Reasons to Choose Japan

"STUDY in JAPAN" provides essential information on studying in Japan, including reasons to choose Japan, study planning, and life in Japan. Japan is home to world-class higher education institutions, renowned for their excellence in science and technology. The country also offers a rich natural environment, cultural heritage, a high quality of life, and the opportunity to learn alongside diverse international students. If you're considering studying in Japan, are unsure about studying abroad, or are exploring options for your study destination, we invite you to check it out.

How to Succeed in Studying in Japan

"STUDY in JAPAN Basic Guide" is a booklet available in about 20 languages. It provides an overview of the Japanese education system and explains the characteristics of universities, Japanese language schools, and vocational schools. The guide offers detailed information not only on application procedures and entrance exams but also on tuition fees, study abroad costs, part-time jobs, and scholarships.

Moreover, STUDY in JAPAN offers a "Comprehensive Flowchart" to help you successfully plan your study abroad in Japan. You can check your study schedule based on three different plans. Be sure to make a solid plan and move forward with your preparations.

Source: "STUDY in JAPAN" official website. (https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/)

Requirements for Employment in Japan

In Japan, an increasing number of companies are saying, "We want to hire talented individuals regardless of nationality," "We need people who can speak foreign languages and understand international affairs," and "We want to actively hire individuals with diverse backgrounds." As a result, the number of international students being hired is increasing. However, it is often said that job hunting in Japan can be challenging for international students, as they find the process unfamiliar. To work in Japan, international students need to understand Japan's unique job-hunting system.

Job Hunting Activities in Japan

JASSO's Job Hunting Guide for International Students provides information on the structure and schedule of job hunting in Japan, as well as preparation for job interviews and online tests. In Japan, job hunting begins in March of the year before graduation, so it is important to start preparing early through activities such as industry research and self-analysis while balancing academic studies. Additionally, companies prioritize "communication skills" and "Japanese language proficiency" when hiring international students. As Since most interviews are conducted in Japanese, acquiring strong Japanese language skills is essential.

Sauce: "Employment in Japan" section of Study in Japan official website.
(https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/work-in-japan/employment/)

What are Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals?

As globalization continues to advance, professionals with high-level knowledge and skills are making an impact across borders. Japan seeks to achieve further development by welcoming talented professionals from around the world. Many Japanese companies look to foreign talent to drive innovation, expand international business, and improve existing services.

Source: "Study & Work in Japan" section of Open for Professionals official website.
（https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/hrportal/forprofessionals/study_work.html）

Information Provided by JETRO for Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals

In Japan, there are not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as startups with high technological capabilities. The Open for Professionals portal provides information about companies that are looking to grow their business by collaborating with talented foreign professionals. In addition to regularly hosting online job fairs for international students in Japan and the Japan Career Promotion Forum for students living abroad, it also offers the OFP List, which features companies interested in hiring highly-skilled foreign professionals. This list allows users to search for job opportunities from over 250 companies in both Japanese and English.

Source: "Career Search" section of Open for Professionals official website.
(https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/hrportal/forprofessionals/findjob.html)

What is the EJU?

The EJU is an examination designed for international students who wish to enter universities (undergraduate programs) or other higher educational institutions in Japan. It evaluates their Japanese language proficiency and basic academic skills.

Exam subjects and Exam language

Examinees select their exam subjects and the language of the questions based on the admission regulations of their desired universities (undergraduate programs) or other institutions in Japan.

Japanese (Reading Comprehension, Listening, and Listening-Reading Comprehension: 400 points; Writing: 50 points), with a total of 450 points.
Science (select two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) or Japan and the World (the Comprehensive Subject), each subject worth 200 points.
Mathematics (Course 1 for those entering liberal arts or science programs, or Course 2 for those entering programs requiring advanced knowledge of mathematics), each subject worth 200 points.
The content of examination for each subject is as follows.

* Examinees may not select both Science and the Comprehensive Subject.
* For Science, the Comprehensive Subject, and Mathematics, examinees can select the language (Japanese or English) when applying. The Japanese language subject is available only in Japanese.
Eligibility requirements, whether the EJU is required, the required subjects, the exam language, and the test sessions taken may vary by university. For more details, please refer to the admission guidelines of your desired university.

Features and Benefits of the EJU

・Eligibility and Validity of Scores: There are no eligibility requirements. Anyone can take the exam as many times as they wish. Scores are valid for two years.
・Using EJU Scores for the Pre-Arrival Admission System: The Pre-Arrival Admission System allows examinees to take the EJU in their home country or region. Based on EJU scores and high school grades, admission decisions can be made without needing to travel to Japan.
・Scholarship Reservation System: High scores may be eligible for the JASSO Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students).

