The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is the main entrance exam used to evaluate whether international students have the necessary Japanese language skills and academic abilities required to enter and study higher education in Japan.
In this article, all you need to know about EJU including the examination syllables, preparing for the exams, where and when you can take the EJU, and more.
Table of Contents
- Research and Information Collecting
- University Entrance Exams in Japan
- Examination for Japanese University Admission (for international students)
- Useful Tips for Successful Admission into Japanese Universities
Research and Information Collection Before Anything Else
Like any big life-changing event, preparation is key. Before going out of your way to study and sit for the EJU, you should first sit down and think about what study abroad experience you are looking for:
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What do you want to study in Japan?
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What studying environment is right for you; urban or rural?
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Are you looking for tuition waivers and scholarships?
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Do you want a more hands-on curriculum with many extracurricular activities?
After that, you should look up information about studying abroad in Japan. What universities and majors there are in Japan, and when you’ve gotten a feel of what you are looking to study and short-listed some universities, then check the entry requirements and entrance exam you need to take. Source your information from reputable organizations, such as:
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Benesse (Japanese Only)
You can also check Global University Rankings like Times Higher Education, QS, and Shanghai Ranking. In addition, many brochures, books and magazines about studying in Japan can be found at Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) representative offices and information centers abroad. JASSO also provides consulting services at some of their overseas representative offices, like Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Many of their resources are available online here. The “Student Guide to Japan” and “Scholarship for International Students in Japan” guides are particularly helpful.
What is JASSO?
JASSO, abbreviation for Japan Student Services Organization, is an organization under the Ministry of Education, Culture Sports Science and Technology (文部科学省 monbuka gakushou), also known as MEXT.
JASSO specializes in providing student service support. Their duties include providing information about studying in Japan to those interested in studying in Japan, administering scholarship and loan programmes, and general student support services.
※ JASSO Study in Japan
How to Study in Japan, An Essential Guide to Becoming an International Student in Japan is a helpful article to guide you on your path to studying abroad in Japan. It covers 7 easy steps from researching about studying abroad to Japan, to timelines for entry applications, and finally to visa procedures and departure to Japan.
Writer's Pick
University Entrance Exams in Japan
Even applying for university and sitting for entrance exams requires strategy. To build an effective plan, you need to first decide on what you need to do and prepare.
Entrance Exams in Japan
Depending on the entry requirements and conditions of each school, and each individual’s circumstances, there may be different stages of entrance exams. However, generally, university entrance exams in Japan for international students will contain the following:
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Japanese Language Proficiency Test
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Basic Knowledge of Science and Society in English or Japanese (evaluated through EJU or the university’s own entrance exam)
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Interview in Japanese or English (conducted in-person or online)
Application for Admission into Japanese University
In most cases, your application should contain the following documents and information.
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Admission Form (download from the university’s website or go directly to the university’s admission office)
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Academic Transcript
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High School Graduation Certificate/Diploma
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EJU Score Transcript
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Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Score Certificate (depends on school)
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English Proficiency Test Score Certificate (usually IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or TOEIC, if you come from a non-native English speaking country and the course you are applying for requires English proficiency)
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Letter of Recommendation (depends on school)
For the most accurate information, check with the university / faculty that you are interested in applying to.
Cost of University Entrance Exams in Japan
The cost of university entrance exams in Japan is categorized as “costs incurred before arrival in Japan”, specifically “expenses for taking the entrance exam”.
For the full breakdown of costs for studying abroad in Japan, we recommend reading Study in Japan Cost Breakdown: Tuition, Living Cost, Part Time Job.
University Entrance Exam Registration Fees
In order to enrol in a Japanese university, university admission application fees are required in addition to examination fees for taking the EJU, JLPT, English proficiency test, etc. The exact cost depends on many factors, for example, whether university is national, public or private, etc. The only way to be sure is to check with the university itself.
Postage Fees for Application Submission
Presently, most universities in Japan accept applications online on the school’s website, but there are still places that require applicants to submit their applications directly to the school by mail.
In such cases, most schools bear the postage fee, but there are still schools that do not. It will cost the candidate from 200~500 yen to send it within Japan, but will surely cost much more for international postage.
Travel and Lodging Expenses
Whether abroad or in Japan, you will definitely have to pay the cost of travelling from home to the test administering site. If the venue is far from home, you may also need to pay for overnight accommodation to ensure you are on time for the exam, and to maintain your health which is important for doing well on the exam!
