Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama vs UIA International School of Tokyo
Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama and UIA International School of Tokyo are both in Tokyo, about 13 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama also offers Bespoke, and UIA International School of Tokyo also offers British and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are ¥1,560,000 at Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama and ¥1,515,200 - 2,450,700 at UIA International School of Tokyo, which puts UIA International School of Tokyo roughly 27% higher. Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama takes pupils from 0 to 18, and UIA International School of Tokyo from 3 to 18. Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to UIA International School of Tokyo's 564. Typical class sizes are 24 at Laurus International School of Science - Aoyama and 23 at UIA International School of Tokyo.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
1,500
Pupils
564
Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
23
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2001
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The Laurus International School of Science, Aoyama campus is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Address: 6-13-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062. It is near Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi, Hiroo and Ebisu. Hours are Mon–Sat 8:30–18:00; train access includes an 11-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line) and a 17-minute walk from Shibuya Station.
Location
UIA International School of Tokyo is located at 3-14-4 Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0042, Japan. The campus is housed in the HAGA PAPER building along Kasaibashi-dori in Kiba, a residential district on Tokyo's eastern edge. The closest rail access is Kiba Station on the Tozai Line, about a 10–15 minute walk away, with additional nearby stations reachable by a short walk. There is no designated visitor parking space at the campus.
Stages
Stages
Preschool and Kindergarten; ages 1.5 to 6 years.
Stages
UIA serves Early Years through Upper Secondary (Grade 12). The school is organized into four sections: Early Years (EY1–EY3), Primary (Grade 1–5), Lower Secondary (Grade 6–8), and Upper Secondary (Grade 9–12).
School type
School type
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School type
UIA is a co-educational private day school. Boarding is not offered.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
UIA has students from more than 28 countries. Current data lists 29 nationalities represented among the student body. The site does not publish a formal local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
UIA states that it does not have facilities or resources to accommodate significant learning, emotional or physical disabilities. Enrollment requires students to function within the regular program; families must disclose any additional services being provided; documentation from professionals may be requested; the school may reevaluate the applicant. ESL support is provided for certain grade levels, including a pullout ESL option in Primary and collaborative ESL support in Secondary.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Japan
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is listed. The school operates in Japan and offers the Cambridge Curriculum.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is listed.
School day structure
School day structure
Hours are Mon–Sat 8:30–18:00. 5-hour option (9:00–14:00) and full-day option (8:30–18:00) are available.
School day structure
The school day starts at 8:40 AM. Early Years finish at 1:40 PM; Grades 1–12 finish at 3:30 PM. In Primary, there are scheduled recess and lunch periods (e.g., recess at 10:30, lunch at 12:20).
Bus service details
Bus service details
A School Bus service is available, subject to age and height restrictions.
Bus service details
UIA offers a free school bus service. Routes are developed and fixed at the start of each academic year. For Early Years, a parent must be at the bus stop wearing a lanyard; if a parent is not present, the child cannot disembark and will be returned to the Kiba campus with a penalty. The bus may arrive earlier or later depending on traffic; if the bus does not arrive within 20 minutes of the scheduled time, contact 080-1187-9407. If you need to cancel the service for the day, inform UIA in advance.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Overview of fee structure - Tuition is shown as monthly rates and is charged on a monthly basis.
Kindergarten tuition (age 3–6) — published monthly rates, per term and per year - 5 days/week — 5-hour option (9:00–14:00): Monthly ¥128,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥512,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,536,000. - 5 days/week — Full-day option (8:30–18:00): Monthly ¥177,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥708,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,124,000. - 6 days/week — 5-hour option (9:00–14:00): Monthly ¥136,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥544,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,632,000. - 6 days/week — Full-day option (8:30–18:00): Monthly ¥191,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥764,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,292,000.
Preschool tuition (age 1.5–3) — published monthly rates, per term and per year - 1 day/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥39,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥156,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥468,000. - 1 day/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥56,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥224,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥672,000. - 2 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥65,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥260,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥780,000. - 2 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥94,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥376,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,128,000. - 3 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥83,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥332,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥996,000. - 3 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥122,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥488,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,464,000. - 4 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥105,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥420,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,260,000. - 4 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥155,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥620,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,860,000. - 5 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥128,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥512,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,536,000. - 5 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥177,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥708,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,124,000. - 6 days/week — 5-hour option: Monthly ¥136,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥544,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥1,632,000. - 6 days/week — Full-day option: Monthly ¥191,000 · Per term (4 months) ¥764,000 · Per year (12 months) ¥2,292,000.
