Give me an overview of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). Write a list of Can-do statements for what I need to know and be able to do in Japanese to receive a perfect score on it. Write a list of Can-do statements for what I need to know and be able to do in Japanese simply to receive a passing grade. What’s the best way to study for it

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU): A Comprehensive Guide

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) serves as a critical gateway for international students aspiring to study at Japanese universities. Established in 2002 by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), this comprehensive assessment evaluates both Japanese language proficiency specifically tailored for academic environments and basic scholastic abilities necessary for successful university studies in Japan. More than 900 Japanese educational institutions, including universities, junior colleges, graduate schools, and professional training colleges, utilize EJU results in their admission processes, making it an essential stepping stone for international students seeking higher education opportunities in Japan[6].

Structure and Administration of the EJU

The EJU replaced both the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and the General Examination for Foreign Students that were previously required by many Japanese universities[3][4]. Administered twice annually in June and November, the examination takes place across 17 prefectures in Japan and 17 cities in 13 countries and regions internationally, ensuring widespread accessibility for prospective students[6]. The examination’s scores remain valid for two years, providing flexibility in application timelines and potentially qualifying exceptional performers for scholarships[6].

The examination consists of four distinct subject tests: Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Japan and the World (comprehensive subjects), and Mathematics[1][3][4]. Applicants select which subjects to take based on the requirements of their target institutions, typically needing between one and three subjects[2]. It is important to note that Science and Japan and the World cannot be taken simultaneously, requiring strategic planning during registration[6]. While most subjects offer the option of taking the test in either Japanese or English, the Japanese as a Foreign Language component is naturally administered only in Japanese[1][3][4].

Almost all national universities in Japan and more than half of all Japanese universities incorporate EJU scores into their admission decisions for international students[2]. Some institutions have implemented a "pre-arrival admission" system, allowing international students to secure acceptance based primarily on their EJU scores without traveling to Japan for additional entrance examinations[4]. This approach significantly reduces barriers for international applicants and demonstrates the high level of trust placed in the EJU as an assessment tool.

The Japanese Language Component in Detail

The Japanese as a Foreign Language test in the EJU specifically targets "academic Japanese" – the language skills necessary for university-level studies – distinguishing it from general proficiency tests like the JLPT[5]. This 125-minute assessment, worth a total of 400 points, consists of three sections that collectively evaluate a student’s ability to engage with academic content in various contexts[6].

The writing section, allocated 30 minutes and worth 50 points, requires students to compose written responses to specified prompts, demonstrating their ability to express complex ideas coherently in written Japanese[2]. The reading comprehension section, worth 200 points and lasting 40 minutes, evaluates students’ ability to understand and analyze academic texts[2]. The listening and listening-reading comprehension section, allocated 55 minutes and worth 200 points, assesses their ability to process spoken Japanese in academic settings, sometimes in conjunction with written materials[2].

Unlike the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which directly tests knowledge of characters, vocabulary, and grammar, the EJU emphasizes practical language application in academic contexts without explicit assessment of linguistic knowledge[5]. This functional approach makes the examination particularly relevant for prospective university students, as it more accurately reflects the language demands they will face in their studies.

Advanced Japanese Proficiency for Excellence

Students aiming for perfect scores on the Japanese language component must demonstrate sophisticated mastery across all communication domains. For writing excellence, you can compose elegant academic essays with impeccable organization and logical flow, utilizing precise academic vocabulary and complex grammatical structures appropriate to formal discourse. You can articulate nuanced perspectives on abstract topics, develop multi-faceted arguments supported by appropriate evidence, and incorporate various rhetorical strategies effectively. Your writing demonstrates native-like command of Japanese writing conventions, including appropriate usage of keigo (honorific language) where contextually relevant, with virtually no grammatical errors or awkward expressions[5].

In terms of reading proficiency for top performance, you can rapidly process and thoroughly comprehend complex academic texts across diverse disciplines including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technical fields. You can identify not only explicit information but also implicit arguments, subtle nuances, and unstated assumptions underlying the text. You can critically evaluate an author’s stance, purpose, and logical framework while understanding specialized terminology without reference aids. Your reading efficiency allows complete comprehension of dense academic passages within strict time constraints, including understanding of discipline-specific conventions, cultural references, and rhetorical patterns common in Japanese academic writing[2][5].

For superior listening comprehension, you can understand lectures, discussions, debates, and multi-party conversations delivered at natural speed with regional accents, colloquial expressions, and background interference. You can follow complex argumentative structures in spoken discourse, differentiating between main points, supporting details, examples, and tangential information. You can accurately process information presented only once without repetition, taking comprehensive notes while simultaneously processing additional spoken content. When combining listening with reading tasks, you can seamlessly integrate information from multiple modalities, identifying relationships between spoken and written content even when connections are not explicit[2].

Fundamental Japanese Abilities for Basic Competency

While specific passing thresholds vary by institution, students seeking to demonstrate basic competency must develop foundational skills across all assessed areas. For writing at a basic level, you can compose straightforward essays on familiar topics with clear organizational structure, expressing opinions with supporting reasons using common academic vocabulary. You can utilize basic connecting expressions to create coherent paragraphs with logical progression between ideas. Your writing demonstrates sufficient grammatical accuracy to convey meaning clearly despite occasional errors in complex structures, appropriate use of basic formal expressions, and adherence to assigned topics within character limits[2].

For fundamental reading proficiency, you can understand the main points and essential details of straightforward academic texts on familiar topics without highly specialized terminology. You can identify basic arguments and supporting evidence, follow chronological sequences and cause-effect relationships clearly presented in the text, and comprehend frequently used academic vocabulary in context. You can answer comprehension questions about explicitly stated information and make basic inferences when connections are clearly implied, though you may struggle with abstract concepts or complex sentence structures under time pressure. Your reading speed allows completion of basic academic passages within examination time constraints[2][5].

