JET Programme
Applications for the 2027 JET Programme are now closed.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme is designed to promote mutual understanding between Japan and other nations, foster international exchange at the local level and enhance foreign language education in Japan.
There are two types of positions*:
⇨ Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
assisting in English language education at Japanese schools (teaching experience and Japanese language ability not essential).
⇨ Coordinator for International Relations (CIR)
assisting in international activities carried by Japanese local government offices (high level of Japanese language ability required).
* Contracts for both position types are for a minimum of 1 year and start in April (some) or July (majority).
Any questions- please contact the JET Programme Coordinator below.
Tel: 03 9679 4510 or Email: meljapan@mb.mofa.go.jp
Further information is also available on the JET Programme website.
The scheduled timeline for the 2026 JET Programme recruitment was as follows:
- Application closing date was Friday 7 November 2025 for reviews by the Embassy of Japan in Canberra. Notification of progression to the interview stage was given in late December 2025 to successful applicants and the interviews was held in late January and early February 2026 in Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.
- Applicants selected for April departure were short-listed and announced on 7 March 2026 and arrived in Japan on Sunday 7 April 2026.
- Other interview results were announced on 7 April 2026 (i.e. notification was sent to those applicants selected as either a shortlisted participant or alternate for July departure, as well as to those who are unsuccessful)
- Placement notification was sent on 25 May 2026 to those applicants selected for July departure, who then arrived in Japan on Sunday 26 July 2026.