UK JET Programme
2026/9/4
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Table of Contents
Eligibility
I do not hold a UK passport, can I still apply to the UK JET Programme?No, you must be a British citizen holding a full UK Passport. This applies even if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status.
I do not have a degree, can I still apply?
You are required to have completed at least a bachelor's degree (in any subject) by the time of your departure to Japan. No exceptions can be made to this requirement.
What type of degree do you accept?
The JET Programme accepts any type of bachelor's degree from a recognised university including New Universities (Post-1992) and The Open University. We also accepted integrated degrees.
I will not finish degree until after departure, can I still apply?
If you have completed your bachelor's and are pursuing further studies, you are eligible to apply. However, please note that it will not be possible for you to return to the UK to complete your studies during your time on the JET Programme.
Do I need a TEFL qualification to apply for the JET Programme?
Although beneficial, having a TEFL qualification is not a requirement. As long as you have an interest in teaching and working with young people. We are unable to recommend specific TEFL courses, we accept TEFL certificates that are at least 120 hours (completed online or in person).
Do I need to speak Japanese?
If you are applying to be an ALT, you do not need any Japanese language proficiency. If you’re applying to be a CIR you will need to have a high level of Japanese language ability at the time of application (minimum JLPT N2 or equivalent).
Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you. However, you must disclose any criminal records and submit an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) at the time of application. You will have to provide an additional statement to explain your situation.
Why do you require my personal medical information?
JET participants are placed and employed by a contracting organisation throughout Japan, including remote areas where healthcare provisions can be relatively limited. Any ongoing health conditions may need to be taken into account to ensure that you are placed in a suitable area. Furthermore, your contracting organisation may need access to your medical information, should any emergencies arise during your time in Japan.
Am I too old to apply?
No, there is no upper age limit for the UK JET Programme.
Can I bring my spouse/children with me to Japan?
The Japanese Government will be able to arrange visas for direct dependants, which are defined as spouses (as recognised by Japanese law) and children only. Further information will be given to successful candidates with dependants at a later date. Please note that financial responsibilities for flights, living costs etc. are borne by the participant. Please ensure that the names of your family members and their relationship to you are stated within your application.
I currently live outside the UK, can I still apply?
As long as you are British Citizen, you may apply to the UK JET Programme regardless of your country of residence. Should your application advance to the interview stage, you must attend your interview in person at either the Embassy of Japan in London or the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh.
Can I apply for both JET and MEXT?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for both.
Application
What is the Programme looking for in an applicant?We welcome applications from individuals who are committed to the Programme’s goals and enthusiastic about cultural exchange. ALT applicants in particular will be expected to have an interest in teaching and working with young people.
How do I apply?
All applicants must complete and submit an online application form during the application period. Unsolicited CVs and speculative applications will not be considered.
Do you accept late applications?
No, your application must be declared complete by the application deadline.
Can I apply for both ALT and CIR?
You may only apply for one type of position during a single application year. However, CIR candidates may state in their application whether they would be happy to be considered for the ALT position.
I have applied for the JET Programme before, can I apply again?
You are more than welcome to reapply to the JET Programme as long as you fulfil the following criteria:
You have not participated on the Programme in the past three years and have not participated for more than six years in total.
You have not declined the offer of a position on the programme after placement allocation within the last year.
You have not lived in Japan for six or more years in total within the last ten years.
Can I apply with my spouse/partner?
Yes. Your applications will be considered on an individual basis. Please be aware that there is no guarantee that you will receive the same placement.
I have several potential referees in mind. Who should I choose?
It is your responsibility to choose your referees in accordance with our criteria. Please ensure that your referees are familiar with the requirements provided on our website. They are welcome to contact us if they have any questions.
Can you confirm that my documents have been received once I submit them?
We are unable to confirm the receipt of documents to individual candidates. Everything you upload stays visible in your own application folder, you can view it at any time.
In addition, when you declare your application complete our system automatically checks it. You will receive either an email confirming that your application is complete, or a list of exactly what is still missing or incorrect.
Can I request a specific location in Japan?
Yes, you are able to request up to three placements. However, placements are allocated to JET candidates depending on the availability of positions throughout Japan and the needs of schools and contracting organisations. Placement requests are therefore not guaranteed, and you could be placed anywhere within the country.
Can I choose which school level I wish to teach?
Successful applicants will be placed in schools wherever their skills are required and may find themselves teaching at any level from elementary to high school. If you have experience teaching a particular age group, please ensure that you mention this in your application. Some ALTs may also have the opportunity to visit SEN schools or local nursery schools.
Am I guaranteed Early Departure?
Even if you are successful at interview, there is no guarantee of Early Departure. Spaces are limited and are subject to availability. Should no spaces be available, you will be considered for Summer Departure as normal.
My application folder invitation has not arrived. What should I do?
The invitation is sent automatically a few minutes after the email containing your application number. Emails are sent from Microsoft (SharePoint), which may be filtered as spam. Please check your junk/spam folder first before contacting the UK JET Office.
I need to change something after submitting my application.
Your application is automatically locked once it has been declared complete. Documents added to your folder afterwards will not be considered. Contact the UK JET Office should you need to alter your documents ahead of the deadline.
