Deutsche Schule Kobe International vs Marist Brothers International School

	D Deutsche Schule Kobe International Kobe, Japan	M Marist Brothers International School Kobe, Japan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ¥1,609,000 - 1,876,950	Fees / year ¥1,791,000 - 2,167,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1909	Opened 1951
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Japan	Location MBIS is located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The campus address is 1-2-1 Chimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0072. It sits in a quiet residential area between the mountains and the sea, close to Kobe's coast. The school is within easy reach by foot to Suma Station, with two train lines nearby.
Stages	Stages Playgroup 1–2 years; Early Years 2–5 years; Primary Years 5–12 years; Secondary 12–18 years	Stages MBIS offers education from Early Years through Grade 12. It is an IB World School offering the full continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) and is accredited by WASC.
School type	School type International school; IB World School with multilingual instruction in English, German and Japanese; Cambridge International Programmes for Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary starting 2026/27; German Thüringer Curriculum for German-native students.	School type MBIS is a co-educational international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix About 35 nationalities are represented. The largest group is Japanese (around 23%), followed by North Americans (about 18%), with roughly 59% of students coming from the rest of the world; overall, international students comprise the majority of the student body.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Small class sizes and personalized support, with optional one‑to‑one or small‑group support.	Additional learning support MBIS provides counseling services to support students' academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being, with a school counselor and collaboration with specialists. It includes targeted support for developmental and other special needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany	Country affiliation MBIS does not have a formal country affiliation; it is located in Japan and serves a diverse international student body.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation MBIS is founded by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious order, and operates within the Marist educational tradition.
School day structure	School day structure Playgroup runs Thursday mornings (1–2 years). Early Years and Primary Years run Monday–Friday, 8:30–15:30. A typical Primary day includes a 7:50 arrival, classes from 8:35, and activities up to 5:00 pm (late room, optional).	School day structure Students typically follow a school day with morning homeroom/assembly, first period starting around 8:50 AM and dismissal around 3:10 PM; after-school activities and clubs can continue beyond that time.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details MBIS runs its own bus service with routes such as Shioya and Ashiya. The Shioya route schedules pickups at about 7:55–8:20 AM and afternoon drops around 3:25–3:50 PM. The Ashiya route serves multiple stops with pickups around 7:15–7:55 AM and afternoon drops around 4:20 PM. Timetables are published for each route.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Application fee: JPY 50,000. - Registration (enrolment) fee: JPY 290,000. Annual tuition (by programme / year group) - Play Group (Five Tickets): JPY 7,500. - Pre‑Kindergarten: JPY 1,563,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 781,500 per semester (if split in two) or JPY 390,750 per quarter (if split in four). - Early Years: JPY 1,563,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 781,500 per semester or JPY 390,750 per quarter. - Pre‑School: JPY 1,696,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 848,000 per semester or JPY 424,000 per quarter. - Primary School (Grades 1–6): JPY 1,696,000 per academic year. Equivalent instalments: JPY 848,000 per semester or JPY 424,000 per quarter. Annual mandatory / recurring fees and compulsory extras - Technology fee: JPY 35,000 per year. - Building and development fee: JPY 150,000 per year. - Insurance: JPY 21,000 per year. - Membership fee for School Association: JPY 15,000 per year. - Course materials (Pre‑School – Grade 6): JPY 10,000 per year. - PTA fee: JPY 4,000 per year. - Yearbook fee: JPY 4,500 per year (where charged). Optional / occasional extras - Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 2 school trips: JPY 5,000 (per trip / annual item as listed). - Grades 3–6 annual school trip / camp: JPY 80,000 (annual). - School bus service (if booked): JPY 221,000 per year. - Note: several items above are indicated as subject to 10% consumption tax; tax will be applied where specified. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school issues tuition invoices on an annual basis but offers different payment schedules: a single annual payment is preferred; families may also elect to be billed in two instalments or quarterly (pro‑rata billing is used for students enrolling part‑way through the year). Instalment equivalents shown above are calculated from the annual tuition and reflect those common billing splits. - Students who register during the school year are charged tuition pro‑rated according to the quarter in which they enter. Existing enrolment contracts are automatically extended unless written resignation is received with the required notice (contractual notice provisions apply). In exceptional cases (for example, a family's sudden relocation for work) the school considers withdrawals outside the normal regulations upon documented request. Tuition adjustments on withdrawal are handled on a quarterly basis under the school's refund/withdrawal rules. Refunds and withdrawal - Registration, application, building & development, insurance, technology and membership fees are charged for all students on entry and are not refundable in most cases. Children