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IB Curriculum International Schools in Japan

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Japan

International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Japan form a mixed network of day schools and a few boarding options that increasingly offer the full IB continuum (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma) and programmes taught in English, Japanese or a combination of both. Many IB schools in Japan operate in major cities and cater to expatriate and locally mobile families, with some schools explicitly offering Japanese-language DP subjects through a long-standing IB - MEXT partnership. Annual tuition varies by campus and level but commonly falls in the low-to-mid millions of yen for day schools, with central Tokyo schools sometimes charging higher fees. Admissions calendars vary: a substantial group of international schools run an August-to-June year while others follow the Japanese April-to-March cycle, so families normally plan applications 9 - 12 months ahead and should check each school’s entry windows and language-support provisions before relocating.

Compare 60 IB Curriculum international schools in Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 2,129,151), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 60 schools · avg fee JPY 2,129,151
Schools listed
60
Curricula
23
Average annual fee
JPY 2,129,151
Fee range
JPY 0 – 7,455,000
Most common curriculum
IB (PYP) (50 schools)
Average school size
540 pupils
Largest by enrolment
NUCB International Junior and Senior High School
Oldest
Saint Maur International School (1872)
With boarding
7

Read our parent's guide to the IB Curriculum →

30 international schools in Tokyo

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8 international schools in Nagoya

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5 international schools in Osaka

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4 international schools in Kobe

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2 international schools in Kyoto

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2 international schools in Nagano

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2 international schools in Sendai

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2 international schools in Hiroshima

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1 international school in Tsukuba

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1 international school in Okinawa

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1 international school in Fukuoka

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1 international school in Chikushino

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1 international school in Matsumoto

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FAQs for Japan

What ages and stages do IB programmes cover at international schools in Japan?
The IB offers a continuum from early years through to pre-university: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for roughly ages 3 - 12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for about 11 - 16, and the Diploma and Career-related Programmes for students aged 16 - 19. Schools may implement one, two or all three programmes, so check whether a campus is authorised for the specific IB programme you need.
How much should we budget for IB international school fees in Japan?
Tuition and one-off enrolment charges vary widely by school and location; many day schools list annual tuition in the low-to-mid millions of yen, while some central Tokyo campuses report total annual costs that can exceed that range when capital or activity fees are included. Always review a school’s published fee schedule (application, registration, annual tuition and optional services) and ask about typical extras such as transport, meals and examination costs.
When should we start the application process for entry to an IB school in Japan?
Because schools use different academic calendars and many popular campuses have limited places, families usually begin researching and applying 9 - 12 months before their desired start date. Some schools accept mid-year transfers, but key entry rounds and deposit deadlines commonly fall several months before a new term, so check each school’s published admissions calendar and application requirements early.
What language(s) of instruction can we expect at IB schools in Japan and what if our child is not fluent in English?
Many IB schools in Japan teach primarily in English, a growing number offer bilingual or dual-language models, and some DP subjects and core elements can be offered in Japanese under local IB - MEXT arrangements. Schools typically describe their language policy and English as an Additional Language (EAL) or in-class support provisions on their admissions pages; if your child is not fluent in English, ask about EAL programmes, staged entry and measured language assessments before applying.
What should relocating families check when comparing IB international schools in Japan?
Confirm which IB programmes the school is authorised to teach and whether it has recent authorisation or re-evaluation reports, review language policies and the availability of EAL/learning support, compare published fee schedules and extra costs, and ask about admissions timelines, transport catchment and university counselling. Visit the campus where possible, request sample timetables and speak with admissions or current parents about day-to-day routines so you can judge fit as well as formal qualifications.
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