How to Become an English Teacher in Japan Without a University Degree: Pros, Cons, and Helpful Certifications

Japan remains one of the most popular destinations for aspiring English teachers. The country offers not only a stable job market for native and fluent speakers but also a fascinating cultural experience. However, there’s a persistent belief that a university degree is a must for teaching English in Japan.

That belief isn’t entirely wrong—but it isn’t entirely true either.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how you can become an English teacher in Japan without a university degree, what your options are, what pros and cons to expect, and what alternative qualifications can give you a competitive edge.

🏫 Why Do Most English Teachers in Japan Need a Degree?

Japan’s immigration law traditionally requires a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) to issue a work visa for teaching English. This requirement applies especially to positions like:

• ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in public schools
• Eikaiwa (private English conversation schools)
• Corporate English training companies

The reason is not due to teaching standards, but visa policy: the “Instructor” and “Specialist in Humanities” visa categories both require proof of a 4-year degree or significant professional experience.

But here’s where the nuance begins.

🚪 Yes, It’s Still Possible Without a Degree

If you don’t have a university degree, your teaching path in Japan won’t be traditional—but it is still very much possible.

✅ Options That Don’t Require a Degree

1. Working Holiday Visa (18–30 years old)
   • Available for citizens from countries like Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and several European nations
   • Allows up to 1 year of stay with part-time or temporary work
   • Teaching English part-time at an Eikaiwa or online is permitted
2. Student Visa + Part-Time Teaching
   • Enroll in a Japanese language school
   • Student visas allow 28 hours/week of part-time work
   • You can teach in-person or online while studying
3. Spouse Visa or Dependent Visa
   • If you’re married to a Japanese national or permanent resident
   • You can work legally, including full-time English teaching
4. Instructor Visa via Experience
   • In rare cases, someone with 10+ years of teaching experience may be eligible for a visa without a degree
   • This typically applies to non-standard positions or employers willing to sponsor
5. Remote/Online Teaching Jobs
   • No visa issues if you live outside Japan
   • Some foreigners reside in Japan on other visa types (e.g., student or dependent) and teach for overseas companies

📈 Advantages of Teaching in Japan Without a Degree

While going degree-free limits your options, it also opens up some unique benefits:

1. Greater Flexibility

• Part-time or freelance positions may give you more free time to explore, study, or pursue personal projects

2. Entry Point for Language Learners

• Many people use part-time teaching while studying Japanese as a way to gradually integrate into society

3. Freelance and Entrepreneurial Freedom

• With remote clients or private students, you can design your own teaching style, rates, and hours

4. Opportunities for Long-Term Growth

• Some non-traditional jobs evolve into full-time roles with visa sponsorship if you prove yourself valuable

⚠️ Disadvantages and Risks

1. Limited Job Security

• Most full-time, visa-sponsored jobs require degrees
• Without one, you may find yourself hopping between short-term gigs

2. Lower Pay

• Part-time and non-sponsored jobs often pay less (¥1,000–2,500/hour vs. ¥250,000+/month full-time)

3. Lack of Legal Stability

• Teaching without a valid visa (e.g., on a tourist visa) is illegal and risky
• Even Working Holiday Visas are temporary and non-renewable

4. Fewer Benefits

• No guaranteed health insurance, pension, or paid vacation in many non-traditional roles

📜 Recommended Certifications (Instead of a Degree)

If you don’t have a degree, get certified. While not legally required, these can dramatically increase your employability, especially with online platforms or private clients.

1. TEFL / TESOL / CELTA

• TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language
• TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• CELTA = Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge-certified and more rigorous)

➡️ Choose a program with at least 100 hours of training, ideally with in-class or practicum components.

2. JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

• JLPT N4 or N3 can help for daily life and job hunting
• For school positions, JLPT N2 or N1 is often preferred

3. CPR/First Aid or Childcare Certification

• Especially valuable if you plan to teach kids or work in preschools

4. Online Teaching Platform Badges

• Sites like iTalki, Preply, or Cambly often value experience and reviews more than degrees
• Build a strong profile and get top ratings

🧑‍🏫 Realistic Job Types You Can Get Without a Degree

Here are some teaching jobs in Japan that are possible without a four-year degree:

🗾 Common Path: Working Holiday to Long-Term Teaching

Here’s how some successful teachers transitioned without a degree:

1. Start with a Working Holiday Visa
   • Get hired at a part-time Eikaiwa
2. Build teaching experience + TEFL certificate
3. Find an employer willing to sponsor a visa based on experience
4. Or: Marry a Japanese partner and switch to a spouse visa
5. Continue private lessons, online teaching, or freelance gigs

This route takes effort and some luck, but it’s a proven way to stay in Japan long-term.

💡 Unique Advice from the Field

• Be open to rural areas: Smaller towns may have less strict hiring standards and more urgent teacher shortages
• Network constantly: Many jobs are found through Facebook groups, Meetups, and word of mouth
• Use Japanese job sites: Try “Hello Work,” “GaijinPot,” or “YOLO Japan” for part-time or freelance gigs
• Don’t fake a degree: Visa fraud is a serious crime and can result in deportation

🧳 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re determined to teach English in Japan without a degree, it’s not only possible—it can be a life-changing experience.

You’ll have to be creative, adaptable, and patient, but the rewards include:

• Real cross-cultural connection
• Language immersion
• A career in education without traditional credentials

Just remember: legality matters. Never teach without proper visa status. Build your path through legitimate alternatives and invest in the right skills.

Your degree may be missing, but your dream of living and working in Japan doesn’t have to be.