Abroad International School Osaka vs Osaka YMCA International School
Abroad International School Osaka and Osaka YMCA International School are both in Osaka, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Abroad International School Osaka also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are close, at ¥1,500,000 - 2,000,000 for Abroad International School Osaka and ¥1,638,000 - 2,168,000 for Osaka YMCA International School. Abroad International School Osaka takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Osaka YMCA International School from 3 to 18. Typical class sizes are 15 at Abroad International School Osaka and 20 at Osaka YMCA International School.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
300
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2006
Opened
2001
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Abroad International School Osaka is located at 2-14-3 Hayashidera, Ikuno-ku, Osaka 544-0023, Japan. The new campus is in Hayashidera, Ikuno-ku. It is about a 20-minute walk from Tennoji Station (Exit 6) and about a 10-minute walk from Teradacho Station, with access to JR Loop Line and the Osaka subway.
Location
OYIS operates on two campuses in central Osaka. The Nakatsu Campus is in Kita-ku, just northwest of Osaka's major transport hub, Umeda. The Tosabori Campus is located in the Osaka YMCA headquarters building in the city's business district, in Nishi-ku. Both campuses are within easy reach of public transportation.
Stages
Stages
The school structure comprises the Early Learning Center (Infants through Kinder), Primary School (Grades 1–5), and Middle School (Grades 6–10). A High School is planned to start in the 2026-27 academic year.
Stages
Nakatsu Campus serves ages 3–14, housing the Early Childhood, Primary Years, and lower Middle Years programmes. The Tosabori Campus serves older students, including the upper Middle Years and Diploma Programme (ages roughly 14–18). The school offers the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
School type
School type
Abroad International School Osaka is a co-educational day school. It operates as an IB Continuum School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the Diploma Programme (DP) planned to launch in August 2026.
School type
OYIS is a private international school that operates as a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
AIS Osaka has around 190 students in total. The school serves an international community; the exact number of nationalities represented, the most common nationality, and the local-to-international ratio are not publicly published.
Pupil nationality mix
The school reports over 300 students with a diverse international mix. The About page indicates 34 nationalities represented, while the homepage lists 40 nationalities in some updates; a precise local-to-international ratio and the single most represented nationality are not published.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support non-native English speakers. EAL uses the WIDA framework to assess language proficiency and develop individualized learning plans for students.
Additional learning support
Inclusion is integral to OYIS. The school identifies barriers to inclusion and uses a Student Support Team and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students with mild to moderate learning needs. EAL support is provided across PYP and MYP/DP through a variety of delivery models, including in-class and targeted support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
There is no published country affiliation for AIS Osaka; it positions itself as part of an international IB World School network.
Country affiliation
The school is based in Osaka, Japan. No formal country affiliation is listed.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
AIS Osaka has no religious affiliation published by the school.
Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation listed for OYIS.
School day structure
School day structure
Nursery/ELC hours are 9:00–15:15; Primary School runs 8:30–15:15; Middle School runs 8:20–15:15. After-School Clubs operate 15:20–16:00.
School day structure
Detailed daily start/end times for the regular school day are not published here. A Saturday English program runs from 9:00 to 15:00 (Nakatsu Campus). Office hours for external programs are typically 8:30–17:30 on Tue–Fri, and Saturday class hours are 9:30–15:00, per program pages.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A School Bus service is offered with routes and schedules available to families; routes and times may vary depending on demand.
Bus service details
A school bus is provided to and from designated train stations around the Nakatsu campus in the mornings and afternoons for Preschool to Grade 8. The Tosabori campus is not on the bus route and relies on public transport; a shuttle between campuses is offered when needed.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Overview - All fees are denominated and payable in Japanese Yen (JPY). The school's published fee schedule for the 2026–27 academic year treats fees as fixed for the school year and subject to annual review.
Annual / maintenance fees - Maintenance Fee (all applicable school levels): JPY 300,000 per year.
