Part-time Work

Approximately 67% of privately financed international students in Japan are working part-time. They earn about 59,000 yen (413 USD) per month on average.

By solely depending on part-time work, it is impossible to cover all school expenses and cost of living. Be sure to make an appropriate financial plan so that you do not have to depend too much on income from part-time work.

When engaging in part-time work in Japan, you must abide by the conditions stated below. Failure to do so may result in punishment and even deportation.
1. Apply for "permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted" at the nearest immigration services bureau.
2. The part-time work does not affect your studies.
3. The earned income is meant to supplement your academic cost and necessary expenses and not for saving or for remittance overseas.
4. The part-time work engaged in is not in adult entertainment businesses. Note: Prohibited by law.
5. Within 28 hours a week (up to eight hours a day during the long school holidays)
6. The part-time work is done while you retain student status in an educational institution.

Key points to consider when deciding on part-time work:

Do not get distracted from your purpose--studying in Japan -- or work so hard that you damage your health.

Will this job hinder to your studies?

Will you be affected the following day by working long hours or late at night?

Wages and payment method

Are your wages paid daily, weekly or monthly? Are your wages paid in cash or via bank transfer?

Is the work safe?

Is your working environment safe? Is there insurance against on-the-job accidents?
Ask the school to refer you to part-time jobs.

Important Point

Every year, we see international students who are forced to leave Japan as they cannot extend their period of authorized stay in the country due to their low school-attendance rates because they work part-time and neglect their studies. You have to be very careful not to let this situation happen.

Types of part-time job in which international students are employed

	Category	Ratio
1	Restaurant business	35.0%
2	Sales	30.2%
3	Factory worker	6.1%
4	Teaching or research assistant	5.6%
5	Language teacher	3.9%
6	Delivery	3.5%
7	Cleaning	3.2%
8	General administration	2.9%
9	Translation/interpreting	2.9%

Hourly Wage for Part-Time Work

Hourly Wage	Ratio
Less than 800 yen	1.5%
800 to less than 1,000 yen	32.6%
1,000 to less than 1,200 yen	49.0%
1,200 to less than 1,400 yen	10.6%
More than 1,400 yen	6.0%

Beware of frauds and scams promising high-paying jobs while studying in Japan

In recent years, some study abroad brokers have been spreading the following misinformation, so please be careful.

"You can earn 3,000 yen (about 27 USD) per hour working part-time." ⇒ × The average hourly wage is about 1,000 yen (about 7 USD).

"You'll be able to earn 200,000 to 300,000 yen a month working at a part-time job while studying in Japan; you'll be able to cover your school and living expenses and send money home." ⇒ × This is not possible. The average is around 59,000 yen (413 USD).

(using the calculation 1 USD = 140 yen)

Source: 2021 Lifestyle Survey of Privately Financed International Students (JASSO)