Study abroad — Enrol at a Japanese-language institution
To enrol at a Japanese-language institution (a Japanese language school), you must show Japanese ability at roughly A2 or above on the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. Any one of the tests published by the Ministry of Justice can serve as proof (see the table below).
Required level (guideline)A test proving roughly A2 or above on the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education (see below). The most common is JLPT N4 or above.
Comparison
| Attribute | Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The world's largest test certifying Japanese ability for non-native speakers |
| Required level for this status | N4 以上 |
| Frequency | Twice a year (July & December) |
| Organizer | Japan Foundation & JEES |
| Levels / CEFR | N1 · N2 · N3 · N4 · N5 (CEFR A1–C1) |
| Countries | 15 |
| Typical fee | ¥7,500 / ₫600,000 |
| Role for this purpose | The most recognised. Continuous to N3・N2 in the same system. Twice a year. |
| Official site | Official site ↗ |
Other accepted exams
- Test of Practical Japanese (J.TEST) E級 or aboveDetails →
- Japanese NAT-TEST 4級 or aboveDetails →
- STBJ (Standard Test for Business Japanese) BJ4 or aboveDetails →
- TOPJ (Test of Practical Japanese) 初級A-4 or aboveDetails →
- J-cert Japanese Test for Daily Life and Work By the site operator準中級 or aboveDetails →
- JLCT (Japanese Language Certification Test) JCT4 or aboveDetails →
- PJC Bridge (Practical Japanese Communication — Bridge) B- or aboveDetails →
- JPT (Japanese Proficiency Test) 告示（A2相当） 370 pts or aboveDetails →
- Japanese Online Test (JOT) JT4 or aboveDetails →
- S-JEP (Sundai Japanese Examination for Proficiency, formerly JPET) 告示（A2相当） 350 pts or aboveDetails →
Which should you take?
JLPT is the most widely recognised. Because it is held only twice a year, if you cannot make the application window you can use other listed tests held bimonthly or year-round. Check the type of proof required in the admission guidelines of the school you plan to enter.
FAQ
What Japanese level is needed to enrol at a Japanese language school?
The guide is roughly A2 or above on the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. For JLPT that is N4 or above; you can also prove it with NAT-TEST Level 4, J.TEST Level E, JLCT JCT4, and other tests published by the Ministry of Justice.
I can't make the JLPT date.
You can use NAT-TEST and J.TEST, held bimonthly, or listed tests available year-round, as alternatives. Check the school's admission guidelines.
Next steps
Basis: 日本語教育機関の告示基準（出入国在留管理庁）／「日本語教育機関への入学をお考えのみなさまへ」