To enter a Japanese university, international students must register for the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) during specific application windows in 2026. The registration for the first session runs from February 16 to March 12, 2026, while the second session registration takes place from July 6 to July 30, 2026. This guide outlines the exact steps, deadlines, and requirements you need to follow to successfully complete your application.
What are the EJU registration dates for 2026?
If you plan to take the EJU in 2026, you must submit your application within the strict periods designated by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). There are two exam sessions held each year:
- First Session (June Exam): The application period starts on February 16 (Monday) and closes on March 12 (Thursday), 2026. For online applications in Japan, the deadline is exactly 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).
- Second Session (November Exam): The application period starts on July 6 (Monday) and closes on July 30 (Thursday), 2026. For online applications in Japan, the system closes at 5:00 p.m. JST.
Make sure to prepare your documents and complete your registration well before these deadlines, as late submissions are not accepted.
How do I register for the EJU inside Japan?
If you are already living in Japan—for example, attending a Japanese language school—you must register online through the official EJU Online portal.
What application methods are available?
When applying within Japan, you can choose from three distinct registration formats:
- Individual Application: You complete the registration yourself on the website, pay the examination fee, make any necessary corrections, and receive your examination voucher directly.
- Group Application (Batch Registration Format): A group coordinator (such as your school representative) handles the registration, pays the fees, manages updates, and receives the vouchers for all applicants in the group.
- Group Application (Individual Application-Collective Format): You register your own information online first, and then your group coordinator handles the collective payment, makes changes, and receives the examination vouchers.
If you belong to a school, you should check with your teachers to confirm which method you are expected to use. Note that group coordinators can view the exam scores of all applicants in their group, but they must obtain written consent from each student beforehand. If you do not want your coordinator to access your scores, you must submit an individual application instead.
What are the photo and payment requirements?
For online applications in Japan, you must upload a digital portrait photo. The photo must show your front-faced upper body with no hat and a plain background. It must have been taken within the 6 months prior to your application.
To pay the examination fee, you can choose from three payment methods:
- Credit card
- Convenience store transaction
- Bank transfer (via ATM or Internet Banking)
How do I register for the EJU outside Japan?
If you are applying from outside Japan, the registration process is slightly different. The application periods for 2026 remain the same (February 16 to March 12 for the first session, and July 6 to July 30 for the second session).
To apply, you must obtain physical application forms from the designated EJU overseas representative in your local site city. Depending on the location, you will submit your application either in person or by mail. Online registration is only available at a very limited number of overseas sites, so you must contact your local representative to confirm their specific submission rules.
When submitting a paper application, you must provide three physical passport-style photos. These photos must meet the following criteria:
- Dimensions must be exactly 4 centimeters in height by 3 centimeters in width.
- They must show your head and shoulders, facing the camera without a hat.
- The background must be plain.
- They must have been taken within the 6 months before your application.
What if the EJU is not administered in my country?
If you reside in a country where the EJU is not held, you can still apply if you meet three strict conditions:
- You must have a proxy living in the country or region where the exam is held who can handle all procedures for you, including obtaining the application form, paying the fee, and receiving your exam voucher.
- You must understand the language used to give instructions in the examination room.
- You are fully responsible for obtaining your own entry visa. Neither JASSO nor its overseas representatives will issue any supporting documents for your visa application. You should confirm all visa requirements directly with the official immigration sources.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to move to Tokyo for your university studies, it is best to arrange your housing after your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or student visa is issued, but well before your arrival in Japan. Look for accommodations that offer a smooth transition without complex local leasing procedures. For a hassle-free start, OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo; most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. This allows you to focus entirely on your EJU preparation and university applications.
FAQ
What are the payment options for EJU registration in Japan?
You can pay the examination fee using a credit card, a convenience store transaction, or a bank transfer via ATM or internet banking.
Can I apply for the EJU if the exam is not held in my home country?
Yes, you can apply if you have a proxy in an exam region to handle the application and voucher receipt, understand the exam room instructions, and arrange your own entry visa.
What are the photo requirements for online registration in Japan?
You must upload a digital photo of your front-faced upper body with no hat and no background, taken within 6 months of your application.
Sources
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「EJU Application Method | JASSO」(checked 2026-10-10)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.