EJU Japanese vs JLPT: Which Test Do You Need to Study in Japan?

2026/11/12

If you want to study at a Japanese university, you will usually need the EJU Japanese test, a JLPT certificate, or both, depending on the school and program you apply to. The two tests are often mentioned together, but they measure different things and play different roles in admissions.

Most students searching this question are in a similar situation. You are studying Japanese (perhaps already around N3 or N2), you have a target school in mind or are still comparing options, and you are unsure which exam to prioritize with limited time and money. The real obstacle is that admission rules are not uniform: one university asks for EJU scores, another accepts JLPT N2, and a vocational school may accept either.

This guide compares the purpose, format, and scoring of the EJU Japanese as a Foreign Language test and the JLPT, explains which one universities and vocational schools typically ask for, and shows how to prepare for both without doubling your workload. Exam details below are based on official information from JASSO (the EJU organizer) and the JLPT official website as of November 2026.

The Difference in Purpose Between EJU Japanese and the JLPT

The short answer: the EJU Japanese test checks whether you can keep up with university classes taught in Japanese, while the JLPT certifies your general Japanese level. JASSO itself describes the EJU Japanese test as measuring “academic Japanese,” and the JLPT as measuring general Japanese ability.

What the EJU Japanese Test Is Designed to Measure

The EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) is run by JASSO, the Japan Student Services Organization. It is an admission test, not a language certificate. Its stated purpose is to evaluate the Japanese ability and basic academic skills of international students who want to study at the undergraduate level in Japan.

The Japanese as a Foreign Language subject focuses on the kind of Japanese you meet in a classroom: reading explanatory texts and arguments, following lectures, interpreting charts and slides while listening, and writing a short opinion essay. In other words, it asks “Can this student learn in Japanese?” rather than “How much Japanese does this student know?”

The EJU also includes Mathematics, Science, and Japan and the World. Those subjects can be taken in Japanese or English, but the Japanese as a Foreign Language test is given in Japanese only.

What the JLPT Is Designed to Measure

The JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is run by the Japan Foundation and JEES. It measures and certifies the Japanese ability of non-native speakers at five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). It is used far beyond university admissions, including for jobs, visas, and professional licenses.

The JLPT directly tests language knowledge such as kanji, vocabulary, and grammar, together with reading and listening. It does not test writing or speaking.

Score Report vs. Pass/Fail Certificate

This is a key practical difference. The EJU gives you scores, with no pass or fail. Universities set their own minimum scores and compare applicants by those numbers. The JLPT gives you a pass or fail result at the level you chose, so schools usually ask for a level, such as “N2 or above.”

Point of comparison	EJU Japanese as a Foreign Language / 日本留学試験 Nihon Ryugaku Shiken	JLPT / 日本語能力試験 Nihongo Noryoku Shiken
Organizer	JASSO / 日本学生支援機構 Nihon Gakusei Shien Kiko	Japan Foundation and JEES / 国際交流基金 Kokusai Koryu Kikin, 日本国際教育支援協会 Nihon Kokusai Kyoiku Shien Kyokai
Main purpose	Admission to Japanese universities and other higher education	Certifying general Japanese proficiency
Type of Japanese	Academic Japanese / アカデミック・ジャパニーズ akademikku japanizu	General Japanese for daily life and work
Result format	Scores only, no pass/fail	Pass/fail by level (N1 to N5) plus section scores
Main users	Universities, junior colleges, vocational schools, scholarship programs	Universities, vocational schools, employers, immigration, licensing bodies

Because the two tests measure different things, JASSO states that their scores cannot be accurately converted into each other. You may see unofficial “EJU score = JLPT level” charts online, but no official equivalence exists.

Comparing Test Format, Content, and Scores

The biggest structural differences are that the EJU Japanese test includes an essay and reports scaled scores, while the JLPT tests vocabulary and grammar directly and gives a pass or fail result. The table below summarizes the 2026 format based on JASSO’s 2026 EJU guidelines and the official JLPT website.