who register but do not attend, or who leave within a defined payment period, are generally not entitled to a refund of those upfront fees. Tuition refunds for mid‑year withdrawal are handled pro‑rata on a quarterly basis; specific notice and documentation requirements apply for withdrawal and for exceptional waivers. Boarding (residential) fees - No boarding or residential programme fees are listed for Deutsche Schule Kobe International. The school operates as a day school for the early years and primary programmes and is expanding provision into secondary in the 2026–27 timeframe; no boarding charges are published for current programmes. Other costs commonly incurred by families - Transport to/from school where not using the school bus (local public transport costs) and any emergency medical or specialist activity charges are additional and billed separately where applicable. Uniforms are not listed in the public fee items above; families should budget separately for any personal supplies, optional after‑school clubs, lunches, and incidental school costs. Fee payment options - The school issues invoices to enrolled families; specific accepted payment methods (for example, international bank transfer/wire, domestic bank transfer, credit card or other online payment services) are managed through the school's finance office and by invoice processes. Families should expect to receive an invoice and payment instructions from the school's admissions/accounts team when a place is offered. (Payment method availability may vary by payer location and by the invoicing arrangement chosen.)	Fee details Application and one‑time enrollment fees - Application fee: ¥60,000 (one‑time, payable at application). - Registration / enrollment (acceptance) fee: ¥630,000 (one‑time, payable on acceptance). Tuition — annual amounts by year group (standard annual tuition charged for the school year) - Early Years (Kindergarten 1, Kindergarten 2, Kindergarten 3): ¥1,791,000 per year. - Elementary (Grade 1–Grade 5): ¥2,030,000 per year. - Lower Middle/Upper Elementary (Grade 6–Grade 10): ¥2,158,000 per year. - Upper School (Grade 11–Grade 12): ¥2,167,000 per year. First‑year total for new entrants (example of first‑year breakdown for Early Years / K1) - Example (K1 first year): Application fee ¥60,000 + Registration fee ¥630,000 + Tuition ¥1,611,000 + Technology fee ¥180,000 = Total initial payment ¥2,481,000 for the first year (one‑time and annual components combined). Other recurring and one‑off fees - Technology / IT fee: a separate annual technology fee is charged (example figures shown in the fee schedule). - Development / school fund and building/maintenance levies: the fee schedule includes development or capital/building contributions; these appear as one‑time or annual items in the published schedule. - Uniforms: winter and summer uniforms and a PE kit are required; a full uniform price list is published. Uniform items are charged separately. - Bus service: an optional school bus is provided (two daily routes) and a bus brochure with route and service information is published; bus fees are charged in addition to tuition. - After‑school / Extended Day program: charged quarterly based on days per week attended (example quarter prices are published and billed by quarter). Boarding - MBIS operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation. Transportation and optional bus service are provided for day students. Billing schedule and payment terms - Application fees are payable at application; registration/enrollment fees are payable on acceptance to secure the place. Tuition and other recurring charges are invoiced according to the school's published fee schedule and billing system. The school uses SchoolsBuddy/ManageBac for school management and billing processes. - Credit‑card payments are accepted but a card processing surcharge applies where noted (credit‑card payment currently incurs an additional processing fee of 5% when used for admissions payments). Bank transfer instructions are supplied in the applicant account for wire payments. Refunds and withdrawal / cancellation notes - For the Extended Day program: fees are charged quarterly and no refunds are issued once a quarter has begun. - The school's published fee schedule and policies set the specific terms for refunds, withdrawals, and any refundable deposits; those policies govern whether application, registration, development, or other fees are refundable in particular circumstances. Parents should note that some one‑time fees (application/registration) are typically treated as non‑refundable in the school's fee materials. Accepted payment methods and practical notes - Typical payment methods: bank transfer (wire) and credit card; bank transfer details are provided in the applicant billing portal. Credit‑card payments may carry a processing surcharge. Billing and incidental charges are managed through the school's parent billing systems. Notes for parents (concise) - The school publishes a detailed Fee Schedule (itemised annual and one‑time fees, and the billing calendar). The headline items above (application, registration, technology, tuition by grade and common additional charges such as uniforms, bus and extended day) are the main cost categories to expect when budgeting for enrollment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details DSKI is an IB World School offering a curriculum that blends IB with Cambridge programmes. In the Early Years and Primary Years, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the Cambridge Primary Programme for mathematics and language. English is the main language of instruction, and all students learn German and Japanese, with Kokugo for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Foreign Language. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge International Programmes lead to the IGCSE, taught in English with German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31, the Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is taught as a higher-level foreign language, and Japanese may be offered at native speaker level; the IB Diploma Programme is recognised for university admissions, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom II supports German university pathways.	