Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated On - May 19, 2026
Getting into a medical university in Japan as an Indian student requires clearing multiple entrance exams — not just one. The process involves the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) for academic aptitude, the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) for language certification and a university-specific entrance exam conducted by each medical school. Additionally, Indian students must hold a valid NEET qualifying score as per NMC FMGL Regulations 2021 to be eligible to practice in India after graduation.
Japan has 81 medical universities offering a 6-year undergraduate medical degree — awarded as MD in Japan (equivalent to MBBS in India). Almost all teach in Japanese. The only exception is IUHW Narita, which offers an English-medium medical program. National university tuition is fixed by the Japanese government at JPY 535,800/year (~INR 3.16 lakh/year) — making Japan one of the most affordable developed-country medical education destinations.
Entrance Exams Required for Medical Universities in Japan
Indian students applying to medical universities in Japan must clear a combination of exams — not a single test. The table below gives a complete picture of every exam required at each stage of the admission process.
| Exam | Full Name | Conducted By | Purpose | Mandatory For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJU | Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students | JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) | Tests academic aptitude in Japanese language, Science and Mathematics for undergraduate admission | Most Japanese medical universities — required for shortlisting |
| JLPT | Japanese Language Proficiency Test | Japan Foundation and JEES | Certifies Japanese language proficiency level (N5 to N1) | Most medical universities require JLPT N1 or N2 for admission; N1 mandatory for clinical years and licensing |
| University-specific entrance exam | Varies by university | Individual medical universities | Tests subject knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Japanese — conducted by each university separately | All medical universities — conducted after EJU shortlisting |
| NEET | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test | NTA (National Testing Agency), India | Required for Indian students to be eligible to practice in India after completing a foreign medical degree | All Indian students planning to return to India to practice — as per NMC FMGL Regulations 2021 |
| JMLE | Japanese Medical Licensing Examination | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan | Required to practice medicine in Japan after completing the 6-year medical degree | All graduates — domestic and international — who wish to practice in Japan; conducted entirely in Japanese |
| FMGE / NExT | Foreign Medical Graduates Examination / National Exit Test | NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences), India | Required for Indian students to obtain a licence to practice medicine in India after completing a foreign medical degree | All Indian students returning to India to practice after completing MBBS/MD abroad |
Key insight for Indian students: The EJU and JLPT are the two exams you must begin preparing for before applying to any Japanese medical university. Both are taken outside Japan — including in India. The university-specific entrance exam is taken in Japan after receiving a conditional offer. NEET must be cleared before or during the application process to protect your eligibility to practice in India after graduation.
EJU 2026-Primary Entrance Exam for Medical Universities in Japan
The EJU is the most important standardised entrance exam for Indian students applying to Japanese medical universities. It is administered by JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) and is used by most Japanese universities to evaluate international students' academic readiness for undergraduate study.
For medical programs, universities typically require the Japanese as a Foreign Language test and the Science test (Physics, Chemistry and Biology — choose two) from the EJU. Some universities also require the Mathematics test.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students |
| Conducted by | JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) — official website: jasso.go.jp |
| Eligibility | International students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at Japanese universities |
| EJU 2026 — 1st Session exam date | 21 June 2026 (Sunday) |
| EJU 2026 — 2nd Session exam date | 8 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Application period — 1st Session | 16 February 2026 – 12 March 2026 (by 5:00 p.m.) — closed for 2026 1st session |
| Application period — 2nd Session | 6 July 2026 – 30 July 2026 — open for registration |
| Score report — 1st Session | 28 July 2026 (tentative) |
| Score report — 2nd Session | 15 December 2026 (tentative) |
| Exam venue in India | New Delhi only (outside Japan) |
| Exam fee in India | INR 1,300 (flat fee for all subjects — confirmed by JASSO official 2026 guidelines) |
| Score validity | 2 years from the date of the exam |
| Language options | Japanese or English (except Japanese as a Foreign Language test — Japanese only) |
EJU Subjects and Score Ranges-What Medical Applicants Need?
