JAGAM

EJU FAQ

EJU FAQ

1."What is EJU?"
1- Q1. What sort of test is EJU?
A . EJU is used to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities needed to study at those institutions. Starting in 2002, EJU will be administered twice a year (June and November) in Japan and other countries and regions.

1- Q2. Are there any special qualifications needed to take EJU?
A . No particular qualifications have been defined, so anyone may take EJU. However, to enter a Japanese university’s undergraduate program as an international student, you need to be 18 or older, and need to have completed 12 years of school education in a country other than Japan.

 

1- Q3. Is it possible to take EJU even I don’t plan to study in Japan?
A . EJU is intended for international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level of a university or other such higher educational institution in Japan, so in principle it is taken by only these persons. However, there is no official rule on eligibility for sitting EJU, so it is possible for you to take the examination, with the understanding of its intended purpose, to measure your Japanese language proficiency and basic academic skills. Please note that AIEJ only reports your examination scores and does not offer certification.

1- Q4. Where can I get an EJU application form?
A . EJU bulletins containing an application form are sold at major bookstores throughout Japan. For details, see the list of EJU Bulletin Vendors in Japan (in Japanese) on this website.
Bulletins and application forms for overseas venues are available at each Overseas Representative. For details, see the Overseas Representatives on this website.
 
1- Q5. Do I need to state my university of choice when applying?
A . Unlike the previous application form for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, it is not necessary to state the name of the university that you wish to enter when filling out the EJU application.

 

1- Q6. EJU is held twice a year. Can I take it two or more times?
A . You may take EJU two or more times. However, only the scores of just one EJU session will be provided to the university to which you will apply.

 

1- Q7. When I have taken EJU two or more times, can I select which session’s score I would like the university to use?
A . You may select which session’s score you would like the university to use, within the limits specified by the university. For example, When A University uses the scores of EJU within the limits of “sessions of 2003 June, November, and 2002 November”, examinees may select the most preferable score out of those they have taken within that 3 sessions, and submit the Examination Registration Number to A University.

 

1- Q8. When I have taken EJU two or more times, is it possible to submit the scores of different sessions per subject?
A . It is impossible to submit the scores of different sessions per subject. The score is to be submitted per session. For example, submitting the score to the university in such a way as “the score of Japanese as a Foreign Language for the session of 2003 June, plus the score of Science for the session of 2003 November” is not available.

 

1- Q9. :I live outside Japan, but is it possible for me to take the EJU at a test site in Japan?
A . Yes, persons living outside Japan can take the examination at a test site in Japan. However, it is necessary to have a relative or acquaintance in Japan take care of various EJU procedures, from purchasing the EJU Bulletin to paying the examination fee and submitting the application materials. Likewise, persons living in Japan can take the EJU at test sites in other countries/regions, but they need to have someone in that country/region handle the aforementioned procedures. For more information, click here.

 

1- Q10. I have lost my examination voucher. Can it be reissued? If so, please tell me what to do.
A . Each EJU test site has a counter that issues temporary examination vouchers. In order to receive one, you will need to present a photo ID (passport, alien registration certificate, etc.), so please remember to bring such an ID with you. If you lose your examination voucher after the examination, AIEJ can issue a replacement when needed for applying to universities or other schools. However, it takes a certain amount of days to issue the replacement, and a fee is required. For details, see the Reissuing of EJU Examination Vouchers section of this website.

 

1- Q11. I have lost my score report. Can it be reissued? If so, please tell me what to do.
A . As mentioned in the EJU Bulletin, score reports unfortunately cannot be replaced. Moreover, AIEJ does not issue score certificates. However, AIEJ can issue a paper slip listing the examinee’s scores. For more information, contact AIEJ by clicking here.

 

1- Q12. How long are EJU scores valid?
A . EJU scores remain valid for two years (i.e., the past four sessions). However, some universities and other schools require applicants to take the EJU in certain years or sessions, so before you apply to a school, contact them to find out their EJU requirements.

 

1- Q13. Can I have my EJU scores reported to me by phone, fax, e-mail or other such methods?
A . AIEJ reports scores only by postal service, and never takes score requests made by phone, fax, the Internet, e-mail, etc. (Scores are not listed on AIEJ’s website.)

