NAT-TEST or JLPT? Which to Take If You Missed the July/December Date?

Did you miss the July or December JLPT date? I know the feeling. Waiting another year feels like lost time. But hold on — I often tell students, the path to studying in Japan doesn't only go through JLPT.

Many students don't know about the NAT-TEST, a similar proficiency test accepted by many schools. It's held six times a year — February, April, June, August, October, and December. So you can take the next exam much sooner than waiting for JLPT.

But which one should you choose? Let's break it down simply.

What's the Difference Between JLPT and NAT-TEST?

Both test your Japanese language ability, but there are key differences.

• Frequency: JLPT is held twice a year (July and December). NAT-TEST is held six times a year.
• Levels: JLPT has N1–N5. NAT-TEST has 1級–5級, roughly equivalent to JLPT levels.
• Recognition: Both are accepted by most language schools and universities. But some schools only accept JLPT — always check with your school.
• Cost: NAT-TEST fees are generally lower. In Bangladesh, it's around 2,500–3,000 BDT (approx). JLPT is around 1,200–1,500 BDT (approx). Fees vary by center and date.

Both results can be used for school applications. And remember, Japanese immigration does not mandate a specific exam for your visa.

Which One Should You Take? — My Advice

It depends on your timeline.

If You're in a Hurry (Want to Go Next Intake)

Say you want to go to Japan in October 2024. Applications open around April–May. At that time, there's no JLPT (the next one is in July). So NAT-TEST is your best bet. You can take the February or April NAT-TEST and use the result to apply.

I had a student, Rakib, who missed the December JLPT. We told him to take the February NAT-TEST. He passed 4級 (equivalent to N4), applied to a language school in April, and now he's in Osaka.

If You Have Time (Planning for Next Year)

If you have more than six months, JLPT might be better because its certificate is more widely known, and some schools offer scholarships or fee waivers based on JLPT scores. But NAT-TEST is not inferior.

Remember: whichever you take, the result is the same — it shows your Japanese ability. Schools care about your actual level, not which test you took.

How to Apply for NAT-TEST

The process is straightforward.

• Visit the official NAT-TEST website (nat-test.com).
• Find a test center in Bangladesh — there are centers in Dhaka, Chittagong, and a few other cities.
• Fill out the online form and pay the fee.
• You'll get an admission ticket 2–3 weeks before the exam.
• Results come out 2–3 weeks after the test.

For JLPT, check the Japan Foundation or JLPT Bangladesh website. Applications for July usually open in March–April.

What Else to Know Before Applying for Visa and School

Just taking the test isn't enough. You need:

• CoE (Certificate of Eligibility): Your school in Japan will issue this. Learn more about CoE in our guide.
• Visa: After getting CoE, apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh. Check the visa document list.
• Language School Choice: Decide which school to attend. Read our complete guide to studying in Japan.
• Financial Proof: You need to show bank balance — typically 15–20 lakh BDT (approx), but it can vary by school.

Also, yes, you can work part-time in Japan — up to 28 hours per week. But be realistic: balancing work and study isn't easy. It's possible, though.

What to Do This Week

Here are three steps for you:

1. Decide your target date — when do you want to go to Japan? Then figure out which test you need.
2. Check the test schedules — when is the next NAT-TEST? Has JLPT application started?
3. Contact your target language school — ask which test they accept.

I say — go to the NAT-TEST website today and see the next test date. Then make your decision. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We're here to help.