TOEFL vs IELTS: Which English Test Do You Actually Need for Japan?

You need to prove your English for Japan, but which test do you actually take? Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted here, and both measure the same four skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The problem is that a generic comparison doesn’t tell you anything useful. What tells you something useful is knowing your specific goal, university admission, a scholarship, a visa application, or an employer requirement, and then matching the test to that goal. That is exactly what this guide does. Whether you are planning to study in Japan, apply for MEXT, or simply need English certification as a professional already living here, the answer is in the section that applies to your situation.

What Is the Difference Between TOEFL and IELTS?

Both tests assess the same four language skills, but they differ fundamentally in format, style, and the kind of English performance they reward. TOEFL is built around American academic English and computer-based tasks that require you to integrate reading, listening, and speaking simultaneously. IELTS is closer to real-world communication, more conversational in tone, available in paper format, and assessed partly by a live examiner. Knowing the structural difference between them is what allows you to choose the one you are most likely to perform well in.

Test Format and Structure Compared

Feature	托福 iBT	IELTS
Format	Fully computer/internet-based	Paper-based OR computer-delivered
Duration	~2 hours (updated format since 2023)	~2 hours 45 minutes
Speaking test	Speak into a microphone, alone	Face-to-face with a human examiner
English style	American English	British English
Administered by	ETS (Educational Testing Service)	British Council / IDP / Cambridge
Score validity	2 years	2 years
Available in Japan	Yes, multiple cities	Yes, 8+ centers in Tokyo alone

Scoring Systems Explained

TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0–120, with each of the four sections worth up to 30 points. IELTS uses band scores from 0–9, reported in 0.5 increments. The two scales are different, but they do map against each other in a way that matters for Japanese university applications; many institutions quote requirements in both, and knowing the rough equivalences prevents confusion. A TOEFL score of 79 corresponds approximately to IELTS 6.0; TOEFL 90 maps to roughly IELTS 6.5; and TOEFL 100 aligns with IELTS 7.0. These conversions are approximate, but they are accurate enough for planning purposes.

Which Skills Each Test Emphasizes

The core difference in skill assessment comes down to integration vs. independence. TOEFL’s integrated tasks require you to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then speak or write about both simultaneously, it tests academic multitasking under pressure. IELTS tasks are more self-contained and conversational. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner over roughly 11–14 minutes, which allows for natural pacing and clarification. One critical distinction for anyone applying to Japanese universities: IELTS comes in two versions — Academic and General Training. IELTS General Training is not accepted by Japanese universities. Only IELTS Academic qualifies as proof of academic English proficiency. If you register for the wrong version, your score will not count.

Cost and Availability in Japan

托福 iBT costs approximately ¥35,000 (around USD $235) per sitting in Japan. Test centers are available in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, and other cities, and a Home Edition allows you to sit the test from your apartment with a stable internet connection and valid photo ID.

IELTS costs approximately ¥25,000–¥28,000 per sitting. There are 8 or more centers in Tokyo alone, administered through British Council Japan and the Eiken Foundation of Japan. Both paper-based and computer-delivered options are available. IELTS is typically offered up to four times per month, which makes scheduling more flexible, and makes it a practical first attempt if you want to test the waters before committing to the higher TOEFL fee.

Which Test Do Japanese Universities Accept?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted at Japan’s major national and private universities, but score requirements vary significantly by institution, faculty, and program. “Accepted” does not mean “any score will do” it means the test format is recognized, and you still need to meet the specific threshold set by your target department. Here is what those thresholds actually look like.

Score Requirements at Top Japanese Universities

大学	TOEFL iBT Minimum	IELTS Academic Minimum
University of Tokyo	90	6.5
京都大学	72	5.5
Osaka University	80	6.0
Tohoku University	79	6.0
Hokkaido University	79	6.0
Nagoya University	79	6.0
Tokyo Institute of Technology	70 (program-dependent)	5.5
早稻田大学	80	6.0

Requirements vary by faculty and program — always verify on the specific department’s admissions page before applying.