How term and annual figures are derived (billing rhythm) - The school operates with three academic terms in the school year (Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). Each term spans approximately four calendar months (April–July, August–November, December–March), so per-term figures above are calculated as four times the published monthly rate and annual figures as twelve times the monthly rate.
One-time and recurring non-tuition fees - Entrance Fee (one-time): ¥120,000 — payable upon enrolment. - Educational Service Charge (annual): ¥90,000 — charged annually. - Additional common items (amounts charged separately or provided after enrolment): materials and printed texts, school uniform, lunch (optional), school bus (optional). Exact amounts for these items are provided to families at enrolment.
Other regular charges and incidental fees - Extended childcare / late pickup fees: charged by time (examples listed in the parent handbook: e.g., ¥1,000 per 30 minutes after dismissal time; higher incremental rates for later pickup). Extended fees are automatically withdrawn from the bank account.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition figures are presented as monthly rates and will be billed on a monthly basis. - Families may choose one of two payment options: Annual payment (due in full on March 27) or Installment payments scheduled three times during the school year. Specific installment dates are set by the school. - The school's bank account is provided for transfers; transfer fees must be borne by the payer and the school requests that the school name be added before the payer name on transfers. (Bank details are supplied in school payment instructions.)
Payment methods and practical notes - Bank transfer / domestic remittance and automatic withdrawals from a bank account are used for fee collection; the parent handbook provides the school bank account details and instructs families to include transfer fees. Credit-card payment is not listed as a standard tuition payment method in the school's parent handbook.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The Aoyama campus is a day preschool/kindergarten with published hours (Full-day 8:30–18:00; Half-day 9:00–14:00). No boarding fees are charged.
Refund, withdrawal and late-payment terms - Refunds: There are no refunds for tuition, the annual membership/educational service fee, the entrance fee, or other fees in the event of disaster, unforeseeable circumstances, or circumstances of the parents. Absence for more than a calendar month does not trigger tuition or fee refunds. - Withdrawal: A written notice of withdrawal must be submitted two months before the intended date of departure; the withdrawal date is at the end of a calendar month. The school's policy states that no tuition or other fee refunds will be given upon withdrawal. - Late or unpaid tuition: If tuition payment is delayed for more than three months, the school may require withdrawal of the student; unpaid balances remain payable.
Summary of immediate, payable items on enrolment - Entrance Fee: ¥120,000 (one-time, upon enrolment). - First month's tuition (monthly rate based on chosen days and schedule) — payable according to the school's invoicing schedule. - Educational Service Charge: ¥90,000 (annual).
Notes on optional charges - School bus, lunch, uniforms and materials are additional optional or one-off costs; these are itemised separately and communicated to families during enrolment. The Aoyama campus offers a school bus service subject to age/height restrictions.
Fee details
Application / Assessment Fees
- Admissions (application) fee: JPY 11,000 (non‑refundable). Payment of the application fee is required on the day of assessment (cash is requested for the assessment-day payment).
- Early Years / Kindergarten (example figures reproduced from the published fee structure): - K1 / Kindg. 1 — Total annual fees shown by published sources: approximately JPY 1,685,200. - K2 / Kindg. 2 — Total first‑year figure example (including one‑time items): JPY 1,680,200 (example breakdown in published fee documents shows an annual tuition figure plus book and one‑time fees). - K3 / Kindg. 3 — Total annual fees shown: approximately JPY 1,691,200.
- Note: the figures above reflect the published annual totals used in the school's fee documents for the current academic cycle. The school's formal Fee Structure and Fee Policy documents include the detailed line‑by‑line breakdown (tuition, books, management/miscellaneous items) that make up the totals cited here.
Per‑term / instalment billing
- Tuition amounts are quoted as annual figures. The school publishes an official payment schedule that sets the exact instalment options, per‑term or monthly breakdowns and payment deadlines for the academic year; those payment schedule documents determine the per‑term instalment amounts and due dates. Parents are expected to follow the published payment schedule.
