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Part-Time Work

Part-Time Jobs for Students in Japan

Students in Japan may work part time only after getting permission to work from the immigration office. The limit is 28 hours a week while classes run, and 8 hours a day in long school holidays. Money is in Japanese yen (JPY).

Work Regulations for International Students

While classes run
  • Up to 28 hours a week.
Long school holidays
  • Up to 8 hours a day, in holidays set by your school.
Never allowed
  • Any work in adult entertainment places, even washing dishes.

Types of Student Work

Apply at the airport

New students can apply when they land at an airport that gives out residence cards (the ID card for foreigners living in Japan). Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship students cannot.

Apply in Japan

Go to the regional immigration office with the permission form, your passport and your residence card. It is free. It usually takes 2 weeks to 2 months.

Special Cases

Leave of absence

No part-time work while you are on leave from your university.

Internships over 28 hours

A paid internship of more than 28 hours a week while classes run needs a different permission.

After graduation

After you graduate you may not work part time, unless you change to a status of residence that allows it.

Popular Job Opportunities for Students

The jobs international students do most often in Japan.

Food and drink
  • 39.2% of working international students.
Sales and marketing
  • 28.4% of working international students.
Factory assembly
  • 6.0% of working international students.
Teaching or research assistant
  • 5.6% of working international students.
  • At some universities these campus jobs need no permission. Ask first.

Jobs at your university

Teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant (RA) jobs at your own university.

Permission

  • At the University of Osaka, work as a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) with a written agreement with the university needs no permission to work.
  • University of Tokyo (UTokyo) students should check with their department.

Hourly Pay of International Students

How much working international students earn an hour.

Income and health insurance

Your health insurance cost is based on last year's income.

Income Calculator

How to Find Student Jobs in Japan

Where to look, and what to check before you say yes.

University Resources

Your university

Ask your university for good part-time jobs.

Effective Job Search Strategies

Before you accept
  • Will it hurt your studies?
  • How and when is the pay given?
  • Is the work safe?

Common Challenges & Solutions

Unfair jobs

Some part-time jobs break labour laws.

Solution:

Check pay, hours and safety before you start.

Fake promises

Claims of JPY 200,000 to JPY 300,000 a month from part-time work are not possible.

Solution:

Ignore agents who promise very high pay.

Balance work and study

Part-time work is meant to help with costs, not to save or send money home.

Make a money plan

Part-time pay alone cannot cover school and living costs.

Week Planning for Success

Optimal Hours

  • Study comes first:Students who miss many classes may not be allowed to stay longer in Japan.

Warning Signs

Consider reducing work hours if you experience:

  • Missing classes because of work.
  • Being tired the next day after late shifts.

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Work Rules

Want to plan work and study in Japan?

We explain the work rules and help you plan your money so you do not depend on a job.

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