EJU 2026 Guidelines Announced: Updated Exam Dates, Fees, Syllabus Changes & Preparation Tips

Every year, thousands of international students aim to study at Japanese universities. For many of them, the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) serves as a gateway testing Japanese-language skills and basic academic competencies. With the launch of the 2026 guidelines, announced by JASSO, it’s time to understand what’s new, what remains the same, and how you can prepare smartly.

These new guidelines are not simply administrative updates; they reflect evolving standards of global higher-education, shifting demands of Japanese universities, and the changing needs of students from outside Japan. For anyone planning to sit the EJU in 2026 (or even later), this is a must-read.

Learn more in the official EJU 2026 Guidelines.

What is the EJU and why it matters

The EJU is used to evaluate the Japanese language proficiency and the basic academic abilities of international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at Japanese universities or other higher-educational institutions in Japan.

Why it matters:

Many Japanese universities require or strongly recommend EJU scores as part of the admissions process for international applicants.
A good EJU score can open doors to better programs, scholarships, and support services that universities offer.
The exam covers not only Japanese language skills but also fields like Science, Mathematics, and “Japan and the World” (logical thinking and liberal-arts oriented).
It helps level the playing field for applicants from diverse backgrounds, giving universities a common benchmark.

Thus, knowing the structure, dates, syllabus changes and fee changes of the 2026 version of EJU is crucial for any serious aspirant.

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Major Changes for 2026

According to JASSO’s official “Guidelines for 2026 EJU”, there are three key changes to note:

The notification date of 2026 EJU 2nd session score reports will be moved up by one day compared to 2025.
Examination fees for Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Mongolia will be increased.
Revised syllabus for Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics will be applied from the 2026 EJU 1st Session.

These changes may seem modest at first glance but each has important implications for planning, budgeting and preparation strategies.

Why they matter

Score notification date moved up means you'll get your results slightly earlier, which can affect your subsequent application deadlines for universities.
Fee increase means budget planning becomes more important, especially if you’re applying from a region where the increase is significant.
Syllabus revision means that content you may have studied for prior years might no longer fully match the 2026 exam so adaptation is critical to avoid being caught off-guard.

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Detailed Breakdown of the 2026 Guidelines

Below we summarise the main sections of the guidelines as provided by JASSO, with emphasis on what you need to pay attention to.

1. Purpose

The exam is intended to evaluate Japanese-language proficiency and basic academic abilities of international students aiming for undergraduate study in Japan.
In other words: it is not for graduate programs (as a rule), and is geared toward those entering as first-year undergrads (or equivalent).

2. Examination Administrator

The EJU is administered by JASSO, with cooperation from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japanese universities and affiliated institutions in Japan and overseas.
This means you will be dealing (primarily) with JASSO for official communications; overseas centres coordinate with JASSO’s overseas representatives.

3. General Description of the Examination

(1) Eligibility: International students who wish to study at undergraduate level in Japan.
(2) Dates of Exam:

1st Session: Sunday, June 21 2026.
2nd Session: Sunday, November 8 2026.
(3) Venues:
In Japan: Locations such as Hokkaido, Miyagi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Ishikawa or Toyama or Fukui, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto or Shiga, Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama or Hiroshima, Kochi, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
Outside Japan: Hong Kong, India (New Delhi), Indonesia (Jakarta and Surabaya), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar), Myanmar (Yangon), Philippines (Manila), Republic of Korea (Seoul and Busan), Singapore, Sri Lanka (Colombo), Taiwan (Taipei), Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City).
(4) Subjects: Depending on the university and program you wish to enter, applicants select subject tests from:
Japanese as a Foreign Language (125 minutes) — measures Japanese language skills. Score range 0-400 for reading/listening/listening-reading; Writing 0-50.
Science (80 minutes) — measure of basic scientific skills (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Score range 0-200.
Japan and the World (80 minutes) — basic academic skills in liberal arts (thinking and logical abilities). Score 0-200.
Mathematics (80 minutes) — basic academic skills in mathematics necessary for Japanese universities. Score 0-200.
Remarks:
a. Japanese as a Foreign Language test includes Writing.
b. In the Science test, examinees select two subjects from physics, chemistry and biology depending on the university/course.
c. In the Mathematics test, examinees select either Course 1 (for liberal arts programs or less math-intensive science) or Course 2 (for programs requiring advanced math) depending on the university and program.
d. Examinees may not choose to take both the Science test and the Japan and the World test.
e. The score ranges listed are based on a common scale (except Writing in Japanese test).
f. Applicants should refer to the syllabuses for each subject.
(5) Examination Languages Option: The EJU is available in Japanese or English (except for the Japanese as a Foreign Language test, which is given only in Japanese). Applicants need to indicate their preference depending on the university/program they intend to enter.
(6) Answering Format: All questions are multiple-choice except for the Writing section of Japanese as a Foreign Language.

