Japan EJU Examination: JASSO Registration, Subjects, and University Matching

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is administered by JASSO and used by Japanese universities as one component of international admissions. Universities decide which subjects, language, score use and additional tests they require. Start with the target department's admission guide, then use JASSO for dates, application instructions, subjects and results handling.

What EJU is and is not

• EJU provides standardized scores in Japanese, Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics that universities may require or weight differently.
• A good EJU score does not automatically create admission, scholarship or visa. Most universities also require transcripts, recommendation letters, interview or proof of Japanese/English ability.

Subjects and scoring (recheck current guide)

• Japanese as a Foreign Language: reading, listening/reading, writing (total ~400 points in current scale).
• Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology — choose two per the department's rule.
• Japan and the World: economics, politics, geography, history.
• Mathematics: Course 1 (lighter) vs Course 2 (advanced calculus) — the department specifies which course.

Registration choice matters: you must select the course the programme asks for. A common error is sitting Course 1 when the programme requires Course 2.

How JASSO runs the cycle

Two sessions per year: June and November. JASSO publishes the examination guide covering:

• Application window, fee payment and voucher
• Identification, venue and entry rules
• Score reporting and sending scores to universities

Read the current guide cover to cover: identification rules, venue assignment and score validity period are cycle-specific.

Registration workflow

1. Open the current EJU examination guide on jasso.go.jp and note the application window for the session you target.
2. Select subjects per your university shortlist — bring a table of what each programme requires.
3. Complete online or voucher application as instructed, pay the fee, and save the voucher/receipt.
4. Download and print the examinee ticket when released; verify venue, entry time and ID required.
5. Bring exactly the identification listed in the guide. Universities do not accept alternatives on exam day.

Matching EJU to programmes

For each programme you consider, record:

• Required subjects and course choice
• Minimum or weighted scores, if stated
• Whether the university uses the June session, November session, or both for the April/October intake you target
• Additional requirements: TOEFL/IELTS, JLPT, interview, portfolio, proof of funds

Some programmes accept either EJU or their own entrance exam; others require both. Never book travel based on a forum schedule — confirm the intake table in the department PDF.

Common mistakes

• Missing the application window because you followed last year's dates.
• Choosing the wrong mathematics course for your field.
• Sitting EJU without checking whether your programme actually uses the session you sat.
• Paying via an unofficial link.

Tips

• Build a programme matrix early: 12-15 rows of universities x subjects x language tests x deadlines.
• Use JASSO's EJU past questions for format practice, not score prediction.
• Keep passport expiry beyond the entire admission window — replacement mid-cycle creates mismatched records.

Official source

JASSO EJU. Verify subjects, fees, identification and score handling on the live guide and the department admission PDF for the intake you apply to.

Frequently asked question

Q: Does a strong EJU guarantee a university place? No. Universities integrate EJU with transcripts, language results, interview and other materials. Meet every item on the department checklist.