EJU Japanese vs. JLPT at a Glance

Item	EJU Japanese as a Foreign Language	JLPT (N1 / N2)
Test time	125 minutes	N1: 165 minutes / N2: 155 minutes
Sections	Writing / 記述 kijutsu, Reading / 読解 dokkai, Listening-Reading / 聴読解 chodokkai, Listening / 聴解 chokai	Language Knowledge / 言語知識 gengo chishiki (vocabulary and grammar), Reading / 読解 dokkai, Listening / 聴解 chokai
Writing	Yes, one essay	No
Direct vocabulary and grammar questions	No	Yes
Answer format	Multiple choice (mark sheet) plus handwritten essay	Multiple choice (mark sheet) only
Score range	0-400 (reading + listening sections) and 0-50 (writing)	0-180 total, three sections of 0-60 each
Result	Scores only	Pass or fail
Test language	Japanese only	Japanese only
2026 test dates	June 21 and November 8	July 5 and December 6
Where	Japan and 14 countries/regions in Asia	Japan and many cities worldwide

Inside the EJU Japanese Test

The EJU Japanese test has two parts: production (writing) and comprehension (reading, listening-reading, and listening). All texts are based on situations you meet at university, such as lectures, seminar presentations, consultations with staff, and explanatory or editorial articles.

Section	Time	Score	What it asks you to do
Writing / 記述 kijutsu	30 minutes	0-50	Write an essay that states your position on a given topic and supports it with reasons and examples
Reading / 読解 dokkai	40 minutes	0-200	Read explanatory texts, editorials, and campus documents, sometimes with charts
Listening-Reading / 聴読解 chodokkai and Listening / 聴解 chokai	About 55 minutes in total	0-200	Follow lectures and conversations, in the listening-reading part while looking at slides, graphs, or handouts

The listening-reading format is unique to the EJU. You hear a mini-lecture or discussion while looking at visual material, which closely mirrors a real university class.

Inside the JLPT N1 and N2

At N1 and N2, the JLPT has two test sections: Language Knowledge and Reading combined, followed by Listening. Results are reported in three scoring sections.

Level	Language Knowledge / 言語知識 gengo chishiki and Reading / 読解 dokkai	Listening / 聴解 chokai	Overall pass mark	Sectional minimum
N1	110 minutes	55 minutes	100 / 180	19 / 60 in each section
N2	105 minutes	50 minutes	90 / 180	19 / 60 in each section

Language Knowledge covers kanji reading, word usage, paraphrasing, and grammar forms. These are areas the EJU never tests directly, though you need them to understand EJU texts.

How Scoring Works

EJU reading and listening scores are converted to a common scale, so results from different sessions can be compared fairly. The writing section is rated separately against JASSO’s own criteria, on a 0-50 scale. There is no universal “good score”: each school decides how to use your numbers.

The JLPT uses scaled scores too, but the final output is a pass or fail at one level. You must clear both the overall pass mark and the minimum in every section, so a very weak listening score can cause you to fail even with a high total.

Test Dates, Locations, and Fees in 2026

The EJU is held twice a year, in June and November. In 2026, it is offered in Japan and in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The fee in Japan is JPY 12,000 for one subject and JPY 23,000 for two or three subjects. Overseas fees are set in local currency.

The JLPT is held in July and December, though some overseas cities offer only one of these dates. Fees differ by country, so check your local host institution. Note that from 2026, the JLPT in Japan is generally limited to applicants who hold a Japanese residence card, so short-term visitors need to test in their home country.

For section-by-section timing tactics on the JLPT, see our guide to JLPT time management by level. For EJU application steps and subject choices, refer to JASSO’s official Guidelines for 2026 EJU.

Which Test Do Japanese Universities and Vocational Schools Require?

As a general rule, Japanese-taught university programs lean toward the EJU, while vocational schools most often ask for JLPT N2. However, the EJU is not required by every university or faculty, and each school sets its own rules, so your target school’s admission guidelines (募集要項 boshu yoko) always have the final say.