Application Procedure

Examination Fee (as of 2024)
For examinees taking one subject: 10,000 yen (including tax)
For examinees taking two or more subjects: 19,000 yen (including tax)
*The fees may vary depending on the examination location outside of Japan.
Check here for the examination fees by location.

Venues
In Japan: 17 prefectures
Outside Japan: 13 countries and regions; 17 cities

Examination Schedule
Two times a year (in June and November)
The application procedure and examination fees vary depending on the location. For more details on how to apply, please contact the testing organization in the country or region where you plan to take the exam, or refer to the official website for further information. You can check the application methods here.

Contact
For examinations in Japan: Japan Examination for Japanese University Admission (JASSO) Reception Center (+81) 045-620-7243 eju@sdcj.co.jp
For examinations outside Japan: EJU Overseas Representatives.

Sauce: STUDY in Japan official website.
(https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/about/index.html)

The JLPT Purpose

The JLPT will be held worldwide to evaluate and certify proficiency in Japanese of non-native speakers.

Source: "Objectives and History" section of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test official website.
(https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/purpose.html)

Exam Structure and Evaluation

The JLPT measures the communicative competence required to perform tasks. It consists of three elements: "Language Knowledge," "Reading," and "Listening."

There are five levels (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5), with N5 being the easiest level and N1 being the most difficult.

Source: "Four key Characteristics" section of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test official website.
(https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/points.html)

Features and Benefits of the JLPT

・Admission requirements for universities and vocational schools in Japan: International students must have N2 certification or higher.
・Advantage in job hunting: Proficiency in Japanese serves as proof of language ability during job searches and career transitions in Japan.
・Preferential treatment under the Highly Skilled Professional Points System: Passing the JLPT grants points that can be used for preferential treatment in Japan's immigration management.
* For more details on the points system for highly skilled professionals, please refer to the website Immigration Bureau of Japan.

Reference: Japanese language proficiency required for admission to higher education institutions, by Immigration Service Agency.
(https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyuukokukanri07_00022.html?hl=en)
Source: "Advantages of JLPT" section of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test official website.
(https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/merit.html)

Application Procedure

Examination Fee
7,500 yen (including tax)
*when taking the exam outside Japan, it may vary depending on the implementation city and organization.

Venues (as of 2023)
In Japan: 47 prefectures
Outside Japan: 92 countries and regions

Examination Schedule
Two times a year (in July and December)
* There are cities outside Japan that only hold the exam in July or only hold the exam in December.

How to apply
For examinations in Japan: Examinees should register for MyJLPT on the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) website.
For examinations outside Japan: Examinees should apply through the city and organization administering the exam in their country or region. Please refer to the official website for more details.

The BJT Purpose

In Japan's business culture, there are unique expressions and behaviors specific to Japanese customs.The BJT is a test to measure your proficiency in communicating in the Japanese language required in business settings.

Source: "What is the BJT?" section of the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test official website.
(https://www.kanken.or.jp/bjt/english/about/)

Exam Structure and Evaluation

The BJT has a total of 80 questions and takes about 2 hours (including test explanations and a questionnaire). It broadly consists of three parts: "Listening Comprehension," "Listening and Reading Comprehension," and "Reading Comprehension."

This test indicates Japanese language proficiency with a score of 0-800 points. Also, levels from J5 to J1+ are set in accordance with sores as indicators proficiency.

Source: BJT Materials Pamphlet (for Administrators).
(https://www.kanken.or.jp/bjt/brochure/data/2304_tantousya.pdf)

Features and Benefits of the BJT　

・ It is often said that "being able to hold daily conversations is not enough in the business world." As a result, an increasing number of Japanese companies place a high value on the BJT.
・Recognition of the requirements for "designated activities" related to employment support for international students: As graduates from universities in Japan, they can be recognized under "designated activities" to engage in a wide range of jobs, including customer service in restaurants and hotels or inns, as well as taxi driving.
・Preferential treatment under the Highly Skilled Professional Points System:BJT scores grant points that can be used for preferential treatment in Japan's immigration management.
* For more details on the points system for highly skilled professionals, please refer to the website Immigration Bureau of Japan.

Source: "What is the BJT?" section of the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test official website.
(https://www.kanken.or.jp/bjt/english/about/)

Application Procedure

Examination Fee
7,000 yen (including tax)
*The examination fee varies for taking the BJT outside Japan. For more details, please refer to the official BJT website.

Venues (as of April 2024)
In Japan: 41 prefectures
Outside Japan: 20 countries and regions

Examination Schedule
Examinees can take the BJT at any time and will receive their results immediately.
*The BJT cannot be taken again within three months after the previous exam.

How to apply
Examinees can select the test center and date they wish to book from the Pearson VUE BJT website. The exam is administered using the CBT (Computer-Based Testing) format at the test center.