Unfortunately for EJU test-takers whose home country does not administer the test, you will also need to incur flight costs and perhaps more than 1 nights accommodation as the EJU can only be taken in Japan and administering countries. More on this below.
Examination for Japanese University Admission (for international students)
What is EJU?
The university entrance exam in Japan for international students is called EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) . It is an exam to assess Japanese language ability and basic academic knowledge such as math. This exam is almost always mandatory for international students who want to study in Japanese universities. To put it simply, the EJU is the Japanese university entrance exam for international students.
According to Japan Study Support (JPSS, 98% of national universities and 61% of public universities in Japan require applicants to have EJU test results. Meanwhile, 52% of private universities in Japan require them. In other words, by taking the EJU exam, you will have more choices of universities to choose from.
※ JPSS, “Testing and university entrance examinations for international students”
For a list of universities and other higher education institutions that use EJU, check here.
Not sure what the difference is between national, public and private universities? Our University Education System in Japan article will explain everything you need to know.
Where and when can you take the EJU exam?
EJU Examination Schedule
The EJU is held 2 times a year:
- 1st Session: June (Registration in February and March; Results available around July)
- 2nd Session: November (Registration in July, Results available around December)
※ Check JASSO’s EJU page for the exact dates which changes every year.
EJU Examination Locations
The EJU can be taken in Japan and in certain countries and regions outside Japan.
EJU Exam Sites in Japan
17 Prefectures Across Japan:
Hokkaido, Miyagi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Aichi, Fukuoka, Okinawa
14 Countries and Regions Outside Japan, including 18 Cities:
India (New Delhi), Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya), Korea (Seoul, Busan), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai), Taiwan (Taipei), Philippines (Manila) , Vietnam (Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh), Hong Kong, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Myanmar (Yangon), Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar), Russia (Vladivostok)
※ Check the examination sites (in Japan & outside Japan), renewed every year, on JASSO’s page (Japanese).
What if my country is not on the list? Must I go to Japan to take the EJU?
According to JASSO, you can take the EJU in Japan or any other country/region that adminsiters the exam if the exam is not held in your country. In such a situation, make sure to check the application procedure properly as it may differ from place to place.
※ JASSO, “FAQ for EJU”
Regulations and Things to Note About the EJU
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Anyone can take the EJU exam, there are no restrictions on age or number of sittings.
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The exam can be taken any number of times, and the highest achieved score can be used to apply to a Japanese university.
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There is no passing or failing the EJU exam, only high or low scores. To get into a top university in Japan, study hard to achieve a high score.
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Universities (faculties) that use the EJU as their entrance exam will decide on the exam subject and test scores that applicants need to achieve to be granted admission. Some schools require only results from 1 session (June or November exam), but there are also schools that require results from 2 sessions. At the same time, there are also schools that do not require EJU test results, or have their own prepared entrance exam. Therefore, before applying for the EJU exam, you need to find out the entry requirements of the school you are interested in, and make sure that information is the latest and accurate.
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EJU scores are valid for 2 years only.
Benefits of Taking the EJU
EJU may be mandatory for admission into some universities, but there are also perks that come with taking the EJU.
Scholarship Opportunities
If you score excellent results in the EJU, will be self-funding your study abroad to Japan, and want to enroll in a Japanese university (undergraduate level), junior college, technical college (3rd year onwards), or vocational school, then you are eligible to apply for the “Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship” offered by MEXT. The scholarship offers a monthly stipend for a fixed period of time, provided the student meets the requirements of the school for the duration of their studies.
- Scholarship Amount: 48,000 yen per month
- How to Apply: When registering for EJU, indicate your interest in applying for the scholarship.
- Selection Method: Students who score exceptionally well in the EJU exam
※ JASSO, “Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students” (Check for more details.)
Moreover, depending on the school, you may have the opportunity to receive 50% ~ 100% tuition waiver, or other support from the university. Confirm the details with the university you are interested in.
In addition, not just government and school scholarships, having a high EJU score may also give you opportunities to receive scholarships from other private organizations.
We recommend reading Study in Japan for Free with Japanese Scholarships to discover the many different types of scholarships for studying in Japan.