| Subject | Duration | Score Range | Relevance for Medical Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese as a Foreign Language | 125 minutes | Reading Comprehension + Listening: 0–400; Writing: 0–50 | Mandatory for all medical university applicants — tests academic Japanese required for university study |
| Science | 80 minutes | 0–200 per subject (choose 2 from Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Mandatory for medical applicants — most universities require Physics + Chemistry or Chemistry + Biology |
| Mathematics | 80 minutes | 0–200 | Required by some medical universities — Course 2 (advanced) for science programs; check individual university requirements |
| Japan and the World | 80 minutes | 0–200 | Not typically required for medical programs — primarily for liberal arts applicants |
Important rule: Examinees cannot choose both the Science test and the Japan and the World test in the same session. Medical applicants should select Japanese as a Foreign Language + Science + Mathematics (if required by their target university). All questions use multiple-choice format except the Writing section of the Japanese as a Foreign Language test. Source: JASSO official EJU Guidelines 2026 (jasso.go.jp).
What's next for Indian students targeting April 2027 entry: The 1st Session 2026 application period (16 Feb – 12 March 2026) has passed. The 2nd Session 2026 application opens 6 July 2026 — register immediately when it opens. The 2nd Session exam on 8 November 2026 and score report on 15 December 2026 will support applications for April 2027 university entry.
JLPT Test for Medical University Admission
The JLPT is the language proficiency certification, it stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test . For medical university admission in Japan, most universities require a minimum of JLPT N2 at the time of application. JLPT N1 is required for clinical training from Year 3 onwards and is mandatory for the Japanese Medical Licensing Examination (JMLE) after graduation.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) — official website: jlpt.jp |
| Levels | N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced) — 5 levels total |
| JLPT 2026 — 1st Session date | 5 July 2026 (Sunday) |
| JLPT 2026 — 2nd Session date | 6 December 2026 (Sunday) |
| Registration — 1st Session (July) | Registration for July 2026 session closed on 7 April 2026 |
| Registration — 2nd Session (December) | Expected to open August 2026 — check jlpt.jp for exact dates |
| Exam fee in India | INR 2,497 (N1, inclusive of GST 18%) at Chennai centre; INR 2,000 (all levels) at Delhi/MOSAI centre |
| Test cities in India | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and other cities — check jlpt.jp for confirmed 2026 venues |
| Score validity | No expiry — JLPT certificates do not expire |
| Passing score | N1: 100/180 overall with minimum section scores; N2: 90/180 overall with minimum section scores |
JLPT Levels — What Each Level Means for Medical Applicants
| JLPT Level | Proficiency Description | Relevance for Medical University in Japan | Approximate Preparation Time (from zero) |
|---|---|---|---|
| N5 | Basic Japanese — simple phrases and sentences | Not sufficient for medical university admission | 3–6 months |
| N4 | Elementary Japanese — basic conversations | Not sufficient for medical university admission | 6–12 months |
| N3 | Intermediate Japanese — everyday situations | Minimum for some preparatory language programs; not sufficient for direct medical admission | 12–18 months |
| N2 | Upper-intermediate Japanese — near-natural comprehension of everyday Japanese | Minimum required by most medical universities for admission — required for EJU Japanese test performance | 18–24 months from zero |
| N1 | Advanced Japanese — comprehension of complex Japanese in a wide range of situations | Required for clinical training (Year 3+), JMLE and practicing medicine in Japan — strongly recommended before applying | 3–5 years from zero |
Critical note for Indian students: Most Indian students underestimate the Japanese language requirement. Achieving JLPT N2 takes 18–24 months of dedicated study from zero. Achieving N1 — required for clinical years and the JMLE — takes 3–5 years for most learners. This means the realistic timeline from starting Japanese language preparation to beginning a medical degree in Japan is 2–3 years minimum. Students who begin Japanese language preparation in Class 11 or 12 are best positioned to apply directly after Class 12.
