Selection

What is the JET Programme's selection procedure?

To be reviewed, applications must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan by the deadline. During January, applications are processed and reviewed. Applicants are notified by early February whether or not they have been selected for interviews. Interviews are generally held in mid to late February. After interviews, the results of the application review and interviews are sent to Tokyo where the final decisions are made. Applicants will be notified of these final decisions sometime in early April. If an applicant is selected as a programme participant, he or she will depart for Japan in late July.

What are the general criteria for selection to the JET Programme?

There are four general criteria for selection to the JET Programme as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). Applicants MUST

be South African citizens;
have earned or will earn a Bachelor's Degree by the time they depart for Japan
have not lived in Japan for three or more years total in the last 8 years.
and be under 40 years of age.

What are you looking for in ALT candidates?

Applicants should be motivated to teach English, work with children, and participate in international exchange activities. They should also be flexible and adaptable to new cultures, as well as have a knowledgeable understanding of their own country and culture and be willing to share this knowledge with people of other cultures. Finally, applicants should be open-minded and interested in learning about Japanese language and culture.

I don't have any Japanese language ability. Is this a disadvantage for selection?

No, not having any Japanese language ability will not disqualify you. If you do have some knowledge of the Japanese language, it would be an advantage to you as an ALT applicant.

Will previous time spent in Japan help me in the selection process?

Yes, previous time spent in Japan will help you in the selection process because it reflects your interest in Japan and Japanese culture, possible Japanese language ability, and your adaptability to Japanese life. However, if you lived in Japan for three or more years in total in the last 8 years, you are not eligible to apply for the JET Programme.

Is it possible for a participant to be disqualified after he or she has been offered a position on the JET Programme?

Yes, a participant or an applicant can be disqualified from the programme without warning in the following circumstances: the participant/applicant engages in conduct which is considered unsuitable for a JET Programme participant or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the participant/applicant may engage in such behaviour; the participant's/applicant's documents are found to contain false statements; required forms for participation are not submitted by set deadlines; or it becomes clear at a later date that the participant/applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria due to some reason attributable to the participant/applicant.

If I am chosen as an alternate, what are the chances that I will be upgraded to a participant and offered a position on the JET Programme?

An alternate is offered a position when a participant withdraws from the programme. The JET Programme cannot foresee when candidates will withdraw and so cannot guarantee that an alternate will be upgraded.

Will my race and religion play a role in selection?

No, absolutely not.

How are married/engaged/companion couples treated in the selection process?

Married/engaged/companion couples are treated the same as unmarried/single applicants. Therefore, we cannot guarantee placement together for couples.

I have a criminal record. What role will this play in selection?

A criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you. However, the seriousness of the crime will be taken into account and a final decision will be made in Tokyo regarding whether or not to offer the applicant a position with the programme.

If I am offered a position on the JET Programme, may I defer my acceptance until the following year?

No. If you are accepted as a participant you may not defer participation to the following year. If you are accepted to the JET Programme and you are unable to participate for any reason, you will have to re-apply if you ever wish to join the Programme in the future.