Tuition — Early Learning Centre (ELC) - Nursery (full day) — options and term-by-term fees: - 3 days per week: Term 1 JPY 400,000; Term 2 JPY 325,000; Term 3 JPY 325,000; Total JPY 1,050,000 per year. - 4 days per week: Term 1 JPY 500,000; Term 2 JPY 375,000; Term 3 JPY 375,000; Total JPY 1,250,000 per year. - 5 days per week: Term 1 JPY 600,000; Term 2 JPY 475,000; Term 3 JPY 475,000; Total JPY 1,550,000 per year. - Nursery (half day) — options and term-by-term fees: - 3 days per week: Term 1 JPY 350,000; Term 2 JPY 275,000; Term 3 JPY 275,000; Total JPY 900,000 per year. - 4 days per week: Term 1 JPY 400,000; Term 2 JPY 325,000; Term 3 JPY 325,000; Total JPY 1,050,000 per year. - 5 days per week: Term 1 JPY 500,000; Term 2 JPY 375,000; Term 3 JPY 375,000; Total JPY 1,250,000 per year. - PreSchool through Kindergarten (full day): Term 1 JPY 600,000; Term 2 JPY 475,000; Term 3 JPY 475,000; Total JPY 1,550,000 per year.
Tuition — Primary School (Grades 1–5) - Term 1: JPY 650,000; Term 2: JPY 575,000; Term 3: JPY 575,000; Total JPY 1,800,000 per year.
Tuition — Secondary / Middle & High School (Grades 6–12) - Term 1: JPY 750,000; Term 2: JPY 600,000; Term 3: JPY 600,000; Total JPY 1,950,000 per year. - Additional IB Diploma Programme fee for Grade 11 & Grade 12 (when applicable): JPY 200,000 per year.
Other recurring and optional costs (per published schedule) - Early Arrival supervision (08:00–08:30): fee applicable (advance reservation required). - After School Care (15:30–18:00): fee applicable (advance reservation required); late pickup policy applies and short increments counted in 30-minute blocks. - Bus care (Morning or Afternoon on the bus): Term 1 JPY 75,000; Term 2 JPY 90,000; Term 3 JPY 50,000. - Morning & Afternoon bus care (round-trip): Term 1 JPY 100,000; Term 2 JPY 125,000; Term 3 JPY 75,000. - Shuttle Bus (per term): Term 1 JPY 40,000; Term 2 JPY 50,000; Term 3 JPY 30,000. - Lunch fees (per meal, provider-dependent): Manpuku JPY 500; Children First small JPY 600 / big JPY 700. - Daycare (extension) fees (per 30 minutes): Monthly-plan JPY 3,500; advance booking JPY 650; on-the-day JPY 1,200. Full-day daycare (9:30–15:30) listed as JPY 4,600 per day. - EAL (English Additional Language) support: JPY 150,000 per term (if required). - PTA Fee: JPY 5,000 per year. - Uniform: prices vary depending on quantity ordered (uniform ordering is handled via the school's uniform order process). - Field trips and specific school events: fees vary by activity and are charged in advance where applicable. - Sibling discount: 10% discount for students with one sibling at the school; second sibling 20% discount (younger siblings receive the discount in order).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment method: published schedule uses automatic bank transaction (bank transfer) processed on the 26th of each month. Tuition and shuttle/bus care are billed and payable by term; lunch and daycare are billed monthly. The listed prices include 10% consumption tax. Fees are reviewed annually and any changes for the next school year are announced by the end of June.
Boarding - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the school's published tuition and fees schedule; boarding is not applicable.
Refund and cancellation information - The published 2026–27 tuition and fees schedule states that fees are fixed for the school year and are reviewed annually. No specific refund, cancellation, or withdrawal terms are published on the tuition schedule page itself. Parents should note that one-time and term fees are shown as payable amounts and that the published schedule does not include detailed refund rules on that page.
Accepted payment methods and practical notes - The published payment mechanism is by bank transaction (automatic bank withdrawal) on the 26th. Lunch and daycare are collected monthly by bank transaction; tuition and bus care are payable by term. No credit-card payment option is listed in the published fee schedule. Prices shown include consumption tax.
Fee details
Application and one‑time admissions fees
- Application (Admissions) Fee: ¥30,000 for Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades 1–9; ¥22,000 for Grades 10–12. This application fee is required at the time of application and is non‑refundable.
