Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus vs UIA International School of Tokyo
Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus and UIA International School of Tokyo are both in Tokyo, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary) programmes. Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus also offers Bespoke, and UIA International School of Tokyo also offers British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are ¥1,970,000 - 3,000,000 at Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus and ¥1,515,200 - 2,450,700 at UIA International School of Tokyo, which puts Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus roughly 25% higher. Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus takes pupils from 6 to 14, and UIA International School of Tokyo from 3 to 18. Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus is the larger school, with around 1,400 pupils to UIA International School of Tokyo's 564. Typical class sizes are 25 at Laurus International School of Science - Shiba Campus 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
1,400
Pupils
564
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
23
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Japanese
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2001
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Tokyo, Japan, with nine campuses across Tokyo and Kanagawa. The HQ Primary & Secondary campus is in Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo at Shiba Kokusai Building, 4-1-30 Shiba, 7–10F, 108-0014. The network includes Shirokanedai and Bunkyo campuses, and is accessible by nearby stations such as Kasuga (Toei Mita and Oedo Lines) and Korakuen (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Nanboku Lines). Nine campuses provide access across central Tokyo and Kanagawa.
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.
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
International school.
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
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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
Regular school day runs 8:00–15:30; after-school activities run from 16:00–16:45 or 17:30.
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
Bus service with multiple routes (Orange, Purple, Red, Green) offering pick‑up and drop‑off stops across central Tokyo and Kanagawa; examples include stops at the Australian Embassy, Shirokanedai, Ebisu, Daikanyama, Harumi, Tsukishima and Shibaura.
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.
Preschool & Kindergarten — monthly tuition (by campus and option)
General points for preschool & kindergarten tuition: - Tuition for preschools and kindergartens is charged monthly. ‘Days' refers to the fixed number of days per week enrolled. Two daily schedule options are offered: 5-hour day (09:00–14:00) and Full Day (08:30–18:00).
Fees by campus (monthly): - Aoyama (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 177,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 136,000 / Full Day JPY 191,000. Preschool (1–6 days) shown with daily-tiered monthly rates (examples: 1 day JPY 39,000 / JPY 56,000; 5 days JPY 128,000 / JPY 177,000). Entrance fee JPY 120,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 90,000 (annual). - Bunkyo (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 177,000. Preschool: 1 day JPY 39,000; 2 days JPY 65,000; 3 days JPY 83,000; 4 days JPY 105,000; 5 days JPY 128,000. Entrance fee JPY 120,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 90,000; Maintenance Fee noted. - Jiyugaoka (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 121,000 / Full Day JPY 168,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 129,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000. Preschool: 1 day JPY 37,000; 2 days JPY 61,000; 3 days JPY 79,000; 4 days JPY 100,000; 5 days JPY 121,000; 6 days JPY 129,000. Entrance fee JPY 110,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 85,000 (annual). - Musashi-Kosugi (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 121,000 / Full Day JPY 168,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 129,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000. Preschool: 1 day JPY 37,000; 2 days JPY 61,000; 3 days JPY 79,000; 4 days JPY 100,000; 5 days JPY 121,000; 6 days JPY 129,000. Entrance fee JPY 110,000; Educational Service Charge JPY 85,000; Maintenance Fee and other smaller annual fees noted. - Musashi-Shinjo (Kindergarten example and preschool tiers vary by campus): sample Kindergarten and Preschool monthly rates are published on the campus page and include comparable day-tiered pricing and annual additional charges (entrance, educational charge, maintenance). Entrance fee typically shown as JPY 110,000 and an educational service charge is listed. - Shirokanedai (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 132,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 142,000 / Full Day JPY 198,000. Preschool tiers: 1 day JPY 39,000 up to 6 days JPY 142,000 (Full Day). Entrance fee and annual educational charge are listed on the campus page. - Takanawa (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 181,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 136,000 / Full Day JPY 198,000. Preschool tiers follow the same 1–6 day structure. Entrance fee and annual educational charge are shown per campus. - Tsukishima (Kindergarten): 5 days — 5-hour JPY 128,000 / Full Day JPY 177,000; 6 days — 5-hour JPY 136,000 / Full Day JPY 191,000. Preschool tiered monthly rates and campus-specific annual charges are published.
Primary & Secondary — tuition and annual fees
- Primary School (regular day 08:30–15:30 / full day 08:30–18:00): Tuition is published as an annual amount. Tuition listed up to August 2026 is JPY 1,970,000 (Regular) / JPY 2,480,000 (Full Day); tuition listed from September 2026 is JPY 2,070,000 (Regular) / JPY 2,600,000 (Full Day). The school year consists of three terms and tuition is generally paid in full on an annual basis.
- Lower Secondary School: Annual tuition amount shown as JPY 2,100,000 (until August 2026) and JPY 2,300,000 (from September 2026). Other annual fees are listed separately.
- Upper Secondary School: Annual tuition amount shown as JPY 2,200,000 (until August 2026) and JPY 2,420,000 (from September 2026). Other annual fees are listed separately.
