Tokyo's international school admissions are best understood as a small, well-organised market with predictable rhythms. Most schools use rolling admissions, with the largest entry into Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 6 and Grade 9. Demand has tightened since 2023 as more international families arrive in the wake of remote-work flexibility, and waiting lists at the most established schools are now meaningful. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks expat families through the Tokyo admissions process, document checklist and language support.
The Tokyo admissions calendar at a glance
The Japanese academic year runs from April to March, but most international schools in Tokyo follow an August-to-June calendar aligned with the northern hemisphere. Admissions for the following August intake typically open between October and December, with assessment days from January through March and offers issued in waves through the spring. Some schools also accept rolling applications for January entry where places exist.
If you are relocating to Tokyo on a fixed corporate timeline, contact your shortlisted schools as soon as you have a confirmed move date. Admissions teams are familiar with multinational moves and will tell you honestly if a year group is full.
Step 1 – Shortlist three to five schools
Tokyo's English-medium international schools serve different communities and styles. Top options families relocating in 2026 most often shortlist include:
Canadian International School Tokyo for an IB PYP, MYP and DP school in the Shinagawa area, Tokyo International School for IB Continuum in Minato, Nishimachi International School for K-9 IB-aligned learning in central Azabu, and Yoyogi International School for an IB World School in the Yoyogi neighbourhood. Decide on commute, curriculum and age stage before you visit.
Step 2 – Submit the online application
Most Tokyo international schools use an online inquiry form followed by a formal application. Standard documentation includes:
Birth certificate or passport copy of the child, parents' passports and Japanese visa or residence card copies (or proof of pending application), the most recent two years of school reports, a teacher recommendation form (school confidential), proof of address in Japan or evidence of an upcoming move, vaccination record and a non-refundable application fee of JPY 25,000 to JPY 50,000 per child.
For older students, schools often request standardised test results (MAP, SSAT) if available, plus writing samples in English.
Step 3 – Assessment and interview
Children typically sit a short age-appropriate assessment focused on English literacy, numeracy and a brief interview with the head of section. For Early Years and lower primary the assessment is usually a play-based observation, sometimes with a parent meeting. For middle school and high school, expect a written English assessment, a maths paper and a 15-30 minute interview.
For non-English speakers, schools assess current English level and decide whether the child needs additional EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. Most schools accept beginners up to around Grade 3-4; from Grade 6 onwards a working level of English is normally required, particularly for IB and US-track schools.
Step 4 – Offer, contract and deposit
Successful applicants receive a formal offer letter with the contract, fee schedule and deposit terms. To secure a place you typically pay a non-refundable enrolment fee (JPY 200,000 to JPY 400,000) plus a refundable security deposit equivalent to one month or one term of tuition. Some schools also charge a one-time facility fee or building fund of JPY 500,000 to JPY 1,500,000, sometimes amortised over the time the child stays.
Step 5 – Enrolment paperwork after arrival
Once in Japan, register the child at your local ward office for the My Number system, complete any school-specific health forms (Japan requires extensive vaccination records translated into Japanese for some schools) and provide bank details for direct debit of fees. The school will also need at least two emergency contacts in Tokyo and details of after-school transport arrangements.
Language support for English-speaking arrivals
Most international schools in Tokyo deliver instruction in English, with Japanese taught as a foreign or additional language. EAL support is normally included in tuition for children up to a defined level, while Japanese as a Foreign Language can be offered as a beginner stream all the way to advanced. Bilingual Japanese-English schools, in contrast, require a working level of Japanese for entry from middle school onwards.
Compare top international schools in Tokyo
Use the International School Advisor ranking of the best schools in Japan to filter by curriculum, neighbourhood and age range, and to read parent reviews before booking visits.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for a school place in Tokyo?
For August entry, apply between October and December of the previous year. For mid-year arrivals, apply as soon as you have a confirmed relocation date. Established schools maintain waiting lists for the most popular grades.
Do international schools in Tokyo require Japanese?
English-medium IB and American schools accept beginners in Japanese for younger children and offer Japanese as a foreign language. Bilingual schools require a working level of Japanese from middle school onwards.
How much is the enrolment fee at a Tokyo international school?
Expect a non-refundable application fee of JPY 25,000 to JPY 50,000, plus an enrolment or registration fee of JPY 200,000 to JPY 400,000 once a place is offered. A facility or building fund of JPY 500,000 to JPY 1,500,000 is also common.