Languages at Leicester

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test at Leicester

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About the Japanese Language Proficiency Test

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the largest-scale Japanese language test in the world. Since 1984, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services have continued to offer the JLPT as a reliable means of evaluating the Japanese proficiency of non-native speakers. The JLPT is widely recognised across corporate and government sectors as a benchmark for proficiency measurement, and is also a strong motivator for students of Japanese language.

In the UK the test is also administered by other institutions. The University of Leicester is host and administrate the JLPT in July and December exam calls yearly.

JLPT levels

The JLPT offer 5 different levels, from N1 to N5 (N1 being the highest or most advanced and N5 the lower or beginners).

For further information please refer to the JLPT official website.

Examination date, fees, places and deadlines for 2026

2026 Exam days and times

  • Sunday 5 July 2026
  • Sunday 6 December 2026

The examination will begin at 11.30am. Participants are required to be seated in the exam room by that time. No late arrivals will be allowed to the exam room. Exams are expected to end between 2.00pm and 3.00pm approximately, depending on the exam level. A detailed exam schedule will be provided to examinees after registration.

Fees and payment

Fee: £100 per participant for any level.

Please notice that no refund will be provided, as stated under the The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013*, unless cancellation is made by the Japan Foundation, the Japan Education Exchanges and Services or the University of Leicester or due to force majeure.

*According to the CCR 2013, the 14-day coling off periods, does not apply for a specific date events, such as the JLPT exams.

Test guide

Download the full test guide 2026 July (PDF, 8mb)

The test guide is for your information. When registering online, participants are required to agree to the content and conditions of the JLPT test guide (there is no need to print it).

Exam Location

While the precise details are yet to be confirmed, the examination is provisionally scheduled to take place in the Sir Bob Burgess Building (Teaching and Learning Centre), Freemen's Common LE2 7TF. Specific information regarding the examination rooms will be communicated to registered applicants (Google map link).

Leicester's approximate distances and typical travel times from major UK cities are as follows: 89 miles from London, with trains taking 1 to 1.25 hours, buses 2.5 to 4 hours, and cars 2.5 to 3 hours. 74 miles from Manchester, with train times of 1.5 to 2 hours, bus times of 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and car travel of 1.5 to 2 hours. 44 miles from Birmingham, trains typically take less than an hour, buses take 1 to 1.75 hours, and cars take 50 minutes to 1.25 hours.

Registration process

The University of Leicester will host JLPT exams in July and December 2026.

Registrations for the JLPT July 2026 will open as follows:

  • N1 - registrations will open again on Monday 2 March 2026, at noon.
  • N2 - registrations will open again on Tuesday 3 March 2026, at noon.
  • N3 - registrations will open again on Wednesday 4 March 2026, at noon.
  • N4 - registrations will open again on Thursday 5 March 2026, at noon.
  • N5 - registrations will open again on Friday 6 March 2026, at noon.

Registration steps:

We take registration online. Please note that you must read the Test guide before registration. The guide can be downloaded from the above link provided.

  • Step 1: JLPT exam fee payment (Shop@le)
  • Step 2: JLPT application form (MS form)*

* Upon completing the payment, your will receive the link to complete the JLPT application form (Step 2).

Registrations for the JLPT July 2026 at Leicester will open in March

Deadline for applications

The deadline for application for the JLPT July exam call at Leicester is Tuesday 24 March 2026 at noon*. However, please note that there are limited places and that the applications may close earlier should the maximum capacity be reached.

Please note that the deadline to change the N level, is also Tuesday 24 March 2026 at noon. After this point, the level indicated in the registration form cannot be modified. 

*Kindly note that from April 2026, no additional applications can be accommodated, as all registration will have been sent to JLPT Japan.

Registrations for December 2026 will be published in July 2026. While the precise details are yet to be determined, it is anticipated that the application period will commence at the beginning of August 2026.

Special Testing Accommodations

Special Testing Accommodations (STA) may be provided for examinees with disabilities and/or learning needs. Those who wish to apply for STA should first download and read the documents 'Special Testing Accommodations request instruction' in full. Please submit the request form and any relevant documents in support of your application by Wednesday 25 March 2026, at the very latest. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email JLPT@leicester.ac.uk.

    Cancellations

    Registered participants can cancel their registration until 24 March 2026 at noon. After this point, no cancellation will be accepted.

    If a cancellation request is submitted after this date but before the day of the exam, a test registration number will still be issued as usual, and the test admission information will be sent to you. Please note that you will be marked as absent on the test day.

    If you wish to notify us of your absence in advance, please contact us using this online withdrawal form.

    Refunds

    Refunds will only be granted for cancellations made within the designated refund period. Full Refund Period (JLPT July 2026 Test): From 2 March to 15 March 2026 at noon via this form.

    From 15 March 2026 at noon, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances for the JLPT examination fee. This policy is protected under applicable law. The 14-day cooling-off period does not apply* to services that are reserved for a specific date.

    *Information on Consumer Rights
    Regarding your right to cancel, please refer to the statutory exceptions provided under Regulation 28(1)(h) of The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. This applies to contracts for the supply of accommodation, transport of goods, vehicle rental services, catering, or services related to leisure activities for a specific date or period of performance.

    Test results

    The results of the JLPT July 2026 test will be available online from the end August 2026.

    Please visit the JLPT result website checker, to see your result.

    You will need your 8-digit numerical password/passcode that you created when you completed your application form as well as your examinee registration number. If you require a reminder for your online password then please contact jlpt@leicester.ac.uk.

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