Male IELTS test taker from Japan using his laptop in front of a building

Study in Japan

IELTS, an internationally-recognised English language proficiency test, is a popular choice for students wishing to study at secondary or tertiary level in Japan. It is used as part of the admission process by over 50 institutions and forms part of the internationalisation process in Japanese high schools and universities. Studying for IELTS will not only improve your English level but also helps you to achieve your goal of studying at a world-class university in Japan.

IELTS requirements of top universities in Japan

Name of institution

Minimum IELTS score required

The University of Tokyo

contact organisation for band scores

Kyoto University

6.0

Tokyo Institute of Technology

6.5

Osaka University

contact organisation for band scores

Tohoku University

contact organisation for band scores

Testimonials from universities in Japan

"Traditionally, reading was the primary focus in the English curriculum at the University of Tokyo. In order to address the increasing demands for communication skills in the era of globalisation, the university launched an academic writing program for students in the sciences and engineer-ing in 2008, and for students in the arts in 2013. In addition to these writing courses, a spoken fluency course was introduced in 2016, which incorporates discussion and debate. This spoken fluency course is streamed according to students’ abilities, creating a non-threatening environment where learners’ confidence can develop. To examine the impact of the English curriculum in our university, IELTS was introduced in 2013 as a method to measure this progress. This year, the university is promoting IELTS as an evaluation of English language proficiency by covering a portion of the examination fee for 500 students in the College of Arts and Sciences. We are using the IELTS test scores to inform our English curriculum."

University of Tokyo. Associate Professor Yuko Itatsu

 

"As internationalisation progresses, the Faculty of Economics in the Meiji Gakuin University has reviewed English education from its foundation and developed their original curriculum with the British Council. In the department of International Business, all students study abroad during their second year for three to six months. IELTS preparation courses have been held and included in their English education curriculum. IELTS is internationally recognised by universities and is a requirement for students who wish to study in the UK. The IELTS test is also regarded as are liable and accurate method of measuring English skills. This is the reason why Meiji Gakuin University has implemented IELTS. They also introduce IELTS at the orientation upon school entry and compulsory courses during the students’ first and second year. They also hold special preparation courses for IELTS in the summer break. Once the students return to the University after their studies abroad, they take the IELTS test again in order to measure how their English has improved. "

Meiji Gakuin University. Professor Ayako Sato, Associate Professor Joseph Paul Siegel

 

 

Why do an increasing number candidates wishing to study in Japan choose IELTS? 

(1)  Demonstrate your ability to communicate in a face-to-face Speaking test.  

Unlike other language proficiency exams where you are required to talk to a machine during your Speaking test, IELTS gives you the opportunity to talk with an examiner face-to-face in a relaxing and supported environment.

(2) Develop skills relevant to your studies and student life. 

IELTS places emphasis on your ability to communicate in authentic situations.  There is no need to memo-rise large amounts of unnecessary vocabulary or grammar.  Rather, IELTS includes learning how to com-municate in a range of scenarios you will encounter in learning environments. This will empower you to reach your full potential in your studies and student life.

Work in Japan

Language skills are key to a successful career. Many employers require evidence of your English language proficiency, so being able to prove your skills is an important part of the job-hunting and promotion processes.  

A great way to do this is by taking IELTS, a highly-popular English language proficiency test which is recognised by many multinational organisations and Government agencies , including National Personnel Authority and Ministry of Education.

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