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4. Application Procedures, etc.

(1) Application Fee

Japan: One subject JPY 12,000 (including tax); Two or three subjects JPY 23,000.
Outside Japan: Fees vary by country/region. For example:
- India: INR 1,300.
- Hong Kong: HKD 600 (one subject) / HKD 1,150 (two or three subjects).
- Korea: KRW 65,000 (one subject); KRW 110,000 (two or three subjects).
- Taiwan: TWD 1,500 (one subject); TWD 2,000 (two or three subjects).
  (2) Application Period
In Japan:
- 1st Session: From February 16 (Monday) to March 12 (Thursday), 2026 (closing 5:00 p.m.).
- 2nd Session: From July 6 (Monday) to July 30 (Thursday), 2026 (closing 5:00 p.m.).
Outside Japan: Same periods: February 16 to March 12 for 1st Session; July 6 to July 30 for 2nd Session.
(3) Application Submissions
In Japan: Applications submitted to the Testing Division, Student Exchange Department, JASSO.
Outside Japan: Applications submitted to the overseas representatives in each country/region.
(4) Sending of Examination Voucher
In Japan: Tentative date for sending voucher:
- 1st Session: May 22, 2026 (Friday).
- 2nd Session: October 16, 2026 (Friday).
Outside Japan: Date to be decided through consultation with overseas representative.

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5. Score Report and Notification

(1) Score Reports to Examinees

1st Session: Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
2nd Session: Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
(2) Score Inquiries by Universities
Universities that have completed the designated registration procedure may start score inquiries on the same dates.

What This Means for You (and How to Prepare)

Given all of the above, here are some practical take-aways and preparation tips for students:

Meet the Dates

If you are targeting the 1st Session (June 21, 2026), your application window is Feb 16 – Mar 12.
For the 2nd Session (Nov 8, 2026), application window is Jul 6 – Jul 30.
Missing deadlines means missing the batch.
Note when vouchers will be dispatched (especially if you are outside Japan). For overseas candidates, check with your local representative well ahead.

Budget Early

Don’t assume the same fee as previous years. If you’re in a country where the fee has increased (like Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mongolia), factor that into your budget.
If you’re applying to multiple subjects, note the two/three subjects fee difference.

Choose Subjects Smartly

Understand which subjects your desired university/program requires.
If you plan to apply to a science/engineering program, you’ll likely need Science (and possibly Mathematics Course 2).
If you’re applying to humanities/languages/social sciences, you might lean toward “Japan and the World” instead of Science.
Remember: you cannot choose both Science and Japan and the World. That means you need to decide which aligns best with your programme.

Be Aware of Syllabus Revision

For 2026, the syllabus for Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics has been revised. That means older study materials (pre-2026) may not fully align.
Get the updated syllabus from JASSO and ensure your prep materials reflect the changes.
Pay attention especially if you are taking Math Course 2 — the expectations may be higher, and with revisions, newer question patterns might appear.

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Language Option & Japanese Language Test

Japanese as a Foreign Language test is given only in Japanese. That means you must be comfortable in Japanese for that section.
For the other subjects, you have the option to take them in Japanese or English (depending on your preference and university’s requirement). Choose the language that maximises your performance.
For many non-Japanese speakers, strong ability in Japanese will be an asset—especially if you’ll be studying entirely in Japanese.

Score Timing and University Applications

Because the score report dates are known, align your university application deadlines accordingly. For instance, for the June session results are out July 28: plan your application to Japanese universities around that.
For the second session (Nov 8) results are out Dec 15 — be aware if you are applying for entry the next academic year, some universities may have deadlines earlier, so check carefully.

Venue & Logistics (If Outside Japan)

If you are taking the test outside Japan (for example India: New Delhi), locate the nearest venue early and understand travel/logistics.
Ensure you meet deadlines for overseas applications and account for postal or courier delivery of vouchers, documents etc.

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Read Official Documentation & Stay Updated

Use the official JASSO “Notice on Revised Syllabuses” and “EJU Syllabus” for full details.
Regularly check the official website and your country’s overseas representative for any updates, changes or additional instructions.
Keep proofs of application submission, payment receipts, and track your voucher – especially if you are applying internationally.

