JLPT Demystified: Essential Certification for Japanese University Admissions (and How It Differs from the EJU)

Thinking of studying in Japan? While brochures often highlight the cherry blossoms and cutting‑edge labs, one practical hurdle remains constant: demonstrating that you can survive — and thrive — in a Japanese‑medium classroom. For most applicants that proof is the Japanese‑Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). This post walks you through how the exam works, how it differs from the EJU, and which universities actually demand a certificate.

1. Understanding the JLPT – Levels, Locations & Calendar

The JLPT is a standardized test jointly administered by the Japan Foundation and JEES(Japan Educational Exchanges and Services). It is offered twice a year in Japan (first Sunday of July and first Sunday of December) and once or twice overseas depending on local demand — in 2025, test centers operate in 75 countries and over 260 cities. Registration normally opens about four months in advance and fills quickly, so mark your calendar early.

Five Proficiency Levels

• N5–N4 – basic phrase recognition; rarely accepted by universities.
• N3 – lower‑intermediate; sufficient only for preparatory language schools.
• N2 – business & daily academic life; some universities accept for humanities.
• N1 – near‑native. Required by the majority of degree programs taught in Japanese.

Format At‑a‑Glance

Section	Time	Question Types
Vocabulary & Kanji	25‑35 min	Reading, context, formation
Reading	55‑75 min	Short essays, long passages, charts
Listening	30‑40 min	Conversations, lectures, quick response

Unlike the TOEFL, the JLPT does not include a speaking section, which is why many universities also run in‑house interviews.

2. JLPT vs EJU – Which Score Does Admissions Really Use?

The EJU was designed by JASSO to evaluate both language ability und academic readiness (science, mathematics, Japan & the World). It is offered twice a year — June and November — with results released roughly five weeks later. While some national universities base their entire admission ranking on EJU, private universities more often request a standalone JLPT certificate and then conduct subject tests in‑house.

• JLPT only – common for graduate schools and art programs.
• EJU only – national universities that run joint scholarship schemes with JASSO.
• Both accepted – applicants may submit whichever is higher (e.g., Waseda University School of Political Science and Economics).

Because the JLPT certificate is portable and valid “forever,” many degree‑seekers take it first, then follow up with the subject‑specific EJU if required. Be sure to read each faculty’s English‑language admissions page for the exact policy.

3. Who Asks for JLPT? — 20 Sample Universities

Below is a quick reference grid. All listings refer to Japanese‑medium degrees; English‑taught tracks often waive JLPT.

Universität	Degree / School	Minimum JLPT	Source
Universität Tokio	Graduate School of Economics	N1	Link
Universität Kyoto	Graduate School of Management (MBA)	N1	Link
Universität Osaka	School / Graduate School of Economics	N1	Link
Universität Nagoya	Japanese-medium Undergraduate Courses	N1	Link
Tohoku-Universität	Direct Enrollment (School of Science)	N1	Link
Tokyo Institute of Technology	Master/Doctoral Degree Programs	N1/N2	Link
Waseda-Universität	Graduate Schools (Japanese-track)	N1	Link
Keio Universität	Graduate School of System Design & Management	N1	Link
Universität Hokkaido	Modern Japanese Studies (Bachelor)	N2	Link
Universität von Tsukuba	Business Sciences (Master)	N1	Link
Kobe University	All Undergraduate & Graduate Programs	N1 (recommended)	Link
Chiba University	Japanese-medium Bachelor (J-PAC track)	N2	Link
Hiroshima University	Engineering Research / Degree Students	N2+	Link
Nationale Universität Yokohama	JOY Program → Degree Courses	N2	Link
Kyushu-Universität	Undergraduate/Graduate Regular Courses	N1 (目安)	Link
Ritsumeikan-Universität	Japanese-based Degree Tracks	N1	Link
Meiji University	Graduate School of Professional Accountancy	N1	Link
Universität Sophia	Japanese-taught Undergraduate Programs	N1	Link
Nihon University	Graduate Schools (Multiple)	N2+	Link
Kansai University	Graduate School of Letters	N2	Link

Always double‑check if a faculty offers an English‑medium alternative; you might not need JLPT at all.

4. Roadmap to N1/N2 in 12 Months

If you are starting from upper‑intermediate (≈ JLPT N3), the following year‑long plan has helped many of our coaching students hit N1 on the first try:

• Months 1‑3 — Grammar Sprint: Finish Shin Kanzen Master N2 Bunpō; shadow each example aloud.
• Months 4‑6 — Kanji & Vocab: 30 new kanji a day with the KanjiMemoryHint app; target 2,500 total.
• Months 7‑9 — Reading Drills: Weekly timed practice on past papers from JLPT 2020‑2024; keep accuracy ≥ 80%.
• Months 10‑11 — Listening Immersion: Watch NHK 高校講座 lectures and answer comprehension questions.
• Month 12 — Mock Tests & Review: Sit two full mock exams under test conditions; identify weak points and plug gaps.

Pairing the above with a structured EJU science module (if required) ensures you clear both hurdles before scholarship deadlines in the spring. Good luck, and remember: language proficiency is evidence, not the end goal — your future lab work or seminar debate is.