2026 JET Programme | ALT Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 JET Programme – Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) positions.

In this guide, we will walk you through the essential details of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, specifically for the Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) role.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is the JET Programme?

The JET Programme is one of the largest exchange programmes in the world, managed by:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
• Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

It invites people from participating countries to Japan for one-year appointments (renewable).

Participants are assigned by local governments or private schools to work as:

• ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers)
• CIRs (Coordinators for International Relations)
• SEAs (Sports Exchange Advisors)

The main goals of the JET Programme are to:

• Improve foreign language education in Japan
• Promote cultural and international exchange at the community level

What are the Key Duties and Responsibilities of ALTs?

As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), you will be assigned to a private or public school, or a local board of education in your designated prefecture or municipality.

Your main role is to assist Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) in the classroom.

This includes:

• Assisting in the preparation of teaching materials
• Planning and supervising extracurricular activities such as English clubs or sports activities
• Organizing cultural and international exchange programs

How much is the JET Programme Salary?

JET Programme participants receive a guaranteed pre-tax annual salary as follows:

• First Year Appointment: 4.02 million yen
• Second Year Appointment: 4.14 million yen
• Third Year Appointment: 4.26 million yen
• Fourth & Fifth Year Appointment (for exceptional participants): 4.32 million yen

Note: Japanese income tax and resident tax will be deducted from this amount.

Eligibility Requirements

As an applicant, you 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 effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language prior to 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 period of participation.
• 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 in a comprehensive and logical manner. (See Note 1)
• not have participated on the Programme since the 2023 JET Programme year (inclusive of March 2023 arrivals) or have participated on the Programme for more than 6 years in total.
• 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 6 or more years in total since 2016
• have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the Programme.
• concerning entry into Japan for participation on 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 classroom setting).
• Have a general teaching experience or qualifications. (See Note 2)
• Have a Japanese language background (JLPT passer) and/or Japan study background. (See Note 2)
• Have experience traveling/living in foreign countries.

Note:

1. An applicant’s ability to use the English language accurately and appropriately will be assessed based on the information he or she will provide in the application documents.
2. 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 carefully. Your ability to understand and follow instructions is part of the screening process.
• Fill out all forms completely.
• Write your Statement of Purpose. Explain your motivation and qualifications for joining the JET Programme.
• Collect and complete all required documents.
  • Only include documents listed in the guidelines.
  • Do not include resumes, photos/headshots, extra recommendation letters, or certificates of attendance/appreciation/recognition.
  • Incomplete applications at the time of the deadline will not be considered.
• Prepare for the next stages if shortlisted:
  • Teaching plan for the teaching demonstration
  • Written exam and interview

Document Compilation Instructions:

• Prepare three (3) complete sets of your application:
  • 1 original + 2 photocopies
  • Place all sets inside one brown or transparent plastic envelope (do not use clearbooks).
• Write the document number on the upper right side of the first page of each document (see sample in the guide).
• Do not staple any forms or documents.
• Do not send additional or follow-up items once submitted. Separate submissions will not be accepted.

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 strongly 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 strongly 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 in A4 or letter-sized paper. Accomplish one copy of this and place it on top of your original application form.
• 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 in A4 or letter-sized paper. We strongly 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 on the JET Program. This should be typewritten on A4-sized paper, with 10.5 Times New Roman font and 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 in lieu of originals.
• Proof of Graduation (Diploma, Certificate of Graduation). Showing the conferral of a bachelor’s degree or a 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 a clearance to participate from a physician or medical specialist. 
• Teaching Certification – If the applicant has a PRC certification to teach (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

Deadline: All application materials must be submitted by November 28, 2025 (Friday).

Submission Options:

• Via post or courier (LBC, Grab Express, Lalamove, etc.)
• Personally hand-delivered

Submission Address:

The JET Programme (ALT)
Japan Information and Culture Center
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300

For same-day couriers or personal delivery:

• Proceed to the back entrance of the Embassy of Japan (Lancaster St. corner F.B. Harrison St.).

Receiving hours: Weekdays only (except holidays)

• Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Note: Security personnel may refuse packages delivered outside of these hours or through other entrances.

Conclusion

The JET Programme offers Filipinos a unique opportunity to work in Japan while contributing to language education and cultural exchange.

By carefully preparing your application and meeting all requirements, you increase your chances of being selected.

If you are passionate about teaching and international exchange, this program could be the life-changing experience you’ve been waiting for.

References

1. Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. (2016). Facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/photo
2. Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. (n.d.). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000147.html
3. 2026 JET PROGRAMME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. (2025). Emb-Japan.go.jp. https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00565.html