- Registration Fee (one‑time at enrolment): ¥300,000 for Preschool through Grades 9; ¥200,000 for Grades 10–12. The registration fee is not refundable once paid.
Annual tuition and fee breakdown by school year group (2025–2026 academic year)
For each grade band below I list: Tuition (annual), Development Fee (annual), Insurance (annual), and the Annual Total (sum). The school issues invoices across the school year (see Billing schedule). Amounts are in Japanese yen (¥).
- Grades 10–12: - Tuition (annual): ¥670,000 (note: tuition for Grades 10–12 may be supported by Japanese government schemes; actual family payment can vary). - Development Fee (annual): ¥1,498,000. - Insurance (annual): ¥7,000. - Annual Total: ¥2,175,000.
Per‑billing (per‑term) amounts
- The school invoices tuition and fees over three billing periods. Use the Annual Total divided by three to estimate each invoice amount (rounded to the nearest yen): - Preschool: approximately ¥548,333 per invoice. - Kindergarten: approximately ¥579,667 per invoice. - Grades 1–6: ¥632,000 per invoice. - Grades 7–9: approximately ¥700,333 per invoice. - Grades 10–12: ¥725,000 per invoice. - The school's standard invoicing schedule and specific installment deadlines are shown in the published fee information; paying in installments may incur an additional charge (see Payment terms).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoicing: tuition and fees are invoiced across three periods during the school year (the school issues bills in June, November and February).
- Installment deadlines (published for the 2025–2026 schedule): First installment: June 6, 2025; Second installment: December 5, 2025; Third installment: March 6, 2026. When using the school's installment arrangement, a surcharge of 3% applies to installment payments (this 3% surcharge does not apply to Grades 10–12).
- Refunds and withdrawing before enrolment: once paid, tuition and fees (excluding the registration fee) will be refunded only if the school receives a written notice of withdrawal by the day prior to the date of enrollment (the school's “Declining an Offer of Admission” procedure applies). The application fee is non‑refundable.
Boarding fees
- There are no boarding facilities at Osaka YMCA International School; therefore no boarding fees apply.
Other school costs and recurring service fees
- Bus (Nakatsu campus only): annual bus fee ¥60,000 (available from designated stops).
- Lunch: monthly lunch charges vary by grade and month; examples published for 2025–2026 show a monthly range (Small: ¥5,400–¥15,600 intended for EC–G4; Medium: ¥5,850–¥16,900 intended for G4–G8). No lunch service is available at the Tosabori campus (Grades 9–12).
- After‑care (Preschool–G3): typical session charges ¥1,500 per session (Monday–Friday 15:40–17:30); Wednesday session options and late‑pickup charges are published (additional ¥1,500 for late pickups after 17:30).
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) Fee: ¥175,000/year for selected students in Grades 1–12 (no EAL fee for Preschool and Kindergarten where not applicable). Fees for EAL are required for selected students and may be refundable if the student exits the program during the school year.
- Overnight trip and extracurricular charges (examples): an extracurricular overnight collection of ¥30,000 for Grades 4–5 and ¥70,000 for Grade 6; Grades 7–9 are charged for mandatory overnight excursions at the beginning of the year (actual costs may result in additional collections). Grade 10 has a published Extended Overnight Trip Fee of ¥200,000. New Grade 12 students are billed an additional fee of ¥140,000 to cover IB Diploma assessment and shipping fees. Any remaining trip monies are carried over or refunded on leaving as applicable.
- School services bookings and small activity payments: services and activity fees booked via the SchoolsBuddy system are paid by credit card through that portal.
Fee payment methods and contact for accounts
- Invoice payments (tuition and major fees): payable by bank transfer using the bank details shown on each invoice.
- Service, activity and portal payments: payable by credit card via the SchoolsBuddy online payment portal; parents may also access a SchoolsBuddy wallet and make online payments at any time.
- For billing questions the Accounts Department contact is provided by the school; billing communications and the official billing documents give the accounts email for queries.
Additional notes about special cases of fees
- Grades 10–12 tuition may be reduced through Japanese government support programs; the amount of support varies by address and income and may reduce the family's tuition obligation (support can range up to the published amount noted by the school). Extra fees tied to the IB Diploma (assessment, shipping) are charged separately for Grade 12 new entrants.
