Young South Africans who want to experience life in Japan while working in the education sector can apply for the 2027 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
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ALTs are placed mainly in schools and local education authorities, where they assist with foreign language classes, prepare teaching materials, support language activities and take part in local international exchange activities.
2027 JET Programme at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme |
| Position | Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) |
| Country | Japan |
| Target applicants | Young South Africans |
| Minimum participation period | At least one year |
| Main work area | Foreign language education and international exchange |
| Work locations | Schools, boards of education and local government related organisations |
| Application method | Courier with tracking number or hand delivery |
| Application destination | Embassy of Japan, Pretoria |
| Application deadline | 4 PM, 16 October 2026 |
| Important deadline condition | Application packages must arrive by the deadline |
| Results | Sent by email |
| Programme started | 1987 |
About the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme is an international exchange programme administered through cooperation between several Japanese government organisations. The programme aims to promote internationalization at the local level by bringing young university graduates from different countries to Japan.
Participants work with local government offices, boards of education, schools and other organisations. The JET Programme began in 1987 with participants from four countries. According to the information provided for this application, it had grown to 54 participating countries and 5,993 participants in 2025. More than 80,000 people from 82 countries have participated in the programme over its history.
Responsibilities of Assistant Language Teacher in Japan
The Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) position focuses mainly on supporting foreign language education in Japanese schools. The exact duties can differ depending on the organisation and school where a participant is placed.
ALTs are be placed in:
- Elementary schools
- Junior high schools
- Senior high schools
- Local boards of education
Main Duties
Participants are expected to:
- Assist with foreign language classes in elementary, junior high and senior high schools.
- Assist with foreign language activities in elementary schools.
- Help prepare foreign language teaching materials.
- Assist with language training for foreign language teachers.
- Take part in extracurricular and club activities.
- Provide information about language, pronunciation and word usage to teachers and language consultants.
- Assist with foreign language speech contests.
- Participate in local international exchange activities.
- Carry out other duties assigned by the supervisor or school principal.
Duration of the JET Programme
Participants are appointed for a one year period. The role is therefore suitable for graduates who are prepared to spend at least one year living and working in Japan.
Is the JET Programme Paid?
Yes. The programme is funded by Japanese taxpayers through the Contracting Organisation where the participant is appointed. The cost of transportation from the participant’s origin to Japan is also funded through the Contracting Organisation.
How to Apply for the 2027 JET Programme
The South African JET application requires applicants to submit a physical application package.
Step 1: Prepare Your Complete Application Package
Gather all documents required for the JET Programme application. Make sure your package is complete before sending it. Incomplete applications may create problems during the selection process.
Step 2: Package the Application
Applicants have two submission options.
You can either:
- Courier the application using a tracking number, or
- Hand deliver the application to the Embassy of Japan.
Step 3: Send or Deliver the Application to the Embassy
Applications must be sent to:
Embassy of Japan
JET Programme
259 Baines Street
Groenkloof
Pretoria
0181
South Africa
Step 4: Make Sure It Arrives on Time
There is an important difference between sending an application before the deadline and the Embassy receiving it before the deadline. The instructions specifically state that applications must arrive at the Embassy of Japan by 4 PM on 16 October 2026. If you are using a courier service, allow enough time for delivery. Using a tracking number is also important because it allows you to monitor the delivery of your application package.
Important Deadline
Application deadline: 4 PM, 16 October 2026
CLICK HERE TO START APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the JET Programme?
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme is an international exchange programme that brings university graduates from around the world to Japan to participate in language education and internationalisation activities.
2. What does ALT mean?
ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher.
3. Who is this JET opportunity for?
The opportunity provided here is calling for young South Africans who would like to spend at least one year in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers.
4. Where will ALTs work?
ALTs are placed mainly in local boards of education, elementary schools, junior high schools and senior high schools.
5. How long is the JET appointment?
Participants are generally appointed for a one year period.
6. Is the JET Programme paid?
Yes. The programme information states that participants receive remuneration funded through their Contracting Organisation.
7. Does JET cover transportation to Japan?
The provided programme information states that transportation from the participant’s origin to Japan is funded through the Contracting Organisation.
8. What are the main duties of an ALT?
Duties include assisting with foreign language classes, preparing teaching materials, supporting language activities, assisting teachers, participating in extracurricular activities and supporting local international exchange activities.
9. Do ALTs work only in high schools?
No. ALTs may work in elementary, junior high and senior high schools, as well as with local boards of education.
10. Can ALTs participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes. Supporting extracurricular and club activities is listed among the potential ALT duties.
11. Can ALTs participate in cultural exchange?
Yes. Cooperation in local international exchange activities is one of the duties listed for participants.
12. When is the 2027 JET application deadline?
The deadline is 4 PM on 16 October 2026.
13. Does my application have to arrive before the deadline?
Yes. The application package must arrive at the Embassy of Japan by 4 PM on 16 October 2026.
14. Can I send my application by courier?
Yes. Applicants can courier their complete application package with a tracking number.
15. Can I hand deliver my application?
Yes. Hand delivery to the Embassy of Japan is also permitted.
16. Where should I send my application?
Applications should be addressed to the Embassy of Japan, JET Programme, 259 Baines Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa.
17. How will I know whether I was successful?
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted by email.
18. Can I call the Embassy to ask about my application result?
No. Applicants are specifically asked not to contact the Embassy to enquire about the outcome.
19. Is JET only about teaching English?
The ALT role focuses on foreign language education, but participants also support international exchange, school activities and other duties assigned by their supervisors or school principals.
20. What qualities does the JET Programme look for?
The programme information highlights adaptability, mental and physical capability to perform the duties, responsibility and a deep interest in Japan. Participants are also expected to contribute to mutual understanding between nations.
