The eligibility criteria for participation on the JET Programme are determined by the three Ministries that oversee the JET Programme. Below is a list of the basic requirements that an applicant must fulfil in order to join the JET Programme and come to Japan as either an ALT, CIR or SEA. (See Positions.)

1. Be interested in Japan, and be willing to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japan after their arrival. Make an effort to study or continue studying the Japanese language prior to and after arriving in Japan. Be motivated to participate in and initiate international exchange in the community.

2. Be both mentally and physically healthy.

3. Have the ability to adapt to life and work in Japan.

4. Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or obtain such qualifications by the designated departure date of Group A participants. (See Note 1) (ALTs may alternatively hold a certification of completion of a three year course to teach at primary and elementary or secondary schools or obtain such qualifications by the designated departure date of group A participants.) (CIR and ALT applicants only.)

5.  Be a national (not just a permanent resident) of the country where the recruitment and selection procedures take place by the time they submit their application form. Those who possess dual nationalaity with Japan must renounce their Japanese nationality before submitting their reply form. Applicants who have dual nationality with countries other than Japan may only apply in ONE country.

6. Have excellent pronunciation, rhythm, intonation and voice projection skills in the designated language (See Note 2) in addition to other standard language skills. Have good writing skills and grammar usage. (CIR and ALT applicants only)

7. Not have participated on the JET Programme since 2009 or for more than five years in total.

8. Not have declined a position on the JET Programme after receiving notification of placement in the last JET Programme year. (Exceptions to this rule may be made in cases where it is accepted that the partcipant had a valid, unavoidable reason for withdrawing.)

9. Not have lived in Japan for six or more years in total since 2002.

10. Have a desire to proactively maintain relations with Japan, even after completion of the Programme.

11. Concerning entry in to Japan for participation in the JET Programme, agree to reside in Japan under the status of residence stipulated in Article 2-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

12. Obey all Japanese laws.

13. Applicants with a suspended jail term must have finished their period of probabtion by the time they submit their application form.

In addition to the above, applications from non-English speaking countries.

14. Have a functional command of the English or Japanese language.

In addition to the above criteria, ALT applicants must:

15. Be interested in the Japanese educational system and particularly in the Japanese way of teaching foreign languages.

16. Be interested in working actively with students.

17. Be qualified as a language teacher or be strongly motivated to take part in the teaching of foreign languages.

In addition to the above 1)through 13), CIR applicants must:

18. Have a functional command of the Japanese language. (Japanese language proficiency is necessary to function in a Japanese office environment).

In addition to the above 1) through 14), SEA applicants must:

19. Excel in a certain sports field and be recommended by either the participating countries' National Olympic Committee (NOC) or government organisation. Alternatively, the application should have equivalent abilities and recommendations. Furthermore, it is necessary to have a recognised and prestigious coaching certification/qualification from a vocational college, or have at least three years of coaching experience in one's specialised sports field.