(End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Abroad International School Osaka offers an IB continuum, with Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorized, and a Diploma Programme (DP) Candidate School status established in 2025, with DP launching in August 2026. The Primary School (Grades 1–6) follows the UK National Curriculum (organized at two levels) and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, with English-language instruction and EAL support; Japanese language (Kokugo) is taught as a subject for able students. The Middle School (Grades 6–10) delivers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), a holistic, inquiry-based framework designed to connect learning across disciplines and develop internationally minded learners. The High School (Grades 11–12) will offer the IB Diploma Programme from 2026; it is an IB DP Candidate School as of 2025, and the DP will include Core elements such as the Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and internal assessments. The Early Learning Centre (Ages 1–5) provides an English-language early years program in a nurturing environment, and AIS supports diverse learners with MAP testing and a Saturday School for additional English language development.
Curriculum details
Osaka YMCA International School provides a complete IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 6–12 (grades 1–6); Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 12–16 (grades 7–10); and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18 (grades 11–12). In the PYP, learning centers on six Key Learning Areas—English, Japanese, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, Visual Arts and Music, and Physical Health and Well-being—taught through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, with a culminating PYP Exhibition. The MYP emphasizes inquiry-based, concept-driven learning with Approaches to Learning and strong interdisciplinarity; the MYP/DP Course Catalog shows disciplines including Language & Literature, Design, Music & Visual Arts, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Language Acquisition, Sciences, Physical Education and Health, and Interdisciplinary Learning, all designed to prepare students for the Diploma Programme and beyond. The Diploma Programme was authorized in February 2021 and first graduated in 2023; there are three graduation pathways for DP students—IB Diploma Programme, IB Diploma Programme Course, and the WASC Diploma—with university counseling to support applications. Across PYP, MYP and DP the language of instruction is English, and all students are required to take two language courses, with offerings including English, Japanese, and Korean.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application form: The admissions process starts with filling out the application form. The form can be downloaded from the AIS Osaka homepage or completed via the online application form. You can request the form by phone or email. The completed application form can be submitted within one year of the expected date of entry.
2. Filling out and submitting the forms: After completing all mandatory fields, submit the form and bring hard copies of the documents together with your child's photo and any other required documents, or scan/send them by mail. Documents can be handed in up to one year in advance of the planned entry date.
3. Document screening, placement test and interview: Candidates undergo a document screening, placement test and interview as part of the admissions process. The school will contact you with the interview date.
4. Result notification and enrolment procedure: After the placement test and interview, Abroad International School will notify you of admission decisions. Successful applicants must complete the enrolment procedure by the designated deadline.
5. New life starts: Once enrolled, families begin their new life at Abroad International School and the school encourages broadening students' views.
Admissions
Osaka YMCA International School (OYIS) uses a rolling admissions process that operates when vacancies exist. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year close on March 6, 2026. OYIS accepts applications online, and families can start by submitting an inquiry to begin the process. The Admissions Officer will contact you to verify the information provided and outline the next steps.
1. Submit an inquiry: Parents submit an online inquiry to initiate contact. The Admissions Officer will reach out to confirm basic information about the child and family and to outline the required documents and steps ahead. This initial contact helps clarify eligibility and fit for the IB continuum program.
2. Admissions Officer verification: The Admissions Officer verifies the information provided in the inquiry. This includes confirming the child's current grade level and country of residence, as well as any special considerations (language support needs, accessibility, etc.). The goal is to ensure that both the family and school have aligned expectations before formal applications proceed.
3. Submit the online application and pay admissions fee: The application is submitted through the online portal, and families must pay a non-refundable Admissions Fee at the time of submission. The Admissions Fee is distinct from other tuition-related charges and signals the start of the formal admissions review. Detailed instructions are provided in the online application.
4. Initial application review: The Admissions Officer conducts an initial review of the submitted application materials. This review assesses eligibility, completeness, and alignment with OYIS's IB programmes. Only when the review indicates potential fit does the process move to the next stage.
