If you’re interested in the JET Programme, don’t worry; we’ve got all the information you need.
We’ll guide you through everything you want to know, like;
- who can apply,
- how to apply,
- the requirements, and
- the exciting adventures are waiting for you.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2024 is a fantastic chance for you. It lets you visit Japan, meet friendly people, and help teach English in Japanese schools. It’s like an exciting adventure.
What is the JET Programme?
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is a project by the Japanese government that invites college graduates from around the world to teach foreign languages and share cultures in various places in Japan. This includes local government offices, Boards of Education, and schools for all ages.
The JET Programme is one of the most significant international exchange programs in the world.
What are the Responsibilities of ALTs?
Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) will work in schools or education boards in the area they are assigned. Their main job is to help Japanese English teachers in the following ways:
- Helping to prepare teaching materials
- Planning and supervising extracurricular activities like English clubs or sports
- Organizing cultural or international exchange programs.
How much is the Jet Programme Salary?
JET Programme participants get paid around 3.36 million yen (approximately Php1.6 million) in their first year of appointment, around 3.6 million yen (approximately Php1.7 million) in their second year of appointment, approximately 3.9 million yen (approximately Php1.8 million) for their third appointment, and those appointed for a fourth and fifth year, around 3.96 million yen (approximately Php1.81 million) for each year.
Please note that JET Programme participants still have to pay Japanese income and resident taxes from this remuneration.
Eligibility Requirements for the JET Programme Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be interested in Japan and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japan after their arrival;
- be motivated to participate in and initiate international exchange activities in the local community;
- Make an effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language before and after arriving in Japan.
- Be both mentally and physically healthy.
- Be willing and able to adapt to living and working in Japan, and be determined to responsibly complete their participation period.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher or obtain such qualifications by the designated arrival date.
- Be a Filipino citizen.
- Be adept in contemporary standard pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation in English and possess excellent language ability that can be applied accurately and appropriately; have the ability to form sentences comprehensively and logically. (See Note 1)
- not have participated in the Programme since the 2020 JET Programme year or have participated in the Programme for more than six years.
- Not have declined a position on the Programme after receiving notification of assignment in the previous JET Programme year (excluding cases where it is accepted that the Participant had a valid, inevitable reason for withdrawing).
- Not have lived in Japan for six or more years since 2013.
- have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after the completion of the Programme.
- Concerning entry into Japan for participation in the Programme, agree to reside in Japan under the status of residence stipulated in Article 2-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
- Be willing to obey all Japanese laws.
- Applicants with a suspended jail term must have finished their period of probation by the time they submit their application form.
- Be interested in the Japanese education system, particularly foreign language education in Japan.
- Be interested in working with children.
- Be qualified as a language teacher or be strongly motivated to take part in the teaching of foreign languages.
Additional evaluation points will be given to applicants who:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in English or Education.
- Have a professional language teaching license and/or experience (especially in a classroom setting).
- Have general teaching experience or qualifications. (See Note 2)
- Have a Japanese language background (JLPT passer) and/or Japanese study background. (See Note 2)
- Have experience travelling/living in foreign countries.
NOTE:
• The screening process also involves a teaching demonstration in English and a Nihongo conversation test.
Application Tips and Reminders
- Keys to a successful JET application:
- READ and FOLLOW the guidelines and instructions carefully/diligently. Your ability to understand and follow the guidelines and instructions is the first step of the screening process.
- FILL OUT the forms;
- WRITE YOUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. Describe your motivation and qualifications for participating in the JET Program;
- COLLECT AND COMPLETE YOUR DOCUMENTS. Any document that is not a required or supplemental document listed in the guidelines should not be included. This includes but is not limited to resumes, photos/headshots, extra letters of recommendation, certificates of attendance/appreciation/recognition, etc. Moreover, applications with incomplete requirements during the deadline will not be considered. It is important to provide all necessary documents.
- PREPARE A TEACHING PLAN FOR THE TEACHING DEMONSTRATION; PREPARE FOR THE WRITTEN EXAM AND INTERVIEW if you are selected as one of the short-list applicants.
- PLEASE COMPILE YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS INTO THREE (3) COMPLETE, SEPARATE SETS (Original and two sets of photocopies) placed inside a brown or transparent plastic envelope. Please do not use clearbooks.
- Do not staple the forms and other documents.
- Do not send any requirements separately; we will not accept additional/follow-up items once you have submitted your application.
