Study abroad — Vocational and specialised training schools
To progress to a specialised course at a vocational school, you need the Japanese ability set out in the notice (one of items a–d below). Progression to university (undergraduate) is outside this notice and depends on the EJU and each school's own standards, which are often higher.
Required level (guideline)One of: JLPT N1・N2 / EJU Japanese 200 or above / BJT 400 or above / JPT 525 or above
This notice covers vocational and miscellaneous schools. University (undergraduate) admission is out of scope — most universities rely on the EJU and each school's own (often higher) standards.
Comparison
| Attribute | Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) | Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) | Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) | JPT (Japanese Proficiency Test) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The world's largest test certifying Japanese ability for non-native speakers | Assesses Japanese and basic academic skills for admission to Japanese universities | Score-based assessment of Japanese communication ability in business settings | Score-based test of listening and reading |
| Required level for this status | N2 以上 | EJU日本語（読解・聴解・聴読解合計） 200点以上 | BJTスコア 400点以上 | JPT 525点以上 |
| Frequency | Twice a year (July & December) | Twice a year (June & November) | Year-round (computer-based) | アプリで予約（随時） |
| Organizer | Japan Foundation & JEES | 日本学生支援機構（JASSO） | 日本漢字能力検定協会 | 一般社団法人 日本語能力試験実施委員会 |
| Levels / CEFR | N1 · N2 · N3 · N4 · N5 (CEFR A1–C1) | Japanese · Science · Japan and the World · Mathematics | J1+ · J1 · J2 · J3 · J4 · J5 | Score 370 or above |
| Countries | 15 | 14 | — | 1 |
| Typical fee | ¥7,500 / ₫600,000 | ¥12,000–¥23,000 | ¥8,000 | ¥7,700 |
| Role for this purpose | Meets item (a) of the notice. Accepted by many vocational schools. | Item (b). Also a central measure for university entry. | Item (c). Year-round. | Item (d). |
| Official site | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ | Official site ↗ |
← Scroll sideways to see more. The attribute column stays fixed.
Which should you take?
For undergraduate entry at national, public and most private universities, the EJU Japanese section is the basis. At vocational schools, meeting any one of items a–d in the notice is enough. Always check which test the guidelines of your target school specify.
FAQ
Which Japanese exam is needed to progress to a vocational school?
You must meet one of items a–d in the notice (JLPT N1・N2 / EJU Japanese 200 / BJT 400 / JPT 525).
What about progressing to university (undergraduate)?
That is outside this notice. Many universities specify the EJU Japanese section (a guide of 200 or above) as an application requirement, and more selective schools ask for higher.
Next steps
Basis: 出入国在留管理庁「高等教育機関等へ入学するための日本語能力について」（専修学校・各種学校）