The Liberal Democratic Party's panel on education reform will propose that universities set minimum TOEFL scores for both enrollment and graduation, sources said.
The proposal, to be included in the ruling party's campaign pledges for the Upper House election in July, is apparently aimed at fostering graduates who can work in international environments, the sources said Saturday.
The TOEFL scores would vary by institution. But for around 30 universities officially designated as research facilities of an international standard, a score higher than 70 percent would be required to graduate, based on the panel's recommendations.
The panel will also suggest introducing science and math to university entrance exams, even if applicants plan to major in the humanities.
Meanwhile, it may additionally recommend that the government invest ¥10 trillion in the education system to reform the way English, science, math and information and communication technology (ICT) are taught, under the slogan: "Realizing the world's top level academic capability."
The proposals are expected to be formally approved at an LDP meeting and submitted soon after to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who heads the party.