JET Programme

2025/9/18

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About JET

CURRENT STATUS: Applications for the 2026 JET Programme are OPEN. Information sessions available.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is operated by the Japanese Government to promote grassroots international exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other nations.

The Programme offers Australians the opportunity to live and work in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs).

A bachelor degree (in any discipline) is required. Japanese language skills are not required for ALT roles.

NOTE: The information on this page is intended for Australian citizens only. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact a Japanese diplomatic mission in their home country.

Useful Information

▸ JET Programme Official Website [External]
▸ Roles: Assistant Language Teacher and Coordinator for International Relations
▸ Information Sessions
▸ 2026 Application Guidelines
▸ JET Alumni Association of NSW (JETAA NSW)
▸ JET Alumni Association, Oceania (JETAA Oceania)

JET Programme Recruitment Timeline

Sep-Oct	Applications open. Information sessions for interested applicants.
Nov	Application deadline: 5 November 2025 NOTE: All application requirements must be submitted by 5pm AEDT to the Embassy of Japan in Canberra. Late applications will not be accepted.
Nov-Dec	First stage of screening process. Written applications are reviewed by the Embassy of Japan in Canberra.
Jan-Feb	Second stage of screening process. Successful applicants from stage one are invited by the Embassy or nearest Consulate-General to attend an interview.
Mar		Early/April Departure short-list candidates notified. Contracting organisations assigned.
Apr	Short-list candidates and alternates notified.	Early/April Departure participants leave for Japan.
May	Notifications of successful participant status and assignment of contracting organisations.	Alternates may be notified of upgrades to short-list candidate status.
Jun	Pre-departure orientation for successful candidates, facilitated by the Embassy or nearest Consulate-General.
Jul	July/Summer Departure participants leave for Japan.
Nov

*BLUE = timeline experienced by most participants, RED = potential timeline for participants who express an interest in an Early/April departure.

Applications

Once applications open, guidelines and forms will be available from the Embassy of Japan in Australia's website.

JET Programme Enquiries

Sydney JET Desk
Telephone: (02) 9250 1043
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp