Malvern College Tokyo vs Yokohama International School
Malvern College Tokyo and Yokohama International School are both in Tokyo, about 35 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Malvern College Tokyo also offers British, and Yokohama International School also offers Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are close, at ¥2,645,000 - 2,751,000 for Malvern College Tokyo and ¥2,120,000 - 3,440,000 for Yokohama International School. Malvern College Tokyo takes pupils from 4 to 17, and Yokohama International School from 3 to 18. Yokohama International School is the larger school, with around 830 pupils to Malvern College Tokyo's 400. Both keep typical class sizes around 19.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
830
Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
19
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2023
Opened
1924
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Malvern College Tokyo is in Kodaira, Tokyo, at 3-2-1 Josuiminamicho, Kodaira 187-0021, Japan. The campus is about a 40-minute commute from central Tokyo and sits in a dense educational area within a 5 km radius of more than 50 institutions, including Hitotsubashi University and Tsuda University. The site encompasses a spacious campus with a four-storey main building and extensive sports facilities on a plot of around 15,577 m².
Location
The Yokohama International School campus is in the Honmoku area of Yokohama, located in Naka-ku in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood. It sits beside the Honmoku Front shopping complex and is well integrated with local shops, parks, and transit routes; there are multiple bus routes serving the area and nearby train access to Tokyo. The campus address is 2-100-1 Kominato-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0802, Japan.
Stages
Stages
Malvern College Tokyo operates as an all‑through school from Pre‑Prep to Upper Sixth (Year 1–13). It is an IB World School accredited for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is a candidate for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school opened in August 2023 and is planned to reach Year 13 by 2027, with capacity to accommodate up to about 950 pupils.
Stages
YIS operates an Early Learning Center for ages 3–5, Elementary School from Kindergarten through Grade 5, Middle School in Grades 6–8, and High School in Grades 9–12. The school follows an IB continuum: Primary Years Program (ELC–Grade 5), Middle Years Program (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Program (Grades 11–12).
School type
School type
Malvern College Tokyo is a co‑educational international day school. It currently operates as a day school and does not offer on‑site boarding.
School type
Co-educational, day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
The school represents 23 nationalities. Nationalities include American, Brazilian, Australian, New Zealander, British, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Chinese, South Korean, Taiwanese and Thai among others; the exact local-to-international pupil ratio is not published.
Pupil nationality mix
The student body includes more than 50 nationalities (the community is highly international). The school has around 808 students, with faculty drawn from multiple countries; the most common nationality is not publicly disclosed.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides a Learning Enhancement Department to support pupils with low to mild Special Educational Needs. All applicants are assessed during admissions to determine learning profiles, and admission for pupils requiring additional support depends on the availability of appropriate resources.
Additional learning support
YIS provides Learning Support for diverse learning needs, working in collaboration with Counselors and EAL teachers to support academics, behavior, and social–emotional development. EAL support is provided across core subjects to help students access the curriculum, and wellness/counseling services are available for social-emotional health.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with Malvern College UK, reflecting a British heritage and governance within the Malvern College family of schools.
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation; the school serves the international community in Yokohama and the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated; the school operates as a secular international IB school.
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day typically runs from 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., with lunch provided on site. The timetable is aligned with IB expectations and age-appropriate class structures.
School day structure
Daily start and end times vary by division and are provided during enrollment. Breakfast is available on campus before the start of the day, and lunch is served in three sittings via Dragon Dining, with a campus café (The Street Café) for breaks. The First Day of School in August 2025 ran from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm as an example of a full-day schedule.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school provides a bus service with multiple routes across Tokyo and a free Kokubunji shuttle. Route A serves Hiroo, Roppongi, and Azabu Juban; Route B serves Futako Tamagawa and Chitose Funabashi; Route C serves Meguro, Shibuya, and Shinjuku; Route D serves Yotsuya and Yurakucho. Bus monitors ensure pupil safety, and admission is subject to seat availability; the Kokubunji shuttle is available for Pre‑Prep to Prep 3 pupils.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service with nearby pick‑ups and stops. From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho, take buses 101, 105, or 106 to Kominato-cho; From Negishi Station take buses 58 or 101 to Honmoku-Miyabara; bus stops near the campus are indicated in the access information.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-time application and enrolment fees
- Application fee: JPY 22,000 (non-refundable). - Registration fee: JPY 300,000 per child (non-refundable, non-transferable). Payment due within 7 days after you confirm acceptance of an offer. - Building development fee: JPY 742,000 per child (non-refundable). This fee applies to pupils who are enrolled under the school's stated building-development charge. Payment due within 7 days after you confirm acceptance of an offer where the fee applies.
Annual tuition fees (by year group) and per-term amounts
- Pre‑Prep (PYP): JPY 2,692,700 per year. Per term: JPY 897,567 (annual divided by three terms; school operates three terms per year). - Prep 1–6 (PYP): JPY 2,662,700 per year. Per term: JPY 887,567 (annual divided by three terms). - Foundation Year 1–3 (MYP): JPY 2,800,600 per year. Per term: JPY 933,533 (annual divided by three terms). - Lower Sixth (The Sixth Form): JPY 2,910,000 per year. Per term: JPY 970,000 (annual divided by three terms). Upper Sixth fees are listed as TBC where applicable.
Note: the per-term figures above are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by three because the school's calendar is organised in three terms. These per-term figures are a calculated breakdown, not a separately published “termly” tariff.
Recurring and additional annual charges
- Facility maintenance fee: JPY 277,500 per year (non-refundable). Payable from a pupil's second year of enrolment. - Sibling discount (Pre‑Prep only): second enrolled child 5% discount; third (and subsequent) child 10% discount (applies to Pre‑Prep fees as stated).
Other costs and typical additional charges
- School bus: multiple routes are operated (Route A–D plus a free shuttle to Kokubunji station). Route map and stops are published; specific bus subscription fees are handled separately and are not shown as a single campus-wide amount on the public fee tables. - Co-curricular activities, optional programmes, summer courses and optional lunches have separate charges (example: summer programme fees and optional lunch charges are published for short courses). These are charged in addition to annual tuition where applicable. - Uniforms, specialist kit, optional examination or external-assessment fees, travel for expeditions and optional residential trips are normally additional and charged separately when applicable; such charges are not bundled into the published annual tuition figures. (The school publishes separate activity/programme fees where applicable.)
Boarding
- Boarding accommodation is not part of the published fee schedule for day pupils at present. Plans to provide a dormitory within a few years have been reported; a boarding tariff is not published in the school's current public fee schedule.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Application fee is payable on submission of an application. Registration fee and any applicable building development fee are payable within seven days after confirmation of acceptance of an offer. Facility maintenance is payable annually from the pupil's second year. - The school expresses fees in Japanese yen (JPY). All published fees are payable in JPY and the school instructs that payments be made by bank transfer; international applicants are provided with SWIFT/BIC details for overseas transfers. Detailed payment instructions and bank details are provided by the Finance/Admissions office when required. - Invoices and precise payment deadlines (for tuition instalments or termly billing) are handled by the school's Finance Office; the public fee pages indicate the timing for acceptance-payment (7 days) for registration/building fees but do not publish a separate termly invoice schedule.
Refund information
- The application fee, the registration fee, the building development fee and the facility maintenance fee are stated as non-refundable. Specific refund rules for tuition payments or for withdrawal/early leaving are not included on the public fee summary pages; separate programme pages (for example short-course refunds) state their own refund windows where applicable.
Accepted payment methods
- Bank transfer (JPY) is the published payment method for application and school fees; SWIFT/BIC information is provided for overseas payments. No general credit-card payment option is published on the school's public fee pages.
Summary of key numeric items (annual amounts)
- Application fee: JPY 22,000. - Registration fee: JPY 300,000 per child. - Building development fee: JPY 742,000 per child (where applicable). - Annual tuition by group: Pre‑Prep JPY 2,692,700; Prep 1–6 JPY 2,662,700; Foundation Year 1–3 (MYP) JPY 2,800,600; Lower Sixth JPY 2,910,000. - Facility maintenance fee: JPY 277,500 per year from year two.
(Per-term tuition figures above are the annual fees divided by three because the school's published calendar runs on a three-term academic year; the per-term figures are calculated values derived from the published annual tuition and the published term structure.)
Fee details
One-time fees
- Application Fee: JPY 50,000 (non-refundable). - Registration Fee: JPY 1,350,000 (non-refundable; payment due within 14 days of acceptance).
Annual tuition by year group (with per-term amounts)
- Early Learning Center – Half Day: Annual tuition JPY 2,025,000. Per term (two equal installments): JPY 1,012,500. - Early Learning Center – Full Day: Annual tuition JPY 2,495,000. Per term: JPY 1,247,500. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: Annual tuition JPY 3,060,000. Per term: JPY 1,530,000. - Grades 6 – 11: Annual tuition JPY 3,190,000. Per term: JPY 1,595,000. - Grade 12: Annual tuition JPY 3,285,000. Per term: JPY 1,642,500.
- Campus Development Fee (annual): JPY 385,000. This fee is charged annually and is not prorated.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing: Tuition is billed in two equal installments (two terms). Installment due dates: July 31 and December 8. - Mid-year enrollments: Tuition is prorated by quarters for mid-year entries; the Campus Development Fee is not prorated. - Re-enrollment deposit: JPY 300,000 due by April 15 to secure placement for the following year. - Late payment: Fees overdue by 30 days incur a 2.5% monthly late charge. - Registration fee payment: Due within 14 days of acceptance and non-refundable. Application fee is non-refundable.
Payment methods and banking details
- Primary payment method indicated: international bank transfer. Include the student's full name or invoice number in payment details for correct processing.
- Bank of Yokohama: - SWIFT: HAMAJPJT - Motomachi Branch (311) - Savings Account: 1708779 - Account Name: Yokohama International School.
What the tuition covers
- Tuition includes school‑issued technology (computers/tablets), most expeditions and field trips, and IB Diploma (IBDP), ISA, and PSAT examination fees (excluding resits).
Additional costs billed separately
- School bus service (separate charge). - Uniforms (separate charge). - Cafeteria services (separate charge). - Certain extracurricular activities (separate charge).
All of the above are billed in addition to tuition where applicable.
Boarding fees
- Boarding fees: Not applicable. No boarding or boarding fees are listed in the school's tuition and fees schedule.
Refund and withdrawal policy
- Notice of withdrawal must be submitted in writing. - In principle there are no refunds of tuition. The only exceptions noted are partial refund of deposit or in cases where the student has been enrolled for less than the first five days of that semester.
Other financial notes
- Scholarships: Scholarships are available through a Corporate Contribution Program for students whose parents' employers participate; details are managed by the school's Business Office. - For payment processing, always include the student's full name or invoice number to ensure correct allocation of funds.
Contact for billing enquiries
- Admissions/Business Office email provided for payment inquiries.
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
Malvern College Tokyo delivers the International Baccalaureate across its full range, from Pre-Prep to Upper Sixth, with English as the language of instruction and daily Japanese supporting bilingual education. The Preparatory Years (Prep 1–6) follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning and culminate in the PYP Exhibition. Senior Years comprise Foundation Years 1–3, Remove and Hundred, building into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with eight subject groups, interdisciplinary units and Service as Action. Sixth Form offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) aligned with IB standards, with students studying one subject from each of the six groups plus the DP core elements (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS). From 2026 onward, Malvern College Tokyo plans to extend to Year 13 by 2027, aiming for up to 950 pupils.
Curriculum details
YIS delivers instruction in English and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from the Early Learning Center through Grade 5; the Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grades 6 to 10; and the Diploma Programme (DP) runs in Grades 11 and 12. In addition to the IB Diploma, students may earn IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, service learning, and well-being, with field trips, expeditions, and a range of clubs. English is the language of instruction, with an English as an Additional Language program to support learners.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
External examinations are part of the Diploma Programme assessment. YIS publishes external exam results. Details are accessible through the DP results reporting.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Graduates are well prepared for higher education at universities around the world. YIS offers pathways including the IB Diploma, IB Certificates, the YIS Diploma, and the Global Citizen Diploma. Graduates pursue higher education worldwide with the credential mix available through YIS.
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)
—
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
Step 1 – Enquiry: The process begins by completing the Enquiry Form. Families are encouraged to speak with the Admissions Team and to arrange a visit to experience Malvern College Tokyo firsthand. You may also email the Admissions Team directly to share basic details about your child and to request guidance on next steps. This stage signals initial interest and sets up the opportunity for a campus visit and a later assessment.
Step 2 – Visit Us: A personalised campus tour or a scheduled Friday tour is available to experience the school's atmosphere, facilities and teaching approach. You will see how the IB PYP Programme, IB MYP Programme and the planned IB Diploma pathways shape day‑to‑day learning in a British‑style international school environment. This visit helps families decide whether the ethos and environment suit their child.
Step 3 – Registration: After your enquiry, you should complete the Online Application and pay the Registration Fee. Before applying, review the Age Guidelines to confirm the appropriate year group for your child, and use a desktop or laptop for the online form if possible. The online application requires uploading a photograph and all required documentation, and you must pay the non‑refundable application/registration sequence: 22,000 JPY application fee and 300,000 JPY Registration Fee per child. All steps must be completed before an assessment and interview can be arranged.
Step 4 – Entrance Assessments: The Admissions process includes phase-based assessments for 2026‑27. Phase 1 runs August to mid‑October 2025, Phase 2 from mid‑October 2025 to mid‑January 2026 (results by end February 2026), and Phase 3 from mid‑January 2026 to mid‑March 2026 (results by end April 2026). Assessments are age‑appropriate and include an English interview supplemented by Japanese; the format varies by age. Pre‑Prep uses observation sessions, Prep 1–3 combines English interviews with parent/ pupil discussion, and Prep 4+ adds an age‑specific online assessment and a written task in English, followed by a parent–pupil interview. Where applicable, candidates also undergo an externally moderated CAT4 online assessment to measure cognitive abilities.
Step 5 – Outcome: After completing the assessments, the admissions panel decides on placement based on the application, latest school reports (if available), assessment results, language proficiency, and other entry criteria. A formal offer may be issued if a place is available; waiting lists are sometimes in operation, and the Admissions Team provides updates on the likelihood of future enrolment when relevant. Decisions and any waitlist status are communicated to families as soon as possible.
Notes on language, assessment, and logistics: English is the main medium of instruction, with mandatory daily Japanese lessons and EAL support as needed. Interviews are conducted primarily in English, with Japanese support as required. Remote interviews or online assessments are possible for families not in Japan, though some year levels may require an in-person visit.
Admissions timing and ongoing enrollment: Applications are accepted throughout the school year via the online platform, and early applications are advised to secure a place given high demand for IB provision.
Location and contact: Malvern College Tokyo is located at 3‑2‑1 Josuiminamicho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187‑0021.
Admissions
1. Eligibility. The school accepts applicants who are foreign nationals or Japanese nationals with prior international education. At least one residing parent must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English. Applicants must live with at least one parent within commuting distance while enrolled at YIS.
2. Admissions Portal and Pre-application. Start with the Pre-application Form to provide basic information and create an account for the Admissions Portal. If a child is already enrolled at YIS, begin the process in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Admissions option. The school year runs from August to June.
3. Our Admissions Team Reviews Your Pre-application. The Admissions Team reviews the pre-application to confirm eligibility and may request additional information by email. If there are issues regarding eligibility, follow-up communication will occur.
4. Complete Application in The Admissions Portal and Pay Application Fee. Return to the Admissions Portal to complete the forms and upload required documents so the school can form a full picture of the child's suitability for the program. Payment of the application fee is part of this step.
5. Document Submission. Submit all requested documents through the Admissions Portal to support the application review. Ensuring all documents are uploaded helps avoid delays in processing.
6. Application Review & Notification Of Admission Decision. The Admissions team reviews the complete application and aims to notify applicants within a few weeks for overseas submissions. There is rolling admission for overseas applicants due to space constraints. For entry at the beginning of the school year (August), apply by early March (early February for high school).
7. Respond To Admissions Decision. If admitted, the family should respond to the admission decision to indicate whether they will enroll. This response typically follows the notification of the decision.
