Jobs in Japan For Foreigners Without a Degree

Can I work in Japan even if I don’t have a degree?” Have you considered it? Or have you heard that from a friend or relative? Many people have fantasized about going to Japan to work and live. According to The Japan Times, there are 1,658,804 foreign employees in the country as of October 2019, the greatest number on record.

The Japanese government believes that additional workers are needed because the country’s population is increasingly aging. But, even if you don’t have a degree, will you be able to work in the country?

Is it Possible to Get a Working Visa Without a Degree?

There are various sorts of work visas in Japan. Because some of these categories have specific educational requirements that candidates must complete, high school graduates or diploma holders are ineligible. So, how exactly do you qualify? If you do not have a degree but have ten years of experience in the position you want to apply for, you will qualify.

To illustrate, consider the following job posting for a Marketing Director. The following are the requirements:

Skills

• Financial and analytical abilities are required.
• Understanding of the commercial elements of the medicine/vaccine, from development through launch.
• Capability to use important consumer insights from patients, payers, and providers to drive crucial marketing choices and projections.
• Communication and negotiation skills that are appropriate for a wide range of audiences, including senior management.

Education/Language Skills:

• BA/BS in Business or a similar field.
• Both English and Japanese are fluent.

With the stated requirements, we may conclude that a non-degree holder will not be qualified for the position due to educational requirements.

• Must be currently residing in Japan.
• A valid visa and the right to work in Japan are required.
• Capable of conversing in conversational Japanese.
• A construction project manager with prior experience is preferred.
• Capable of starting work immediately.

This position just necessitates prior experience. This indicates that non-degree holders can qualify if they submit their employment certificate. But what if you don’t meet the academic requirements but also don’t have adequate work experience? Let’s look at the several forms of work visas that don’t require a degree.

Read More: Japanese Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2024 – Apply Now

What are the Types of Working Visas that Do Not Require a Degree?

Japan has various sorts of work visas, thirteen (13) of which will allow you to work in Japan even if you do not have a degree. The following are the various work visas:

Japan has various sorts of work visas, thirteen (13) of which will allow you to work in Japan even if you do not have a degree. The following are the various work visas:

• Professor
• Artist
• Religious activities
• Journalist
• Business Manager
• Legal/Accounting services
• Medical services
• Inter-company transfer

• Nursing care
• Performer
• Skilled worker
• Specified skilled worker
• Technical intern
• Researcher
• Instructor
• Humanities/International services

Alternative Visas that Allow Working in Japan

Though the Specified Skilled Worker visa is listed in the list above, we would like to underline that this form of visa, which was established a year ago, has made it easier for foreigners to work in Japan even if they do not have a degree. To be eligible for this visa, candidates must have an N4 Japanese language level or higher and pass a new Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) administered in each industry. These sectors are as follows:

• Care Worker
• Building Cleaning Management
• Machine Parts and Tooling Industries
• Industrial Machinery Industry
• Electric, Electronics, and Information Industries
• Construction Industry
• Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry
• Automobile repair and maintenance
• Aviation industry
• Accommodation industry
• Agriculture
• Fishery and aquaculture
• Manufacture of food and beverages
• Foodservice industry

The Working Holiday visa will also make it easier for you to find a job in Japan. This type of visa is based on a bilateral agreement between Japan and its partner nations that allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to stay in each country during vacations while also having the possibility to work temporarily and part-time. Japan updated its list of 26 partner countries on April 1, 2020, including:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Republic of Korea
• France
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Denmark
• Taiwan
• Hong Kong
• Norway
• Portugal
• Poland
• Slovakia
• Austria
• Hungary
• Spain
• Argentina
• Chile
• Iceland
• Czech
• Lithuania
• Sweden
• Estonia
• Netherlands

This is an opportunity for a foreigner to stay in Japan and work. However, if you have this type of visa, you are not permitted to work in bars, nightclubs, gambling institutions, or any other establishment that may hurt one’s morality. Working in the above-mentioned establishments is a violation of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which is punishable by deportation. For further information on this sort of visa, see the page “What is Japan Working Holiday Visa?”

The student visa is another type of visa that may allow you to work in Japan. This sort of visa, as the name implies, is for individuals who plan to study in Japan, acquire the Japanese language, or obtain a degree. However, you can only work part-time or up to 28 hours each week with this form of visa. If you pursue a university degree after completing a Japanese language course, you will have a better chance of finding full-time employment in Japan.

Registered Nurse – International Sponsorship available

POSITION STATUS: Time, Fixed Term (Note: Visa Holders and International Nurses requiring sponsorship are invited to apply for this position).

CLASSIFICATION: YP3 to YP9 (Salary Range $71,333 to $95,378). Depending on qualifications & experience. The successful candidate will work across Yarrawonga Health (Aged Care & Acute).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Nursing Registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Agency (AHPRA).
• Visa-qualified applicants and overseas applicants requiring sponsorship must also meet the AHPRA registration standards. It would benefit your application, should you already have your AHPRA registration.

Essential:

• Clinical knowledge and skills related to acute, medical/surgical services
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively in an environment of change and continuous improvement
• Experience working independently
• Computer skills
• To have previous experience as a Registered Nurse, in an Aged Care setting or a generalist setting.

