Tokyo's international school admissions process is one of the more demanding in Asia: every flagship runs a long calendar, a structured assessment and a hard cap on year-group size driven by classroom limits set by Japan's Ministry of Education (MEXT). Add the residency status that determines visa eligibility, the curated list of schools that hold WASC, CIS or IB authorisation, and a March-to-July intake calendar that rarely lines up with arrivals, and the case for starting twelve months out is strong. This 2026 guide walks through the timeline, documents, school assessments and tuition deposits an expat family should plan for in Japanese yen.
The Tokyo international school admissions calendar
Most international schools in Tokyo follow an August-to-June academic year, with main intake decisions issued between November and March. A second wave of decisions usually follows in May for late applicants and for families on confirmed Tokyo postings.
- September to November: Open houses, virtual tours, scholarship enquiries.
- October to January: Online application forms, document upload, payment of application fees (20,000 to 50,000 JPY).
- November to February: Cognitive assessment (CAT4, MAP, WIDA), parent interview, English screening for non-English speakers.
- January to March: Offers issued, seat-securing fee due (typically 200,000 to 500,000 JPY).
- April to June: Residence card, visa renewal evidence, vaccination records, uniform and bus registration.
Documents Tokyo schools will request
Have these ready before October if you are applying for an August intake:
- Child's passport copy and Japan Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
- Parent passport copies plus proof of Japan residency or company sponsorship.
- The last two years of school reports, in English. Translations must be certified.
- Vaccination records signed by a licensed doctor.
- Birth certificate, attested if issued outside Japan.
- Standardised test results (if applicable, e.g. ISEE for upper school).
- Two reference letters from current school staff for Year 7 and above.
Top international schools in Tokyo recognised on ISA
The American School in Japan (ASIJ)
Founded in 1902, ASIJ runs an American curriculum from preschool through Grade 12 with AP courses and a rich co-curricular programme. The Chofu campus is one of the largest in Asia, and admissions favour applications submitted twelve to eighteen months before the target start date.
View The American School in Japan on ISA
The British School in Tokyo
BST delivers the English National Curriculum from Nursery to Year 13, with IGCSE and A Level. Its Showa and Shibuya campuses split provision by age. Year 7 and Year 12 are the most competitive entry points.
View The British School in Tokyo on ISA
Nishimachi International School
A K-9 school in Minato that combines the international curriculum with daily Japanese language instruction. Nishimachi is well-regarded for its small classes and inclusive admissions, with families often progressing to ASIJ or BST for upper school.
View Nishimachi International School on ISA
Tokyo International School
An IB Continuum school running PYP, MYP and DP across two campuses. TIS is known for its compact class sizes and structured EAL provision. Mid-year applications are accepted subject to capacity in the year group.
View Tokyo International School on ISA
Aoba-Japan International School
An IB school with bilingual Japanese-English options on its Hikarigaoka and Meguro campuses. Aoba is a useful option for families that want strong Japanese alongside an international diploma.
View Aoba-Japan International School on ISA
What schools assess and how to prepare
Tokyo schools blend cognitive testing (CAT4, MAP, WIDA) with a parent interview and a try-out day. For non-English speakers entering Year 3 / Grade 2 and above, expect a WIDA or in-house EAL screening. Schools with strict capacity caps, such as ASIJ and BST, often place strong applicants on a waitlist rather than rejecting outright. Build the case in your application: previous school reports in English, evidence of extracurriculars, and a clear statement of family residency plans in Japan.
Tuition deposits and seat-securing fees in Tokyo
Once an offer is issued, families pay a non-refundable seat-securing fee (200,000 to 500,000 JPY). A facilities or capital fee of 500,000 to 1,500,000 JPY is common at established schools and is sometimes refundable on transfer. Annual tuition is then due in two or three instalments, plus optional bus, lunch and trip levies. Most schools require a full year's tuition deposit at the time of enrolment for new families on temporary visas.
Compare more Tokyo schools
Browse the full curated ranking of top international schools in Japan on ISA, with side-by-side comparison of curriculum, fees and parent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Tokyo?
For an August intake, apply between October and January. For ASIJ, BST, Seisen and St. Mary's, apply twelve to eighteen months ahead, especially for Year 7 and Year 12 where capacity is hardest to secure.
Do my children need a Japan residence card to apply?
Most schools accept applications before residency is confirmed but require a Residence Card and proof of visa status before the start of term. If you are applying speculatively, attach a letter of intent from your sponsoring company.
Are seat-securing fees refundable in Tokyo?
Seat-securing fees are usually non-refundable. Capital or facilities fees may be partially refundable on graduation or transfer, depending on the school's published terms.