Graduate School Requirements, MBA, Research, and Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate programs in Japan generally require TOEFL 79–100 or IELTS 6.0–7.0 for English-taught courses. Research-focused programs in science and engineering often accept scores at the lower end of that range if a candidate demonstrates strong research credentials elsewhere in the application. MBA and social science programs, where academic writing in English is central to the curriculum, tend to set higher thresholds and apply them more strictly. If you are applying to multiple programs simultaneously, it is worth confirming whether each uses the same requirements or whether a strong score in one area can compensate for a borderline score in another.

MEXT Scholarship English Requirements

"(《世界人权宣言》) MEXT (Monbukagakusho) scholarship is one of the most sought-after paths to studying in Japan for international applicants, and it has specific English expectations. For most English-taught programs, TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS Academic 6.0 is the standard benchmark. The route matters, though. For the Embassy Recommendation route, English is initially assessed at the embassy level, and external test scores are submitted when applying to universities for a Letter of Acceptance. For the University Recommendation route, requirements are set by the individual institution. TOEFL and IELTS are not always mandatory at the initial application stage; some programs accept a university-issued English proficiency certificate, but a strong score consistently strengthens an application. Score validity follows the standard two-year rule. If you are planning ahead for MEXT, time your test date so the score will still be valid at the point of submission. For more on the study pathway to Japan, see our complete guide to studying in Japan.

Exchange Programs and Other Scholarships

对于 JASSO 奖学金, there is generally no hard TOEFL or IELTS minimum, but English-medium program enrollment is typically required. Private university scholarships are institution-specific and worth checking individually. Rotary scholarships and most corporate-sponsored academic programs tend to follow the same standard thresholds — TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0 — as a practical baseline.

Do Japanese Employers and Visa Applications Require TOEFL or IELTS?

This is where JoynTokyo’s audience diverges from the typical test prep reader. If your goal is not university admission but employment or immigration, the answer changes meaningfully.

Do Japanese Companies Ask for TOEFL or IELTS Scores?

Most Japanese companies do not request TOEFL or IELTS scores as part of their hiring process. They are not standard employment documents in Japan’s corporate environment. International firms with Japanese offices may ask for them in specific roles, and English teaching positions, ALT programs, eikaiwa schools, and international schools sometimes accept them as supplementary evidence of English ability. However, the test that actually circulates in Japanese corporate settings is TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), which is a separate and distinct test from both TOEFL and IELTS. TOEIC measures practical English communication ability in a workplace context, and many Japanese companies use it for internal English-level tracking. It is not an academic admissions test and serves a different purpose entirely. If a Japanese employer asks for your English level, they almost certainly mean TOEIC. If a university or scholarship asks for proof of English proficiency, they mean TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa, English Proficiencyy and Points

The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa uses a points-based system, and English proficiency can contribute points to that calculation. Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are listed as acceptable forms of evidence. That said, English proficiency is not the primary scoring category; points are weighted more heavily toward salary level, academic background, age, and Japanese language ability. A strong TOEFL or IELTS score adds measurable points to an HSP application, but it is unlikely to be the deciding factor on its own. For a full breakdown of the work visa landscape in Japan, see our work in Japan guide.

Student Visa Applications – Does the Score Matter?

Japan’s student visa (留学ビザ) does not directly require a TOEFL or IELTS score. The document that triggers the visa process is the university’s acceptance letter — and it is the university’s own English requirements that determine whether you need a score in the first place. The practical flow is: take the test → receive your score → apply to your university → receive acceptance → apply for the student visa. The test score matters at the admissions stage, not the visa stage.

When Neither Test Is Required – and What Replaces Them

If your previous university degree was conducted entirely in English, many Japanese institutions and programs will accept a University English Proficiency Certificate in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs run their own English entrance exams. TOEIC is occasionally accepted for employment-related English documentation. The key rule: never assume. Always verify the specific requirement on the relevant institution’s official page before deciding which test – if any — you actually need.

