- Q. What specific test subjects are included in the EJU?
- Q. Where can I find the scope of the syllabuses?
- Q. Which test subjects should I take?
- Q. What type of test subject is Japan and the World?
- Q. Please provide any available references and study methods for the Japan and World test.
- Q. Does the EJU contain subjects in languages other than Japanese?
- Q. What are the differences between the Mathematics Course 1 and Mathematics Course 2 tests?
- Q. Is the EJU administered only in Japanese?
- Q. Are collections of past EJU questions available for purchase?
- Q. Have all past questions used in the EJU been made public?
- Q. Please explain the methods of studying and learning materials for the EJU.
- Q. At which schools can I study for the EJU?
Subjects, Syllabuses, Question Booklets
Q. What specific test subjects are included in the EJU?
A. The EJU consists of four separate test subjects: Japanese as a Foreign Language; Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics); Japan and the World; and Mathematics.
Examinees taking the Science test must select two of the three categories (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Examinees taking the Mathematics test must select either Course 1 or Course 2. For Science, two subjects must always be selected and taken. If selecting only one subject, your answer for Science will not be graded.
Q. Where can I find the scope of the syllabuses?
A. For the syllabuses, refer to the following web page.
Q. Which test subjects should I take?
A. You must take the test subjects specified by the schools that you wish to attend. Failing to take those subjects will prevent you from applying to those schools, so be sure to confirm the specific requirements.
As noted, the EJU is taken by selecting test subjects from the Japanese as a Foreign Language; Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics); Japan and the World; and Mathematics sessions. However, because the Science and the Japan and the World tests are conducted in the same time, they cannot be taken at the same session.
Please refer to the following “Schools Using the EJU” for a list of the schools which utilize the EJU in their admission processes.
Q. What type of test subject is Japan and the World?
A. Japan and the World is a subject unique to the EJU. It consists of questions selected from the “Civics” (primarily politics and economics), “Geography” and “History” courses taught at Japanese high schools. The subject matter is selected to measure basic knowledge, reading of materials and charts and general thinking skills in each field. For the specific content and syllabuses, please access the following “EJU Syllabus” web page.
Q. Please provide any available references and study methods for the Japan and World test.
A. There are no official references for the EJU. It is suggested that the EJU Syllabus be used as a reference in preparing for the exam. For example, study with the focus on past EJU questions available for purchase in bookstores, as well as politics, economics and contemporary society contents of textbooks used by high school students in Japan. Other recommended areas of preparations include geography, world history and Japanese history subject materials taught at the high school level.
Q. Does the EJU contain subjects in languages other than Japanese?
A. No, the exam does not include subjects in English or other foreign languages.
However, in order to evaluate basic abilities in other languages, some universities require that applicants take the school’s own foreign language tests in English or other languages, or submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or similar exams. Therefore, it is recommended that you always confirm in advance the specific requirements of the schools that you wish to attend.
Q. What are the differences between the Mathematics Course 1 and Mathematics Course 2 tests?
A. Course 1 is designed for use either by liberal arts or science departments with relatively limited use of mathematics. Course 2 is for academic departments distinguished by extensive use of mathematics (science and engineering, for example). For further details, refer to the following EJU syllabuses for each course.
Because each university or school indicates which of these test courses need to be taken, you should confirm this in advance with the schools you wish to attend.
Q. Is the EJU administered only in Japanese?
A. The EJU can be taken in either Japanese or English. This does not include the Japanese as a Foreign Language test, which is offered only in Japanese.
As with the EJU subjects, you must also select the test language indicated by the Japanese university that you wish to attend. Therefore, it is critical to confirm the language of the questions required by the specific school of choice.
Q. Are collections of past EJU questions available for purchase?
A. Questions appearing on past EJU tests are available in the Japanese language sections of major bookstores around Japan. They are divided into test questions for specific years and sessions, and include the CDs for the Listening Comprehension and Listening-Reading Comprehensive questions used in those sessions. Overseas, such materials may also be accessed at EJU Overseas Representatives active in supporting the exam’s administration, overseas offices of the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and Study in Japan Resource Facilities. Examples of past questions are also available at the following “Past exam questions” website page.
Q. Have all past questions used in the EJU been made public?
A. For each examination, several types of test questions are prepared for each subject. This is a measure related to time differences and other needs, because the EJU is administered both in Japan and overseas.
For tests in which “score equating” is used,(to reflect the difficulty of exams and the abilities of examinees), basically the questions will not be disclosed. For the EJU as well, the general rule is to not disclose test questions. However, as a special measure for this exam to maximize the convenience of both examinees and the personnel at universities, test questions limited to one type are published and released for specific years and sessions, including CDs for the Listening Comprehension and Listening-Reading Comprehensive questions used in those sessions.
Q. Please explain the methods of studying and learning materials for the EJU.
A. There are no official references for the EJU. In addition, JASSO provides no introductions of any specific teaching materials for the exam.
Questions appearing on past EJU tests are available in the Japanese language sections of major bookstores around Japan. They are divided as test questions for specific years and sessions, and include the CDs for the Listening Comprehension and Listening-Reading Comprehensive questions used in those sessions. Overseas, such materials may also be accessed at EJU Overseas Representatives active in supporting the exam’s administration, overseas offices of the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and Study in Japan Resource Facilities.
Examples of past questions may also be viewed at the following “Past exam questions” website page.
Q. At which schools can I study for the EJU?
A. JASSO is not able to offer introductions to specific schools for this purpose.