 

1- Q14. Please give me statistics on EJU scores.
A . Please refer to the Outline of result for EJU (in Japanese) section of this website for score statistics.

 

1- Q15. Can I have AIEJ issue documents needed for visa applications?
A . For information on documents required for visa applications, please contact the nearest Embassy of Japan or Consulate-General of Japan. AIEJ does not issue any documentation before EJU except for examination vouchers.

 

1- Q16. How can I take the EJU if it is not administered in my country?
A . Please take the EJU in Japan or any other country/region where it is administered. Click here for a list of places where the EJU is held. Please note that the application procedures differ for each venue city outside Japan. For details, please refer to the list of Overseas Representatives and contact the appropriate representative.

 

1- Q17. If I have an application form for the EJU’s first session (June) but did not apply, can I use the form to apply for the second session (November)?
A . Yes. The EJU Bulletin (for examinations in Japan) is the same for both sessions of the same year, so if you purchased the bulletin and accompanying application form during the first session’s application period but did not use them, you can use them for that year’s second session.

 

1- Q18. Please tell me how to apply for the Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Student Reservation Program. Is there a special application form?
A . There is no special application form for the Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Student Reservation Program. To apply, mark a circle in the appropriate box of the EJU application form. See the Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Student Reservation Program (in Japanese) section of this website for more information.

 

1- Q19. How do Courses 1 and 2 of the Mathematics test differ?
A . Course 1 is for humanities departments or science departments that require relatively low use of mathematics. Course 2 is for departments that require extensive use of mathematics (such as a department of science and engineering). For details, see the syllabus for each course. Requirements regarding the EJU’s Mathematics test differ for each university or school, so please consult in advance with the school to which you will apply.
2."Subjects, Syllabuses, Question Booklet"
2- Q1. What are the subject tests of EJU?
A . EJU is composed of four subject tests: Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Japan and the World, and Mathematics. Examinees taking the Science test must select two of the three categories (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), and those taking the Mathematics test select one of two course options; these selections may be made at the examination site and thus do not need to be specified when applying.

 

2- Q2. Which subject tests should I take?
A . Applicants select which subject tests they will take from Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Japan and the World, and Mathematics (note that the Science test and the Japan and the World test are conducted in the same time slot, so applicants cannot take both). Applicants need to make their selections in accordance with the requirements of the university that they wish to enter. Failure to do so will disqualify the applicant from admission to that university, so be sure to check which subject tests need to be taken before applying.

 

2- Q3. What is the Japan and the World test?
A . Unique to EJU, the Japan and the World test is a subject test that has never been offered previously. The questions are on topics studied in the civics (mainly politics and economics), geography, and history courses of Japanese high schools. To get a better idea of the coverage of this test, see the test information posted on this website.

 

2- Q4. Are there any reference books for the Japan and the World test? How can I study for it?
A . The Japan and the World test comprehensively covers topics in civics, geography, and history. It serves to evaluate your basic knowledge of each area and your ability to reason from the information and figures presented in the questions. For an idea of the content of the test, refer to the syllabus and the trial examination questions posted on this website. The test focuses on civics-related topics, so you are encouraged to study Japanese high school textbooks, concentrating on politics, economics, and modern society as you go over the basic topics in Geography A, World History A, and Japanese History A.

 

2- Q5. Aren’t there any subject tests covering languages other than Japanese?
A . EJU does not include a subject test on English or other foreign languages. In order to gauge an applicant’s fundamental knowledge of English or other foreign languages, some universities require applicants to take the university’s own foreign language test or submit scores from TOEFL or other such language tests, so be sure to find out the foreign language requirements of your selected university before applying.

 

2- Q6. Is EJU administered in Japanese only?
A . EJU may be taken in Japanese or English, except for the Japanese as a Foreign Language test, which is administered in Japanese only. As with the selection of subject tests, you need to select the examination language of EJU in accordance with the requirements of the university that you wish to enter. Be sure to find out the university’s specification before applying.

