Mastering the EJU: Your Guide to Non-Japanese Sections for a Successful University Entry in Japan

Thinking of earning a full degree in Japan? Before you pack your suitcase, you’ll need to clear one academic hurdle that many universities use instead of—or in addition to—SAT, A-Levels, IB and Gaokao scores: the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). This article gives you a concise, no-jargon tour of the non-Japanese-language parts of the EJU so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

1. What Exactly Is the EJU?

The EJU was created by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in 2002 to replace multiple university-specific entrance tests with a single, standardized exam. Its aim is to gauge whether international applicants possess academic skills equivalent to Japanese high-school graduates. Universities receive your score report directly from JASSO, so there is no need to send certified copies yourself. While the exam does include a Japanese-language section, this guide focuses on the other three subjects that most schools care about: Mathematics, Science, and Japan & the World.

Core Subjects & Score Range

• Mathematics (Course 1 or 2) – 200 points max; Course 1 suits humanities majors, Course 2 is heavier on calculus and probability.
• Science – Choose two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology; 200 points max.
• Japan & the World – Interdisciplinary social-science paper on history, politics and economics; 200 points max.

2. When and Where Is the Test Offered?

The EJU runs twice a year — mid-June and early November. Inside Japan it is held in 17 prefectures; outside Japan the 2025 session lists 18 cities across 14 countries from Seoul to New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur (official guide). Registration opens roughly four months before each session and closes in about three weeks, so set calendar reminders early.

Exam Day Logistics

• Languages: all non-Japanese sections are available in English or Japanese — choose when you register.
• Format: paper-based multiple choice; bring HB pencils and a basic calculator (no programmable functions).
• Score Release: late July for June sitting, mid-December for November sitting. Universities usually accept the better of your two most recent scores.

3. Universities That Ask for EJU Scores

Below is a quick reference list of well-known institutions that use EJU results for regular, degree-seeking (non-exchange) admission. Links lead to each school’s English admission page for the latest policies.

Université	Typical Degree Track
Université de Tokyo	Japanese-medium Bachelor’s
Université de Kyoto	All faculties (JP track)
Université d'Osaka	Undergraduate (JP)
Université de Tohoku	General Courses (JP)
Université de Hokkaido	Regular Bachelor’s
Université de Kyushu	Undergraduate (JP)
Université de Nagoya	Japanese degree tracks
Université de Waseda	Japanese-medium degrees
Université de Keio	Japanese tracks (many faculties)
Université Sophia	JP degree programs
International Christian Univ.	Japanese Liberal Arts
Tokyo Institute of Tech.	Bachelor of Engineering (JP)
Yokohama National Univ.	Japanese-track Bachelor’s
Chiba University	Regular programs
Okayama University	Undergraduate (JP)
Hiroshima University	All faculties (JP)
Kanazawa University	Bachelor’s (JP)
Osaka Metropolitan Univ.	Undergraduate (JP)
Meiji University	Japanese-based degrees
Université Ritsumeikan	Japanese tracks

4. Scoring Strategies and Preparation Tips

Because universities often publish minimum EJU scores only after each admission cycle, aim for the top third of the scale (≈150 / 200) to stay safe. Most faculties weigh Math or Science far more heavily than Japan & the World, so tailor your study hours accordingly.

Free & Low-Cost Resources

• Past papers from JASSO’s archive (Physics, Biology).
• Explanatory blogs such as Tokyo Central Japanese Edu.

Pro-tip: If you cannot sit both June and November exams, pick the session that aligns with your target university’s application window — many autumn-entry schools accept the June score only.

5. Key Takeaways

The non-Japanese sections of the EJU test the same calculus, lab science and social-science reasoning you’ve seen in your home-country curriculum — just compressed into one morning. Register early, focus on your major-relevant subjects, and keep an eye on each university’s score thresholds. Nail that strategy and you’ll turn the EJU from a gatekeeper into your golden ticket to a Japanese degree.