Synopsis:
Khulna University becomes the first institution outside Dhaka to host the Japanese NAT-Test, expanding access to language certification, skill development, and job opportunities in Japan.
Khulna University has become the first institution outside Dhaka to receive approval as an official center for the Japanese Language NAT-Test, creating new opportunities for students and job seekers aiming to study or work in Japan.
The move marks a major step in expanding international education access in Bangladesh and strengthening global skill development pathways for young people, especially in the country’s southwestern region.
The NAT-Test is an internationally recognized Japanese language proficiency exam widely used for higher education admissions, scholarships, technical training, skill development, and employment opportunities in Japan. The certification is considered an important requirement for many students and professionals planning to move to Japan for academic or career purposes.
Until now, candidates across Bangladesh had to travel to Dhaka to take the examination. For many students and job seekers outside the capital, this meant additional travel expenses, accommodation costs, and logistical challenges.
With the launch of the new test center at Khulna University, students from regional areas will now have easier access to the examination closer to home. University officials said the initiative supports Bangladesh’s broader efforts to strengthen international education, improve workforce readiness, and increase overseas employment opportunities for skilled professionals.
The university also believes the development will improve its international academic presence and expand collaborations with global institutions. Vice-Chancellor Md Rezaul Karim called the recognition an important achievement for both the university and Bangladesh’s higher education sector. “Khulna University is committed not only to excellence in education and research, but also to strengthening international connectivity and global engagement,” he said. “Becoming the first NAT test site outside Dhaka is an important milestone in higher education, skill development, and international employment in Bangladesh. This initiative will open new opportunities for young people interested in higher education and employment in Japan,” he added.
Japan has seen growing demand for skilled foreign workers in recent years, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, construction, and services. As a result, more Bangladeshi students, trainees, and professionals are looking toward Japan for education, technical training, and employment opportunities.
The new NAT-Test center is expected to help candidates prepare for these opportunities more efficiently by making language certification more accessible. The university’s Office of International Affairs played a key role in establishing the testing center through long-term coordination with Satoshi Kamata, whose organization conducts the NAT-Test globally.
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As part of the collaboration, Kamata visited Khulna University in April and held discussions with university officials regarding the launch of the testing facility. Following successful meetings and agreements, the university received formal approval to operate as an official NAT-Test center. Md Ashiq Ur Rahman said the university has been working consistently to strengthen international engagement and global education opportunities for students.
Officials believe the initiative could encourage more students from regional areas to pursue Japanese language education and overseas career pathways without the barriers created by centralized testing facilities.
The recognition also reflects a growing trend among Asian universities to focus more on global employability, language training, and international skill development as students increasingly seek cross-border education and work opportunities.
For Bangladesh, the addition of a NAT-Test center outside the capital is expected to improve access to international certification while supporting the country’s long-term goals of creating a globally skilled workforce.
