Do You Need the JLPT to Study at a Japanese University?
Whether you need the JLPT to study in Japan depends on the kind of programme. Japanese-taught undergraduate degrees often use the EJU and the university’s own exam, though many also accept or ask for JLPT N1 or N2 as proof of Japanese. Japanese-taught graduate programmes commonly ask for N2 or N1, vocational schools (専門学校) usually expect around N2, and Japanese language schools take beginners. English-taught degrees may not ask for any Japanese at all. Requirements differ by school and change from year to year, so always check the admissions guide (募集要項) for your programme. This guide explains the usual patterns and how to plan your timeline.
What different programmes usually ask for
| Programme | Typical Japanese requirement |
|---|---|
| Japanese language school | Beginners welcome; many ask for basic study or around N5. |
| Vocational school (専門学校) | Usually around N2, sometimes N3 for certain courses. |
| Japanese-taught undergraduate degree | EJU and/or the university’s own exam; often N2 or N1 accepted or required. |
| Japanese-taught graduate programme | Often N2 or N1, plus a research plan and interview. |
| English-taught degree | Often no Japanese required; English test scores instead. |
These are general patterns, not rules. Some faculties set higher bars, some accept other tests, and exchange students follow their home university’s arrangement.
JLPT or EJU?
The JLPT measures general Japanese ability. The EJU (日本留学試験) is designed for university admission and tests academic Japanese, including a short essay, alongside subjects such as maths and science. Many undergraduate applicants need the EJU; the JLPT is often an extra or alternative proof. See EJU Japanese preparation and the JLPT vs other Japanese tests.
Planning your timeline
- Work back from the application deadline, not the start date. Results take time to arrive, so a December test may be too late for some deadlines.
- Check where the test is held. In many countries the JLPT runs only once or twice a year. See July or December and registering abroad.
- Leave room for a retake. Aim to pass the level you need one sitting before you actually need it.
- Don’t forget speaking. The JLPT has no speaking section, but interviews do. See does the JLPT test speaking?
Beyond the certificate
Passing N2 doesn’t mean you can follow lectures with ease. Practise listening to longer talks, reading academic texts and writing in a formal style, and prepare for interviews in Japanese. See studying abroad in Japan, writing a research plan for graduate school and the MEXT scholarship interview.
How Hanabuddies can help
Our native Japanese tutors teach one-to-one online, in English. We can check your level, plan your route to the JLPT level your programme asks for, and practise interviews, academic reading and essays. Your first 15 minutes are a free trial.