Curriculum details MBIS in Kobe, Japan offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum for students from Early Years through Grade 12, with English as the language of instruction and alignment with Common Core standards. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides learners from Early Years 3 to Grade 5 through inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units that integrate language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education, and religion. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10 across eight subject groups—English, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, an additional language (Japanese), Physical Education, and Design—and includes a Grade 10 Personal Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12 requires six subjects across Groups 1–6 (Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts) and the core Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. MBIS has been IB-authorized since 2017 and is accredited by WASC, confirming its global standards of curriculum design and assessment.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and personalized support are provided to help each child thrive.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme (IB DP) will be offered from 2030/31 and the IB is recognised in most countries as a basis for university applications. The Deutsches Sprachdiplom II is available to support German university pathways, and the school plans to introduce Cambridge IGCSE programmes for broader higher education options.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. The inquiry introduces your interest and allows the school to share guidance on the admissions process. An initial inquiry helps staff understand your needs and plan a suitable visit. This first step starts the enrollment process. 2. Tell us about yourself: Submit the Pre-Admission Questionnaire to the school office. The form helps gather basic information ahead of your visit so staff can prepare a focused discussion about your child's needs and development. It marks the formal move toward the application process. 3. Visit us: For Families in Japan, a guided school tour is available by appointment; for FamiliesOutside Japan, the school can arrange a video or phone meeting. Tours provide a real sense of the school community and programs. 4. Submit an Application Form: After the initial visit or call, provide a completed Application Form and the three most recent report cards from your current school or kindergarten; translations are required if the reports are not in English, German, French, or Japanese; if recent report cards are not available, submit Confidential School Report Form (Primary School) or Recommendation Form (Early Years). 5. Attend a Trial Day: Entrance exams are not required. The school aims to meet each student, observe language skills and readiness, and confirm fit. For Families in Japan, children aged 2–5 join a trial from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and children aged 6 and above from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; after the trial, a follow-up interview is arranged or the school contacts you with the result. For Families Outside Japan, admissions decisions may be based on report cards and confidential references. 6. Accept an Offer & Complete Registration: Accept the offer and complete registration; vaccination records (if not submitted at a trial) and a copy of the student's passport (photo page) should be provided. Download and complete the Registration Form, Declaration Form, Emergency contact / Pick up, Student Information Form, Student Health Form, and Physical Examination Form, then email or send them back to the school.	Admissions 1. Submit an Online Application: Begin by submitting the online application with the required details about the child and family. An online Applicant Page is created after submission to organize and track the process. An application fee is required and can be paid via bank transfer or credit card, incurring a 5% processing fee. 2. Provide Supporting Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including academic records from the past three years, proof of identity, and a recommendation from a current teacher or principal. A checklist of the required documents is provided in the online Applicant Page to guide families. 3. Interview & Assessment: After the application is reviewed, an admissions team member will schedule an interview with the Divisional Head. An English language proficiency test may be administered if deemed necessary for certain grades. 4. Finalize Enrollment: If accepted, complete the required enrollment forms and submit payment for the enrollment deposit. All applicants must reside in the Kansai region with at least one parent or guardian during study, and the school does not sponsor student visas; families should arrange the visa themselves and can request proof of admission if needed.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Marist Brothers International School offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs to support families. Eligibility criteria and application guidelines are outlined in the Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Policy. For the 2025–2026 academic year, a detailed Fee Schedule is available, and scholarship programs are designed to assist students based on merit and/or need. Parents should review the policy for specifics on how to apply and qualify.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If no space is available in the requested grade level, an applicant may be placed in a wait pool. The wait pool operates as a pool of candidates rather than a strict sequential list. When a space becomes available, the most suitable candidate is selected from the pool, and some grade levels may be nearing capacity, which influences waitpool usage.
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