Pre-Arrival Admission to Universities (if you are abroad)
Some universities in Japan have “Pre-Arrival Admission”, which means that you have secured your admission to the institution while still in your home country. You do not need to go to Japan to take the EJU, which means you can save on travel and accommodation costs. The results of your EJU taken outside Japan will be considered by the university in Japan to grant you admission. Your EJU results will be reviewed as follows:
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Take the EJU in your home country or any other country/region and submit your application to a university in Japan (usually done online).
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Your EJU scores and other academic records (high school transcripts, etc.) will be evaluated, and your application for admission will either be accepted or rejected.
In addition, the examination fees for EJU may be cheaper in your home country compared to Japan. As of December 2022, the examination fees for EJU in Japan is 10,000 yen for 1 subject, and 18,000 yen for 2~3 subjects. Check here for the examination fees of all EJU administering locations.
For a list of schools offering pre-arrival admission using EJU, check here.
EJU Subjects
4 subjects are examined in the EJU. Below is a table of the 4 subjects as well as details about what it covers, exam time, score range, and language it can be taken in. If you’re wondering, yes, there are subjects that can be taken in English.
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Subject of |
Aim of Study |
Exam Time |
Score Range |
Exam Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Japanese as a |
Evaluates Japanese language abilities |
125 mins |
・0~400 - Reading comprehension, ・0~50 - Writing |
Japanese Only |
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Mathematics |
Evaluates basic mathematical skills |
80 mins |
0 ~ 200 |
Optional Japanese |
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Science |
Evaluates basic science knowledge |
80 mins |
0 ~ 200 |
|
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Japan and |
Evaluates basic liberal arts knowledge |
80 mins |
0 ~ 200 |
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For Science, select 2 from physics, chemistry and biology depending on the university’s entry requirements and the major you’re going to study.
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For Mathematics, choose from basic math or advanced math depending on the university’s entry requirements and the major you’re going to study.
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You can only choose Science or Japan and the World, not both.
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All subjects are tested by multiple choice questions except for the writing section for Japanese.
※ JASSO, “Guidelines for the EJU”
EJU Exam Syllabus + Past Years Exam Papers
The breakdown for each subject’s syllabus and past years exam papers are available on the JASSO website. It is recommended to go through the syllabus breakdown to know what you need to prepare for the exam, and to attempt as many past year exam papers as you can.
Exam Syllabus:
https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/examinee/syllabus/index.html
Past Year Papers (in Japanese and English:
https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/examinee/pastpaper_sample/index.html
If you notice after perusing the above link, not all subjects are provided for every year. In this case, you can purchase the EJU Question Booklet publications or browse them at Study in Japan Resource Facilities or EJU/JASSO Overseas Representative Offices in certain countries. Check here for more information.
Registration for EJU Exam
Instructions to register for the EJU Exam are provided in detail by JASSO here, but here’s a quick summary of what you need to know.
For taking EJU in Japan
Application for EJU in Japan is easy enough, simply visit EJU Online to submit your application for the exam. There are 3 application methods:
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Individual Application: Apply and pay fees yourself.
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Group Application (Batch Registration): Through school or group coordinator.
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Group Application (Individual Application-Collective): Register your information, then school or group coordinator will handle the rest.
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Examination Fee: 10,000 yen for 1 subject, 18,000 yen for 2~3 subjects (non-refundable once paid)
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EJU Online Link: https://eju-online.jasso.go.jp/src/CMNLOGIN010.php
For taking EJU in countries that administer EJU
Apply through the overseas representative office in the respective country. Application methods may differ from country to country: mail, in-person, or online application. Contact the relevant overseas representative office for more details.
For taking EJU in countries that do not administer EJU
The EJU must be taken in Japan or in a country that administers the test.
EJU applicants from these countries must:
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Find a proxy who can handle all application procedures.
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Understand the language that will be used to give instruction in the examination room.
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Handle all visa-related matters for entering Japan or a country that administers EJU themselves.
※ JASSO
Useful Tips for Successful Admission into Japanese Universities
With this article, we hope you have equipped yourself with the basic knowledge about entrance exams in Japan and the EJU. In addition to studying hard for the exams, you should also (1) actively participate in extracurricular activities (internship, volunteering, clubs, etc.) , (2) participate in school, community, district competitions to increase experience and gain experience. This will help you a lot in promoting yourself during the interview stage as well as make your application look more appealing.
