If you are an international student and planning to study in Japan then you must know the IELTS band requirements for universities in Japan. In Japan, many international students and immigrants are taking the IELTS test. The number of test-takers has increased four times in the last five years. Schools and universities like IELTS because they believe it accurately shows how well you can speak English.
Table of Contents
Japanese universities and colleges are well-known for their excellent research and teaching. They attract top academics and professionals from around the world.
Japan is a friendly country that welcomes students of all backgrounds and beliefs. You will have the chance to explore its unique culture, cities, and countryside while studying there.
In this article, we will give you the IELTS band requirements for universities in the Japan. Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- IELTS is a language exam to test non-native English speakers’ language skills for academic or immigration purposes
- The test has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking,
- The test lasts nearly 3 hours with scores ranging from 0 to 9
- Studying in Japan offers quality education with globally recognized universities, vibrant culture, and career opportunities
- Most Japanese universities require an IELTS score between 6.0 and 7.0
- Alternatives to IELTS include TOEFL or Cambridge exams, and some universities waive English exams for certain applicants
- The IELTS Life Skills test is required for specific visas, with levels A1 for basic English and B1 for higher proficiency
- Some Japanese universities don’t require English exams. They accept other tests like PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test
- If you complete a degree at an English-speaking university, it may exempt you from English exams for studying in Japan
What is an IELTS Exam?
IELTS is also known as the International English Language Testing System. It is a test that checks how well you speak English if it is not your first language.
People take this test to enroll in foreign universities or move to another country. The test has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It takes almost 3 hours to finish. Speaking is about 11 to 14 minutes. Your score can range from 0 to 9.
Why Should You Study in Japan in 2024?
If you are thinking about studying in Japan in 2024, here are the top reasons why it can be the perfect choice for you.
- Japan has many universities in the top 100 worldwide. So you will get a quality education that is recognized globally.
- Japan’s schools are known for their high standards in subjects like reading, math, and science.
- Japan has had a big impact on the world with its anime, music, food, and more. You will love exploring its rich traditions and beautiful landscapes.
- Even with its modern influence, Japan values its history and traditions. You will learn about family, respect, and other important values.
- Getting a degree in Japan can lead to great career opportunities. Japan is a big player in the global economy.
- Studying in Japan gives you a chance to become fluent in Japanese. This skill can help you connect with people, read new things, and boost your career.
- Japan is famous for its tidy cities and punctual trains. You will feel safe and welcome in this polite society where respect is key.
What Are the English Language Requirements To Study in Japan?
If you are planning to study in Japan, you will need to show that you are good at both English and Japanese. While some programs might not need Japanese skills or an English test if you are studying only in Japanese, most will expect you to meet both language requirements.
For English, you can take exams like TOEFL or IELTS. You will need to score at least 80 for TOEFL or 6.0 for IELTS. Please remember, if you aim for a top university, it is best to aim for higher scores.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Japan
To study in Japan, the minimum IELTS score you need might vary. It depends on where you apply and what you want to study. Generally, you will need at least a score of 6.0 for most Japanese universities.
Each university decides its own IELTS score requirements. Usually, they look for scores between 6.0 and 7.0, with at least 6.0 in every section.
In fact, every country has its own rules for minimum IELTS requirements. For example, IELTS band requirements for universities in UK can differ from IELTS band requirements for universities in Ireland.
However, some programs might ask for higher scores. This is true if you are aiming for top universities. At the end, it all depends on the course you are interested in.
| Name of the University | Minimum IELTS Bands Requirement |
| Tokyo University of Foreign Studies | 6.5 |
| Kyoto University | 7.0 |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology | 6.5 |
| Osaka University | 6.0 |
| Tohoku University | 7.0 |
1. Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
If you want to study at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in Japan, you will need to take the IELTS test and get a score of at least 6.5. This university is also known as TUFS. It is in Fuchu, Tokyo.
It started back in 1857 as an institute for studying foreign documents. Later, it became the Tokyo School of Foreign Languages in 1899. TUFS has about 4000 students.
- Location: Fuchu, Tokyo
- IELTS Band Requirement: 6.5
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Notable Alumni: Hiroo Matsuda – Former Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Momoko Nakamura – Voice actress
2. Kyoto University
Kyoto University is a public university in Japan. It was started in 1897. The university has three campuses: two in Kyoto and one in Uji. In Kyoto, there is the Yoshida Campus and the Katsura Campus, while in Uji, there is the Gokash Campus.
Kyoto University has more than 22,000 students. This includes around 13,399 undergraduates and 9,308 graduates. There are also 2,214 international students from 100 different countries. The university has a total of 1,218 faculties.
If you want to study at Kyoto University Yoshida Campus in Japan, you will need to take the IELTS test and get a minimum score of 7.
- Location: Kyoto
- IELTS Band Requirement: 7.0
- Acceptance Rate: Around 11%
- Notable Alumni: Kenichi Fukui – Chemist (Nobel laureate), Shinya Yamanaka – Scientist (Nobel laureate), Yasunari Kawabata – Novelist (Nobel laureate)
3. Tokyo Institute of Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology is a public institute in Tokyo, Japan. It was started in 1881. The institute has three campuses: Okayama Campus, Suzukakedai Campus, and Tamachi Campus.
