Complete Guide to Public and Private School Options In Japan

Key Takeaways

Foreign families in Japan face important decisions when choosing school options. In 2023 there were 114,853 international students in Japanese public schools, up 23% from the year before.

• Tuition fees: Public schools have extremely low costs (about ¥9,900/month covered by government subsidy), whereas private schools typically charge 5–7 times more tuition. However, low-income families (under ~¥5.9M annual income) receive up to ¥396,000/year in aid for private school fees.
• Application timing and requirements: School applications (for April enrollment) are usually due in December–January. Applicants must be age-eligible (born before Apr 1, 2010 for 2025 admissions) and hold a proper long-term visa. Public school enrollment requires that the student and a parent live in Japan (short-stay visas are not allowed).
• Living and language: Foreign applicants typically must live with a parent in the school district. Many need additional Japanese-language support: about 41.5% of international students require extra language instruction.
• Trend: Japan is expanding support for international students. For 2025, some prefectures (e.g. Tokyo, Saitama) offer special entrance exams for returnees/foreigners. Meanwhile, the national tuition subsidy remains in place through 2025 (covering up to ¥11.88万円/yr for public schools and up to ¥396k/yr for private).

Why Japanese School Options Matter in 2025

Japan's school system is undergoing rapid change due to rising numbers of foreign residents and new support programs. In 2023, international students in Japanese public schools jumped by over 23% to about 115,000. This reflects both Japan's efforts to be more accessible to immigrant families and the fact that more international workers are relocating here. As a result, understanding the differences between public and private schools (in curriculum, cost, and admissions) is more important than ever.

For example, through the "school tuition support" system public schools are essentially tuition-free (about ¥9,900/month), whereas private schools typically charge much higher fees (roughly 5–7× public tuition). In the past, international students often had no path into Japanese schools; now many regions have special admission tracks or language programs to help.

Every Japanese public school classroom is funded by local authorities and follows the national curriculum. Public schools charge almost no tuition thanks to government subsidies (about ¥9,900/month covered). They do impose strict rules: students must live in the designated district and attend in Japanese. For foreign children, that means having a valid long-term visa and living with at least one parent in the neighborhood. If those conditions are met, an international student can enter a public school just like a Japanese student.

Public Schools (公立高校)

What it is: Public schools are run by prefectural or city education boards. They serve local students, with tuition fully (or largely) paid by the government. Classes are conducted in Japanese and follow Japan's standard curriculum.

Key features: Tuition is very low – essentially tuition is free after the ¥9,900/month subsidy. However, public schools usually require students to live in a specified district (the school zone); attending outside this zone is generally not allowed. Most public schools do not have entrance exams beyond the usual Japanese curriculum tests, but they may hold lotteries if over-subscribed.

Requirements: Foreign applicants must have a valid residency status. In practice, this means the student and a parent have long-term visas and live in Japan (tourist/short-term visas are disallowed). For example, the Tokyo Board of Education states that overseas students who have finished 9 years of schooling can apply to any Tokyo public school if they will relocate to Tokyo with their parent by the start of school. Entrance usually requires passing grade 9 (or its equivalent); if a child did not attend a Japanese junior school, they must either take the chūgakkō sotsugyō nintei (middle-school equivalency exam) or enroll in a Japanese lower school first.

Tip/Pitfall: Because classes are in Japanese only, international students should have at least intermediate Japanese (JLPT N4+). Many public schools now offer "外国人生徒" (foreign student) admission tracks or additional language classes, but outside major cities these may be limited.

Pitfall: Do not arrive in Japan on a tourist visa and expect to enroll — you will need to secure a student or dependent visa before starting school.

Private Schools (私立高校)

What it is: Private schools are run by private institutions or foundations and are open to students nationwide (no district limit). They tend to offer more specialized curricula (academic, vocational, or international programs). Entrance always requires passing the school's own exam and interview. Some private schools also offer bilingual or international programs, but most follow the Japanese curriculum in Japanese.

Tuition & Costs: Private schools have much higher fees. On average they charge 5–7 times the tuition of a public school. For example, a typical private school may charge ¥300,000–600,000 per year or more. (Most schools also have a one-time entrance fee, often over ¥100,000.) However, because of the national support system, families below ~¥5.9M income receive a subsidy of up to ¥396,000/yr for private school tuition, making top-tier private schools essentially free for low-income households. Families earning up to ¥9.1M still get up to ¥118,800/yr (the same as a public student).