Common annual additional fees for Primary / Lower & Upper Secondary (examples and amounts shown on the tuition pages): - Entrance Fee (one-time): typically JPY 300,000 for Primary and Secondary. - Educational Service Charge: shown as JPY 105,000 (Primary until Aug 2026) rising to JPY 110,000 (from Sep 2026); for Lower/Upper Secondary shown at JPY 120,000 rising to JPY 130,000. - Digital Learning Resources Fee: Primary JPY 86,000 (rising to JPY 91,000); Secondary JPY 105,000 (rising to JPY 115,000). - Maintenance Fee: Primary JPY 250,000 (rising to JPY 270,000); Secondary JPY 250,000 (rising to JPY 270,000). - Device Fee (Lower & Upper Secondary): shown (for example) JPY 75,000 rising to JPY 83,000.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Preschool & kindergarten tuition is billed monthly according to the chosen days and schedule option. Entrance and specified annual charges are billed as noted per campus (entrance fee upon enrolment; educational service charges annually). - For Primary and Secondary, the school states tuition is generally paid in full on an annual basis; the academic year consists of three terms. The school indicates term-by-term payment may be possible on request (parents can contact the school if they prefer to pay by term rather than in a single annual lump sum). Entrance fees are one-time on enrolment; other listed fees are paid annually.
Boarding
- No boarding programs or boarding fees are listed in the school's admissions or tuition materials; Laurus operates its campuses as day preschools, kindergarten and a day primary/secondary campus model. No boarding charges are published.
Other costs and optional items
- The school lists additional items that are payable in addition to tuition: teaching materials and textbooks, uniforms, yearbook, lunch (optional), school bus (optional where available), and other ancillary items. The tuition pages list these categories but do not publish uniform, materials, lunch or bus prices as standardised amounts — those costs are itemised or advised at enrolment or ordering. Entrance and specific annual charges are published per campus/level.
Refunds and cancellation (where published)
- A general tuition refund policy for annual tuition is not published within the tuition and admissions pages. For seasonal programs and short courses the school publishes a cancellation policy: a handling fee of JPY 1,000 applies for cancellations/changes before the registration deadline, and no refunds are issued after the registration deadline for those seasonal programs. Seasonal-program payment and cancellation details explicitly state invoices are issued and that no cash payments are accepted for those programs.
Fee payment options and invoicing
- Seasonal program pages specify payment by convenience-store payment or internet banking for those short courses; invoices are issued by email and cash is not accepted for seasonal program registrations. The school also notes that for some events or for enrolled families certain fees may be automatically deducted from a registered bank account. The tuition pages state billing frequency (monthly for preschools, annually for Primary/Secondary) but do not publish a single, detailed list of all accepted payment channels for annual tuition on the public tuition pages. Parents are directed to the school's admissions contact for tuition payment arrangements and invoicing details where needed.
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 Laurus Innovator Program provides a continuous pathway from preschool to secondary, with a focus on STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship. From Primary onwards, the Cambridge International Curriculum is introduced, and Laurus International Primary & Secondary School is registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education. Cambridge International Curriculum offers internationally recognised qualifications, with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level credentials recognised by over 2,000 universities in 195 countries. In Preschool & Kindergarten, English language and science fundamentals are established. The Cambridge curriculum is complemented by the Laurus Innovator Program to deepen STEM and entrepreneurial skills throughout the learning journey.
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
Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications are recognised by over 2,000 universities in 195 countries, supporting higher education progression.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The Laurus Innovator Program offers STEM, Innovation & Entrepreneurship activities that supplement classroom learning and grow with students from Preschool to Secondary. Secondary School also connects students with experts and mentors to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
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. Attend an Information Session. In-person visits provide insight into the learning environment where your child will flourish. Information sessions are held regularly in Japanese and English. Sign up for an Information Session or request a private school tour.
2. Application, Required Documents & Fees. Preschool & Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary application forms are downloadable. Check year-level eligibility and additional document requirements using the Useful Information section. A Health Check Certificate is downloadable for Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary; Laurus International staff members will contact your child's current school for the recommendation letter. Examination fees are: Preschool ¥2,200; Kindergarten ¥10,000; Primary ¥25,000; Secondary ¥30,000.
3. Student Exam and Parent Meeting. Assessments are required for some grade levels; timing is communicated by the Admissions team. New Preschool and Kindergarten do not have admissions assessments, but a trial lesson is required; Kindergarten has in-class assessments for English reading, writing and speaking. Primary and Secondary students are assessed for English and Math; results are issued within one month of completing the assessment.
4. Enrollment Notification and Additional Information. After enrollment, next steps include submission of final documents, enrollment fees, ordering uniforms and textbooks, and preparation for the Entrance Ceremony. Age eligibility for programs is: Preschool from 1.5 years; Kindergarten from 3 to 5 years (as of April 1, 2025); Primary from over 6 years old; Secondary from over 11 years old (lower) or over 15 years old (upper) (as of April 1, 2025). Parent communications for Primary and Secondary are in English, and English language ability is not required for parents.
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.