Desirable:

• Membership of relevant professional body.
• Minimum three years experience.
• Knowledge of and experience in quality improvement activities

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information regarding the role contact: Marguerite Grant, Workforce Resourcing and Planning Officer at (03) 5743 8540 or email marguerite.grant@yh.org.au

All employment with Yarrawonga Health is subject to and conditional upon a satisfactory Police Check and Victorian ‘Employee’ Working with Children’s Check.

Yarrawonga Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.

All healthcare workers are required to have mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and evidence of vaccination will be required before commencement.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All applications are to be submitted via Yarrawonga Health’s website www.yh.org.au/Careers/Positons-Vacant.

Please submit your application including a cover letter & resume.

Guest Experience Host

At Travel + Leisure Co., our mission is simple: to put the world on vacation. Our vacation ownership brands, Club Wyndham, Worldmark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Shell Vacations Club, include more than 245 vacation club resort locations across the globe. Innovation and growth keep our work interesting and fun. Every day is a chance to learn something new and turn vacation inspiration into exceptional experiences for millions of travelers worldwide.

GO WHERE YOU GROW

Discover a career fuelled by possibility at Wyndham Destinations. If you love meeting new people and have an enthusiastic approach to delivering excellent customer service, join our Seven Mile Beach team as a Guest Experience Host today!

How You’ll Shine

• Generate sales appointments for our sales centers located at our amazing resorts and via live stream
• Establish commonality and build rapport with your customers to ensure an exceptional experience is delivered
• Work closely with the resort operations team to provide a high level of service and a seamless transition for owners and guests through the check-in process
• Clearly articulate the benefit of traveling within the Wyndham Destinations community
• Meet targets and KPIs as set by the business
• This role requires you to be available for weekend and public holiday shifts.

This fast-paced environment would suit customer-obsessed individuals who are passionate about providing exceptional experiences and booking guests in to learn more about the benefits of holidaying with Club Wyndham!

How You’ll Be Rewarded

Build your career with a value-driven organization that promotes continual growth and development for its people. Some of our many benefits on offer include:

• Discounted hotel stays across the world
• Subsidized Private Health Insurance (upon successful completion of probation period)
• Professional development funding
• Base hourly rate coupled with performance-based incentives
• Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Recognition Programs

What You’ll Bring

To be successful in this role, you will be:

• No experience required
• Genuine passion for customer service and the local area
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and positive individual
• Immaculate presentation and professional grooming standards
• High levels of computer literacy
• Previous experience with a PMS system (Opera) advantageous
• Have the ability to recognize and solve problems in the workplace
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, public and school holidays.

Benefits of Jobs in Japan For Foreigners Without a Degree

• Language Acquisition and Exposure: Working in Japan can offer significant advantages in terms of language exposure and educational prospects. Possessing a native speaker environment can improve one’s language abilities.
• A Cultural Exploration: Engaging in employment in Japan provides an unparalleled cultural encounter. Employed foreigners without a degree may be allowed to become acquainted with Japanese work culture, customs, and traditions.
• Skill Enhancement: While certain occupations in Japan may not necessitate a formal degree, they may require particular competencies or vocational training. Foreign nationals have the opportunity to acquire practical work experience and hone job-related skills.
• Engaging in networking: Establishing a professional network in Japan may prove advantageous in terms of prospective employment prospects. Expanding one’s network with colleagues, industry professionals, and local contacts has the potential to unlock novel opportunities.
• Possibilities for Progression: Although beginning a career without a degree may initially restrict one’s job prospects, showcasing one’s abilities, commitment, and dependability may result in advancement opportunities within an organization.
• Temporary and Part-Time Positions: Certain non-degree-holding foreign nationals may be able to secure transitory or part-time work, particularly in sectors that require manual labor or specialized abilities. Engaging in this activity may yield financial benefits and practical experience.
• Exploring Entrepreneurial Prospects: Certain individuals may choose to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, such as freelancing or establishing a small company, that do not inherently demand a formal academic background.

How to Apply?

The following are the general prerequisites for applying for a work visa in Japan:

• Resume/Comprehensive vitae
• Passport
• Visa application form
• Photograph
• Original copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). 

If you do not have a degree but have at least 10 years of experience in the field in which you wish to work in Japan, you must submit proof of employment from each company for which you have worked.

You must first pass the skills exam and the Japanese language test before signing an employment contract with the accepting organization where you will work for the Specified Skilled Worker visa.

Each country with which Japan has a partnership has various requirements and processes for obtaining a Working Holiday visa. Because this is a bilateral agreement, the only option to apply for this sort of visa is to go to your home country’s Japanese embassy or consulate general.

Those applying for a student visa must get a certificate of admission from the school where they have enrolled. Other documents may be requested, depending on your home country’s consulate. Our second article goes into greater detail about how to apply for this type of visa.

These documents must be delivered to the Japanese embassy or consulate. You will also be required to take tests or exams. Just a reminder to receive your original copy of your CoE after your visa has been approved. Even if you don’t have a degree, the process will take time and effort, but it will be worthwhile after you get your work visa.

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