MMoving to Japan

Japan without a degree, 15 years work experience, other quals

  • February 4, 2025

First up apologies if you're all bored of seeing this sort of post. I have seen other posts just with straight up "No degree = not happening" however I feel as if my situation isn't the norm and I'm struggling to find similar online.

I'll just dive straight into it– I'm looking to move to Japan from the UK, I've left a career in aeronautical engineering after 15 years, as the title states no degree however NVQ Level 3 in Aeronautical Engineering and multiple other NVQ Level 2s in other subjects and I'm also a member of ImechE and a veteran.

I'm currently looking at applying for Japanese universities as it's far cheaper than the UK and worst case scenario, I just come home with a degree and start from the same point I do now but with 4 years experience living abroad.

I fall short of J-SKIP visa by 5 points (using their online calculator) and 99.99% of job applications are tailored towards US citizens or degree holders.

Just looking to see if there are other similar stories from first hand experience or others people are aware of and if there is something I'm not seeing? Potentially 5 points for the J-SKIP. Also uni recommendations as I feel as if that will be most beneficial to myself and will allow me to move into a sustainable / environmental career.

Thanks in advance for any advice / help / stories

by Leading_Ticket3526

5 comments

  1. It’s a bit unclear what you’re looking for here.

    You talk about having left your career, and then about looking into universities. But then you’re also talking about J-SKIP/HSP points. And *then* you talk about moving into an environmental career.

    So what are you looking for? University? An aeronautical engineering job? A job in a different field?

  2. You posted about five different ways to get around not having a degree. Maybe just going to school and earning one is the best option.

  3. What are you planning to study in Japan? Are you hoping to switch careers? If you are then your plan sounds more than doable. But if you’re looking to study something related to your career field you’d find it harder. Most people in your situation find it better to go to language school for 2 years instead.

  4. Since you have 15 years experience you may be able to skip a bachelors and pursue a masters degree.

  5. I say go for it. Go to school, get a degree, then find a quiet place to settle down. You need a visa to stay permanently (job, spouse visa, student visa, PR) but with a degree you could get a job visa until you’re here long enough to get PR or get married. With the passive income even an English teaching shit job should make you live relatively comfortably, especially in the country side.

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