Pay and Conditions
All details regarding pay and conditions are outlined within the JET Programme’s General Information Handbook, as well as being given by each participant’s contracting organisation. Please note that contract details can vary depending on the contracting organisation and may be subject to revision in accordance with existing JET guidelines and policy.
Contract
JET Programme participants are employed by municipal or prefectural contracting organisations within Japan and not by the JET Programme itself. Participants are employed on a fixed-term contract for a minimum of one year. This contract may be renewed annually for up to 4 additional years by mutual consent between the participant and their contraction organisation.
JETs usually work a 35-hour week from Monday to Friday, but occasional work at weekends or on national holidays may be required by the individual contracting organisation.
Salary
New JET Programme participants will receive a pre-tax remuneration of 4.02 million yen in the first year, rising to 4.14 million yen in the second year and 4.26 million yen in the third year. Those who renew their contract for a fourth or fifth appointment will receive an annual remuneration of 4.32 million yen for each year.
Insurance
Payments towards mandatory health insurance and pension fund are, in most cases, deducted automatically from the participant's monthly salary. Additionally, JET participants are covered by the JET Accident Insurance in the case that a JET participant is injured or becomes ill during the period of coverage, the JET Accident Insurance Policy allows JET participants to claim back medical costs incurred.
For further details concerning insurance and other contract terms, please consult the General Information Handbook
Placement
Participants are placed in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan where positions are available. Candidates can specify up to three placement requests on their application form but should note that we cannot guarantee to meet their preferences.
Accommodation
In most cases, accommodation for incoming JETs is arranged by the contracting organisation prior to their arrival. However, some JETs will be asked to find their own accommodation with help from their contracting organisation. Rent varies depending on the location.
In general, a participant is responsible for rent, commuting expenses, household furniture and appliance purchases, utilities, etc, but this may vary between contracting organisations.
Flights
Flights to Japan are arranged and paid for by the Programme. Participants leaving from the UK will be assigned flights arranged by the Programme’s official travel agent.
Please note that due to the number of participants the UK is sending each year and the high season travel date, the arranged flights are mostly indirect varying in baggage allowance and transit time. It is not possible for participants to arrange their own flights or make any changes to the assigned flights.
Participants’ return airfare to the UK is provided and arranged by the contracting organisation, subject to the following conditions:
- The participants have successfully completed their contract.
- Do not have any subsequent employment in Japan within one month after completing their term of appointment.
- Return to the UK within a month after completing their contract.
Holiday
There are 16 national holidays in Japan and participants are given between 10 and 20 days paid leave depending on the contracting organisation. JETs should be aware that they will be expected to work during the school holidays as the school or contracting organisation sees fit. Please browse through the FAQ section on Life in Japan for more information.