Mock Tests & Preparation Strategy

Because the structure is similar (multiple choice plus writing in Japanese test), do plenty of mock tests under timed conditions.
For Science: practice selecting two subjects and mastering foundational physics/chemistry/biology.
For Mathematics: be clear whether you need Course 1 or Course 2; for Course 2 expect more advanced mathematics.
For Japan and the World: focus on logical thinking, liberal arts style questions, reading graphs/data, and essays.
For Japanese as a Foreign Language: strong reading and listening skills plus writing (short essay) are needed.

For a detailed breakdown of the test format, see our guide on JLPT N5 Exam Pattern 2025

Key Takeaways at a Glance

EJU 2026 dates: June 21 (1st) & Nov 8 (2nd).
Application windows: Feb 16–Mar 12 (1st) and Jul 6–Jul 30 (2nd).
Fee increases for some countries.
Syllabus revised for Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics.
Subject selection is critical; you cannot choose both Science and Japan and the World.
Japanese as a Foreign Language test only in Japanese; other tests in Japanese or English.
Score reports: July 28 (1st) and Dec 15 (2nd).
Venues both inside and outside Japan – check your region.
Official administrator: JASSO (with MEXT, MOFA etc.).
Align your study, application timeline, budget, and subject choice accordingly.

Why This Update Matters for You

This update is more than just dates and fees. It reflects how Japanese universities increasingly value not only language proficiency, but also wider academic and thinking skills in international applicants. The syllabus revision emphasises that the EJU is not a static “rote-learning” test—it’s evolving.

For you as a student, this means:

Competitive edge: If you adapt early to the revised syllabus, you may gain an advantage over others relying on older materials.
Better planning: Knowing exact dates, fees and subjects helps you build a realistic timeline and avoid last-minute rush.
Choosing the right path: Being clear about which subjects you need (Science vs Japan & World, Math Course 1 vs 2) ensures you don’t waste time on irrelevant content.
Budget awareness: Especially for candidates outside Japan, understanding fee structure and submission deadlines prevents unplanned costs or missed windows.
Language strategy: Depending on your chosen language (Japanese or English) for non-Japanese-language subjects, you can tailor your prep accordingly.

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10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the examination dates for EJU 2026?
The 1st Session is on June 21, 2026 and the 2nd Session is on November 8, 2026.
When can I apply for EJU 2026?
In Japan: Feb 16–Mar 12 for 1st Session, and Jul 6–Jul 30 for 2nd Session. Outside Japan: same periods.
What subjects can I choose?
You can select from: Japanese as a Foreign Language; Science; Japan and the World; Mathematics. Note you cannot take both Science and Japan and the World.
What are the language options for the exam?
The Japanese as a Foreign Language test is only in Japanese. The other tests (Science, Japan and the World, Mathematics) are available in Japanese or English.
What’s new in 2026 compared with previous years?
The major changes include: earlier notification of 2nd session score reports; increased fees for some regions; and revised syllabus for Science, Japan & the World, Mathematics from 2026 1st Session.
How much is the fee for EJU 2026?
In Japan: JPY 12,000 for one subject; JPY 23,000 for two or three subjects. Outside Japan: varies by country (e.g., India INR 1,300).
When will I receive my score report?
For the 1st Session: July 28, 2026. For the 2nd Session: December 15, 2026.
How many subjects can I take?
You may take one, two, or three subject tests depending on your target university’s requirements. Ensure subjects align with your chosen programme.
How do I know which subject versions to choose (e.g., Math Course 1 vs Course 2)?
Your choice depends on the university/program you are applying for. For engineering/science programmes requiring strong mathematics, you would likely select Mathematics Course 2; for liberal arts or less math-intensive programmes, Course 1 may suffice.
What’s the significance of the revised syllabus for 2026?
The revised syllabus for Science, Japan and the World, and Mathematics means the content, question style or weighting may change compared with past years. You’ll need to revise your study materials accordingly to ensure full alignment.

Conclusion

Preparing for the EJU is a significant step in your journey to study in Japan. With the 2026 guidelines now officially announced by JASSO, you have the clarity needed to map your timeline, plan your budget, select your subjects, and adjust your preparation to syllabus changes. Use the details above to build a study plan, mark key dates in your calendar, gather current materials, and choose a subject path aligned with your university goals.

By being proactive and strategic, you’ll increase your chances of a strong performance and put yourself in a favourable position for admission to a Japanese university. Good luck with your preparation!