8. Complete Online Enrollment and Pay Registration Fee. After accepting the offer, complete online enrollment and pay the registration fee to secure a place.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Overview: Malvern College Tokyo offers a scholarships programme to recognise pupils with exceptional talent, dedication and potential. Scholarships are available for the 2026‑27 academic year and can be awarded by nomination or application. Categories include Academic Scholarships, Performing Arts Scholarships, Visual Arts/Design Scholarships and Sports Scholarships. External candidates must complete the general admissions process (regular application and application fee, online assessment, and admissions interview) and scholarship assessment is conducted in parallel with the regular process.
1) Academic Scholarships: Available to pupils entering Foundation Year 1 and above; these recognise outstanding academic knowledge and scholarly potential within the IB programme. Scholars are expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic, independent thinking, and high performance across subjects.
2) Performing Arts Scholarships: Open to pupils in Prep 5 (Prep 5) and above who show exceptional talent in music or drama and who can contribute to the school's artistic life; auditions or performance evidence are required depending on discipline.
3) Visual Arts/Design Scholarships: Open to FY1 (Year 7) onwards for those with genuine talent in visual arts or design; scholars are expected to contribute artwork to school life and competitions.
4) Sports Scholarships: Open to Prep 5 (Year 5) and above for athletes with high-level ability; scholars are expected to participate in school teams and demonstrate commitment to training. Special consideration may be given to athletes competing at club, national or international levels.
Who can apply and process: Scholarships are available to both internal and external candidates. External candidates must submit a scholarship application, personal statement and supporting documents, and then complete the regular admissions process (application, online assessment, and interview) before scholarship decisions are made. Short-listed candidates are invited to a scholarship selection interview, and final decisions are made by the MCT Scholarship Panel, which considers overall merit. Internal candidates follow the same pathway but may have internal forms and recommendations handled through school channels. For applications, downloadable scholarship forms and required documentation are provided, including a principal/mentor recommendation, a passport copy, school reports, and a recent photo. bursaries are also available for families needing financial support.
Expatriate fee remission: There is a Fee Remission Policy for expatriate families linked to corporate partnerships, providing a tuition remission of 10% to 20% for three years depending on partnership level. This policy targets families joining from multinational companies and supports collaboration across research, mentoring, and joint initiatives.
How to apply: All candidates must submit a scholarship application and a personal statement outlining academic, personal and cocurricular strengths, as well as supporting documents (including passport copy, school reports, and recommendation forms). Short-listed candidates may be required to undergo additional assessments or auditions as part of the scholarship selection process. External candidates' scholarship applications are processed alongside their regular admissions application.
Bursaries: Bursaries are available for families requiring financial assistance, including expatriate families relocating to Tokyo; bursary applications are open to pupils across year groups from Prep 1 onwards. For bursary information, contact the Admissions Team.
Sibling discount: A 5% sibling discount is offered to the second enrolled child and 10% to the third (or more) for Pre-Prep fees; this discount applies only to Pre-Prep fees and ends when the pupil moves to Prep 1.
Contact for scholarships: For enquiries about scholarships or bursaries, email the Admissions Team.
Scholarships
Corporate Contribution Program (CCP): The CCP is a corporate scholarship program for organizations that cover expatriate employees' educational expenses. Donations fund corporate scholarships for dependents and support the school's fundraising and facilities. CCP donations are not taxable as personal income in Japan under an authorized agreement; contact the business manager for details on eligibility and participation.
Chowa Scholarship Fund: The school is launching the Chowa Scholarship Fund in 2026–2027 to provide need-based financial assistance to students facing hardship. The fund is designed to promote equity and inclusion so students can continue to thrive at YIS.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting lists are sometimes in operation. When in effect, the Admissions Team provides up-to-date information on the likelihood of future enrolment and the status of applying families. This means that even after an assessment, a place may be offered later or kept on a waiting list, depending on availability and the cohort balance.
Waitlist
When the number of eligible applicants exceeds available spaces, applicants may be placed in a wait pool if deemed acceptable. Priority is given to siblings of current students, children of YIS staff and alumni, returning students, and dependents of organizations participating in our Corporate Contribution Program (CCP). Applicants in the wait pool are requested to submit updated school reports to confirm continued interest.