To enter a Japanese university as an international student, you must navigate document screenings, written exams, and interviews, often centered around the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU). This guide outlines the key registration timelines, exam subjects, and scholarship opportunities you need to know to secure your admission. By understanding these steps early, you can plan your transition to Japan smoothly.
What is the EJU and why do I need it?
The EJU is a standardized test designed to evaluate the Japanese language proficiency and basic academic abilities of international students wishing to enter undergraduate programs at Japanese universities.
Taking the EJU is highly beneficial because more than 60% of Japanese universities—specifically 479 institutions, including almost all national universities—use EJU scores in their admissions process. There are no age restrictions or limits on how many times you can take the test, and your scores remain valid for two years.
What are the key EJU dates and registration timelines for 2026?
The EJU is held twice a year, and keeping track of the deadlines is essential.
- First Session (June): Applications are accepted between February and March. The exam takes place in June, and results are typically released in July. For the 2026 academic year, the first session results were published on July 28, 2026.
- Second Session (November): Applications are accepted in July. For the 2026 academic year, the application window closed on July 31, 2026. The exam is held in November, and results are released in December. The overseas testing locations for this second session of 2026 were officially announced on October 2, 2026.
Because universities specify which exam sessions they accept for their admissions, you must carefully check the application guidelines of your target schools.
Where can I take the EJU?
You can take the EJU either in Japan or in your home country. Within Japan, the test is administered across 17 prefectures.
If you are taking the exam outside Japan, it is available in 17 cities across 13 countries and regions. These locations include Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul and Busan (South Korea), New Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Yangon (Myanmar), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok and Chiang Mai (Thailand), Jakarta and Surabaya (Indonesia), and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
What subjects are tested on the EJU?
The EJU consists of four main subject areas. Depending on the requirements of your chosen university, you will select which subjects to take:
- Japanese as a Foreign Language: This section measures academic Japanese skills required for university study. It includes reading, listening, and listening-reading comprehension (scored out of 400 points), as well as a writing section (scored out of 50 points).
- Science: You can choose two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This section is scored out of 200 points.
- General Education: This unique subject combines high school-level civics (such as politics and economics), geography, and history. It is scored out of 200 points.
- Mathematics: This is divided into Course 1 (for humanities or faculties requiring basic math) and Course 2 (for faculties requiring advanced math). It is scored out of 200 points.
You can choose to take the Science, General Education, and Mathematics exams in either Japanese or English. However, please note that you cannot select both Science and General Education subjects at the same time.
What other exams or documents do I need?
In addition to the EJU, universities often require other standardized test scores and documents:
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): This test measures general communicative Japanese across five levels (N1 to N5, with N1 being the highest). It is held twice a year in July and December.
- English Proficiency Tests: Most Japanese universities require proof of English ability. You should take exams like TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or Eiken in advance.
- Academic Credentials: You may need to submit standardized test scores from your home country, such as the SAT, ACT, International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, or other national university entrance exams.
- National Center Test for University Admissions: While mostly for Japanese students, some specific university faculties (primarily medicine and dentistry) require international applicants to take this exam.
To ensure you meet all requirements, always confirm the necessary documents on the official Study in Japan website.
Can I get a scholarship or admission before arriving in Japan?
Yes, there are programs designed to help you secure your spot and funding before you move:
- Pre-arrival Admission: This system allows you to take entrance examinations and receive an admission offer from a Japanese university while remaining in your home country.
- Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship Reservation: Privately-financed international students who achieve outstanding scores on the EJU can reserve the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students (Reservation Program). This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 48,000 yen (though the amount may change depending on the fiscal year). You can apply for this reservation program directly when registering for the EJU.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to move to Tokyo for university, you should arrange your accommodation after your visa or Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued, but before you actually arrive in Japan. Many newcomers choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first to ease their transition. Look for a place that simplifies the rental process. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, with most homes requiring a minimum stay of 30 nights. Their booking process is entirely online using a passport or ID and a credit card, requiring no guarantor, no key money, and no agency fee. This allows you to secure a comfortable home close to your campus without the stress of traditional Japanese renting procedures.
FAQ
How long are EJU scores valid?
EJU scores remain valid for two years from the date of the exam.
Can I take both the Science and General Education subjects on the EJU?
No, you cannot select both Science and General Education subjects during the same exam session.
How much is the monthly stipend for the EJU scholarship reservation?
The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship reservation offers 48,000 yen per month, though this amount is subject to change depending on the fiscal year.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「日本留学に利用されている各種試験｜日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan」(checked 2026-10-09)
- 日本学生支援機構(JASSO)「日本留学試験（EJU） | JASSO」(checked 2026-10-09)
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.