University-Specific Entrance Exams for Medical Universities in Japan
Every Japanese medical university conducts its own entrance examination in addition to the EJU. These university-specific exams test subject knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Japanese — and are conducted in Japan. Indian students must travel to Japan to appear for these exams after receiving a conditional offer based on their EJU scores.
| University | Location | QS Health and Medicine Ranking 2026 | Annual Tuition (JPY) | Annual Tuition (INR approx.) | Exam Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tokyo | Tokyo | #36 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| Kyoto University | Kyoto | #60 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| Osaka University | Osaka | #106 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| Hokkaido University | Sapporo | #177 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| Tohoku University | Sendai | #184 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| Kyushu University | Fukuoka | #195 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| Nagoya University | Nagoya | #201 | JPY 535,800 | ~INR 3.16 lakh | Japanese |
| IUHW Narita (International University of Health and Welfare) | Narita, Chiba | Not ranked separately | Higher than national universities — check official website | Higher than national universities | English (only English-medium medical program in Japan) |
About IUHW Narita: IUHW Narita is the only medical university in Japan offering an English-medium medical program. It accepts only 20 international students per year out of 140 total seats. Clinical training from Year 3 onwards is in Japanese — meaning JLPT N1 is still required for clinical years even at IUHW. The total 6-year tuition at IUHW Narita is approximately INR 1.09 crore — significantly higher than national universities.
University-specific exam components (typical for national medical universities): Written test in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (in Japanese); Japanese language comprehension test; personal interview (in Japanese); document screening based on EJU scores and JLPT certificate. Each university sets its own passing criteria — check the official admissions page of each target university before applying.
NEET Requirement for Indian Students Applying to Medical Universities in Japan
NEET is not required for admission to Japanese medical universities. Japanese universities do not ask for NEET scores as part of their admission process. However, NEET is mandatory for Indian students who plan to return to India and practice medicine after completing their degree in Japan.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| NEET required for Japan admission | No — Japanese medical universities do not require NEET for admission |
| NEET required to practice in India | Yes — Indian students must have a valid NEET qualifying score at the time of admission to a foreign medical university as per NMC FMGL Regulations 2021 |
| Consequence of not having NEET | Without a valid NEET qualifying score at the time of admission, Indian students cannot appear for FMGE/NExT and cannot obtain a licence to practice medicine in India after graduation |
| NEET qualifying score | General category: 50th percentile; SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile — must be valid at the time of admission to the Japanese university |
| NEET 2026 exam date | 4 May 2026 (conducted by NTA) — results declared in June 2026 |
Critical note: Many Indian students who study medicine in Japan skip NEET assuming they will practice in Japan. However, practicing in Japan requires clearing the JMLE — which is entirely in Japanese and requires JLPT N1. If you later decide to return to India, the absence of a NEET qualifying score at the time of admission permanently disqualifies you from practicing in India. Always clear NEET before enrolling in any foreign medical university.
JMLE — Japanese Medical Licensing Examination for Graduates Who Want to Practice in Japan
The JMLE (Japanese Medical Licensing Examination) is the national licensing exam required to practice medicine in Japan. It is conducted by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and is held once a year in February. The exam is entirely in Japanese — making JLPT N1 a practical prerequisite.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan |
| Frequency | Once a year — held in February |
| Most recent exam | 120th JMLE — held 7–8 February 2026 |
| Language | Entirely in Japanese — JLPT N1 is a practical prerequisite |
| Eligibility | Graduates of Japanese medical universities (6-year program); international graduates must complete a preliminary exam and 1-year clinical posting at a Japanese hospital before appearing for JMLE |
| Format | Multiple-choice questions over 2 days covering all clinical subjects |
| Pass rate | Approximately 90–92% for domestic graduates; significantly lower for international graduates without strong Japanese proficiency |
| After passing JMLE | Eligible for 2-year residency (clinical training) at a Japanese hospital; can then apply for specialist training |
Honest note for Indian students: Practicing medicine in Japan as an Indian graduate is extremely challenging. The JMLE is entirely in Japanese medical terminology — a level of Japanese that goes significantly beyond JLPT N1. Most Indian students who complete their medical degree in Japan either return to India (and clear FMGE/NExT) or pursue USMLE for the USA. Very few Indian graduates successfully clear the JMLE and practice in Japan long-term.
