Applying to participate on the JET Programme is a long and competitive process. However, the rewards of being chosen are well worth the effort.
Successful applicants receive ｆ with a contracting organisation in Japan.
General Information Handbook
The General Information Handbook (GIH) is a resource full of useful information for JET Programme participants. We share the GIH with all new JETs and ask that they read through it before coming to Japan, as well as refer to it throughout their time on the programme.
*CLAIR forbids the unauthorised reproduction (copying, uploading, displaying, etc.) of any of the contents displayed on this website for commercial purposes. In addition, CLAIR requests that you refrain from any unauthorised use of the contents on this website outside the scope designated by copyright law.
JET Participant Recruitment and Selection
Recruitment and selection of participants is conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its embassies and consulates overseas. Individuals interested in becoming JET participants should contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their country of citizenship.
In addition to conducting regular recruitment activities using posters, pamphlets, and the internet, overseas embassies and consulates hold information sessions at venues such as colleges, universities, and career centres during the active recruitment period (this period may vary slightly depending on the participating country and arrival period in Japan).
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
Ireland
France
Germany
China
South Korea
Russia
Brazil
Peru
Portugal
Spain
Italy
Mexico
South Africa
Argentina
Belgium
Finland
Mongolia
Austria
Indonesia
Switzerland
India
Phillippines
Netherlands
Poland
Singapore
Jamaica
Thailand
Malaysia
Barbados
Saint Lucia
Trinidad and Tobago
Slovenia
Sweden
Denmark
Antigua and Barbuda
Latvia
Fiji
Vietnam
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Uzbekistan
Tanzania
Lithuania
Myanmar
Mauritius
Botswana
Bangladesh
Kyrgyzstan
Kingdom of Bhutan
GrenadaParticipant Selection Process
The recruitment, application, and selection process for new JET participants is conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its embassies and consulates in participating countries.
Although CLAIR is not directly involved in the selection of participants, we provide the following general schedule of the application process. As dates vary by country, please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship for further information.
Oct.
STEP1
Applications Accepted
Nov.
Dec.
STEP2
First Notice
Jan.
STEP3
Second Notice
Feb.
STEP4
Results Notification
Mar.
STEP5
Placement Information
Apr.
STEP7
Orientation
May
Jun.
STEP6
Post-Arrival
Jul.
Aug.
Sep.
[October to Late November/Early December] Applications Accepted (deadline varies by country)
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes the JET Programme and distributes applications via its embassies and consulates (some countries implement the application process online).
Interested applicants must complete and submit applications to the Embassy of Japan in their home country by the deadline designated by that embassy.
[January] First Notice Sent to Applicants
Applications are reviewed by the Embassy of Japan in each participating country.
[February] Interviews Held at Japanese Embassies and Consulates
Applicants who pass the application review stage are interviewed at the nearest embassy or consulate.
[Late March to April] Second Notice Sent to Applicants
Interview results are announced (notification is sent to those applicants who are selected as either a shortlisted participant or alternate, as well as to those who are not selected).
Applicants selected for April departure depart for Japan and participate in Post-Arrival Orientation in Tokyo.
[May-July] Submit Health Check and Reply Forms Successful Applicants Receive Placement Information
After shortlisted participants confirm their intent to participate on the Programme and their placement has been decided, they will be notified of their placement results by their nearest embassy or consulate. The contracting organisation will also send participants information about their specific placement.
[June/July] Pre-Departure Orientation
Q&A sessions and preliminary training sessions are held by Japanese Embassies and Consulates for accepted participants. Participants will also attend a pre-departure orientation before leaving for Japan.
[July/August] Departure on Designated Day Post-Arrival Orientation in Tokyo
The above timeline is simply a guideline and is subject to change. Please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country of citizenship for specific enquiries.
Related Information
JET Positions
Each JET Programme participant is employed as one of the following three positions: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), or Sports Exchange Advisor (SEA).
