AIC Japan Study Guide
Do not register for EJU, JLPT or an English test until you know why your target program needs it. Japanese universities set their own combinations of language and academic tests. This roadmap turns every requirement into one test plan, one calendar and one evidence sheet.
First decide which test family applies
| Your route | Likely language evidence | Possible academic evidence | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese-taught bachelor’s | JLPT N1/N2 and/or EJU Japanese | EJU Mathematics, Science or Japan and the World; university test | Exact subjects, language, accepted session and score policy |
| English-taught bachelor’s | TOEFL/IELTS or another accepted test; possible waiver | EJU academic subjects, SAT/ACT/IB, school results, interview | “No JLPT” does not automatically mean “no EJU” |
| Bilingual degree | English plus Japanese evidence | Program-specific academic tests | Language required at entry and for later compulsory courses |
| Graduate degree | English and/or Japanese proof | Research proposal, interview, subject exam, supervisor approval | Graduate-school rules differ; do not use an undergraduate checklist |
EJU: academic readiness for international admission
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) measures academic Japanese and/or basic academic knowledge for applicants to Japanese undergraduate institutions. The official Study in Japan site reports that more than 60% of Japanese universities use EJU scores, including most national universities. However, each program chooses whether to use EJU and which components it requires.
Take the subjects and question language designated by the university. EJU results are valid for two years, but universities may accept only particular years or sessions. You generally submit one session’s score set to a school; do not plan to combine subjects from different sessions unless the university explicitly says it is possible.
Official 2026 EJU schedule
| Session | Application period | Test date | Planned score release |
|---|---|---|---|
| First session | 16 February–12 March 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 28 July 2026 |
| Second session | 6–30 July 2026 | 8 November 2026 | 15 December 2026 |
As of this guide’s verification date, 8 August 2026, registration for the November 2026 EJU has closed. This is why students must track application periods, not only examination dates. JASSO normally posts the next year’s schedule from around November.
Important for applicants in Bangladesh
JASSO’s current overseas list does not include an EJU test centre in Bangladesh. The exam is offered in 17 cities across 13 countries and regions, including New Delhi and Colombo. JASSO permits a person from a country without EJU to take it in another country if local application, language and entry requirements are satisfied.
You are responsible for arranging the representative or application process where required and for obtaining permission to enter the testing country. JASSO and overseas EJU representatives do not issue visa-support documents. Before spending money, confirm both the university’s EJU requirement and the destination country’s entry rules.
JLPT: general Japanese proficiency
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test has five levels, N5 through N1. N1 is the highest. JLPT measures language knowledge, reading and listening; it does not test speaking or writing production. Universities may use N1 or N2 as language evidence, but the required level and accepted test date are program-specific.
The 2026 JLPT dates are 5 July and 6 December. Overseas registration is generally around March–April for July and August–September for December, but local deadlines and methods vary.
Bangladesh JLPT availability
The official 2026 overseas list shows Dhaka for both July and December, hosted by the Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB). Always confirm the current application method, deadline, fee and test level directly with the listed local host institution.
English tests: score, validity and delivery all matter
Official Study in Japan guidance lists TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC and Eiken among possible English proofs and notes that most Japanese universities require English evidence. For English-taught undergraduate degrees, the same official site gives a general guideline of TOEFL iBT 71–80 or IELTS 5.5–6. This is not a national admission cutoff.
- Confirm which test versions are accepted, including home/online formats
- Check total and section minimums
- Check how old the score may be on the application deadline
- Confirm whether official electronic reporting is required
- Verify the university’s institution code and score-delivery deadline
- Ask whether English-medium schooling qualifies for a waiver
- Do not assume TOEIC or another test is accepted because a different university accepts it
Build one requirements matrix
| Program | JLPT | EJU subjects / language | English test | Other test | Latest accepted session |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University A | |||||
| University B | |||||
| University C | |||||
| University D |
Copy each requirement from the current admission guide and save the page or PDF. If one test combination covers most of your preferred programs, prioritize it. If a university requires an unusual extra exam, compare the preparation cost with how strongly you want that program.
A realistic 12-month testing roadmap
Students starting from beginner Japanese may need much longer than one year to reach N2/N1 or competitive EJU Japanese. The roadmap is an application-planning frame, not a promise about language-learning speed.
Your weekly preparation structure
Common planning mistakes
- Taking every test “just in case.” Build the university matrix first.
- Choosing the wrong EJU Mathematics course or question language. Follow the program’s instructions exactly.
- Missing registration while watching the exam date. Applications close months earlier.
- Assuming a two-year EJU validity guarantees acceptance. A university may restrict the session.
- Using JLPT as proof of academic subjects. JLPT tests Japanese, not Mathematics or Science.
- Sending an unofficial English score when official reporting is required.
- Planning international EJU travel before confirming entry permission and test application logistics.
Seven actions to take now
- Choose 6–8 real programs and download their current admission guides.
- Complete the test requirements matrix.
- Mark every registration, test, result and score-delivery date.
- Check your nearest legitimate test locations and entry requirements.
- Take diagnostic tests using official materials.
- Book the earliest sensible attempt that allows one retake.
- Email universities about any ambiguous wording before paying.
Official sources and verification
Schedules and locations were checked on 8 August 2026. Always recheck official pages and the university’s current admission guide before registration.
- JASSO: Official 2026 EJU schedule
- JASSO: EJU application methods
- JASSO: Taking EJU outside your country of residence
- Study in Japan: EJU, JLPT and English tests
- JLPT: 2026 overseas test process and dates
- JLPT: Overseas cities and host institutions
Version: 1.0 · Last verified: 8 Aug 2026 · Next scheduled review: 8 Nov 2026
Turn scores into an application plan
Use the English-program guide to verify test combinations, then continue through the complete Bachelor pathway.
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