The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan has announced plans to use external four skills English tests including TOEFL and IELTS for entrance examinations for universities from 2020. The changes are expected to contribute to English curriculum reforms at senior high schools and lead to a general improvement in Japanese students’ English proficiency. In turn, this is expected to enhance students’ capacity to progress to overseas universities.

This change is part of university admission reforms the government has been discussing for years. The National Center Test, a standardized examination currently used by more than 800 HEIs in Japan, assesses English listening and reading comprehension, but not writing and speaking. From 2020 in addition to the standardized examination students will be asked to take an external four skills English test. Universities will choose which external test to adopt and set their respective grade requirements. Ultimately, the government English exam will be phased out and all universities will be expected to use an external four skills test only.

This plan is anticipated to accelerate English curriculum reforms at senior high school with more focus on writing and speaking. It is widely believed that a lack of proficiency in writing and speaking has traditionally discouraged Japanese university students from studying abroad. With an enhanced English curriculum and introduction of four skills English tests at an earlier age, it is expected younger generations will acquire improved and more balanced English skills.