FMGE and NExT — Licensing Exams for Indian Students Returning to Practice in India
Indian students who complete their medical degree in Japan and return to India must clear FMGE or NExT to obtain a licence to practice medicine in India. This is mandatory regardless of the quality of the Japanese university or the degree obtained.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) — transitioning to NExT (National Exit Test) |
| Conducted by | NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences), India |
| Frequency | Twice a year — June and December |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens who have completed a primary medical qualification from a foreign medical university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS); must have a valid NEET qualifying score at the time of original admission |
Pass rate for Japan graduates Below 20% — studying in a Japanese-language environment makes FMGE/NExT preparation significantly harder as the curriculum is not aligned with the Indian medical syllabus Additional requirement 12-month CRMI (Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship) at an NMC-recognised Indian hospital — mandatory after clearing FMGE/NExT before obtaining a licence to practice NMC compliance check The Japanese medical university must be listed in WDOMS and must meet NMC FMGL Regulations 2021 requirements — verify directly with NMC before enrolling
Note for Indian students: Most Japanese national universities are listed in WDOMS. However, NMC compliance must be verified individually for each university before enrolling. Contact the NMC directly and the Embassy of India in Tokyo to confirm eligibility before making any admission decision.
Check Out: FMGE Preparation Strategy after MBBS in Japan
Exam Timeline for Indian Students Targeting Medical Universities in Japan — 2026 to 2027
The admission process for Japanese medical universities spans 2–3 years for most Indian students — primarily because Japanese language preparation to JLPT N2 level takes 18–24 months from zero. The timeline below maps every exam and action step for a student targeting April 2027 entry.
| Timeline | Action / Exam | Key Dates / Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing (Class 11–12) | Begin Japanese language preparation — target JLPT N4/N5 first, then N3, then N2 | The earlier you start, the better — 18–24 months needed to reach N2 from zero |
| May 2026 | Appear for NEET 2026 — mandatory for Indian students planning to practice in India after graduation | NEET 2026 exam date: 4 May 2026; results: June 2026 |
| 5 July 2026 | Appear for JLPT 1st Session 2026 — target N2 or N1 depending on preparation level | Registration for July 2026 session closed 7 April 2026 — target December 2026 session if missed |
| 6 July – 30 July 2026 | Register for EJU 2nd Session 2026 — apply at jasso.go.jp; exam fee INR 1,300 in India | Registration window: 6 July – 30 July 2026 — do not miss this window |
| 8 November 2026 | Appear for EJU 2nd Session 2026 — Japanese as a Foreign Language + Science (choose 2 from Physics, Chemistry, Biology) + Mathematics if required | Exam date: 8 November 2026 (Sunday); venue in India: New Delhi |
| 6 December 2026 | Appear for JLPT 2nd Session 2026 — target N2 minimum; N1 strongly recommended | Exam date: 6 December 2026 (Sunday); registration expected to open August 2026 |
| 15 December 2026 | Receive EJU 2nd Session 2026 score report | Score valid for 2 years from exam date |
| December 2026 – January 2027 | Apply to Japanese medical universities using EJU scores and JLPT certificate — submit university application forms, transcripts, SOP and all required documents | Each university has its own application deadline — check official university websites; most April 2027 entry deadlines fall in December 2026 – February 2027 |
| January – February 2027 | Travel to Japan for university-specific entrance exam (written test + interview) — conducted at each university campus | Dates vary by university — confirmed after application screening |
| February – March 2027 | Receive admission offer; apply for Japan Student Visa (Certificate of Eligibility issued by university) | Visa processing: 5–10 working days after COE receipt |
| April 2027 | Begin 6-year medical program in Japan | Primary intake for all Japanese universities is April |
What's next for students who missed the EJU 1st Session 2026: The 1st Session 2026 application period (16 Feb – 12 March 2026) has passed. The next opportunity is the EJU 2nd Session 2026 — registration opens 6 July 2026. Use the time between now and July to intensify Japanese language preparation and aim for JLPT N2 in the December 2026 session. This keeps the April 2027 entry timeline intact.
