Japanese university admissions involve at least three different language and aptitude tests — EJU, JLPT, and TOEFL/IELTS. Most international applicants over-prepare for one and under-prepare for another. Here is the realistic decision tree for which tests actually matter for your specific path.
The three tests in one sentence each
- EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) — a Japan-specific test for international undergraduate applicants. Tests Japanese, math, science, and Japan-and-the-world. Twice/year (June, November). Almost exclusively for undergraduate admission.
- JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) — internationally recognized Japanese-as-foreign-language test. Five levels (N5 beginner to N1 advanced). Twice/year (July, December). Required by most Japanese-taught graduate programs.
- TOEFL / IELTS — internationally recognized English-as-foreign-language tests. Year-round. Required by English-taught Japanese programs and as supplementary evidence for Japanese-taught research programs.
The tests serve different audiences and prove different things. They are not interchangeable — passing one does not satisfy a requirement for another.
Which test you need by program type
| Your application path | EJU | JLPT | TOEFL/IELTS | GRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese-taught undergraduate (4-year) | Required | Optional | Sometimes | No |
| English-taught undergraduate (rare in Japan) | Sometimes | No | Required | Sometimes (SAT instead) |
| Japanese-taught Master's (humanities/social sciences) | No | N1 | Sometimes | No |
| Japanese-taught Master's (STEM) | No | N2 | Yes (paper review) | Optional |
| English-taught Master's (any field) | No | No (helpful) | Required (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+) | Optional |
| Research student (kenkyusei) | No | N3 minimum (some programs) | Sometimes | No |
| Japanese-taught PhD | No | N1 | Yes | Optional |
| English-taught PhD (OIST etc.) | No | No | Required (TOEFL 90+ / IELTS 7.0+) | Optional (recommended at top tier) |
The single biggest insight: if you choose an English-taught graduate program, you can skip both EJU and JLPT entirely. See the English-taught Master's in Japan 2027 guide for the program-by-program list.
EJU in detail
EJU is administered by JASSO twice/year, in June and November. The June session takes place at international centers in 17 countries plus Japan; the November session is Japan-only.
- Japanese as a Foreign Language: 125 minutes, 0–400 score (writing 0–50)
- Science: choose 2 of physics, chemistry, biology, 80 minutes total, 0–200 score
- Mathematics: course 1 (humanities) or course 2 (STEM), 80 minutes, 0–200 score
- Japan and the World: 80 minutes, 0–200 score
EJU's primary use case is undergraduate admission to Japanese-language degree programs. Most national universities require an EJU Japanese score above approximately 290/400 for direct undergraduate admission. Graduate-level applicants almost never take EJU.
JLPT in detail
JLPT is the gold-standard credential for Japanese language proficiency for graduate admissions. Five levels:
- N5 (beginner) — basic Japanese; not useful for university admissions
- N4 (elementary) — daily-life Japanese; not enough for any degree program
- N3 (intermediate) — minimum for kenkyusei status at most universities; insufficient for direct degree admission to Japanese-taught programs
- N2 (upper-intermediate) — minimum for Japanese-taught Master's in STEM; sometimes enough for humanities at less-selective universities
- N1 (advanced) — gold standard; required for top Japanese-taught humanities/social sciences programs
JLPT happens twice/year (first Sunday of July and December). Test centers are in 87+ countries. Results take ~2 months. For April 2027 entry, you should hold a current N2 or N1 certificate by your application deadline (typically Sept 2026 to Feb 2027).
To find your current level fast, take the free JLPT level quiz. For a structured study path to N3 in 6 months, see how to get to N3 in 6 months.
TOEFL / IELTS in detail
TOEFL iBT (internet-based) and IELTS Academic are both accepted at Japanese universities; admissions guidelines typically list TOEFL because it has been the historical Japanese default, but IELTS converts directly. Score thresholds:
| Program tier | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| OIST, top G30 (UTokyo, Kyoto) | 90+ | 7.0+ |
| Imperial-tier English-taught | 80+ | 6.5+ |
| National universities (English programs) | 72+ | 6.0+ |
| Private universities (English programs) | 72+ | 6.0+ |
| Specialized graduate (GRIPS, IUJ) | 80+ | 6.5+ |
Many Japanese-taught programs also list a TOEFL/IELTS minimum because graduate research requires reading English papers regardless of the language of instruction. Even Japanese-taught STEM programs typically prefer applicants with TOEFL iBT 70+.
TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from test date. Take it 6–12 months before your application deadline so you have time to retake if needed.
Decision tree by your situation
Situation 1: I want an English-taught Master's in STEM
Take TOEFL iBT or IELTS. JLPT and EJU are not required. If you have time, JLPT N3 or N2 will help your application but is not a gate. See English-taught Master's guide.
Situation 2: I want a Japanese-taught Master's in STEM
Take JLPT N2 (minimum) and TOEFL iBT 70+ or IELTS 6.0+ (for paper-reading evaluation). No EJU. Plan: hit JLPT N3 first (6 months), N2 next (12+ months). See how to get to N3 in 6 months and JLPT requirements at Japanese graduate schools.
Situation 3: I want a Japanese-taught Master's in humanities
Take JLPT N1 ideally (N2 absolute minimum at less-selective universities) and TOEFL/IELTS. No EJU.
Situation 4: I want to apply for MEXT
MEXT itself does not require any test. The embassy track has its own written exam (English + a field-specific subject for STEM, English + Japanese for humanities) and university track usually accepts the standard application package. Your TOEFL or JLPT score helps your application but is not a separate MEXT requirement. See the MEXT 2027 Complete Guide.
Situation 5: I'm just starting my Japanese learning
If you have 2+ years before applying, get to JLPT N2 by enrollment. The path: hit N5 in 4 months, N4 in another 6 months, N3 in another 6 months, N2 in 12 more months. Use our JLPT N5 / N4 / N3 / N2 study hubs and free grammar / particle quizzes.
Application timing
For April 2027 graduate entry, hit your test scores by:
- JLPT N2/N1 — December 2025 or July 2026 sitting (results 2 months later)
- TOEFL iBT — between January 2026 and August 2026 (validity 2 years)
- IELTS Academic — between January 2026 and August 2026
- EJU — June 2026 or November 2026 (only if applying to undergrad, otherwise skip)
- GRE — between January 2026 and August 2026 if applying to OIST or top G30 STEM
See application timeline for Japanese graduate schools for the full per-university calendar.
Bottom line
The realistic test combination for most international graduate applicants to Japan is: JLPT N2 + TOEFL iBT 80+ (or IELTS 6.5+). Skip EJU unless you're applying to an undergraduate program. Skip GRE unless you're targeting OIST or top G30 STEM. The tests are gates, not differentiators — meeting the threshold matters; significantly exceeding it does not move the needle. Once you've cleared the test gates, your research plan and your professor email do the actual work.