Typical Requirements by School Type

School type	Commonly requested Japanese proof	Notes
University, Japanese-taught program / 大学 daigaku	EJU Japanese, often with other EJU subjects; some also ask for or accept JLPT N1/N2	Many add their own exams, essays, or interviews
University, English-taught program	Usually neither	English scores (TOEFL, IELTS) instead
Junior college / 短期大学 tanki daigaku	EJU or JLPT, depending on the school	Check each school
Vocational school / 専門学校 senmon gakko	JLPT N2 most common; EJU Japanese 200+ also accepted	Other routes exist (see below)
Graduate school / 大学院 daigakuin	Rarely EJU; JLPT or the school’s own exam	Research plan and interview matter most
Japanese language school / 日本語学校 nihongo gakko	Neither required at a fixed level	Many ask for about 150 hours of study or N5

Japanese Universities: The EJU Is Common but Not Universal

As of September 2026, JASSO lists 950 schools that use the EJU in admissions, including 507 universities, 87 junior colleges, 214 vocational schools, and 83 graduate schools. That is a large share of the schools that recruit international undergraduates, but it also means many schools and programs do not use the EJU at all.

Even among EJU-using universities, the EJU is rarely the only step. JASSO notes that many schools combine EJU scores with their own written exams or interviews. Some also require TOEFL or another English test, because the EJU has no English section.

Required EJU Subjects Differ by University and Faculty

You never take every EJU subject. Each university and faculty specifies which ones it needs, and some also specify whether you must answer the non-Japanese subjects in Japanese or in English.

Program type	Subjects often designated (check your school)
Humanities and social sciences / 文系 bunkei	Japanese as a Foreign Language, Japan and the World, Mathematics Course 1
Science and engineering / 理系 rikei	Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (two of physics, chemistry, biology), Mathematics Course 2

Mathematics, Science, and Japan and the World can be taken in Japanese or English. The Japanese as a Foreign Language test is always in Japanese. You also cannot take Science and Japan and the World in the same session.

Vocational Schools: JLPT N2 Is the Usual Benchmark

Vocational schools (専門学校 senmon gakko) teach in Japanese, so they must confirm that international students can follow classes. Japan’s immigration rules for the student visa list several ways to show this, and schools generally build their requirements around them.

Route	Requirement
JLPT / 日本語能力試験 Nihongo Noryoku Shiken	N2 or above
EJU Japanese / 日本留学試験 Nihon Ryugaku Shiken	200 or more in reading, listening, and listening-reading combined (writing excluded)
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test / BJTビジネス日本語能力テスト BJT bijinesu nihongo noryoku tesuto	400 or more
JPT / JPT日本語能力試験 JPT Nihongo Noryoku Shiken	525 or more
Japanese language school / 日本語教育機関 nihongo kyoiku kikan	At least one year in a student course at an accredited or officially listed institution

Because the JLPT is held worldwide while the EJU is only offered in Japan and parts of Asia, most applicants from overseas use JLPT N2. Students already studying at a language school in Japan can use either test, or qualify through their enrollment period, but the school may still test your Japanese in its own entrance exam.

A Rule Change to Watch: CEFR B2 from 2027

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has announced that for international students entering universities from fiscal year 2027 (starting April 2027), the guideline for Japanese ability becomes B2 or above on the Japanese Language Education Reference Framework, which is aligned with CEFR. As a transitional measure, students entering by the end of fiscal year 2029 can still use the existing benchmarks, including JLPT N2 or EJU Japanese 200+. Schools are also encouraged to confirm B2-level ability through their own written tests or interviews, so expect more schools to look beyond a single certificate.

When Neither Test Is Required

English-taught degree programs usually assess English instead of Japanese. Japanese language schools also accept beginners, though many ask for proof of about 150 hours of study or JLPT N5. For visa preparation tips, see our guide to applying for a Japan student visa.

