TOKYO: Japanese education minister Koichi Hagiuda announced Friday a postponement of the introduction of private-sector English tests for a planned new unified university entrance examination system starting in fiscal 2020, amid concerns about inequalities in test-taking opportunities.

The government now aims to introduce the private-sector tests in fiscal 2024, after conducting a thorough review, Hagiuda told a press conference. The rest of the new unified examination system is slated to start in fiscal 2020.

The postponement came after the minister himself fueled the inequality debate last month by saying on television that students hoping to enter universities would hopefully make efforts based on their backgrounds.

There have been complaints from prospective test-takers that opportunities to take private-sector English tests may differ according to their economic backgrounds and where they live.

In September, the National Association of Upper Secondary School Principals made a request to delay the introduction of private-sector English tests for a review.

At the press conference, Hagiuda said the government had decided on the postponement to avoid further confusion over the matter.

He admitted that the government's current plans on the use of private-sector English tests were not necessarily adequate, in terms of allowing students to take the tests with a sense of fairness and relief.

"We're sorry for causing trouble to people concerned," Hagiuda said.

A total of seven English tests managed by six organizations including the Eiken Foundation of Japan were initially slated to be used from next April. Test scores were to be provided to the universities that each test-taker planned to file applications with.

Fees for the English tests are as high as around 25,000 yen, and the tests are usually held at more venues in urban areas than in rural regions.

The education ministry has taken measures to address the issues raised, including asking the test management bodies to allow students from low-income families to take the tests at lower fees or for free, and seeking a budget for providing financial aid to students who live on remote islands and need to make long trips to take the tests.

JIJI Press