On October 9, 2026, the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) updated the list of domestic testing locations for the 2nd session of the 2026 Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), taking place on November 8, 2026. Examinees preparing for university admission in Japan must confirm their assigned campus on their examination voucher, as capacity limitations may cause some students to be placed in neighboring prefectures. Examinees should carefully review their test site details and avoid contacting the hosting universities directly.
What are the key details and dates for the 2026 EJU 2nd session?
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is administered by JASSO in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Japanese educational institutions. It evaluates whether foreign students entering Japanese undergraduate programs possess the necessary academic foundations and Japanese language capabilities.
According to the official EJU examination schedule, the application period for the 2nd session ran from July 6, 2026, until 5:00 p.m. JST on July 30, 2026, in Japan. In Japan, examination vouchers are scheduled for dispatch on October 16, 2026. The examination itself takes place on November 8, 2026. Official score reports will be released at midnight JST on December 15, 2026, which is one day earlier than the schedule utilized in 2025. When foreign candidates move to Japan to take examinations or enter language programs, many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing their entrance testing and university applications.
Where are the domestic test sites located for the 2nd session of 2026?
JASSO published an updated list of testing locations across Japan on October 9, 2026. Examinees should consult the JASSO examination venue page for specific details. JASSO notes that test site assignments may differ from the prefecture requested if local capacities are filled.
Which campuses are hosting the exam in Tokyo and Kanto?
In Tokyo, several university campuses serve as examination sites for the 2nd session of 2026:
- J. F. Oberlin University Shinjuku Campus
- Sophia University Yotsuya Campus
- Senshu University Kanda Campus
- Daito Bunka University Itabashi Campus
- Takushoku University Bunkyo Campus
- Tokyo University of Technology Kamata Campus
- The University of Tokyo, College of Arts and Sciences Komaba Campus
- Meiji University Surugadai Campus
- Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus
- Soka University
- Chuo University Tama Campus
- The University of Electro-Communications
In nearby Kanto prefectures, the designated test sites include:
- Saitama: Saitama University
- Chiba: Chiba University Nishi-Chiba Campus
- Kanagawa: Yokohama National University
- Gunma: Takasaki University of Health and Welfare (temporary bus information to be announced)
Where are the testing venues in other regions of Japan?
For examinees living outside the Kanto area, JASSO has designated venues across various prefectures:
- Hokkaido: Sapporo University
- Miyagi: Tohoku Fukushi University Sendai Station East Exit Campus
- Toyama: University of Toyama Gofuku Campus
- Shizuoka: Hamamatsu Gakuin University Junior College
- Aichi: Nagoya University Higashiyama Campus
- Kyoto: Kyoto Women's University and Ritsumeikan University Kinugasa Campus
- Osaka: The University of Osaka Toyonaka Campus
- Hyogo: Ashiya University (temporary bus information to be announced) and Sonoda University
- Hiroshima: Prefectural University of Hiroshima Hiroshima Campus
- Kochi: University of Kochi Health Sciences
- Fukuoka: Kyushu Sangyo University
- Okinawa: University of the Ryukyus Senbaru Campus
If examinees have questions regarding venue assignments or exam procedures, they should contact the EJU Reception Center on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at 0570-55-0585 (or 045-620-7243) or via email at eju@sdcj.co.jp. Direct contact with testing universities is not permitted.
What changes and rules apply to the 2026 EJU administration?
As detailed in the 2026 EJU Guidelines, several notable updates apply to the 2026 testing year. First, the examination fees in Japan were updated to JPY 12,000 for taking one subject and JPY 23,000 for taking two or three subjects (including tax). Fee adjustments were also implemented for Korea, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. Second, revised syllabuses for Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics went into effect starting from the 1st session in June 2026. Third, score reporting for the 2nd session is scheduled for December 15, 2026.
What subjects and scoring options are available on the EJU?
The EJU comprises four main subject areas, which students select based on university entrance requirements:
- Japanese as a Foreign Language: Test duration is 125 minutes. It measures academic Japanese through Reading Comprehension, Listening, and Listening-Reading Comprehension (scored on a 0–400 scale) plus a Writing section (scored on a 0–50 scale). This test is given exclusively in Japanese and uses multiple-choice questions alongside a written task.
- Science: Test duration is 80 minutes (scored 0–200). Applicants choose two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Japan and the World: Test duration is 80 minutes (scored 0–200). It measures liberal arts and logical thinking.
- Mathematics: Test duration is 80 minutes (scored 0–200). Candidates choose Course 1 (for liberal arts or lower math requirements) or Course 2 (for advanced science requirements).
Applicants can select Japanese or English as their exam language for Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics. However, applicants cannot take both Science and Japan and the World during the same session. All tests except the Japanese writing section utilize a multiple-choice format, and scores (excluding Japanese writing) are converted to a standardized scale. Further general information is available on the JASSO EJU main page.
Finding a place to stay
When coming to Japan for entrance examinations or university enrollment, arranging suitable temporary housing is an essential step. Students typically finalize their accommodations after their visa or Certificate of Eligibility is issued, before arriving in Tokyo. Choosing a location with convenient transit access to testing venues and target university campuses makes exam day far less stressful. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Securing a comfortable, fully equipped living space allows international students to focus entirely on their EJU preparations and academic goals.
FAQ
What date is the 2nd session of the 2026 EJU held in Japan?
The 2nd session of the 2026 EJU takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with domestic examination vouchers scheduled for mailing on October 16, 2026.
How much are the 2026 EJU examination fees when applying in Japan?
In Japan, the examination fee for 2026 is JPY 12,000 for taking one subject and JPY 23,000 for taking two or three subjects.
Can examinees contact the host university venues directly if they have questions?
No, examinees are instructed not to make direct inquiries to the examination venues. Any questions should be directed to the EJU Reception Center.
Sources
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「2026 EJU (2nd Session) Examination Venues (In Japan) | JASSO」(checked 2026-10-14)
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students(EJU) | JASSO」(checked 2026-10-14)
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「Guidelines for 2026 EJU | JASSO」(checked 2026-10-14)
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「Examination Schedule | JASSO」(checked 2026-10-14)
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.
