Tokyo's international school sector is sized for a transient diplomatic and corporate community, and the application calendar reflects that. If you are relocating with school-age children, the work of choosing a school is closely tied to the work of applying. This guide walks through the admissions process for international schools in Tokyo in 2026, including the timelines, documents, and language support arrangements that families most often ask about.
Tokyo's international school sector at a glance
Most international schools in central and western Tokyo deliver the IB continuum or the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Levels, with American, French, German, Indian and Korean schools serving specific national communities. Inner districts like Minato, Shibuya and Setagaya are dense with options, while outlying campuses in Tama or Yokohama are common picks for families wanting larger grounds. The English-medium sector is expanding, but the most established schools still operate competitive waitlists.
Admissions calendar in Tokyo
Tokyo international schools follow either an August or April start, and almost all have a second mid-year intake in January. Top-tier schools open their main August 2026 admissions window between October 2025 and February 2026, with offers issued from January through April. For mid-year places, ask the admissions office to confirm rolling assessment slots. Plan for at least two months between application submission and an offer.
Top international schools in Tokyo to consider
Nishimachi International School
Nishimachi runs from Kindergarten through Grade 9 in central Minato and emphasises bilingual English-Japanese learning. See Nishimachi International School profile on ISA.
Canadian International School Tokyo
CIS Tokyo offers the Ontario curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12 and is well known among Canadian and other expat families looking for a North American framework. See Canadian International School Tokyo profile on ISA.
Gregg International School
Gregg International School serves an international community with English-medium education focused on personalised learning. See Gregg International School profile on ISA.
UIA International School of Tokyo
UIA delivers an inquiry-based programme rooted in the IB framework with strong language support for newcomers learning English. See UIA International School of Tokyo profile on ISA.
Shinagawa International School
Shinagawa International School offers a Cambridge-aligned programme for elementary students with a multicultural community. See Shinagawa International School profile on ISA.
Documents and assessments to prepare
Most Tokyo international schools require the same admissions pack: previous school reports for the last two academic years, a teacher recommendation letter, a passport copy, and a parental statement. English-medium schools typically run a written assessment for older children plus a virtual or on-campus interview. Expect ESOL screening for children whose first language is not English, and ask whether the school provides language support during the school day or charges extra for it.
Tuition and the all-in cost of an admission
For 2026, expect tuition between JPY 2.0 million and JPY 3.5 million per year in primary, rising to JPY 3.0 million to JPY 3.8 million in secondary. Application fees are typically JPY 25,000 to JPY 50,000, and most schools require a refundable deposit of one term's tuition once a place is offered. Capital levies, transport and lunch can add 10 to 20 per cent to the headline. Be sure your relocation package covers these one-off items, not only tuition.
Language support for incoming families
If your child does not yet speak English fluently, ask whether the school operates a structured EAL programme, how many years of support are typical, and whether classroom assistants are bilingual. For families wanting their child to learn Japanese, look at schools with daily Japanese lessons and a clear track from beginner to fluent. The bilingual schools often have the strongest pathways but are usually full earliest.
Timing and tactics for a smooth application
Submit applications to two or three schools rather than one. Tokyo is a market where waitlist movement is unpredictable. Travel to Tokyo for in-person assessment days where possible, since visiting the campus often makes the difference for borderline candidates. See the full ranking of international schools in Japan on ISA to compare options across Tokyo and other regions.
FAQs
When do international schools in Tokyo open admissions?
Main August intake admissions open between October and February of the previous academic year. Mid-year January intakes accept applications from August onwards. Always confirm dates directly with each school.
Do international schools in Tokyo offer language support?
Yes, most English-medium schools provide structured EAL or ESOL programmes for newcomers, although the level of support varies. Bilingual English-Japanese schools provide the strongest pathways for true bilingualism.
How much does an international school in Tokyo cost?
Tuition typically falls between JPY 2.0 million and JPY 3.8 million per year, with additional application fees, deposits, and capital levies. The all-in cost is often 10 to 20 per cent above headline tuition.