日本語 English

Language Proficiency and Test Scores

Please be aware that you need to meet the required standard for language proficiency set by the host university. Sometimes it can be difficult to book a date for a language proficiency test. Some programs, especially new ones, have a relatively short application period and some students cannot make the application deadline because they were not able to get a language score. If you are considering about applying for a study abroad program, you need to get a test score early but also make sure that your score does not expire before you apply.

Studying abroad in English speaking countries

Universities in English speaking countries generally require students to have a TOEFL iBT score or IELTS (Academic Module) score. TOEIC and Eiken, which although are common for job hunting in Japan, are often not accepted as a proof of language proficiency when studying abroad. TOEFL PBT and TOEFL ITP are also not accepted in many cases.

TOEFL iBT

Overview
Please refer to the official webaite
https://www.ets.org/jp/toefl

IELTS(Academic Module)

Overview
Please refer to the official webaite
http://www.eiken.or.jp/ielts/


Studying abroad in non-English speaking countries

Some universities have their own standards on language proficiency. Language ability tests listed below are just an example. However, please note that generally language ability tests for Japanese speakers (e.g. 実用フランス語技能検定試験) are not accepted as a proof of language proficiency by the host universities. Also, the validation period is different for each of the test, so you need to check each testing organization’s official website.

(Example of tests for languages other than English)

           
TestLanguage  
HSKChinese  
TOPIK/KLPTKorean  
DELF-DALF/ TCF/TEFFrench  
DELESpanish  
DSH/Test DaFGermany