FAQs
Ques. What entrance exams are required for medical universities in Japan for Indian students?
Ans. Indian students need to clear multiple exams to get into a Japanese medical university. The EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission) tests academic aptitude — specifically Japanese as a Foreign Language and Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) certifies Japanese language proficiency — minimum N2 for admission and N1 for clinical years. Each university also conducts its own written entrance exam and interview in Japan. NEET is not required for Japan admission but is mandatory for Indian students who plan to practice in India after graduation.
Ques. What are the EJU 2026 exam dates for Indian students?
Ans. The EJU 2026 has two sessions. The 1st Session was held on 21 June 2026 — the application period (16 Feb – 12 March 2026) has passed. The 2nd Session is on 8 November 2026 — registration opens 6 July 2026 and closes 30 July 2026. The exam can be taken in India at New Delhi. The exam fee in India is INR 1,300 (flat, all subjects). Score reports for the 2nd Session are released on 15 December 2026. Source: JASSO official EJU Guidelines 2026 (jasso.go.jp).
Ques. What JLPT level is required for medical universities in Japan?
Ans. Most Japanese medical universities require a minimum of JLPT N2 for admission. JLPT N1 is required for clinical training from Year 3 onwards and is a practical prerequisite for the Japanese Medical Licensing Examination (JMLE) after graduation. Achieving N2 takes approximately 18–24 months of dedicated study from zero. Achieving N1 takes 3–5 years for most learners. The JLPT 2026 test dates are 5 July 2026 (1st session) and 6 December 2026 (2nd session). Source: official JLPT website (jlpt.jp).
Ques. Is NEET required for medical universities in Japan?
Ans. NEET is not required for admission to Japanese medical universities. However, Indian students who want to practice medicine in India after completing their degree in Japan must have a valid NEET qualifying score at the time of admission to the Japanese university — as per NMC FMGL Regulations 2021. Without a valid NEET score at the time of admission, Indian students cannot appear for FMGE/NExT and cannot obtain a licence to practice in India. Always clear NEET before enrolling in any foreign medical university.
Ques. Can Indian students study medicine in Japan in English?
Ans. IUHW Narita (International University of Health and Welfare) in Narita, Chiba is the only medical university in Japan offering an English-medium medical program. It accepts only 20 international students per year. Clinical training from Year 3 onwards is in Japanese — meaning JLPT N1 is still required for clinical years even at IUHW. All other 80 medical universities in Japan teach entirely in Japanese.
Ques. What is the EJU exam fee in India?
Ans. The EJU exam fee in India is INR 1,300 — a flat fee covering all subjects (Japanese as a Foreign Language, Science, Mathematics). This is confirmed in the JASSO official EJU Guidelines 2026 (jasso.go.jp). The exam is conducted in New Delhi for candidates based in India. The 2nd Session 2026 registration opens 6 July 2026 and closes 30 July 2026.
Ques. What is the total cost of studying medicine in Japan for Indian students?
Ans. National university tuition in Japan is fixed by the Japanese government at JPY 535,800/year (~INR 3.16 lakh/year) — making it one of the most affordable medical education options among developed countries. The monthly cost of living in Japan ranges from JPY 1.04–1.35 lakh (~INR 61,347–79,044/month). The total 6-year all-inclusive cost at a national university is approximately INR 25–50 lakh. Private medical universities (including IUHW Narita) cost significantly more — IUHW Narita's total 6-year tuition alone is approximately INR 1.09 crore. Conversion: 1 JPY = INR 0.59 (23 April 2026).
Ques. How long does it take for an Indian student to become a doctor in Japan?
Ans. The realistic timeline for an Indian student to become a practicing doctor in Japan is 8–10 years. This includes 1–2 years of Japanese language preparation (to reach JLPT N2 for admission and N1 for clinical years) followed by a 6-year medical degree followed by clearing the JMLE (held annually in February) and completing a 2-year residency. For Indian students returning to India to practice, the timeline includes clearing FMGE/NExT and completing a 12-month CRMI at an NMC-recognised Indian hospital after the 6-year degree.
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