Admission: Foreign applicants to private schools take the same entrance exams as Japanese students (typically testing Japanese, math, and maybe English). This requires a high Japanese proficiency. Example: Kaisei School in Mie offers a "double diploma" program where the entry exam can be taken in English, but still tests Japanese language and math. Most other private schools will test in Japanese only. You will also need certified transcripts from your last school (with Japanese translations) and possibly a recommendation letter.

Tip/Pitfall: Check carefully whether the school has experience admitting international students.

Pitfall: If your child is very new to Japanese, a regular private school exam may be too hard. Some students instead first enter a Japanese junior school or a special international class and then apply to private schools later (or take language courses beforehand). Also note that private schools generally do not help with visas, so you must still have legal residency. In general, a private school is more flexible on residency (no zone restriction) but demands both an entrance exam and ability to pay (or qualify for subsidies).

Application Steps

• Visa & Residency: Ensure the student has the correct visa. A long-term student (留学) or dependent visa is required – tourist/short-term visas will not suffice. If the parents have work or permanent visas, you can be a dependent. Otherwise, plan to obtain a student visa via a Japanese school's admission letter.
• Japanese Language Prep: Enroll in Japanese language lessons early. Aim for at least JLPT N5–N4 by application time. Good Japanese skills are needed for exams and for daily school life.
• Research Schools: Decide on public or private. For public schools, contact the local Board of Education to learn the catchment rules and any special "returnee" entrance exam. For private schools, list those with programs for foreigners or international courses.
• Gather Documents: Prepare your child's academic records (with official translations if from a foreign school). Acquire a 中学校調査書 (junior school transcript) or 中学卒業証明書. If they have not completed middle school in Japan, be ready to take the Japanese certification exam. Collect your family's residence documents and passport copies as well.
• Submit Applications: Public school applications (for April entry) usually open in December or January. Private schools typically hold exams in January–February. Fill out any required online forms and pay application fees. For Tokyo and some other areas, apply online in early December. Make sure to include any needed consent from the guardian who is a Japanese resident.
• Entrance Exams: Prepare for school entrance exams. Public schools generally use the common "shiken" tests or special returnee exams. Private schools will have their own test. Arrive early, bring necessary IDs, and accommodations (e.g. furigana or dictionaries) if offered.
• After Acceptance: Once accepted, complete admission paperwork quickly. Pay any enrollment or uniform fees. Your school will issue a 在留資格認定証明書 (Certificate of Eligibility) if a student visa is needed. Apply for the visa immediately so you can legally attend.
• School Start: Attend orientation and start classes in April. Public and private schools begin in early April (the Japanese school year). Stay on top of fee payments (school lunch, club activities, etc.) and language support services offered by the school.

Costs & Financial Aid

Public Schools: Tuition is essentially zero after subsidies. Aside from that, parents should budget for: a one-time entrance fee (often only a few thousand yen), mandatory uniforms (¥40,000–50,000 total), textbooks, and daily expenses like school lunches (¥12,000/month). Even these are often subsidized or modest in cost.

Private Schools: Expect much higher costs. A sample private school might charge ¥1–2 million/year total (tuition+fees), but averages are lower (roughly ¥300k–500k/year in tuition alone).

Key figures: Annual tuition for full-time private schools is on average around ¥396,000 (for schools nationwide), but many popular urban schools charge more. Entrance fees can be ¥100k or higher.

Subsidies: Thanks to the 2020 reform, families ≤¥5.9M income receive up to ¥396,000/year aid (covering nearly all tuition). Those between ¥5.9M–¥9.1M get up to ¥118,800/year (same as public). Check with your city hall for local scholarships or waivers for new students.

Scholarships/Assistance: In addition to tuition subsidies, some private schools offer their own scholarships (for academics or talents). There are also regional funds for foreign residents in some cities. Inquire at each school and the local Board of Education about "入学金助成" programs.

Best Practices

Language & Preparation

• Risk: Insufficient Japanese ability.
• Impact: Failing exams or struggling academically.
• Avoid: Start language study at least 6–12 months before applying. Consider a pre-school language course or tutoring.

Visa/Residency Issues

• Risk: Using a tourist visa, moving too late, or not living with parents.
• Impact: Application denial or illegal status.
• Avoid: Secure a proper long-term visa (dependent or student) well before enrollment. Plan relocations so you and your child have established residency by the admission deadline.

Documentation Gaps

• Risk: Missing or incorrect transcripts, untranslated records.
• Impact: Application rejected or delayed.
• Avoid: Obtain official graduation proof or transcripts and have them translated into Japanese early. If needed, take the national middle-school equivalency test so you meet entry qualifications.