The main campus is in Okayama. It is located on the boundary of Meguro and Ota. If you are thinking about studying at the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan, you will need to take the IELTS test and get a minimum score of 6.5.
Tokyo Institute of Technology has more than 10,000 students. Among them, there are around 4,940 bachelor’s students and 5,096 graduate students. The university also has over 1,300 academic staff members.
- Location: Meguro, Tokyo
- IELTS Band Requirement: 6.5
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Notable Alumni: Masao Ito – Neuroscientist, Yoshio Masuda – Aerospace engineer
4. Osaka University
If you want to join Osaka University in Japan, you will need to take the IELTS test and get a score of at least 6. Osaka University is a public university in Japan. It was established in 1919. It is located in Suita, Osaka.
It is the sixth oldest university in Japan and is one of Japan’s National Seven Universities. The university also has campuses in Toyonaka and Minoh. Osaka University has over 24,000 students.
Among them, there are about 16,000 undergraduate students, 8,000 graduate students, and more than 1,780 international students. The university has more than 3,000 faculty members.
- Location: Suita, Osaka
- IELTS Band Requirement: 6.0
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Notable Alumni: Ei-ichi Negishi – Chemist (Nobel laureate), Kenzaburō Ōe – Novelist (Nobel laureate), Susumu Tonegawa – Neuroscientist (Nobel laureate)
5. Tohoku University
Tohoku University is a public university located in Sendai, Miyagi. It was founded in 1907. It is one of Japan’s National Seven Universities. This university is highly respected in Japan.
It is considered one of the best in the world. It ranks among the top fifty universities globally. If you want to study at Tohoku University in Japan, you will need to take the IELTS test and score at least 7.
- Location: Sendai, Miyagi
- IELTS Band Requirement: 7.0
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Notable Alumni: Ryoji Noyori – Chemist (Nobel laureate), Koichi Tanaka – Chemist (Nobel laureate), Lee Byung-chul – Founder of Samsung Group (South Korea)
Why Should You Choose the IELTS Exam To Study in Japan?
Many international students are choosing IELTS to study in Japan because of two main reasons.
- IELTS lets you speak directly with an examiner. This feels more natural than talking to a machine. This can help you feel more comfortable and supported during the Speaking test.
- IELTS focuses on practical communication skills that you will use in your studies and daily life. Instead of memorizing lots of unnecessary words and grammar rules, you will learn how to communicate in real-life situations that you will face as a student.
How To Move To Japan Using the IELTS Exam?
If you are thinking about moving to Japan and need to show your English skills, you might need to take the IELTS test. This test has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
If you want to apply for certain visas in Japan, like a Family Visa or a Citizenship Visa, you might need to take a specific version of the IELTS test called IELTS Life Skills.
There are two levels of the IELTS Life Skills test: A1 and B1. A1 is for family and partner visas, while B1 is for citizenship and settlement visas.
A1 is for basic English skills. Here, you will talk about simple things. While B1 is for a bit higher level for having conversations about everyday topics.
How To Study in Japan Without the IELTS Exam?
If you want to study in Japan but are worried about the IELTS test then don’t worry. There are some ways that you can use to study in Japan without the IELTS exam. Let’s have a look at them:
- Some Japanese universities don’t ask for English exams from international students.
- There are other tests you can take instead of IELTS. They include the PTE Academic or the Duolingo English Test. These tests are also accepted by some universities in Japan.
- If you have already completed a degree at an English-speaking university, you might not need to take any English tests at all. You can use your transcripts from your previous school/university to show that you are proficient in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Tokyo University require IELTS?
If you want to attend the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in Japan, you will need to take the IELTS test and score at least 6.5.
2. What IELTS score is required for Japan?
If you are thinking about applying to our university, you will need to show your English skills. You can do this by taking either the IELTS test and scoring at least 6.5 overall. You can also take the Duolingo test and score at least 105. However, for some specific programs, you might need to aim for higher scores in TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
3. Can we study in Japan without IELTS?
If you are looking to study in Japan but don’t want to take the IELTS test, don’t worry! Many Japanese universities welcome international students without the IELTS score. Some of these universities include the University of Tokyo, Hiroshima University, the University of Tsukuba, and Meiji University. So, you have plenty of options to choose from.
4. Do you need IELTS to work in Japan?
If you want to work or study in Japan through the PBS, you will need to choose one of five tiers. If you are applying under Tier 1 or Tier 2, you have to show that you can speak English well. So, it is important to be prepared to prove your English skills if you are applying for Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Conclusion
Japan is a technologically advanced and safe place with super polite and friendly people. If you do well on the IELTS test, it can help you a lot when you want to pursue your higher education in Japan.
Before you apply, please make sure you know what each university wants and how good your English should be. It is extremely important to try your best on the IELTS exam. It will help you meet the minimum IELTS requirements for universities in Japan.
Add Comment