Interviews in Japanese University Admissions: What It Means for Domestic and International Students
Japanese universities are beginning to expand the role of interviews in admissions. Traditionally, the general entrance examination has relied on written tests, ensuring fairness by focusing only on high school curriculum content. Now, institutions such as the University of Tsukuba are introducing interviews even in general selection, marking a significant change in how applicants are evaluated.
For Japanese Applicants
- General selection reform: From 2028, Tsukuba University will require interviews or oral exams in 19 of its 23 academic programs. This means nearly half of domestic applicants in the February exam session will face interviews in addition to written tests.
- Purpose: Universities want to assess qualities such as independence, initiative, and collaboration — traits not easily measured by test scores.
- Impact: Exams may take longer, and preparation will require more than academic study. High schools and students will face heavier workloads, but universities argue this is necessary to identify well‑rounded candidates.
For International Students
- Different pathways: International applicants often enter through recommendation-based or comprehensive selection routes, where interviews are already common. These methods emphasize motivation, suitability for the program, and communication skills.
- No traditional Japanese exam: Many overseas applicants are not required to sit the Japanese‑style written tests. Instead, universities rely on multi‑faceted evaluation — interviews, essays, and academic records.
- Growing importance: As Japan aims to raise the proportion of international students to 30% by 2040, interviews will remain central. They allow universities to evaluate diverse backgrounds and confirm the authenticity of application materials, especially in the age of generative AI.
Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities:
- Better alignment between student motivation and program goals.
- Stronger focus on curiosity, resilience, and global outlook.
- Flexibility for international applicants who may not fit the Japanese exam model.
Challenges: - Risk of bias or subjectivity in interviews.
- Increased burden on schools, universities, and applicants.
- Need for trained evaluators to ensure fairness.
- Danger of superficial or symbolic interviews if not carefully designed.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of interviews reflects a broader shift in Japanese admissions: moving from a one‑dimensional focus on test scores toward multi‑dimensional evaluation. For Japanese students, this means preparing for both written and oral assessments. For international students, interviews will continue to be the main gateway, highlighting motivation, adaptability, and authenticity.
Ultimately, universities must not only test for qualities like curiosity and initiative but also show how they will nurture those qualities after admission. Admissions reform and educational reform must go hand in hand.
(Source: Nikkei, May 25, 2026)
Global University in Japan view:
Interview examinations can take place either face‑to‑face or online. Many international students are likely to take their interviews online. The following article provides guidance on online interviews, which I recommend you review. While it may not seem like a major issue, be aware that reading from a script during an online interview is usually obvious to the interviewers and may result in a lower evaluation.