 

2- Q7. Are there any EJU practice booklets or reference books available for purchase?
A . The EJU question booklet (with CD) is sold at the major bookstores. For information about the order or the sales bookstores, etc. please inquire of the following publisher.

“Heisei14nendo nihonryugakushiken (dai1kai) shikenmondai chokaimondai CD tsuki”
[2002 Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (1st Session)]
1,700yen(excluding tax), B5 edition, 248 pages

“Heisei14nendo nihonryugakushiken (dai2kai) shikenmondai chokaimondai CD tsuki”
[2002 Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (2nd Session)]
1,700yen(excluding tax), B5 edition, 270 pages

“Heisei15nendo nihonryugakushiken (dai1kai) shikenmondai chokaimondai CD tsuki”
[2003 Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (1st Session)]
1,800yen(excluding tax), B5 edition, 294 pages

Publisher:
Kirihara Shoten, Ltd. https://www.kirihara.co.jp/
2-44-5, Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 166-0003, Japan
Tel.03-3314-3120

Moreover, our website contains the Questions of EJU trial examination held in November 2001, and EJU Syllabus.

3."Relation to Universities etc."
3- Q1. What do you mean when you say a Japanese university “uses” EJU?
A . When we talk about a Japanese university or other such higher educational institution “using” EJU, we mean that the institution uses EJU scores in its applicant screening process for international students. Specifically, the institution requests AIEJ to furnish the EJU scores of the applicant, and then uses the scores as criteria for determining whether to accept the applicant. You should take note that not all institutions solely rely on EJU scores to decide whether to admit an applicant; at some institutions, the screening process also includes the institution’s own entrance exam and/or an interview. Consequently, we recommend that you find out in advance what admission criteria are used by the institution to which you wish to apply. Nevertheless, AIEJ is making efforts to have more and more Japanese universities and other higher educational institutions screen international applicants on the basis of EJU scores only.

 

3- Q2. Will I be disqualified from admission to a Japanese university if I don’t pass EJU?
A . EJU performance is not graded in terms of “pass” or “fail.” Unlike the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, EJU does not have different levels or score-based certification. Consequently, performance is simply evaluated as a score. Universities look at EJU scores to determine the level of the Japanese language skills and basic academic abilities of international students being screened for admission.

 

3- Q3. Is it absolutely necessary to take EJU in order to get into a Japanese university?
A . Each university is free to decide whether to use EJU scores to screen international students. Before applying, check whether your university of choice requires that you take EJU. If EJU must be taken, remember to also check the university’s requirements concerning subject tests and examination language.

 

3- Q4. Is it absolutely necessary to take EJU in order to be admitted to a Japanese graduate school?
A . As EJU is just starting this year, it appears that many Japanese graduate schools have yet to decide whether to use EJU scores in their admission process for international students. A list of graduate schools that have expressed their intention to use EJU scores is posted on this website for your reference. However, there may be some graduate schools not on the list that plan to use EJU scores, so before applying, be sure to ask your school of choice whether they require you to take EJU.

 

3- Q5. Is it necessary to take EJU in order to be admitted to a Japanese special training college?
A . As EJU is just starting this year, it appears that many Japanese special training colleges have yet to decide whether to use EJU scores in their admission process for international students. A list of special training colleges using EJU that have expressed their intention to use EJU scores is posted on this website for your reference. However, there may be some special training colleges not on the list that plan to use EJU scores, so before applying, be sure to ask your school of choice whether they require you to take EJU.

 

3- Q6. What is meant by “TOEFL or other test for study abroad in English-speaking regions required”?
A . The EJU doe not contain any sections that test English proficiency. Some Japanese universities and other schools require applicants to take the school’s own English test or submit scores from TOEFL or other such tests in order to find out the applicants’ basic scholastic aptitude in English. Consequently, “TOEFL or other test for study abroad in English-speaking regions required” and similar statements by a school mean that the school requires applicants to take an international English test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, and submit the scores to the school. Before applying, please contact the school to which you will apply in order to find out what particular test must be taken.

