gain international experience, and build lifelong connections — but it also has some very specific eligibility criteria.

This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to qualify, from basic citizenship and education requirements to the differences between ALT and CIR roles, plus some bonus qualifications that can give your application an edge.

Whether you're a licensed teacher, a TEFL-certified traveler, or a university grad ready for your first big move abroad, this guide will help you determine if JET is the right fit — and what steps to take next.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the JET Programme, you must meet a set of core eligibility requirements that apply to all applicants, no matter your background or home country.

These requirements are set by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and applications that don’t meet them are automatically disqualified — so it’s important to check carefully before you apply.

✅ All JET Applicants Must:

• Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan
• Hold a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) by the designated departure date
• Be fluent in English (native-level proficiency)
• Have excellent physical and mental health
• Be willing to adapt to Japanese life and culture
• Have not lived in Japan for 6+ years within the last 10 years
• Have not participated in the JET Programme for more than 5 years
• Have not declined a JET placement offer in the past without a valid reason
• Have a genuine interest in Japan and international exchange

🧭 Tip: You don’t need to speak Japanese or have teaching experience to be eligible — but both can help your application stand out.

If you meet these basic requirements, you’re off to a great start. Next, let’s look at what’s expected for the specific roles you can apply for through JET.

ALT-Specific Requirements (Assistant Language Teacher)

Most people who apply to the JET Programme do so for the ALT position — Assistant Language Teacher. This role involves working in Japanese public schools alongside local teachers, helping students improve their English communication skills through interactive lessons and cultural exchange.

The good news? ALT roles are open to a wide range of applicants, even those without formal teaching experience or certifications.

✅ ALT Candidates Should:

• Meet the basic eligibility requirements listed above
• Be comfortable speaking in front of groups, especially children and teens
• Be open to working in a team-teaching environment with Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs)
• Have a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and genuine interest in education and cultural exchange
• Be willing to accept placement anywhere in Japan, including rural or remote areas

🎓 Helpful (But Not Required):

• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification
• Experience tutoring, mentoring, or working with youth
• Any background in education, language learning, or public speaking
• Japanese language skills (even basic) can help with community involvement

📌 Remember: You don’t need to be a certified teacher to be a successful ALT. What matters most is your enthusiasm, flexibility, and willingness to support students and contribute to school life.

Next, we’ll look at the requirements for the CIR position — which is quite different from ALT.

CIR Requirements (Coordinator for International Relations)

While most applicants apply for ALT positions, the JET Programme also offers a smaller number of roles for CIRs (Coordinators for International Relations). CIRs don’t work in schools — they work in local government offices, supporting international exchange programs, translation projects, and community outreach.

CIR roles are more specialized and require strong Japanese language skills.

✅ CIR Candidates Must:

• Meet all basic JET eligibility requirements
• Be fluent in both English and Japanese (JLPT N2 level or higher is strongly recommended)
• Be comfortable working in office settings and handling translation, interpretation, and intercultural communication
• Have strong written and spoken communication skills in both languages
• Be adaptable and ready to engage with local communities and officials

🧑‍💼 Typical CIR Responsibilities:

• Translating documents and interpreting at events
• Assisting with PR and planning cultural exchange programs
• Supporting international visitors and delegations
• Organizing workshops or presentations related to language, culture, or international topics

💡 CIR positions are fewer and more competitive than ALT positions — and they're best suited for applicants with formal Japanese language training or a degree in Japanese studies.

If you meet the language requirement and enjoy event planning, translation, and cross-cultural communication, the CIR role could be a perfect fit.

Teaching Background & Certifications (Bonus, Not Required)

One of the great things about the JET Programme — especially for ALT applicants — is that you don’t need to be a licensed teacher to apply. In fact, many JETs are recent graduates or career changers who are teaching abroad for the first time.

That said, having some teaching-related experience or training can strengthen your application and help you feel more prepared once you’re in the classroom.

