Culture & Education

JET Homepage

JETAA Auckland

JETAA International

Past Events

The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme offers New Zealand citizens who hold a university degree or teaching degree opportunities to teach at primary, junior high and senior high schools as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or to work in local government organizations as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR).

Applications for the 2026 JET Programme are now open.  Application forms and guidelines are available on the Embassy website .

23 September 2025	Applications open
2 December 2025	Applications close
Late January 2026	Interviews
March 2026	Announcement of short-list status for early arrival Notification of selection/placement for early arrival
April 2026	Announcement of short-list candidates and reserves
12 April 2026	Arrival in Japan for April arrivals
May 2026	Notification of selection and placement
June - December 2026	Notification of reserves being upgraded to the short-list
June/July 2026	Q&A Desk, Pre-departure orientation, visa application, etc
2 August 2026	Arrival in Japan and start of contract

Enquiries about the JET Programme can be made to:

Consulate-General of Japan
 Level 15, 41 Shortland Street
 P.O.Box 3959, AUCKLAND 1140
 Email: info-cul@ac.mofa.go.jp
 Tel: 09-303-4106
 Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
 

Information sesssions for 2026 JET programme applications were held on the following dates:
 

Since its inception in 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme has produced thousands of alumni that can be found working across different sectors and industries globally, harnessing the personal and professional skills and knowledge they developed whilst they were on the Programme. These testimonials contain information on the Programme and spotlights on the JET experiences and post-JET achievements of eight former JET Programme participants in Australia and New Zealand.

Australian and New Zealand JET Programme Alumni Testimonials