 

3- Q7. Are there any Japanese universities or schools that do not require applicants to take the EJU?
A . Yes, there are. You can find out which universities and junior colleges do not require the EJU by clicking here (in Japanese).
4."EJU held outside of Japan"
4- Q1. Where is EJU held outside of Japan?
A . EJU is administered in 11 cities in 9 nations/regions: Indonesia (Jakarta and Surabaya), Vietnam (Hanoi), South Korea (Seoul and Busan), Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok), Taiwan (Taipei), Philippines (Manila) , Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar).

 

4- Q2. Won’t EJU be held in China?
A . Unfortunately, 2003 EJU will not be administered in China. However, AIEJ is looking into the possibility of holding 2004 EJU in China.

 

4- Q3. Does AIEJ plan to increase the number of EJU venue cities outside Japan?
A . Yes, we intend to start holding the EJU in more cities outside Japan, adding two venue cities each year in mainly countries/regions with a large number of students desiring to study in Japan. The new venue cities will be posted on this website as soon as they are decided.
5."Relation to General Examination for Foreign Students, Japanese Language Proficiency Test"
5- Q1. How are the General Examination for Foreign Students and EJU related?
A . EJU replaces the General Examination for Foreign Students, which was abolished as of the last session in December 2001.

 

5- Q2. How are the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and EJU related?
A . The Japanese Language Proficiency Test will continue to be administered once a year as a means of assessing general Japanese language skills. As a rule, however, AIEJ will no longer report the test results to universities, except for the case of persons who take the test at a city where EJU is not administered and apply to a Japanese university that uses JLPT scores in its admission process. In this case only will AIEJ continue to offer score reporting to the university concerned.

 

5- Q3. Before, international students wishing to study at a Japanese special training college (excluding those planning to study the Japanese language only) needed to pass Level 1 or 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in order to receive permission to enter and reside in Japan under a student visa. Now that the EJU is being administered, what changes have occurred to this requirement?
A . Previously, when applying to enter and reside in Japan under a student visa, all international students wishing to study at a Japanese special training college (excluding those planning to study the Japanese language only) had to submit a copy of the certificate showing that they had passed Level 1 or 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. However, with the start of the EJU system, the Ministry of Justice now also recognizes scores of 200 points or higher on the EJU’s Japanese as a Foreign Language test (the total of the Reading, Listening, and Listening & Reading sections) as being equivalent to passing Level 1 or 2 of the JLPT. Consequently, you can instead submit a copy of your EJU score report showing that you fulfilled this Japanese as a Foreign Language test score requirement when you apply for a student visa.

 

5- Q4. How do EJU’s Japanese as a Foreign Language Test and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test differ? Which is more difficult?
A . The Japanese Language Proficiency Test assesses general aptitude in Japanese, focusing on such linguistic knowledge as characters, vocabulary, and grammar. In contrast, EJU’s Japanese as a Foreign Language Test is designed to measure the Japanese skills needed to study at Japanese universities and other schools (“academic Japanese”), and thus it emphasizes skill over linguistic knowledge. Consequently, the Japanese as a Foreign Language Test does not include questions on characters, vocabulary, or grammar, and is instead mostly composed of listening comprehension and listening-reading comprehension questions, with a writing section as well. Because these two tests differ in nature, it is impossible to make a general comparison of their difficulty.

 

5- Q5. What is the equivalent point level of EJU’s Japanese as a Foreign Language Test in comparison with Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?
A . These two tests measure different things, so a general comparison cannot be made.

 

5- Q6. Do I still have to take the EJU even if I pass Level 1 (or 2) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?
A . Generally, if a Japanese university or other school uses EJU scores in its admission process, international applicants have to take the EJU. However, in the case of applicants who live in countries/regions where EJU is not administered, some schools use Japanese Language Proficiency Test scores instead of EJU scores. Before applying, please directly contact the school you wish to enter and ask for information on this.

 

5- Q7. If I pass Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, can I be exempted from taking the EJU’s Japanese as a Foreign Language test?
A . When applying to a Japanese university or school that uses EJU scores in its admission process, you need to take all EJU subject tests required by that school. Therefore, if the school requires that you take the Japanese as a Foreign Language test, you have to take it, regardless of whether you have passed Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

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