To check a specific school, start with JASSO’s list of schools using the EJU, then confirm the latest guidelines on the school’s own website.

If You Have JLPT N2 or N1, Do You Still Need the EJU?

It depends on the school, not on your JLPT level. JASSO states clearly that if a school uses EJU scores in admissions, you will normally need to take the EJU even if you have already passed N1 or N2.

When JLPT N2 or N1 Can Be Enough

A JLPT certificate alone is often sufficient for vocational schools, junior colleges, and universities or faculties that do not use the EJU. It is also the usual proof for graduate school applicants who need to show Japanese ability.

Location matters too. The EJU is only held in Japan and 14 countries or regions in Asia. JASSO notes that for applicants living where the EJU is not offered, some schools accept JLPT results in place of EJU scores. If you live in Europe, the Americas, Africa, or the Middle East, ask your target schools whether they offer this option.

When You Still Need the EJU

If your target university designates EJU subjects, an N1 certificate does not replace them. JASSO confirms that JLPT holders are not exempt from the EJU Japanese as a Foreign Language test when a school requires it, and must also take all other EJU subjects the school specifies.

The EJU can also open doors that a JLPT certificate cannot. Some universities offer pre-arrival admission, which lets students apply using EJU scores taken in their home country, sometimes without traveling to Japan for an entrance exam.

Why N1 Holders Can Still Struggle with the EJU

Passing N1 is a strong start, but it does not guarantee a high EJU score. The EJU tests skills the JLPT does not, especially essay writing in an academic style and the listening-reading format, where you follow a lecture while reading charts or slides. The EJU is also a single long session that rewards reading speed.

The reverse is also true. A high EJU score does not mean you would pass N1, because the EJU does not test vocabulary and grammar items directly. JASSO says the two tests cannot be accurately compared by score.

Which Test Should You Prioritize?

Your situation	Prioritize	Why
Applying to a Japanese-taught university program that uses the EJU	EJU	Required subjects cannot be replaced by the JLPT
Applying to a vocational school / 専門学校 senmon gakko	JLPT N2	The most widely accepted proof, and held worldwide
Living where the EJU is not held	JLPT, then ask schools about alternatives	Some schools accept JLPT in place of the EJU
Not yet sure which school type you want	JLPT first, EJU later	JLPT is useful for school, work, and visas alike
Planning to work in Japan after graduating	Both over time	Many employers ask for JLPT N2 or N1

For more on when the JLPT is required for each type of school and how many study hours each level takes, see Do You Need JLPT to Study in Japan?

How to Study for Both the EJU and the JLPT

The most efficient approach is to build one shared core of vocabulary, kanji, reading, and listening, then add the skills each test requires on top. Roughly speaking, the JLPT rewards accurate language knowledge, while the EJU rewards using that knowledge to understand and argue about academic content.

Know Where the Two Tests Overlap

Skill	JLPT	EJU Japanese	How to train it
Vocabulary and kanji / 語彙 goi, 漢字 kanji	Tested directly	Needed to understand texts	Daily word and kanji review with spaced repetition
Grammar / 文法 bunpo	Tested directly	Needed to understand texts	Grammar drills, then use each pattern in your own sentences
Reading / 読解 dokkai	General and opinion texts	Academic, editorial, and campus texts with charts	Timed reading of essays, news, and explanatory articles
Listening / 聴解 chokai	Daily-life and workplace dialogues	Lectures, presentations, and study consultations	Lectures and podcasts, summarizing what you heard
Writing / 記述 kijutsu	Not tested	One argumentative essay	Weekly timed essays with teacher feedback

Plan Your Calendar Around Both Tests

The EJU is held in June and November, and the JLPT in July and December. This rhythm makes it possible to alternate between the two tests and use each one as a checkpoint for the other.