TOEFL vs IELTS – Which Is Harder, and Which Is Better for Non-Native Speakers?

This is one of the most searched aspects of this comparison, and the honest answer requires nuance. There is no universally harder test, but there is a test that tends to align better with certain learning backgrounds and study styles.

Test Difficulty by Skill Area

Skill	TOEFL	IELTS	Typically More Accessible
阅读	Highly academic, multiple choice	General interest topics, varied question types	IELTS
Listening	Long academic lectures, note-taking required	Shorter, more varied contexts	IELTS
Speaking	Microphone only, integrated tasks	Face-to-face examiner, conversational	IELTS (for most)
Writing	Computer only, includes integrated task	Choice of handwriting or typing	Depends on preference

Which Test Suits Asian Language Backgrounds Better

Test preparation specialists and language educators working in Japan consistently note that IELTS tends to be considered more achievable for non-native English speakers from Asian language backgrounds. The main reason is TOEFL’s integrated speaking tasks, which require you to read a passage, listen to a lecture on the same topic, and then speak a coherent response about both, all within a short time window. This format is demanding for test-takers who are not accustomed to this style of simultaneous processing. IELTS speaking, conducted with a human examiner, allows for more natural pacing and organic clarification, which many candidates find significantly less stressful than performing into a microphone with no interaction. If you are already comfortable with computers and American academic content, TOEFL may feel more natural. If neither test is immediately familiar, most test prep professionals recommend trying an official IELTS practice test first.

The 2023 TOEFL Format Change – What It Means in 2026

TOEFL iBT underwent a significant restructuring in 2023. Test duration was reduced from approximately 3.5 hours to around 2 hours, and the independent writing task was replaced with an Academic Discussion Task, a shorter, more focused written response to a simulated online class discussion. This change meaningfully reduces test fatigue and closes much of the “IELTS is shorter” gap that previously favored IELTS for time-management reasons. If you have been using pre-2023 TOEFL guides, study materials, or practice test formats, verify that they reflect the current structure before relying on them.

Which Test Should You Choose Based on Your Goal in Japan?

This is what most readers came here for. Rather than hedging, here is a direct recommendation for each situation.

If You Are Applying to a Japanese University

Take either, but match your preparation to the specific score requirement for your target program, not to the test itself. Most Japanese universities accept TOEFL and IELTS equally. Choose IELTS if you prefer face-to-face speaking and want the option of a paper-based format. Choose TOEFL if you are comfortable on a computer and prefer working through multiple choice questions throughout. Check the exact minimum for your faculty before you register.

If You Are Applying to a University in an English-Speaking Country From Japan

IELTS gives you broader coverage for UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand institutions. TOEFL is the dominant test for US universities. If you are applying to multiple countries in the same cycle, IELTS scores are more transferable across a wider range of destinations in a single sitting.

If You Need English Proof for MEXT or Japanese Scholarships

Both are accepted. TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS Academic 6.0 is the standard target for most English-taught programs under MEXT. If your target institution is in the top tier,  the University of Tokyo, for instance, aim for TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5 or above. The score difference between getting in and not getting in can be narrow at selective institutions.

If You Are a Foreign Professional in Japan Seeking English Certification

For Japanese employers, TOEIC is more relevant than either TOEFL or IELTS. If you specifically need TOEFL or IELTS, for an international firm, a foreign employer, or HSP visa points, IELTS is more practical in Japan: lower cost, more test center options, and a speaking format that most working professionals find less stressful. The Home Edition TOEFL is worth considering if your schedule is constrained. For a broader career context, our how to get a job in Japan guide covers what employers actually look for.

If You Want to Study Abroad on an Exchange Program From Japan

IELTS for Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. TOEFL for North America. Most Japanese university exchange programs accept both – confirm with your international office, as some schools have partnerships that waive the requirement entirely for enrolled students.

How to Take TOEFL or IELTS While Living in Japan?

