Mandatory Interviews for Year-End University Admissions: 70% in Favor, but Regional Differences Exist ~ Emergency Survey of High School and University Faculty ~
A Kawaijuku survey reveals that 70% of educators support the planned mandating of interviews for 2028 comprehensive university admissions, though significant opposition exists in western Japan due to workload concerns.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 23:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 15:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 06:32 (87h 30m after Collected)
Kawaijuku Educational Institution conducted an emergency survey among high school and university faculty members regarding the mandatory implementation of interviews for year-end admissions*, which is being considered for full implementation from FY2028. The results were published on "Kei-Net Plus," an information site for educators. Overall, while about 70% of respondents agreed with making interviews mandatory, the results showed that the proportion varied by region.
*Year-end admissions: A common name for comprehensive and school-recommended selections. Because results often come out by December of the third year of high school, particularly at private universities, it is referred to as year-end admissions.
■ 70% of both university and high school teachers in favor of mandatory interviews
This emergency survey was conducted online nationwide from April 3 to 12, targeting high school and university faculty, after it was reported at the end of March that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is considering making interviews mandatory for year-end admissions from FY2028. The results showed that 74% of high school faculty and 66% of university faculty answered in favor of "making interviews mandatory in comprehensive and school-recommended selections." As the main reason for this, many voices emphasized the purpose of these selections, which is to measure enthusiasm for the desired school and motivation to study in a multifaceted manner.
On the other hand, the approximately 30% of opposing responses were centered in western Japan, with a particularly stark contrast in the Kinki region, where 34% of high school faculty and 58% of university faculty opposed it. A large regional difference was observed. As reasons for opposition, many concerns were raised about the increased burden on high schools and universities by making interviews mandatory.
[Survey of Faculty and Staff: Approval or Disapproval of Mandatory Interviews for Comprehensive and School-Recommended Selections]
Survey Overview on Mandatory Interviews for Comprehensive/School-Recommended Selections
- Period: April 3 to April 12, 2026
- Method: Web survey
- Target: Faculty and staff of high schools, secondary schools, universities, etc. nationwide
- Number of responses: 196
■ High School Faculty (n=104 *Includes 1 Board of Education staff member)
Approval/Disapproval of mandatory interviews
■ University Faculty (n=92)
Approval/Disapproval of mandatory interviews
Detailed survey results are published on the information site for educators, "Kei-Net Plus."
[Kei-Net Plus: Mandatory Interviews in Comprehensive/School-Recommended Selections. 70% in Favor, but with Regional Differences]
https://www.keinet.ne.jp/teacher/report/kjreport/26/260415.html
[Comment from Osamu Kondo, Chief Researcher, Kawaijuku Education Research and Development Headquarters (Excerpt) *Full text published on Kei-Net Plus]
This change seems aimed at ensuring compliance with university admission selection guidelines, taking into account the opinions of high schools. However, even now, the majority of comprehensive and school-recommended selections require interviews. The impact of mandatory interviews will likely be limited to a fraction of universities.
When conducting interviews, we hope they will be operated in line with their original intent, carefully assessing the will to advance, reasons for application, and study plans after enrollment. There is concern that interviews may be conducted as a mere formality in a short time just to accommodate many examinees.
On the other hand, as the survey shows, it could have a major impact in some regions. We hope sufficient preparations will be made so as not to confuse students taking exams.
Osamu Kondo, Chief Researcher
*Year-end admissions: A common name for comprehensive and school-recommended selections. Because results often come out by December of the third year of high school, particularly at private universities, it is referred to as year-end admissions.
■ 70% of both university and high school teachers in favor of mandatory interviews
This emergency survey was conducted online nationwide from April 3 to 12, targeting high school and university faculty, after it was reported at the end of March that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is considering making interviews mandatory for year-end admissions from FY2028. The results showed that 74% of high school faculty and 66% of university faculty answered in favor of "making interviews mandatory in comprehensive and school-recommended selections." As the main reason for this, many voices emphasized the purpose of these selections, which is to measure enthusiasm for the desired school and motivation to study in a multifaceted manner.
On the other hand, the approximately 30% of opposing responses were centered in western Japan, with a particularly stark contrast in the Kinki region, where 34% of high school faculty and 58% of university faculty opposed it. A large regional difference was observed. As reasons for opposition, many concerns were raised about the increased burden on high schools and universities by making interviews mandatory.
[Survey of Faculty and Staff: Approval or Disapproval of Mandatory Interviews for Comprehensive and School-Recommended Selections]
Survey Overview on Mandatory Interviews for Comprehensive/School-Recommended Selections
- Period: April 3 to April 12, 2026
- Method: Web survey
- Target: Faculty and staff of high schools, secondary schools, universities, etc. nationwide
- Number of responses: 196
■ High School Faculty (n=104 *Includes 1 Board of Education staff member)
Approval/Disapproval of mandatory interviews
■ University Faculty (n=92)
Approval/Disapproval of mandatory interviews
Detailed survey results are published on the information site for educators, "Kei-Net Plus."
[Kei-Net Plus: Mandatory Interviews in Comprehensive/School-Recommended Selections. 70% in Favor, but with Regional Differences]
https://www.keinet.ne.jp/teacher/report/kjreport/26/260415.html
[Comment from Osamu Kondo, Chief Researcher, Kawaijuku Education Research and Development Headquarters (Excerpt) *Full text published on Kei-Net Plus]
This change seems aimed at ensuring compliance with university admission selection guidelines, taking into account the opinions of high schools. However, even now, the majority of comprehensive and school-recommended selections require interviews. The impact of mandatory interviews will likely be limited to a fraction of universities.
When conducting interviews, we hope they will be operated in line with their original intent, carefully assessing the will to advance, reasons for application, and study plans after enrollment. There is concern that interviews may be conducted as a mere formality in a short time just to accommodate many examinees.
On the other hand, as the survey shows, it could have a major impact in some regions. We hope sufficient preparations will be made so as not to confuse students taking exams.
Osamu Kondo, Chief Researcher