All international students who hold a “Student” Residence Status, including MEXT Scholars, may engage in part-time work provided they follow the relevant laws. Understand, however, that MEXT Scholars who break the laws related to international students’ part-time work are subject to revocation of MEXT Scholarship, and all international students who break these laws are subject to revocation of their “Student” Residence Status. Please read through these regulations carefully before engaging in any form of part-time work. MEXT Scholars, and University Recommended “Special Type” scholars in particular since they must meet certain GPA standards in order to maintain scholarship, should understand full well that the International Center will not provide individualized warnings about scholars’ grades or GPA. MEXT Scholars are entirely responsible to keep track of their own grades and GPA, and to earn grades high enough to maintain their government sponsorship status.
■Mandatory Procedures in order to be Eligible to Receive an Income/Wages
With the exception of Educational Supporter (ES), Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions here at the university, international students (incl. MEXT Scholars) must have a “Permit to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted” (hereinafter “Part-time Work Permit”) before they may engage in any activities for which wages are paid or gratuity (including travel expenses) is rendered. Scholars who wish to work but do not already have a “Part-time Work Permit” should apply for one at the Immigration Bureau. Please follow the instructions on the bureau’s homepage to file an application.
Immigration Bureau “Part-time Work Permit” Page: Application for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence ...
■Precautions
Not only just MEXT Scholars but all international students are subject to fines and punishment including imprisonment and deportation if they work outside of the parameters allowed by the “Part-time Work Permit.” For these reasons, make sure to carefully read through the “ARUBAITO” section of International Center’s FAQ site, before beginning any part-time work.
👨🔧Part-time Jobs (ARUBAITO) – International Center
■Permitted part-time work hours
International Students may work a maximum of 28 hours/week during the semester when courses are in session. During the summer, winter, and spring vacations, international students may work a maximum of 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Take a careful look at the university’s academic calendar when scheduling any part-time work. Finally, if you apply for an extension of your period of residence, your previously obtained “Part-time Work Permit” (if any) will be rendered invalid. Apply for a new “Part-time Work Permit” after the application for extension of your residence period is approved.
■Notifying the University before starting part-time work is no longer required
Previously, MEXT Scholars who wished to engage in part-time work for which wages are paid needed to submit a “MEXT Scholar Part Time Job Notification” form to the International Center. Starting from April 2026, however, submission of this form is longer required. While reporting is no longer necessary, please comply with all rules such as obtaining “Part-time Work Permit” and adhering to permitted working hours when engaging in part-time work.