All students entering the programs are graded via a placement test and placement interview on arrival. The placement test consists of 3 stages, a written test, a listening comprehension test and a one-on-one interview. This ensures that faculty can place you in a class with students who have attained a similar score in the placement test and are of similar ability. Depending on the number of students in the class above or below your initial placement and the difference in the proficiency level, it may be possible to change classes after consultation and re-assessment with your academic advisor.

During the period through to March 2012, the program offers the following levels:

Foundation (absolute beginner) 2011 - January 11th, April 7th, June 30th, October 6th; 2012 - January 12th
Lower Elementary - all start dates
Upper Elementary - all start dates
Lower-Intermediate - all start dates
Intermediate - all start dates

At Yamasa Elementary covers curriculum to Level 3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This requires the ability to read/write at least 300 joyo Kanji, and have a vocabulary knowledge of about 1500 words. Usually reaching Level 3 requires approximately 300 classes if beginning from Foundation.

At Yamasa Intermediate covers curriculum from Level 3 to Level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This requires the ability to read/write at least 1000 joyo Kanji, and have a vocabulary knowledge of about 6000 words. Usually reaching Level 2 requires approximately 600-700 classes if beginning from Foundation. In the Acceleration Program the curriculum covers all knowledge required as pre-requisites for the Japanese for Business & Professional Purposes program.

One of the most difficult problems facing faculty members is to work out the level of proficiency of each student as early as possible (so as to increase planning time). The faculty and Yamasa's multimedia studio have developed a series of online placement tests. These tests are not the actual placement tests but act as an indicative survey. They are designed to help you by allowing you to know where you would be in Yamasa's curriculum. You may be requested to complete an online test AFTER you have submitted your application form. However if you are worried about your level and would like to do an online test prior to submitting the application form, please contact Mr Declan Murphy (Director, International Office) at Admissions We will then also be in a better position to advise you and assist with program selection.

From Foundation to Beginner level, the main texts being used are the Minna no Nihongo series. The main texts used in the pre-intermediate levels and above are not decided upon until after the faculty have completed proficiency testing at the start of each course. This is so that they can select texts that can match the strengths and weaknesses of the students, so it will depend very much upon the level and Kanji background of the students who apply. The intermediate texts generally require you to be able to read at least 300-350 Kanji.