Application Guidelines and Required Documents
- Application Guidelines (PDF) – Please read through the guidelines thoroughly before starting your application. Do NOT submit this document.
- Application Form (PDF) – This must be typewritten (except for the signature) and printed in A4 or letter-sized paper. We recommend using a Web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Chrome to accomplish the form. As this is an editable PDF form, please use your mouse and click on the form fields to type out your answers or tick the checkboxes. Please do not change the font size for your answers.
- Form Appendices (PDF) – Please fill this up and submit only if you need additional space for your Employment History and/or Teaching Experience. This must be typewritten (except for the signature) and printed in A4 or letter-sized paper. We recommend using a Web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Chrome to accomplish the form. As this is an editable PDF form, please use your mouse and click on the form fields to type out your answers or tick the checkboxes. Please do not change the font size for your answers.
- Information Slip and Agreement of Document Submission (PDF) – Please print this document on A4 or letter-sized paper. Accomplish one copy of this and place it on top of your original application form.
- Attachment Chart Sheet of Application (PDF) – This is a supplement to the application form. Do NOT submit this document.
- Self-Report of Medical Condition(s) (PDF) – All applicants are required to submit this form with their application. This must be typewritten (except for the signature) and printed on A4 or letter-sized paper. We recommend using a Web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Chrome to accomplish the form. As this is an editable form, please use your mouse and click on the form fields to type out your answers or tick the checkboxes. Please do not change the font size for your answers.
- Statement of Purpose (2 pages, double-spaced essay). Describe your motivation, purpose, and qualifications for participating in the JET Program. This should be typewritten on A4-sized paper, with 10.5 Arial font and a 1-inch margin on each side. Do not print on both sides of the paper.
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation. References should be academic or professional (from a professor, advisor, or supervisor). If you are submitting a recommendation letter written in Japanese, you must attach an appropriate/approximate English translation with it.
- College/University Transcripts. From ALL colleges and universities attended, including study abroad institutions. Transcripts must be official; unofficial transcripts and/or student portal screenshots will not be accepted. Certified true copies can be submitted instead of originals.
- Proof of Graduation (Diploma, Certificate of Graduation). Showing the conferral of a bachelor’s degree or graduate studies degree (if applicable). Certified true copies can be submitted in lieu of originals.
- Proof of Philippine Citizenship. Such as a passport, birth certificate, etc.
Supplemental Documents
- Statement of Physician (PDF) – If the applicant lists medical history in the Self-Report of Medical Conditions form, that requires clearance to participate from a physician or medical specialist.
- Teaching Certification – If the applicant has a PRC certification (grade level, subject, substitute, etc.)
- TESL/TEFL Certification – If the applicant has completed a certificate in English as a Second/Foreign Language.
- Japanese Language Certification – If the applicant has passed any level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
- Criminal History Background Check (NBI Clearance) – If the applicant lists any relevant history in the application
How and When to Submit the Documents
All application materials required for this program are due on November 17, 2023 (Friday) and must be submitted via post or courier (LBC, Grab Express, Lalamove, etc) or personally hand-delivered to:
The JET Programme, Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300
“(For same-day courier services and personally hand-delivered documents: kindly proceed to the back entrance of the Embassy of Japan – Lancaster St. cor FB Harrison St.
The Embassy can only receive documents at the back entrance on weekdays [except holidays] from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our security personnel have the right to refuse packages that arrive outside of those times, as well as packages delivered through the other entrances.)“
For FAQ, please visit https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00565.html
For more details about the JET Programme, please visit http://jetprogramme.org/en/.
Tentative Expected Timeline: The schedule is subject to change.
- Submission of Application: From September to November 2023
- First screening results (released to only qualified applicants: Mid-January 2024
- Interviews: Late January or mid-February 2024
- Interview results will be released (Official result) in late March or Early April 2024
- Release of Placements: May 2024
- Departure for Japan: August 2024

Conclusion
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme offers a remarkable chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, contribute to English language education, and build lasting connections. Whether you are a recent graduate, an educator, or an individual seeking a life-changing experience, the JET Programme can be your gateway to an incredible adventure.
Take the first step towards your Japan journey by exploring the official website and contacting the Embassy of Japan or the consular office in your country to get started on the application process. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference and create lifelong memories in the Land of the Rising Sun.
You can also check the 2023 Philippine Public Teacher Salary Grade if you want to know the salary of Teachers here in the Philippines!
Source: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines / Join the JET Programme, Earn Up To P150k Salary!