Regarding baseline listening comprehension, you can understand the central ideas and key supporting details of lectures and discussions delivered at a measured pace on familiar academic topics with clear pronunciation. You can follow basic organizational structures in spoken academic Japanese, recognize transitions between topics signaled by common discourse markers, and identify speaker attitudes and opinions when clearly expressed. You can process information delivered through multiple modalities when presented clearly with occasional repetition of key concepts, taking basic notes capturing main points, and answering questions about explicitly stated content[2].

Effective Preparation Strategies

Preparing systematically for the EJU Japanese language component requires targeted strategies addressing the specific skills assessed. Immersion in authentic academic Japanese materials constitutes the cornerstone of effective preparation. Reading Japanese university textbooks, academic journals, newspaper editorials, and scholarly websites develops vocabulary breadth and reading efficiency while familiarizing you with the rhetorical patterns common in Japanese academic writing. Regularly engaging with materials from diverse fields exposes you to varied writing styles and specialized terminology, building the versatility needed for the examination.

For developing listening proficiency, engaging with academic lectures, educational programming, panel discussions, and recorded university classes provides essential exposure to spoken academic Japanese. Audio resources from Japanese universities, educational YouTube channels, and NHK educational programs offer realistic practice material. Recording yourself summarizing these materials helps develop both listening comprehension and the ability to reformulate ideas in your own words—a crucial skill for the writing component. Practicing note-taking while listening builds the efficiency needed during the listening-reading comprehension section where information processing speed directly impacts performance.

Systematic writing practice focusing on academic topics helps develop organizational skills and production efficiency. Setting time limits simulating examination conditions (30 minutes) for responding to prompts builds the necessary speed for the writing section. Seeking feedback from Japanese language instructors or native speakers helps identify recurring errors in grammar, vocabulary usage, and rhetorical structure. Analyzing model answers to understand the characteristics of high-scoring responses provides valuable insights into examiner expectations. Practicing writing across various academic domains builds versatility in responding to unpredictable prompt topics.

Familiarization with the examination format through practice tests proves invaluable for developing effective time management strategies. Each section presents distinct challenges requiring different approaches: the writing section demands quick organization of ideas, the reading section requires efficient processing of dense text, and the listening section tests sustained attention and rapid information processing[6]. Sample questions and past examinations, available through JASSO and commercial preparation materials, help calibrate your preparation to the specific demands of the EJU rather than general Japanese proficiency.

Structured courses specifically designed for EJU preparation offer targeted instruction addressing the examination’s unique requirements. These courses typically provide strategic approaches to each section, guided practice with feedback, and assessment of progress through simulated tests. For self-directed learners, establishing a consistent study schedule that allocates appropriate time to each skill area ensures balanced development of all competencies. Creating a vocabulary notebook specifically for academic terms encountered in preparation materials builds the lexical resources necessary for both comprehension and production tasks on the examination.

Conclusion

The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students represents a significant milestone for international students pursuing higher education in Japan. Its comprehensive assessment of both Japanese language proficiency and academic readiness serves as a reliable predictor of student success in Japan’s university system. By understanding the specific language demands of the examination, systematically developing the required academic language skills, and following a targeted preparation approach, international students can approach this challenge with confidence. The development of advanced academic Japanese abilities not only facilitates success on the examination but also prepares students for the linguistic demands of university studies in Japan. Through disciplined preparation targeting the specific skills assessed on the EJU, international students can demonstrate their readiness to thrive in Japanese academic environments, potentially qualifying for scholarship support and pre-arrival admission to their institutions of choice.

Citations:
[1] The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International … https://www.janu.jp/eng/global-engagement/eju/
[2] Things to know before taking the EJU – アクセス日本留学 https://www.studyjapan.jp/en/topics/shingaku/eju.html
[3] Taking the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/eju/
[4] What is EJU? – JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/about/about_a/about_eju.html
[5] Relation to the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test – JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/faq_eju/jlpt.html
[6] [PDF] EJU GUIDE https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/_mt/2024/10/eju_guide_en.pdf
[7] What You Need to Know about Japan’s College Entrance Exam (EJU) https://www.icla.ygu.ac.jp/en/admission-process/eju/
[8] Use of EJU Scores by Universities and other Schools – JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/faq_eju/use.html
[9] Subjects, Syllabuses, Question Booklets – JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/faq_eju/examinee.html
[10] Preparing for EJU Examination for Japanese University Admission … https://bekka.musashino-u.ac.jp/en/curriculum.html
[11] Pass the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) https://www.studykyoto.jp/en/magazine/2018/05/15/eju-advice/
[12] How to Study for the EJU: Advice from a former international student https://www.kobe-studyabroad.jp/en/notebook/6479/
[13] Examinations｜Study in Japan Official Website https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/examination/
[14] Pointers or tips for passing the EJU? : r/LearnJapanese – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/comments/b05tqr/pointers_or_tips_for_passing_the_eju/
[15] What type of examination is the EJU? – JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/faq_eju/about.html
[16] Course | JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/jlec/tjlec/guide/features.html
[17] Guidelines for the EJU – JASSO https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/about/eju_guide.html
[18] Examination for Japanese University Admission for International … https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/index.html
[19] JLPT v. EJU entrance exam | University in Japan tips – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2vCZF3rESA
[20] The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Language Schools https://learnjapanese.bfftokyo.com/guide-to-japanese-language-schools/
[21] EJU FAQs | Study in Japan https://www.studyinjapan.org.my/study-in-japan/examination-for-japanese-university-admission-for-international-students-eju/eju-faqs/
[22] Guide to the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission … https://jpn-study.com/ki-thi-du-hoc-nhat-ban-eju/