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Teach English in Japan (Non-Degree Holders)

Looking to teach English in Japan without a degree? TravelBud’s non-degree TEFL Japan program is designed for adventurous native English speakers ready to live, work, and travel across Japan. You’ll train, get placed as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), and earn a competitive salary, all without needing a university degree. This is one of the most accessible teach abroad Japan programs for those using a Working Holiday Visa.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  4.38 (8 reviews)

 

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Salary & Dates

Teach English in Japan!

No degree? No problem. Live and work in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).

Japan is a country of innovation and tradition, where ancient temples meet cutting-edge technology. Whether you're living in bustling Tokyo, exploring Kyoto's peaceful temples, or enjoying the beauty of Japan’s seasonal landscapes, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences.

Teaching in Japan offers a competitive salary, a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and a stable career in one of the world's most fascinating countries.

What to Expect

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Climate

Japan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: warm summers (25°C to 35°C), and cold winters (-5°C to 10°C), with snow in many northern regions like Hokkaido.

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Language

Japanese is the official language. While English is spoken in major cities, learning Japanese can help you fully enjoy the culture.

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Location

Japan is located in East Asia, comprising four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, offering everything from vibrant cities to serene countryside.

Why Teach English in Japan Without a Degree?

Japan is an exciting destination to teach English without a degree, thanks to its structured ALT programs and high demand for native speakers. From the neon buzz of Tokyo to the tranquility of rural towns, this non-degree teaching program in Japan lets you immerse yourself in culture while building a meaningful career. It’s one of the only ESL jobs in Japan that welcomes those without a college degree, and it comes fully supported.

Salary

Earn approximately $1,500 USD per month (one of the best salaries for non-degree holders teaching abroad!) with a free car to use for school work and personal travel.

Dates & Deadlines
The only available date for this option is in March of every year. The next intake is March 2026. We advise that students should aim to be enrolled by October/November of the previous year. 

School

Teach in a public school in Japan.

What Support Is Included in Japan ALT Programs?

Our program offers full support, including placement in public schools, accommodation help, in-country orientation, and access to a vibrant teaching community. Most participants earn around $1,500/month and even receive a free car for commuting. With a limited annual intake, this Japan teaching job without a degree offers a unique chance to live in Japan, gain classroom experience, and grow personally and professionally.
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Choosing Your Program

We help you select the perfect teaching destination and program.


You: Fill out your application.

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Full Job Placement Assistance

We secure your ALT public school interview.


You: Sign your contract.

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Visa & Paperwork Support

We guide you through the visa application and help with all required documents.


You: Submit your documents and pay fees.

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TEFL Course (if applicable)

We arrange your internationally recognized TEFL course.


You: Complete your TEFL course.

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Pre-Departure Support

We provide everything you need to prepare for your journey.


You: Pack your bags.

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Airport Pickup & Arrival Assistance

We’ll be there to meet you when you arrive at the airport.


You: Show up.

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Ongoing Support

We continue to support you while you’re abroad, from housing to emergencies.


You: Enjoy your experience and teach with confidence!

Nagoya Medium
Our immersive in-class TEFL is held in unique Nagoya
Temple Medium-1
Teachers explore the ancient Sensō-ji temple during a weekend meet up
City Medium
Japan blends old and new in everyday life
Cherry Medium
Cherry blossom season is a must-see!

Who Can Teach in Japan Without a Degree?

  1. You are aged 20–30 and hold a passport from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

  1. You want to experience Japan but don’t hold a degree

  1. You’re ready to take on a support teaching role and ease into the classroom

  1. You have a driver’s license

  1. You’re in good physical and mental health

  1. You have no visible tattoos and can pass a criminal background check

  1. You will complete our 120-hour Online TEFL/TESOL course before departing

How to Teach English in Japan (Non-Degree Pathway)

We know the idea of teaching abroad can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it down into five simple steps so that you can skip the stress and head straight to the adventure.

1

Inquire & Find the right program for you

Click Get Started. Chat to one of our dynamic Enrollment Team members to figure out the right fit for you!

2

Complete the Application Process

Follow a few easy steps and submit your application form, a few basic teacher profile documents, and speak with our Enrollment Team for your consultation.

3

Officially Enroll with TravelBud

Once you're accepted onto the program, you can get officially enrolled. You'll settle your initial enrollment fee and be welcomed officially!

4

Pre-Departure Support

Our incredible, award-winning support team will guide you through all the steps you need before you leave your home country. They'll assist you with document collection, visa applications, and all the information you need to get ready for this epic journey!

5

Your Teach Abroad Journey Begins!

Our support and in-country teams will ensure that you are supported once you arrive in country. From airport pickups, cultural orientations, guaranteed job placement and ongoing in-country support- you're in the best hands to have a successful teach abroad journey!