Timing	Example goal	Main focus
December	JLPT N2	Finish N2 grammar and vocabulary
June (next year)	EJU first attempt	Academic reading, listening-reading, essay practice
July	JLPT N1	Advanced vocabulary and long reading passages
November	EJU second attempt	Raise weak sections using June’s score report

Application deadlines come months before each test, so check them early. For example, applications for the 2026 EJU closed in March for the June session and in July for the November session.

Step 1: Build a Shared Foundation up to N2

Until you are comfortable at around N2, your study plan for both tests is almost the same. Focus on vocabulary, kanji, and grammar, and read and listen to Japanese every day. Treat the JLPT as a structured way to cover this ground, since its levels give you a clear checklist.

Step 2: Switch to Academic Reading and Listening

Once your foundation is in place, change your materials. Read explanatory articles and editorials instead of short dialogues, and listen to lectures and talks instead of everyday conversations. After each one, try to state the main point and the reasons behind it in a sentence or two. This one habit trains EJU reading, EJU listening, and JLPT N1 comprehension at the same time.

Step 3: Start Essay Practice Early

Writing is the section JLPT-focused learners neglect most. Practice writing a short essay by hand within 30 minutes: state your position, give reasons and an example, address another viewpoint, and conclude. Have a teacher correct your grammar and, more importantly, the logic of your argument. Feedback matters here because it is hard to judge your own writing.

Step 4: Use Official Past Papers and Mock Tests

JASSO publishes official EJU question booklets with audio, and past questions for some sessions are available on its website. The JLPT website also offers official sample questions. Work through them under real time limits, then review every mistake by asking whether it came from vocabulary, grammar, reading speed, or misunderstanding the question.

Do Not Forget Your Other EJU Subjects

If your school requires Mathematics, Science, or Japan and the World, give them their own place in your schedule from the start. They can usually be taken in English or Japanese, depending on what your school allows. Check the scope of each subject in JASSO’s official EJU syllabuses, which were revised for these three subjects from the 2026 1st Session.

Prepare for Your Japanese Exam Goal with Nihongo Online School

Whichever test your target school asks for, the EJU Japanese test and the JLPT both reward the same foundation: solid grammar, a wide vocabulary, and the stamina to read and listen in Japanese for long stretches. Nihongo Online School helps you build that foundation through private 1-on-1 online lessons with a qualified Japanese teacher.

Lessons Built Around Your Goal and Schedule

Instead of a fixed curriculum, your lessons are customized to your target and current level, and scheduled around your life. You keep the same dedicated teacher from start to finish, so your teacher knows your weak points and adjusts each lesson to them. Every 60-minute lesson comes with about two hours of guided homework, turning lesson time into steady daily study.

See Your Progress Toward the JLPT

We regularly measure your progress with our 10-step conversation level test and a JLPT online mock test. This makes it easier to see whether you are on track for the level your school requires, and when you are ready to register for the exam.

Support for Students Heading to Japan

Since 2019, Nihongo Online School has taught Japanese to over 1,000 students. One of them, Husain, prepared for the MEXT scholarship by working through past exam papers with his teacher, Yuko-sensei, and passed. Read Husain’s story or watch his interview.

Please note that our lessons focus on the Japanese language. We do not currently offer dedicated lessons for the EJU Mathematics, Science, or Japan and the World subjects.

Start with a Free Trial Lesson

Not sure where to begin? Book a free trial lesson and Japanese level check. Afterward, your teacher will suggest a study plan that fits your schedule and your target test.

>> Get a Free Trial Lesson with Nihongo Online School

Conclusion: Let Your Target School Decide

The EJU Japanese test and the JLPT are not competitors. The EJU checks whether you can learn in Japanese at university, and it is used mainly for Japanese-taught undergraduate admissions. The JLPT certifies your general Japanese level, and it is the most widely accepted proof for vocational schools, employers, and applicants outside Asia.

Start by listing your target schools and reading their latest admission guidelines. If they use the EJU, plan for it even if you hold N1. If they accept JLPT N2, a certificate may be all you need. Either way, a strong foundation in Japanese is what moves both scores, and the earlier you build it, the more options you will have.