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Student visa applicants are generally expected to have a basic level of Japanese ability. In the past, evidence of around 150 hours of study could be used as proof. As of the October 2026 intake, immigration has changed the requirements. Applicants are now typically expected to demonstrate their level through an official exam result (such as JLPT N5 or equivalent) or by completing a school assessment/interview. Please note that some schools may require both.
While the immigration website lists 12 options for the official exam result, the majority of those tests have little to no testing infrastructure outside of Asia. If you’re applying from North America, Europe, or Latin America, your choices are a lot more limited.
This guide will walk you through the two exams that are more easily accessible for most of our students, broken down by region so you can match the right test to your application timeline.
The big two: what are your real options?
Before taking a look at locations, here’s a quick overview of the two tests available to you.
The JLPT(Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is the most widely recognized Japanese language exam in the world. It’s paper-based and affordable, but it runs on a very rigid schedule and seats fill up within hours of registration opening. The official website for overseas testing locations can be found here.
The BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) is computer-based and administered through Pearson VUE testing centers. Because it’s on-demand, you can book a seat year-round with just a few days’ notice. A score of 300 or higher satisfies the immigration requirement.
English-speaking markets (US, UK, Canada, Australia)
JLPT
The schedule varies depending on where you live. In the US, the JLPT runs once a year in December. Registration typically opens in mid-August and sells out within hours, so make sure to plan ahead. Australia, Canada, and the UK get two sittings per year (July and December) depending on the location.
Testing locations:
- US: locations can change per year, please refer to the American Association of Teachers of Japanese website to check your nearest testing center
- UK: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff (temporarily suspended), Leicester
- Canada: Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, London, Montreal
- Australia: Canberra, Gold Coast, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide
BJT
Available year-round through Pearson VUE, but the number of authorized centers in English-speaking countries is surprisingly limited. Don’t assume your city is covered and make sure to double check locations on the official website.
- US: New York City; Chicago; Los Angeles; Denton, Texas
- UK: London (Docklands)
- Australia: Melbourne, Sydney
- Canada: none available in Canada; North American locations are only in the US or Mexico
Spanish-speaking markets (Spain, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Argentina)
JLPT
The schedule (July and December) in Spain, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina varies depending on the location.
Testing locations:
- Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Valencia, Las Palmas
- Mexico: Mexico City, Monterrey, Mérida, Aguascalientes
- Chile: Santiago
- Colombia: Bogotá, Cali
- Argentina: Buenos Aires
BJT
Available in Mexico (Mexico City) only. Spain, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina have no BJT testing centers.
French-speaking markets (France, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium)
JLPT
The schedule (July and December) in France, Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium varies depending on the location.
Testing locations:
- France: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes
- Canada: Montreal (plus English-language hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, etc.)
- Switzerland: Zurich
- Belgium: Leuven (no test in 2027), Ghent (no test in 2026; test will be held in 2027)
BJT
Available in France (Paris) only. Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium have no BJT testing centers.
German-speaking markets (Germany, Switzerland, Austria)
JLPT
The schedule (July and December) in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria varies depending on the location.
Testing locations:
- Germany: Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin
- Switzerland: Zurich
- Austria: Vienna
BJT
Available in Germany only, at centers in Frankfurt and Düsseldorf. Switzerland and Austria have no BJT testing centers.
Italian and Swedish markets (Italy, Sweden)
JLPT
Italy and Sweden only hold one sitting per year, with Italy in December and Sweden in July.
Testing locations:
- Italy: Rome, Milan, Venice
- Sweden: Stockholm
BJT
Italy has one center, located in Padova. Sweden has no BJT availability.
Portuguese-speaking markets (Brazil, Portugal)
JLPT
Brazil runs either one or two sittings per year (July and December), depending on your location. Portugal is temporarily suspended.
Testing locations:
- Brazil: São Paulo, Londrina, Belém, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Brasília, Salvador, Manaus, Curitiba, Florianopolis
- Portugal: temporarily suspended
BJT
Available in Brazil (São Paulo) only. Portugal has no BJT testing centers.
What about the other ten tests?
Immigration’s official list includes ten additional exams: JPT, NAT-TEST, J.TEST, TOPJ, STBJ, JLCT, PJC Bridge, JT5, S-JEP, and others. These tests are popular and widely available in Asian countries like Vietnam, China, and South Korea, but they are not easily accessible in Western Europe or the Americas. They are not a realistic option if you’re applying from the regions covered in this guide.
What are my next steps?
Start earlier than you think you need to. JLPT registration fills up within hours of opening, often months before the exam date. If you’re targeting a January, April, July, or October school intake, figure out your best exam date needed for your visa application now.
Match your exam to your situation. If you live near a major city with Pearson VUE access and want maximum scheduling flexibility, the BJT is a good option. However, the JLPT is more widely known in Japan, more available abroad, and is usually the one asked for by immigration.
Don’t navigate this alone. Visa requirements, registration windows, and approved test lists can shift. If you’re unsure whether your current timeline works, reach out to us at Go! Go! Nihon. We can help you review your situation, identify the right exam, and suggest school options that might give you more flexibility if your timeline is tight.
To learn more about visa requirements, language tests, or life in Japan, make sure to check out our blog.
