Filipino graduates hoping to teach in Japan have until November 20 to apply for the 2027 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announced.

The embassy is now accepting applications for Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) positions, and the entire process is online. Applicants must apply through ph.jetapplication.com. Paper applications will not be accepted.

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What the Job Involves

Selected ALTs will work in public or private schools, or with local boards of education, in the prefecture or municipality they are assigned to. They do not lead classes on their own. Instead, they support Japanese Teachers of English in the classroom.

The work goes beyond lesson time. ALTs help prepare teaching materials, plan and supervise extracurricular activities such as English clubs and sports, and organize cultural and international exchange programs.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be Filipino citizens with a bachelor’s degree, or be on track to earn one by the designated arrival date. They must also be in good mental and physical health. Strong English skills are essential, including standard pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, along with the ability to build clear, logical sentences.

Past participants face limits. Anyone who joined the program from the 2024 year onward, including March 2024 arrivals, or who has spent more than six years on it in total, is not eligible. The same applies to anyone who has lived in Japan for six or more years since 2017, or who declined an assignment in the previous program year without a valid reason.

The embassy also looks for candidates who are curious about Japan and its education system, enjoy working with children, and are willing to study Japanese before and after arriving.

Things That Can Help Your Application

Meeting the basic requirements gets an application considered. Certain backgrounds can help it stand out. Extra evaluation points go to applicants with:

A bachelor’s degree or higher in English or Education
A professional language teaching license or teaching experience, especially in a classroom
General teaching experience or qualifications
A Japanese language background, such as passing the JLPT, or past study in Japan
Experience traveling or living abroad

Teaching and Japanese skills are also put to the test during screening. Shortlisted applicants will give a teaching demonstration in English and take a Nihongo conversation test.

For applicants who don’t tick every bonus box, there’s still good reason to try. Many successful candidates start with a strong motivation to teach and a real curiosity about Japan, then build their skills along the way.

Note: Applicants’ English language skills will be evaluated based on the information provided in their application documents. The selection process also includes a teaching demonstration conducted in English and a Japanese (Nihongo) conversation test.

Inside the Screening

Shortlisted applicants will go through an interview and assessment that includes a teaching demonstration in English and a Nihongo conversation test.

The embassy stresses that following instructions is the first test. Submit only the documents listed in the guidelines. Leave out resumes, headshots, extra recommendation letters, and certificates of recognition. Applications that are incomplete at the deadline will not be considered. Each applicant must also write a statement of purpose explaining their motivation and qualifications.

JET Program 2027: Online Applications Now Open

Applications for the 2027 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program are now being accepted online. Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official portal:

Application Website: https://ph.jetapplication.com

Please note that paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to review the official JET Application Guidelines for the complete requirements and instructions. The online portal also provides information on the required documents and the process for uploading them.

Tips for a Successful JET Application

Here are some important reminders for those planning to apply:

Read the guidelines carefully. Follow all instructions and make sure you understand the application process.
Complete the online application form. Fill in all required fields accurately.
Prepare your Statement of Purpose. Explain your reasons for joining the JET Program, including your motivation, skills, and qualifications.
Submit all required documents. Check the official guidelines to ensure that your application is complete. Avoid including unnecessary files, such as resumes, photos, additional recommendation letters, or certificates that are not listed as required or supplemental documents.
Meet the application deadline. Applications with incomplete requirements at the time of submission will not be considered.
Get ready for the next stage. Shortlisted applicants should prepare for the interview and other assessments.

Before submitting your application, double-check all information and documents to help avoid missing any requirements.

Mark the Deadline

Applications must be completed by Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM Philippine Standard Time. With about five weeks left, the embassy encourages applicants to finish early. Taking time now to read the guidelines closely could make the difference for those ready to take their first step toward a classroom in Japan.