The logistics of testing in Japan are more convenient than many foreigners assume, particularly in Tokyo and other major cities. Both tests are well-administered, regularly scheduled, and accessible without significant advance planning.

Test Centers in Japan — Where to Take Each Test

IELTS in Japan is administered through British Council Japan and the Eiken Foundation of Japan. There are 8 or more test centers in Tokyo, concentrated in areas such as Shinjuku, Chiyoda, and Takadanobaba, with additional centers in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Kyoto, and Yokohama. Both paper-based and computer-delivered options are available. Registration is done through britishcouncil.jp 或 eiken.or.jp/ielts/en.

TOEFL iBT in Japan is available at multiple ETS-authorized centers in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, and other major cities. The Home Edition allows you to take the test from your apartment in Japan, provided you have a valid photo ID, a stable internet connection, and a private room. This option is particularly useful for people living outside major urban centers or those with tight weekday schedules. Registration is at ets.org/toefl. 

Realistic Preparation Timeline

Starting Level	Target Score	Realistic Preparation Time
Pre-intermediate (B1)	IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 79	4–6 months
Intermediate (B2)	IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90	2–4 months
Upper-intermediate (C1)	IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100	1-3 个月
Advanced (C1+)	IELTS 7.5+ / TOEFL 110+	1–2 months of test-specific prep

These timelines assume consistent daily study, typically one to two focused hours per day. If you are juggling work or studies in Japan while preparing, add roughly 30–50% to the realistic timeline. Japanese language study adds another variable: if you are actively studying Japanese at the same time, your English test prep will need to be deliberately scheduled. Our roundup of 学习日语的最佳应用程序 is relevant if you are managing both language goals simultaneously.

Study Resources Available in Japan

In-person test prep courses are available in Tokyo through IDP, British Council, and several private language schools offering structured IELTS and TOEFL programs. For self-study, the ETS official TOEFL prep app and the practice materials on IELTS.org  both provide free sample questions and full practice tests in their current formats – use these before anything else to calibrate your starting level. Language exchange meetups in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities often include IELTS and TOEFL study components and are a low-cost way to practice speaking in a test-like context.

Can You Retake? Policies and Timing

IELTS has no limit on retakes and can be taken as frequently as test dates allow. Scores are valid for two years. TOEFL iBT can be retaken after a three-day waiting period, with no annual limit. TOEFL also offers a MyBest Scores feature, which lets you submit the highest section score from multiple test sittings to participating institutions, though it is worth confirming whether your target university accepts MyBest before relying on it. A practical strategy many test-takers in Japan use: sit for IELTS first as a diagnostic, assess whether the result is sufficient or whether the format suits them, and then decide whether to retest or switch to TOEFL. The lower cost makes IELTS the more sensible entry point.

TOEFL vs IELTS – Complete Side-by-Side Comparison

This table covers every key dimension in one place.

类别	托福 iBT	雅思学术类
Administered by	ETS	British Council / IDP / Cambridge
Format	Fully computer-based	Paper or computer
Duration	~2 hours	~2 hours 45 minutes
Speaking format	Microphone (solo)	Face-to-face examiner
English style	American	British
Score range	0–120	0–9 (band scores)
Typical minimum for Japan universities	79–90+ (program dependent)	6.0–6.5+ (program dependent)
Cost in Japan	~¥35,000	~¥25,000–¥28,000
Score validity	2 years	2 years
Accepted by Japanese universities	是	是
Accepted for MEXT scholarship	Yes (79+ recommended)	Yes (6.0+ recommended)
Home edition available	是	没有
Generally more accessible for non-native speakers	Moderate–challenging	Often considered more accessible
Best suited for	US university applications; computer-comfortable test-takers	UK / Australia / NZ applications; candidates who prefer face-to-face speaking

Frequently Asked Questions About TOEFL and IELTS for Japan

Is TOEFL or IELTS more recognized in Japan?

