Education & Training Benefit: Rates & How to Apply [2026]
- The education and training benefit is a scheme that pays back part of your course fees when an employment-insurance member (and others) completes a designated course.
- Foreign residents are eligible too, as long as they meet the employment-insurance requirements.
- This article explains the three types, their payment rates, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
- There is a deadline for applying (see the article for details).
The education and training benefit pays back part of your course fees when an employment-insurance member (or someone within a set period after leaving) completes a designated course. It lowers the cost of reskilling and qualifications. Foreign residents qualify if they meet the employment-insurance requirements.
① Three types and rates
| Type | Rate (cap) |
|---|---|
| General training | 20% of fees (up to ¥100,000) |
| Specified general training | 40% of fees (up to ¥200,000). For courses starting from October 2024, an additional 10% (up to ¥50,000/yr) is added if you obtain the qualification and get hired |
| Professional & practical training | 50% (up to ¥400,000/yr); 70% if you gain the qualification and get hired; 80% if your wage then rises 5%+ (up to ¥640,000/yr) |
② Requirements (guide)
- A minimum insured period on the start date (about 1 year for general / specified-general on first use; about 2 years for professional & practical on first use)
- If you left a job, within 1 year from the day after leaving
- The course must be designated by the Ministry
③ How to apply
- Before starting: for specified-general and professional & practical, do eligibility confirmation and career counseling at Hello Work first
- After finishing: claim at Hello Work with receipts, the completion certificate and ID
Deadline to apply
There is a deadline for claiming the benefit. For general and specified-general training, the basic rule is to apply within one month from the day after completing the course. Missing the deadline may mean you cannot receive the benefit, so be careful. See How to use Hello Work for the claims process.
Counting insured periods from previous jobs
The insured period required to qualify may be cumulated from previous employers even if you changed jobs. However, if there was a long gap between jobs or you previously received the benefit, the rules differ. Check with Hello Work for your specific situation. If you are currently unemployed, see Unemployment benefit (basic allowance); for work eligibility, see Work permit for foreigners.
New from October 2025: Education & Training Leave Benefit
From October 2025, a new scheme (Education & Training Leave Benefit) allows people who have been insured for 5 or more years to receive a benefit when they take unpaid leave for training purposes. Check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare / Hello Work for the latest requirements.
FAQ
Can foreigners use it?Yes, if you meet the employment-insurance requirements, whether employed or recently left.
What can it be used for?A wide range of designated courses: care work, IT, languages, bookkeeping, nursing and more.
How much comes back?From 20% (general, up to ¥100,000) to up to 80% for professional & practical (with caps).
Is there a deadline to apply?For general and specified-general training, the basic rule is to apply within one month from the day after completing the course. Missing the deadline may mean you cannot receive the benefit.
Are insured periods from previous jobs counted together?Previous insured periods may be combined (cumulated) even if you changed jobs. However, if there was a long gap between jobs or you previously received the benefit, the rules differ — check with Hello Work.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
💡 Reviewing your household finances
The Education & Training Benefit supports reskilling and career development. For the full picture of other benefits you may qualify for, see the Benefits & allowances guide; for longer-term planning such as income and retirement, the Pension guide can help you organize your household finances.
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