MEXT Screening Exam: Subjects, Past Papers and Strategy
The written exams that trip up even strong applicants: a Japanese section you can't skip, an English test, and for undergraduates maths and science you may not have studied in years.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
1 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Screening exam subjects
The written exams are part of the Embassy track's first screening only. What you sit depends on your programme.
Research Students
Reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar. It may be waived in countries where English is an official language.
Not required to pass. MEXT uses the result as a reference for your Japanese preparatory course.
Under the 2027 guidelines, research applicants sit only the Japanese and English language exams — both are compulsory. Subject tests in maths or physics are not part of the research-student exam.
Undergraduate
Maths A for humanities, Maths B for science tracks. The 2019 Maths B paper included calculus. No calculators.
Reading and grammar.
Attempt all questions.
Physics, chemistry or biology (science tracks take chemistry plus physics or biology).
The other programmes
- Teacher Training: Japanese and English.
- Japanese Studies: Japanese.
- College of Technology: Japanese, English, maths, and physics or chemistry.
- Specialized Training College: Japanese, English and maths.
Study resources
- Past papers. MEXT publishes past questions and answers on the official Study in Japan portal, and alumni communities share more. Study the format and difficulty level.
- Japanese university entrance level. Past applicants describe the difficulty as close to Japanese university entrance exams. Study accordingly.
- Time management. Strict time limits apply. Practise under timed conditions and don't spend too long on any single question.
- Japanese section strategy. Even N5-level knowledge helps. Attempt all questions — guessing shows effort.
The screening exam is challenging but predictable. With past papers and focused preparation, you can pass it.
Next: the embassy interview, or go back to the application guide and choose your track.