Both are equally recognized at Japanese universities and for the MEXT scholarship. Neither has a meaningful edge in Japan’s academic context — the choice should be driven by your test-taking style and your destination after Japan. For employment in Japan, TOEIC is actually far more commonly used than either TOEFL or IELTS.

What IELTS score do I need for a Japanese university?

Most major national universities require IELTS Academic 5.5–6.0 as a minimum. Top-tier institutions like the University of Tokyo require 6.5 for most programs. Private universities vary significantly — always check the specific faculty or program page, as requirements differ even within the same institution.

What TOEFL score is considered good for Japan?

TOEFL iBT 79 is the standard minimum for most English-taught programs and the MEXT scholarship benchmark. A score of 90 or above opens access to the most selective programs. Scores of 100 and above are competitive for top global programs.

Can I use TOEFL or IELTS for the Highly Skilled Professional visa?

Yes — both can be submitted as evidence of English proficiency in the HSP visa points calculation. TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are both accepted. TOEFL ITP and IELTS General Training are not. Bear in mind that English proficiency is one of several scoring categories; it rarely determines the outcome on its own.

Which test can I take in Japan right now?

Both are available year-round. IELTS has 8+ centers in Tokyo and is offered up to four times per month through British Council Japan and the Eiken Foundation. TOEFL iBT is available at multiple authorized centers in major cities and as a Home Edition. IELTS is more frequently scheduled and costs less per sitting.

Is IELTS General Training the same as IELTS Academic for Japanese universities?

No,  and this is a critical point. Japanese universities require IELTS Academic, not General Training. IELTS General Training is designed for immigration and general employment purposes. Submitting a General Training score to a Japanese university will not be accepted as proof of academic English proficiency.

Does the MEXT scholarship require TOEFL or IELTS?

It depends on the route. For the Embassy Recommendation route, language tests are conducted at the embassy, and external TOEFL or IELTS scores are submitted when applying to universities for a Letter of Acceptance. For the University Recommendation route, individual universities set their own requirements. The widely used target is TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS Academic 6.0.

Which test is easier – TOEFL or IELTS?

For most non-native English speakers, IELTS is considered somewhat more accessible — particularly the speaking section, which involves a human examiner rather than a microphone. IELTS reading passages also tend to use more varied and less specialized topics than TOEFL. That said, if you are comfortable on a computer and work well with multiple-choice formats, TOEFL may feel more natural to you. Try an official practice test for each before committing to a registration fee.

How long are TOEFL and IELTS scores valid in Japan?

Both are valid for two years from the test date. This is the standard applied by Japanese universities, the MEXT scholarship, and visa applications. Plan your test date to ensure the score will still be valid at the point of submission — generally, allow at least two to four weeks for score delivery and confirm the exact deadline with your target institution.

Is TOEIC the same as TOEFL in Japan?

No — they are entirely different tests with different purposes. TOEIC is widely used by Japanese companies to assess workplace English communication. It is not an academic admissions test and is not accepted by universities in place of TOEFL or IELTS. If a Japanese employer asks for your English level, they are almost certainly referring to TOEIC. If a university or scholarship asks for proof of English proficiency, they mean TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.

Can I submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if I’m already in Japan on a work visa?

Yes, without any complications. Your visa status has no bearing on your ability to take or submit either test. If you are applying to a Japanese university while on a work visa, registration is done entirely online and test centers are readily available in all major cities. The TOEFL Home Edition is particularly convenient for working professionals who cannot easily free up a weekend slot.

最终想法

Both tests are legitimate routes to your goal in Japan. The choice between them is less about which is “better” and more about which format gives you the best chance of hitting the score you need. Know your target, check the specific requirement for your program or institution, take a free practice test for each, and register with enough time to retest once if necessary. That approach removes most of the uncertainty from a decision that, in practice, is more manageable than it first appears.

For more on building a life and career in Japan once you arrive, explore our moving to Japan ultimate guide and our how to become an English teacher in Japan guide, two of the most common next steps for people who start exactly where you are now.

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