For the last couple of decades, international student enrollment in Japan has increased considerably. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), Japan had 408,069 international students as of May 1, 2025, a 21.2% increase from the previous year. Students considering Japan may also want to learn more about the cost of studying and living in Japan, higher education in Japan, and work opportunities in Japan.
An additional advantage of pursuing higher education in Japan is that international students may have access to paid work opportunities that can help supplement their finances while studying. However, students must follow Japan’s immigration rules and ensure that employment does not interfere with their studies. Read this article to learn about some of the best ways to work while studying in Japan.
Ways to Work While Studying in Japan
1. University Assistantships
International students enrolled at Japanese universities may be eligible for paid university assistantships, depending on the institution, school, degree level, and position. Roles may include teaching assistant (TA), teaching fellow (TF), and research assistant (RA) positions, with duties and working hours determined by the university.
Eligibility varies by institution and department. Some universities offer certain assistant positions to undergraduate students, but TA and RA positions are often intended for master’s or doctoral students. Universities with official assistantship systems include The University of Osaka, Nagoya University, and Tokyo University of Technology. Students should check with their department because the eligibility requirements, application process, number of positions, duties, and compensation can differ.
2. Freelance Jobs
Freelance and remote work can offer flexibility and reduce commuting costs. However, paid freelance or self-employed activities performed while residing in Japan can fall under the same immigration permission rules as other paid work. Depending on the arrangement, students may need comprehensive or individual permission, so they should confirm the requirements with a regional Immigration Services Bureau before accepting or starting freelance work.
Possible freelance fields include graphic and website design, translation, virtual assistance, and social media management. Students should be careful about time-zone differences, client meetings, and deadlines that may conflict with their class schedules. Because studying must remain their primary activity, students should review the terms of each position carefully, communicate their availability to clients, and avoid accepting work that could interfere with their attendance or academic progress.
3. Part-Time Jobs
Part-time employment is common among international students in Japan. The availability of suitable work varies by location, Japanese-language ability, class schedule, and the conditions attached to the student’s immigration permission. Students can search for opportunities in large cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as in regional areas.
There are several ways to find a part-time job in Japan. Students may use recruitment websites such as GaijinPot Jobs, language-tutoring platforms such as Hello-Sensei, or job boards and career services at Japanese-language schools and universities. Before accepting a position, students should confirm that the employer accepts international students and that the work complies with their immigration permission.
According to JASSO’s official part-time work guidance, common job categories include restaurants, sales, factory work, teaching or research assistance, hotel work, language teaching, general administration, warehouse work, and translation or interpretation. The average hourly wage reported in its 2023 survey was approximately ¥1,300, while average monthly earnings among privately financed international students who worked part time were approximately ¥81,000. Actual wages vary by occupation, location, experience, and language ability, and students should not expect part-time work to cover all tuition and living expenses.
FAQs: Working While Studying in Japan
Is there a Work-Study Program in Japan?
Japan does not use one standardized work-study model across all universities. Instead, some Japanese universities offer paid positions such as teaching assistantships and research assistantships. These positions are commonly available to graduate students, although eligibility depends on the university, department, degree level, and nature of the work.
One example is Kyoto Pharmaceutical University. Its current English-language page states that doctoral students may apply for research assistant positions through a selection process. Research assistants may work up to 50 hours per month and are paid ¥2,000 per hour, for an approximate annual allowance of ¥1.2 million.
Can You Work in Japan While on A Student Visa?
International students cannot work under the “Student” status of residence alone. Before beginning paid employment, they must obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under their status of residence. The current application requirements generally include an application form and presentation of the applicant’s passport and residence card. Students can learn more about the overall process in this Japan student visa guide.
Once permission has been granted, international students can generally work up to 28 hours per week and up to eight hours per day during officially designated long school holidays. Employment must not interfere with their studies, and work in adult-entertainment businesses or related establishments is prohibited. A student’s dependent spouse must obtain separate permission before engaging in part-time work.
Finding suitable work while studying in Japan can provide not only supplemental income but also experience, language practice, and opportunities for career and personal development. Students planning to work should choose positions that comply with immigration regulations, fit around their academic schedules, and support rather than hinder their studies.
We hope this article has introduced you to several work options available while studying in Japan. If you have not yet decided what you would like to study, explore these available programs for international students. You can also visit our Study in Japan guide for more articles.