🧾 Helpful Qualifications That Can Boost Your Application:

• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification
  • Especially valuable if you don’t have formal teaching experience
  • Look for programs with 100+ hours and classroom components
• Experience working with youth
  • Tutoring, mentoring, camp counseling, or youth leadership
• Public speaking, coaching, or group facilitation
  • Any role where you’ve led or presented to groups

🧑‍🏫 What JET Really Looks For

JET values:

• Enthusiasm for teaching and learning
• Ability to communicate clearly and work as part of a team
• A genuine interest in Japanese culture and international exchange

🎓 No teaching license? No problem. Focus on showing that you’re eager to help students learn English and ready to engage with Japanese school life. Passion and adaptability often matter more than credentials.

Criminal Record, Health, and Other Considerations

In addition to academic and language-related requirements, the JET Programme also takes into account your legal and medical background. These checks help ensure you're able to adjust to life in Japan and represent your home country professionally.

Here’s what you need to know:

🔍 Criminal Background Check

• All shortlisted candidates must submit an official background check from their home country
• Even minor offenses or past arrests must be disclosed honestly
• Drug-related offenses, in particular, can result in disqualification due to Japan’s strict drug laws

⚠️ Failing to disclose something on your record — even if you think it’s minor — can result in immediate rejection. Be upfront and transparent.

🏥 Health Requirements

• You’ll first complete a self-reported health form during the application process
• If selected, you’ll also submit a medical certificate signed by a doctor
• Applicants with physical or mental health conditions may be asked to submit additional documentation

JET is open to applicants with many different health situations, but they want to ensure:

• You’re able to live independently in Japan
• You’re prepared to handle the stress of relocation and cultural adjustment
• You can safely fulfill your teaching duties

💊 Medications and Japan’s Strict Drug Laws

• Japan bans some medications that are legal in other countries (e.g., Adderall, certain over-the-counter cold meds)
• If you take prescription medication, check with the Japanese embassy or consulate to ensure it’s allowed
• You may need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) before bringing certain medications into the country

✅ Tip: Don’t let this section intimidate you — many applicants with health conditions or past issues have successfully joined JET. Just be honest, organized, and communicative throughout the process.

What Makes a Strong Applicant (Beyond the Basics)

Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first step — but what really makes an applicant stand out in the JET Programme selection process is how well they align with the spirit of the program.

JET isn’t just hiring teachers — it’s bringing in cultural ambassadors who can live, work, and thrive in Japanese schools and communities.

Here’s what helps set successful applicants apart:

🌏 Cultural Curiosity & Global Mindset

JET is a cross-cultural exchange program, so showing genuine interest in Japanese culture — and in building connections between people — is key.

• You don’t need to be an expert on Japan, but you should show curiosity and respect
• Mention any experiences that reflect a love for travel, culture, or learning from others

🤝 Teamwork & Flexibility

As an ALT, you’ll be working closely with Japanese teachers, students, and administrators — and every school is different.

• Highlight experiences where you worked on a team, adapted to change, or supported others
• Show that you’re reliable, open-minded, and ready for the unexpected

📢 Communication & Confidence

You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room — but you do need to be able to communicate clearly, whether you're leading a classroom game or navigating cultural differences.

• Emphasize any public speaking, group leadership, or teaching experience
• If you’re a good listener, problem-solver, or relationship-builder — say so!

🎯 Motivation for JET (Not Just Japan)

A lot of people love Japan — but JET wants to know why you’re applying to this program, specifically.

• Show that you understand the ALT role and what JET stands for
• Talk about what you hope to contribute — not just what you want to experience

🌟 In short: Be someone who’s not just going to Japan — but someone who’s ready to give back, grow, and make a difference.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

If you’ve made it this far and meet the core requirements, great news — you’re eligible to apply for one of the most respected teaching and cultural exchange programs in the world.

Whether you're drawn to Japan for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, or the chance to grow both personally and professionally, the JET Programme offers an incredible opportunity to live abroad with purpose.

Here’s what you can do next:

✅ Next Steps:

• Start preparing your JET Programme application early — gathering documents takes time
• Begin brainstorming your personal statement
• If shortlisted, check out our JET interview guide to get ahead
• Not sure JET is the right fit? Explore other ways to teach in Japan

✨ Teaching in Japan through JET is about more than just English — it’s about connection, culture, and stepping into something bigger than yourself. If that excites you, you're already on the right path.