Non-Degree TEFL Program Options in Japan

Not sure what's included in the program? We’ve broken it down so you can easily see what's included.

Online TEFL & Placement

$24988 120 Hours /month

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Online TEFL & Placement

Enrollment Fee
Online TEFL & Placement
$599 USD
Payment Schedule
Due upon acceptance and you would like to officially enroll
Explanation
The enrollment fee kickstarts your journey with TravelBud. You will start working with your assigned support coordinator for your pre-departure support
Inclusions
✔️ Pre-Departure support

✔️ Securing of your spot on the program

Online TEFL Fee
Online TEFL & Placement
$499 USD Online TEFL & Placement
Payment Schedule
Due 2 weeks prior to your chosen Online TEFL start date (they start every first Monday of each month and run for 5 consecutive weeks)
Explanation
This is your payment for our in-house Internationally Accreddited 120 hour Online TEFL through our partners
Inclusions
✔️ 120 Hour Online TEFL course that is Internationally Accredited

Final Fees
TEFL & Placement
$1,400 USD
Payment Schedule
Due upon your public school ALT contract offer
Inclusions
✔️ Airport pick-up

✔️ Immersive Cultural orientation

✔️ Shared accommodation for your orientation

✔️ Public Scool Job Placement Assistance (with alternative destinations if not Japan)

✔️ 24/7 in-country support

✔️ Lifetime Placement Guarantee on program Line A

Totals
$2,498 USD

Relevant Blog Posts

Top 5 Reasons to be an ALT in Japan as a first time teacher

You may have heard some weird and wonderful facts about the beautiful country of Japan. You may know that Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, or that they have the most vending machines in the world that sell everything from lobsters to umbrellas. But did you know that one of the best (and only!) ways to live abroad in Japan as a foreigner is by teaching English?

Japan
Maximize Your Cultural Immersion in Japan Whilst Teaching English - Part 1

When you head to the incredible islands of Japan, you have no option but to cram your itinerary as full as humanly possible to experience all the fantastic sites to see, activities to do, and food to taste. If you're one of the lucky few embarking on our brand spanking new Teach English in Japan program, you’ll have a whole year to tick off all the items on your Japan bucket list.

Japan
Transportation Guide: How to Get Around in Japan

In this guide, our Japan Ambassador, Lilah, breaks down the ins and outs of Japan’s transportation system – from Tokyo’s local trains to the iconic Shinkansen bullet train. Whether you’re planning a trip or moving to teach English, this blog covers everything you need to know about airports, buses, city passes, and more. Avoid costly mistakes (hello, $250 taxi ride!) and learn how to travel efficiently and affordably across Japan.

Japan

See Why 2,400+ Participants Chose Us

If you need more proof of why we’re the best at what we do, look no further than the thousands of people we’ve helped live, teach, and travel abroad. 

I'm having an amazing time!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The programme has been very useful in providing everything I needed for my teaching career abroad. They provide excellent customer service, and their employees are some of the kindest people I've ever known. They will actively go out of their way to help with any difficulties, and are very knowledgable about the entire process. Saskia has been incredibly helpful, and has made the whole experience a lot less stressful and straightforward. I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone considering teaching abroad.

Travel Bud Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If it weren't for Travel Bud, I wouldn't have been able to make it to Japan. They provided a great path for me to achieve my goal of teaching in Japan and I appreciate the program for being able to both certify me in teaching and facilitate my travel here. Given the state of the world in 2021 and having explored other avenues of travel, I can confidently say if it weren't for Travel Bud I wouldn't be living in Japan now. The program is simple, comprehensive, and they offer guaranteed job placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about teaching in Japan? Here are some of the most common ones we hear from applicants.

Yes! With TravelBud’s non-degree ALT program, you can teach English in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa. This allows native speakers without a university degree to work as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools across Japan.
Non‑degree teachers typically earn around US $1,500 per month, with many placements including a free loan of a car for personal and school use, making this one of the most competitive non-degree teaching options abroad.
This program accepts one intake per year, starting in March 2026. We recommend enrolling by October or November 2025 to have enough time for placement, visa, and travel preparations.

The program package includes:

  • 120‑hour internationally accredited online TEFL course

  • Guaranteed placement in a public school as an ALT

  • Airport pickup, shared accommodation during orientation, cultural orientation, and 24/7 in-country support

  • Lifetime placement guarantee

Contracts are typically one year, at 20–30 teaching hours per week, with work schedules mostly Monday to Friday in public schools. Most participants receive 5–10 paid vacation days and approximately 10 Japanese public holidays per year.
No, Japanese language skills are not required. Training and support are provided entirely in English, though you’ll participate in at least 6 hours of Japanese language lessons during orientation to help with day-to-day life and cultural integration.

Got more questions? Check out our Knowledge Base!