5. Documents screening: The OYIS Admissions Team screens the documents in the file. This step ensures that required transcripts, birth certificates, passports, and other materials are complete and appropriate for verification. Only candidates deemed successful at this stage proceed to testing and interviews.
6. Online tests: Online assessments are administered. Reading ability is assessed for entries from Kindergarten through Grade 11, and Math is assessed for entries from Grade 7 through Grade 11. These tests help determine readiness for the IB curriculum and placement.
7. Principal interviews: Following testing, interviews are arranged with the school's Principal(s). These interviews provide an opportunity for families to ask questions and for the school to assess fit with the IB philosophy and classroom culture. Both student and parent participation are typical components.
8. Second review: A second review is conducted by the relevant Principals and Coordinators. This review considers test results, interview outcomes, and all submitted documentation to determine final eligibility. The aim is a holistic assessment of the student's potential success at OYIS.
9. In-class observation invitation (mid-year candidates): For candidates applying mid-year, OYIS may invite an in-class observation. This step allows teachers to observe the student's interaction, engagement, and learning style in a real classroom setting before a final decision. Availability of this step depends on timing and vacancy status.
10. Admission decision: OYIS communicates a formal admission decision if the student is recommended for placement. This decision follows the completion of all prior steps and the second review. Families receive notification with next steps and timelines for enrollment.
11. Invoicing of registration and tuition: If admitted, registration fees and the applicable tuition fees are invoiced. The invoicing reflects the grade-specific fee structure and any additional charges that may apply. Families should review the invoicing details closely for deadlines and payment options.
12. Enrollment after payment: The student is enrolled once the required payments are completed and all enrollment paperwork is finalized. Enrollment confirms seat placement and access to the school's services, including transportation options and start dates.
Additional notes that affect admissions: OYIS does not provide visa sponsorship for students. Families should plan accordingly for visa requirements through other channels. The school operates across two campuses, Nakatsu and Tosabori, with different program placements across the two sites.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships: There is no published scholarships program described on AIS Osaka's admissions or fees pages. The school lists standard one-time and annual fees and notes a variety of optional services and discounts (for example, a sibling discount), but no scholarship offerings are listed. If you are considering financial aid, the school's published materials do not detail scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships
OYIS offers several scholarships. The Achievement Award recognizes academic excellence, community engagement, and international mindedness and can provide up to 100% scholarship for students entering Grades 10 or 11. The process includes a scholarship exam, a personal essay, and an interview, with results announced in the fall and testing taking place in January/February. Details of this award are provided in the admissions materials.
The Community Support Financial Grant (CSFG) supports families in financial need who wish to access international education. Eligibility criteria include understanding and supporting OYIS's educational philosophy, financial need, school volunteering, membership in a Parent Volunteer/Parent Ambassador group, income verification documents, and English-language communication with the school. Applications for CSFG open in February and March annually.
In addition, OYIS conducts an annual Scholarship Exam for the Diploma Programme pathway for the 2026-2027 year. The 2026-2027 Scholarship Exam is scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Tosabori Campus and online for remote participants, with no participation fee. Successful examinees may receive scholarships toward Grades 10 and 11, up to 100%, depending on exam results and government assistance applications. The exam supports two scholarship tracks: academic-based (math & English) and arts-based (visual arts & music).
Eligibility for scholarships typically includes age guidelines (students in the 10th and 11th grades for 2026-27), visa status (OYIS does not sponsor visas), and the ability to relocate or commute to Osaka. Details about the scholarship process and timelines are published in the school materials and on the scholarships pages.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool: No formal waitlist or pool policy is described on AIS Osaka's admissions pages. Enrollment timing is driven by places available: most children are admitted by August, but if vacancies exist, the school will admit students throughout the year. Admission decisions and interview requirements are communicated as part of the process, and no application is processed until all requested documents are submitted. This suggests there is no publicly stated waiting list policy.
Waitlist
OYIS publishes a rolling admissions process that depends on vacancies; there is no publicly described waitlist or pooled admissions system. Applicants are considered as vacancies exist, with a defined close date for the 2026-2027 cycle of March 6, 2026. If a vacancy arises, applications may be reviewed and admitted on a rolling basis rather than via a formal waitlist.