Billing schedule and payment terms (procedural points)
- Withdrawal notice: the school requires formal notice of withdrawal at least 14 days prior to the desired date of withdrawal. Transcripts/records require 14 days' notice. If fees remain unpaid at the time of withdrawal, outstanding amounts must be paid by manual bank transfer at least seven (7) days prior to the withdrawal date. - Refunds: refund rules are set out in the school's Fee Policy documents; the Withdrawal Policy directs parents to those fee policy documents for the refund schedule and conditions.
Boarding / Residential fees
- There is no boarding or homestay program; UIA is not a boarding school, so no boarding fees apply.
Other recurring or optional costs
- Textbook / book fees: published fee summaries include book fees (examples show book fees in the range shown per grade—e.g., a book fee example for Early Years/Kindergarten is noted around JPY 20,000 in published fee breakdowns). - Management / miscellaneous fees and activity fees: published fee documents show management/other miscellaneous charges and activity/insurance items as separate line items in the first‑year and annual breakdowns (examples include management fees and miscellaneous/activity fees). - After‑care / After‑school program: after‑care is available for Early Years and carries an extra fee; the school publishes a separate aftercare fee policy. - Summer school and short programs: the school offers summer‑school weeks with separate weekly fees (example published weekly fees are shown for Summer School sessions).
Refunds and adjustments
- The school's Withdrawal Policy requires the formal Notice of Withdrawal and payment of outstanding balances before documents are released. The published Withdrawal Policy refers parents to the Fee Policy for precise refund entitlement and timing. Specific refund percentages or pro‑rata calculations are set in the Fee Policy document.
Fee‑discounts and concessions
- Sibling discount: a discount is applied for multiple siblings enrolled concurrently — 10% off the tuition fee for the first (younger) sibling and 15% off for additional (younger) siblings, per the school's fee policy. Returnee waiver: in certain circumstances the registration fee (one‑time JPY 77,000) may be waived for returning students who meet the school's returnee conditions.
Payment methods and where to pay
- Application fee at assessment: the admissions process requires the application fee (JPY 11,000) to be paid in cash on the assessment day. - General tuition and other fees: the school's accounts office administers payment arrangements and publishes the payment schedule and acceptable payment methods; parents should use the payment instructions and account details provided by the school's accounts administration (the school lists accounts@uia.jp for payment enquiries).
Summary points to note
- Annual tuition figures and one‑time enrolment fees are published in the school's formal Fee Structure and Fee Policy for the 2025–2026 academic cycle; the figures shown above reflect the published annual totals and common one‑time charges (application, registration, building/facilities). - The school issues a formal payment schedule that sets the instalment amounts and deadlines; the Withdrawal Policy sets notice periods and requires settlement of outstanding balances prior to withdrawal.
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
The school offers an International STEM curriculum for ages 1.5 to 6 years in Aoyama. Laurus Curriculum builds a strong foundation through inquiry-based STEM learning. Preschool is taught in an all-English setting, building social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills. Kindergarten emphasizes science experiments, outdoor play, and development of communication. After-school options include ESL, dance and the STEM Academy; Saturday School supports English fluency with Math, Science/STEM and PE in an all-English environment; Seasonal STEM Camps offer flexible enrollment for Laurus and non-Laurus students.
Curriculum details
UIA International School of Tokyo delivers a Cambridge Curriculum from Early Years through Grade 12, with English as the medium of instruction. Preschool Education (K3) begins with Cambridge Curriculum Stage 1 (Dolphins, age 5) and continues through to Grade 12, culminating in A Levels. Primary (K1–Grade 5, typically ages 5–11) uses Cambridge Primary with core subjects—English, Maths, Science, Social Studies—plus a second language and access to ICT, library, and science facilities. Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8) combines Cambridge Secondary with UIA's internal curriculums, offering core subjects along with Music, Art & Design, Computing, Values Education and a second language. IGCSE pathway begins in Grade 9 with Cambridge IGCSE exams at the end of Grade 10, followed by Cambridge AS & A Levels in Grades 11–12. Assessment includes Cambridge Progression Tests and Cambridge Checkpoint, alongside ongoing classroom assessment, with English-only instruction across the school.