Choosing the Wrong School

• Risk: Assuming any school will accept you.
• Impact: Wasted applications/fees.
• Avoid: Verify each school's admissions policy for foreigners. For public schools, confirm you're in the correct zone or eligible for a special exam. For private schools, ask if they have experience with international students or if classes in English are offered.

Finances & Hidden Costs

• Risk: Underestimating fees (uniforms, activity dues, etc.).
• Impact: Budget shortfall mid-year.
• Avoid: Use a table like below to track expected costs:

Risk / Mistake	Impact if Ignored	How to Avoid
Low Japanese ability	Fails entrance exams or can't follow class	Enroll in intensive Japanese classes before entry
Wrong visa status	Can't legally enroll or face deportation	Apply for student/dependent visa with school support
Ignoring deadlines	Lose chance to enroll	Mark calendars (applications typically in Dec–Feb)
Incomplete documents	Application denied	Gather and translate all school records early
No district residency	Ineligible for public school	Live with a parent in the school's area

Checklist

• Confirm Visa: Obtain the correct visa (Student or Dependent) before applying; tourist visas are not allowed.
• Language Preparation: Study Japanese (aim for JLPT N5/N4) to handle entrance tests and schoolwork.
• Research Schools: List potential public and private schools. Check locations (for public) and programs.
• Contact Education Board: For public school entry, talk to the local Board of Education about catchment rules and application steps. For private, contact schools' admissions offices for guidance.
• Gather Documents: Prepare your child's transcripts, passport, residence card, birth certificate, and any other required forms (and translations). If no Japanese middle school diploma, register for the equivalency exam.
• Attend Orientation/Open Days: Visit schools or virtual info sessions. This helps choose the best fit and learn about costs and exams.
• Submit Application: Fill out required forms and pay fees. For public schools, apply online (often by December); for private, apply directly to each school (usually by January/February).
• Take Entrance Exams: Study for and sit the entrance examinations/interviews in January–March. Remember to bring identification and arrive early.
• Secure Enrollment: Upon acceptance, finalize enrollment by paying any entrance or uniform fees. Obtain the school's Certificate of Eligibility to apply for your child's student visa if needed.
• Start School: Attend registration/orientation in late March or early April. Begin classes in April (Japan's school year starts April 1).

FAQ

Q: Can a foreign child attend a Japanese public school?
A: Yes. If the student and a parent hold valid long-term visas and intend to live in the school's district, the child can enroll in a public school. Boards of Education (e.g. Tokyo's) explicitly allow overseas students to apply if they finish 9 years of schooling abroad and will relocate with a parent by the school year start.

Q: What's the difference between public and private schools?
A: Public schools are operated by the government, charge minimal tuition (almost free after subsidies), and usually require living in the local zone. Private schools are run by independent institutions, have open enrollment nationwide, require passing an entrance exam, and charge much higher fees (5–7× public). Private schools may offer special programs (e.g. bilingual tracks) that public schools don't.

Q: How do I apply if I'm a foreign resident?
A: First check visa status (must be student or dependent, not tourist). Then contact schools or the local Board of Education. Gather your child's transcripts and translations. Apply to public schools through the Board of Education (usually online in Dec–Jan) and to private schools directly. You'll need to take any required entrance exams and submit all documents by the deadlines. If you're coming from abroad, be sure to move and register as a resident in time and notify the authorities of the school transfer.

Q: What are the costs of attending school?
A: Public schools charge virtually no tuition: the government pays about ¥9,900 each month. Families still pay for uniforms, meals, club fees, etc., but these are relatively modest. Private schools charge much more – often hundreds of thousands of yen per year – but many families qualify for the new tuition grant. For incomes under ¥5.9M, private tuition is covered up to ¥396,000/year. Check with each school for exact figures and any additional fees (entrance fee, building fund, etc.).

Q: What visa does my child need?
A: Any international student must have a proper long-term visa. If a parent works in Japan, the child can typically be on a Dependent visa. Otherwise, you would apply for a Student (留学) visa after receiving an admission letter. Short-term tourist visas cannot be used for school enrollment. Plan and apply for the visa as soon as school acceptance is confirmed.

Q: My child didn't attend a Japanese junior school. Can they still enter school?
A: Yes. Japan requires completion of lower secondary education, but if your child did not graduate a Japanese junior school, they can take the national middle-school equivalency exam (中学校卒業程度認定) and pass it before applying. Once that is done, they are eligible for school entrance like any graduate.

Conclusion

Choosing between Japan's public and private schools involves trade-offs in cost, admission requirements, and language environment. By preparing well in advance (visa, documents, Japanese study) and using available subsidies, foreign families can navigate the process and find a fitting school. With Japan's tuition support and growing international student programs, the right planning makes school education in Japan quite attainable.