International Schools in Japan at a Glance: Approval, Accreditation, University Entry and the Public-School Option

This article is for parents who are moving to Japan, or already living there, and choosing a school for their child. It outlines the basic structure to understand before deciding between an international school and a public school. Rules and standards can change and differ by school. What follows draws on official guidance as of October 2026, so confirm the final details with the relevant body and the school.

What is an international school in Japan?

The Tokyo International Schools Portal (FAQ dated 25 June 2026) describes international schools as teaching mainly in a foreign language to mainly foreign students, and not being Article 1 schools, meaning Japan's mainstream schools. The portal says eligible schools must have, or be working towards, one of three things:

1. Approval as a miscellaneous school under Article 134 of the School Education Act
2. An international accreditation that MEXT recognises for university entrance (WASC, CIS, ACSI, NEASC, Cognia, COBIS)
3. An international curriculum such as IB, Cambridge International or AP

This is the Tokyo portal's explanation. Check separately whether the same framework applies in other areas or at a particular school.

Accreditation and university entry

If your child may go to a Japanese university, look closely at accreditation and qualifications. MEXT's 'Entrance Qualifications for Universities in Japan' (posted August 2024) lists as eligible:

• Those who completed a 12-year school course abroad
• Those who completed 12 years at an international school accredited by WASC, ACSI, CIS, NEASC, Cognia or COBIS
• Holders of the IB, Abitur, Baccalauréat, GCE A Levels, International A Levels or the European Baccalaureate

Schooling of under 12 years needs an additional designated preparatory course. Universities may also admit others through an individual assessment. NIC-Japan likewise says a 12-year course at an accredited school, or the IB Diploma, Abitur, French Baccalauréat or GCE A Level, can qualify a graduate. Confirm the requirements with each university you plan to apply to.

A school year that starts in April

Japanese public schools run from April to March. Children born between 2 April and the following 1 April share a grade, and children enter primary school in the April after their sixth birthday. Placement is by age, so it may differ from the grade completed at home. A child with limited Japanese may be placed temporarily in a lower grade (MEXT guidance). International schools set their own calendars, so ask each school about entry dates and grade placement.

The public-school option

MEXT's school-entry guide for foreign families says public elementary and junior high schools accept foreign children who wish to attend free of charge and guarantee them the same education as Japanese pupils.

• Tuition and textbooks are free.
• Families pay for school lunches and supplies.
• Families in financial difficulty can get help with supplies and lunches if the municipal board of education approves.

The steps are to register the move at the municipal office, tell the office and the board of education that you want your child enrolled, then choose a school and complete admission.

Official information on residence status

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 'Dependent (family stay)' status for the spouse and children of foreign nationals with work visas and similar (updated January 2026). This article does not judge whether any particular family qualifies or what to apply for.

Checklist

• Have you checked whether the school holds miscellaneous-school approval, a recognised international accreditation or an international curriculum?
• Is the accrediting body one named in MEXT's university-entrance guidance?
• Have you considered whether your child can complete 12 years, or earn a qualification such as the IB, by graduation?
• Have you compared the April-start grade system with your child's birthday to work out the likely grade?
• Do you know what is free at public schools and what you pay for, such as lunches and supplies?
• Have you looked into move registration at the municipal office and the board of education process?
• Have you confirmed entry requirements directly with the universities you may apply to?

Ask the school

• What approval or accreditation does the school hold, and if it is still working towards one, what stage is it at?
• By which route (12 years, accreditation, IB and so on) do graduates gain eligibility for Japanese universities?
• How is the grade decided on transfer, and when does the term start?
• What costs apply besides tuition?

Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.