Located in Asia, Japan is home to about 123 million people. Japan has one of the world’s largest economies and offers international students a broad range of higher education opportunities through its higher education system and universities. Japan also has a low crime rate, although students should still take normal safety precautions.
Japanese is the main language used in daily life. However, international students may benefit from learning Japanese and, depending on their program, demonstrating English proficiency. If you are looking for an exciting study-abroad destination, consider Japan and prepare to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture.
If you are planning to study here, read on as we discuss the different language tests used in Japan.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Japan
International students who wish to study in Japan should check the admissions guidelines for their chosen university and program. Required tests vary. Japanese-taught programs may require proof of Japanese-language proficiency, while many universities ask applicants to provide proof of English proficiency. Each test has its own scoring system, and universities may set program-specific requirements.
Japanese Language Tests for International Students
The following are two commonly used examinations for applicants to Japanese universities.
1. Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
The JLPT measures and certifies the Japanese-language proficiency of non-native speakers. It has five levels, ranging from N5, the easiest level, to N1, the most difficult. The examination assesses language knowledge, including vocabulary and grammar, as well as reading and listening skills. In Japan, the JLPT is generally held twice a year, in July and December. Outside Japan, some cities hold the test only once a year, either in July or December.
Each JLPT level has a maximum total score of 180 points. However, the overall passing score differs by level: 100 points for N1, 90 points for N2, 95 points for N3, 90 points for N4, and 80 points for N5. Applicants must also meet the required minimum score for each scoring section. Universities and programs may set their own JLPT level requirements, so applicants should review the admissions guidelines for their chosen program.
Requirements vary by university and program. Before applying to the University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, Kyushu University, or another institution, review the current admissions guide for your specific program.
2. Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
The EJU is an admissions examination for international students who wish to study at Japanese universities and other higher education institutions. It is administered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and is generally offered twice a year, in June and November.
The EJU includes subject tests in Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. Applicants select the subject tests required by their chosen university. The Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics tests are available in Japanese or English, while the Japanese as a Foreign Language test is administered in Japanese.
The Japanese as a Foreign Language subject includes reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and listening-reading comprehension sections worth a total of 400 points, as well as a writing section worth 50 points. Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics are each worth 200 points. There is no universal passing score for the EJU. Universities use EJU results as part of their admissions processes and may set their own score requirements.
JASSO lists many national and public universities that use EJU scores, including Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Hokkaido University, and The University of Osaka.
English Language Tests for International Students
Japanese universities may accept different forms of proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores vary by institution and program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is a widely used English-language proficiency test. IELTS Academic assesses four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Test availability depends on the test center and format. Universities set their own minimum score requirements, so applicants should review the requirements for their chosen program.
Before applying to Kyoto University, The University of Osaka, Sophia University, or another institution, check the current admissions guide for your specific program.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL iBT is an English-language proficiency test administered by ETS. It assesses four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, score reports use a 1-to-6 scale for each section and for the overall score. During a two-year transition period, score reports also include a comparable overall score on the previous 0-to-120 scale. Universities set their own minimum TOEFL score requirements.
Before applying to Hiroshima University, Sophia University, Tohoku University, or another institution, check the current admissions guide for your specific program.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online English-language examination that can be taken from home. It reports an overall score on a scale of 10 to 160 and provides individual subscores for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. Some programs in Japan accept the test, but acceptance and score requirements vary.
Do not assume that every university or program accepts the Duolingo English Test. For example, the 2026 J3 admissions guide for the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies listed TOEFL iBT, IELTS, TOEIC L&R and TOEIC S&W, and Cambridge English as accepted options, but it did not list the Duolingo English Test. Always review the current admissions guide for your specific program.
Japan offers international students a wide range of higher education opportunities. Depending on the university and program, applicants may need to provide proof of Japanese-language proficiency, English-language proficiency, or both.
We hope the information we have provided on the language tests used in Japan for international students has been helpful. Check out these Available Programs to explore the possibilities that await in the Land of the Rising Sun. You can also visit our Study in Japan page for further details.
