Studying in Japan isn’t just about improving your Japanese or experiencing a new culture — it can also be a chance to earn extra money on the side. Many international students take part-time jobs (アルバイト / arubaito) to support their living expenses, gain experience, and practice Japanese in real situations.
In this guide, DEOW Japan explains everything you need to know about working while studying in Japan: wages, job types, how Japanese proficiency affects opportunities, and where to find part-time and career-level jobs.
Can International Students Work in Japan?
Yes — as long as you follow the rules.
- Students with a student visa must apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence (資格外活動許可).
- With this permission, you can work up to 28 hours per week during school terms.
- During long holidays (summer, spring, winter), you may work more hours.
- Overworking or working in prohibited industries can put your visa at risk.
Learn more about studying and living in Japan with DEOW
Typical Part-Time Jobs for International Students
| Job Type | Japanese Requirement | Hourly Wage (¥) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English teaching / conversation school | None – Native English preferred | 1,200–2,500 | High demand for English speakers |
| Café / restaurant staff | Basic Japanese (N4) | 1,000–1,400 | Taking orders, serving |
| Convenience store (konbini) | N4+ | 950–1,200 | Register, customer service |
| Hotel / cleaning staff | Low–medium Japanese | 1,100–1,500 | Hospitality or housekeeping |
| Factory / warehouse | Minimal Japanese | 1,200–1,500 | Sorting, packaging |
| Translation / content | N2+ | 1,500+ | Bilingual skill required |
Check foreigner-friendly listings at GaijinPot Jobs or Work Japan.
How Much Can You Earn Monthly?
Your monthly earnings depend on hours worked and hourly wage.
- Average hourly wage in Japan: around ¥1,054/hr (higher in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto).
- Part-time work range: ¥1,000–¥1,400/hr for most student jobs.
- Average monthly income: around ¥59,000, but many earn ¥80,000–¥120,000+ if working 20–25 hours/week.
Example: 25 hours/week × ¥1,200/hr = ¥120,000/month (before tax).
While part-time wages won’t cover all living costs, they make a big difference for daily expenses.
Why Japanese Proficiency Matters
Your JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) level plays a huge role in the job market:
- N4 or below: Limited to service jobs (cafés, konbini, cleaning, English teaching).
- N3–N2: Wider range — front desk, receptionist, office assistant roles.
- N1: Access to professional fields (IT, engineering, business, marketing).
To secure a full-time career in Japan, you’ll usually need:
- JLPT N2 or N1 level Japanese.
- A Bachelor’s degree (required for most visa sponsorships).
If you don’t have a degree yet, attending a 専門学校 (senmon gakkō, vocational school) or Japanese university is a great option. DEOW Japan partners with many schools that prepare you for higher education and professional careers in Japan. See our list of schools here.
Job Hunting Sites in Japan
Here are the best websites for finding part-time and full-time jobs:
GaijinPot Jobs – Foreign-friendly listings.
Jobs in Japan – Wide range of positions.
Work Japan – Great for part-time near your area.
Baitoru – Large part-time job board.
Daijob – Bilingual professional careers.
Why Work While Studying in Japan?
- Extra income to cover food, transport, or fun experiences.
- Practical Japanese practice outside the classroom.
- Networking with locals and employers.
- Pathway to full-time jobs if you plan to stay after graduation.
Start Your Japan Journey with DEOW
At DEOW Japan, we support you from start to finish — language school applications, visas, and even pathways to universities and senmon gakkō. Many of our partner schools also offer career counseling to help you move into your dream job in Japan.
Ready to study, work, and live in Japan?
Contact DEOW Japan today
and let’s plan your future together.