A file I uploaded has disappeared from my folder.
Files larger than 5MB are automatically removed and you will be notified via email. Reduce the file size and upload the file again.
I deleted my application form by mistake.
Contact the UK JET Office. Please do not start a new application.
Documents
Some fields on my Certificate of Health had been left blank by my doctor, is that a problem?All sections of your Certificate of Health need to be filled in and signed by your doctor to confirm your suitability for participating on the JET Programme. This form should also be consistent with all medical information disclosed in other forms, such as a Statement of Physician given at the time of application.
Please ensure that all the fields on the Certificate of Health are completed by your doctor, including the result of your TB test. Any missing information can delay your application process.
Which tuberculosis (TB) test is accepted by the JET Programme?
Candidates are required to get a valid tuberculosis test, and, in most cases, this would be an x-ray of the applicant's lungs (there must also be a doctor's report, taking an x-ray would not be adequate). Alternatively, a tuberculin skin test or a blood test with a doctor's report can also be accepted. If you are unsure if your offered test is acceptable, contact the UK JET Office. Candidates are only required to submit one form of TB test.
Can I submit a DBS as my criminal record check?
No. The JET Programme requires an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) and cannot accept other UK criminal background checks such as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Do I need to submit an ICPC and/or a Certificate of Health as part of an application?
If you are applying for Early Departure, you must submit these documents during the initial application period. All other applicants will be required to submit these should they be successful at interview. The costs of obtaining these documents are to be borne by each applicant.
Should you have a criminal record you must submit an ICPC at the time of application.
Interview
How will I be notified of my interview?Interview invitations will be issued via email, from application-ukjet@ld.mofa.go.jp. It is your responsibility to check your inbox and spam box regularly. Should you wish to change your registered email address, please inform the JET Office as soon as possible. We cannot be held responsible for any notifications missed. Please add our email to your list of safe senders.
What are the JET interviews like?
The interviews last approximately 15-20 minutes and are typically conducted by a former JET participant and an embassy official. The interviewers strive to treat all applicants fairly in accordance with strict guidelines provided by the Programme’s sponsors.
Where are interviews held?
ALT candidates may choose to be interviewed at the Embassy of Japan in London or the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh. CIR candidates will be interviewed at the Embassy of Japan only. Interviews must be held in person and cannot be held off-site or online under any circumstances.
I have been selected as an 'alternate candidate'. What does this mean?
If you have been selected as an 'alternate candidate', this means that you have been offered a place on the reserve candidate list. Alternate candidates may be promoted to the shortlist any time until the first week of November. Although we are unable to comment on your chances of promotion, past experience suggests that it is less likely to occur after June.
Pre-Departure
Can the UK JET Office advise me on how to get my Certificate of Health?We are unable to offer any recommendations on where to get your Certificate of Health completed. We advise that you start enquiries as soon as possible and consider a variety of options.
Can I make my own way to Japan in July/August?
No, all participants must depart to Japan on the flight arranged by our designated travel agent.
Can I miss the Pre-Departure Orientation?
All summer departure participants must attend the Pre-Departure Orientation. You will need to submit your passport at the orientation for visa processing. Your passport will be returned ahead of your flight.
Can I travel abroad between the Pre-Departure Orientation and departure to Japan?
You will not be able to access your passport for two to three weeks after the Pre-Departure Orientation, therefore we advise against planning any trips abroad during this time.
My university just informed me that I will not be graduating as scheduled, can I still participate?
Successful candidates who are unable to complete their bachelor’s degree by the designated date may be asked to withdraw, or have their status changed to "reserve applicant". Please inform the UK JET Office as soon as possible regarding the status of your degree.
My health condition has changed since I submitted my initial application. What should I do?
Should your health condition change during the application process, you will need to contact the UK JET Office. In most cases, you will be advised to submit a Personal Medical Statement explaining your situation/condition and also to submit a Statement of Physician from your doctor.
Life in Japan
How many hours will I teach?Precise working hours vary between different contracting organisations, but as a general rule you will be expected to work from 8am until 4pm. ALTs typically teach 3-4 periods per day, lasting 45-50 minutes. Time between lessons is often spent in the staff room, preparing lesson plans and making study materials. JETs may also be asked to help with after-school clubs and other extracurricular activities, including occasional weekend events.
Can I change my placement after my first year?
In a minority of cases, candidates may request to be transferred to a different contracting organisation. However, please note that this is extremely rare and only possible in exceptional circumstances. All participants should assume that they will be staying with the same contracting organisation throughout their time on the JET Programme.
Is it possible to transfer from ALT to CIR?
This depends on prefectural policy and may not be possible in all cases. If a position does become available, you may need to go through an interview process and there is no guarantee of acceptance. In order to avoid disappointment, you should depart for Japan with the mind-set that you will be an ALT for the duration of your contract.
What support is available when I arrive?
JETs often have a supervisor who can help with basic setup such as accommodation, utilities, and banking. Before arriving, please liaise with your contracting organisation concerning these matters.
Is Japanese learning support provided?
Japanese learning material is available to all JETs. Local governments often provide Japanese language classes and events which are advertised at town/city halls, international centres and on noticeboards.
