Entrance Examinations
There are a few examinations students may be required to take if they wish to study in Japan. Be sure to check the admissions guidelines of your school of choice and sit for the designated exam.
Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students
The EJU is an examination for international students wishing to enroll and study at Japanese universities (as undergraduates, etc.). It tests basic academic knowledge in the subjects of Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. There are no limitations on the number of times examinees may take the EJU or their age. Examination scores are valid for two years.
A total of 479 Japanese universities (over 60% of all universities in Japan), including most national universities, require EJU scores as part of their application.
Honors Scholarship: Students achieving high scores can receive a monthly scholarship reservation of 48,000 yen/monththrough the "Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students" (indicate interest when registering).
Examination Period
Held two times per year:
- First Round (June): Application in February–March, results in July.
- Second Round (November): Application in July, results in December.
Locations
In Japan: Administered in 17 prefectures.
Outside Japan: 13 countries and regions (17 cities) including:
Subjects & Scoring
Japanese (as a Foreign Language)
Tests academic Japanese proficiency. Includes Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, and Listening/Reading Comprehension (total 400 points) and Writing (50 points).
Science or Japan and the World
Tests basic understanding (worth 200 points). Offered in English and Japanese.
* Note: You cannot select both "Science" and "Japan and the World".
- Science: Choose two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Japan and the World: Combination of High School level Civics (Politics/Economics), Geography, and History.
Mathematics
Tests undergraduate math requirements (worth 200 points). Offered in English and Japanese. Choose Course 1 (liberal arts) or Course 2 (advanced math for science/engineering).
Resources & Inquiries
Written and edited by JASSO, published by Bonjinsha Inc. (includes CDs for listening comprehension). Can be viewed at Japan Resource Facilities.
Sample EJU QuestionsEJU Center: 0570-55-0585 (Outside Japan: +81-45-620-7243)
Email: eju@sdcj.co.jp
Japanese Language Proficiency Test
Certifies the overall Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers, evaluating characters, vocabulary, grammar, and reading/listening communication skills. Examinees fill in a scantron.
Levels of Proficiency
N1 (Highest): Ability to read newspapers, articles, and understand spoken lectures in detail.
N2: Ability to understand Japanese in everyday and business situations to a certain degree.
N3: Bridges the gap between basic (N4/N5) and advanced (N1/N2) Japanese.
N4 & N5: Tests basic understanding learned in fundamental Japanese courses.
Period: Held two times per year (July and December).
Locations: 47 prefectures in Japan and 96 countries/regions (280 cities) globally.
In Japan: Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES)
TEL: 03-6686-2974 (Outside Japan: +81-3-6686-2974)
Outside Japan: The Japan Foundation
Email: jlptinfo@jpf.go.jp | Fax: +81-3-5367-1025
Other Entrance Examinations
Unified/Common University Entrance Examination
Taken by Japanese students applying for national and some private universities. Most universities do not require international students to take this examination; however, it may be required for specific programs (mainly medical and dental courses).
Proof of English Proficiency
Most Japanese universities require proof of English proficiency in their application. Students should sit for TOEFL®, IELTS, TOEIC®, or Eiken exams.
Proof of Completion of Secondary Education
You may be required to submit transcripts or scores of standardized secondary tests from your home country, such as SAT, ACT, International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams, or other country-specific university entrance exams.