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
We are currently accepting admissions applications for the 2026/27 school year. Upper Secondary School open for the 2026/27 academic year - Apply today. Mid-year applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. How to Apply: 1) Attend an Information Session. In-person school visits provide invaluable insight into the learning environment where your child will flourish. Information Sessions are held regularly, in both Japanese and English. Sign up for an Information Session or inquire about private school tours. 2) Application, Required Documents & Fees. Application forms for all year groups are available for download. Be sure to check your child's year level eligibility and additional document requirements. Send the documents by registered mail. Examination Fee: Preschool ¥2,200 (no exams; trial lesson fee); Kindergarten ¥10,000; Primary ¥25,000; Secondary ¥35,000. 3) Student Exam and Parent Meeting. Admissions assessments are required for some grade levels. New Preschool and Kindergarten students do not have an admissions assessment, however attending a trial lesson is required; Kindergarteners have in-class assessments for English reading, writing and speaking. Primary & Secondary students are assessed for their English and Math competencies. Results are available within one month of completing the assessment. 4) Enrollment Notification. Enrollment steps include submission of final documents, enrollment fees, ordering uniforms and textbooks, and preparation for the Entrance Ceremony. Welcome to Laurus! Parents will be guided on next steps.
Admissions
1. Review the Admissions Handbook. Download and study the Admissions Handbook to understand the full admissions process and school rules. The handbook also covers class placement, the fee structure, and bus routes, which are important for planning and timelines. This step ensures you know exactly which documents and deadlines apply to your application.
2. Apply and arrange a school tour or inquiry online. Submit the OpenApply registration of interest and you can list up to three possible tour dates. The school welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 15:00, Monday through Friday, and the on-site tour is free of charge.
3. School visit and assessment. During the visit you will receive an overview of UIA's mission, philosophy, and curriculum, followed by an in-school assessment conducted by the academic team with a prior appointment. The assessment can take place on the same day as the visit or on a different day. On the day of the assessment, bring the completed Admissions Application Form (in English or Japanese), all documents listed in Section 8 of the Admissions Handbook, and an application fee of ¥11,000 (non-refundable). Additional items required include proof of date of birth, copies of residence cards, health insurance proof, a Health History Form, a Student-Parent Agreement, copies of the last two years' report cards (for EY3 and above), a letter of recommendation, and a transfer/Leaving certificate if applicable.
4. Respond to admissions decision. After the tour and assessment, the admissions team verifies the documents and sends the results by email within five working days. The parent must acknowledge acceptance within seven business days and pay the initial invoice to secure the admission. The academic decision is final, and the school may cancel admission if any information provided is falsified.
5. Eligibility and placement details. Admissions depend on available vacancy and appropriate class placement, plus submission of all required documents and a valid visa for foreign residents. For Early Years, there may be a one-day trial class; for older grades, applicants are evaluated with a written test.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
UIA offers the Future Leaders Scholarship Program for Grades 9–12. Eligible students must be in or entering Grades 9–12 and have a grade average of A* (90%) or above to be invited to apply. The process requires a written essay and an in-person interview; notices of selection or rejection are final. Scholarships are reviewed on a semester basis and must be maintained at an A* average to continue; if the average falls below 90%, the scholarship is canceled, and renewal is possible if eligibility is reestablished. The scholarship awards 50% of tuition for each eligible grade (two scholarships per grade level: Grades 9–12), and are not combinable with other tuition reductions. End-of-year continuation may be possible if eligibility criteria continue to be met. The application deadline for the current academic year is Friday, April 12th. Scholarships apply to tuition fees only and do not cover other school-related fees. Note: UIA's FAQs indicate that scholarships are not offered for applying students, which may reflect alternative or outdated guidance.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
UIA maintains waiting pools for some year groups due to classroom size limits. Maximum seats per class are EY1: 19–21; Grade 1–12: 24. A child may be placed on the waiting list after completing the application process, passing the assessment with a positive result from the Academic Team, and paying the Admissions Application Fee of ¥11,000. The waiting-list offer is valid for one academic year; if no vacancy opens by the end of the year, families may need to reapply for the next academic year's grade level, and a student cannot be on waiting lists for two different grade levels. Priority on the waiting list is not first-come, first-served; criteria such as gender balance are considered, and the Academic Team makes the final decision. The waiting list is capped at 10 students per grade level for the academic year, and admissions may close once the limit is reached. Waitlisted students should continue their current education and may be asked to provide updated transcripts. UIA will contact families as seats become available and they must respond within 10 working days; starting dates can be chosen within a 3-month window.