One World International School Osaka vs Osaka YMCA International School
One World International School Osaka and Osaka YMCA International School are both in Osaka, about 8 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are ¥1,474,200 - 1,783,080 at One World International School Osaka and ¥1,638,000 - 2,168,000 at Osaka YMCA International School, which puts Osaka YMCA International School roughly 17% higher. One World International School Osaka takes pupils from 3 to 14, and Osaka YMCA International School from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 250 and 300 pupils. Typical class sizes are 18 at One World International School Osaka and 20 at Osaka YMCA International School.
OWIS Osaka is located at 3-1-39 Shariji, Ikuno-ku, Osaka 544-0022, on the site of the former Kyu-sono Elementary School. The campus sits in Osaka's Ikuno Ward and is accessible by train, city bus, and car. A dedicated OWIS School Bus operates on multiple routes, and an on-demand Ikuno-ku Shuttle Bus serves students from several stations.
Location
OYIS operates on two campuses in central Osaka. The Nakatsu Campus is in Kita-ku, just northwest of Osaka's major transport hub, Umeda. The Tosabori Campus is located in the Osaka YMCA headquarters building in the city's business district, in Nishi-ku. Both campuses are within easy reach of public transportation.
Stages
Stages
OWIS Osaka currently offers Early Childhood to Grade 8 (ages 3-14). Grade 12 is planned to open in 2029, with new grades added gradually to build toward a full K12 offer.
Stages
Nakatsu Campus serves ages 3–14, housing the Early Childhood, Primary Years, and lower Middle Years programmes. The Tosabori Campus serves older students, including the upper Middle Years and Diploma Programme (ages roughly 14–18). The school offers the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
School type
School type
OWIS Osaka is a co-educational day international school.
School type
OYIS is a private international school that operates as a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
OWIS Osaka presents a multicultural, international student community but does not publish a numeric breakdown of nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
The school reports over 300 students with a diverse international mix. The About page indicates 34 nationalities represented, while the homepage lists 40 nationalities in some updates; a precise local-to-international ratio and the single most represented nationality are not published.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
OWIS Osaka provides English Language Support through Academic English Preparation (AEP), a Four Month Transition Programme, and After-School Intensive English Clubs. All core subjects are taught in English, with targeted language support available to students as needed.
Additional learning support
Inclusion is integral to OYIS. The school identifies barriers to inclusion and uses a Student Support Team and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students with mild to moderate learning needs. EAL support is provided across PYP and MYP/DP through a variety of delivery models, including in-class and targeted support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
OWIS Osaka has no formal country affiliation; it operates as part of the global OWIS network with campuses in multiple countries.
Country affiliation
The school is based in Osaka, Japan. No formal country affiliation is listed.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
OWIS Osaka has no religious affiliation; religion is not practised at the school.
Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation listed for OYIS.
School day structure
School day structure
School hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. After-school programmes and clubs extend beyond the core day as part of the ACES offering.
School day structure
Detailed daily start/end times for the regular school day are not published here. A Saturday English program runs from 9:00 to 15:00 (Nakatsu Campus). Office hours for external programs are typically 8:30–17:30 on Tue–Fri, and Saturday class hours are 9:30–15:00, per program pages.
Bus service details
Bus service details
OWIS Osaka provides a dedicated school bus service with multiple routes. There is an on-demand Ikuno-ku shuttle bus serving several stations; the on-demand service charges ¥110 for children and ¥210 for adults per journey between stops.
Bus service details
A school bus is provided to and from designated train stations around the Nakatsu campus in the mornings and afternoons for Preschool to Grade 8. The Tosabori campus is not on the bus route and relies on public transport; a shuttle between campuses is offered when needed.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Academic year and currency
- Fees apply to Academic Year 2025–26 and are quoted in Japanese Yen (JPY). Fees include consumption tax.
Application fee (one-time)
- Application fee: JPY 80,000, one-time, non-refundable. This application fee applies across age groups.
Early Childhood — 2, 1, & Kindergarten (Ages 3–6)
- Tuition fee (per term): JPY 458,640 (term tuition; discounts not yet applied). - Building fee (per term): JPY 32,760. - Total recurring cost per term: JPY 491,400. (There are three terms per year; equivalent annual termly total: JPY 1,474,200.) - Yearly resource fee: JPY 50,000, yearly, non-refundable. - Discounts available: Founders Family Discount — 5% off tuition (promotion noted on the fees schedule); Sibling Discount — 25% off tuition (one discount may be applied per child).
Primary Years — Grades 1 to 5 (Ages 6–11)
- Tuition fee (per term): JPY 527,801 (term tuition; discounts not yet applied). - Building fee (per term): JPY 32,760. - Total recurring cost per term: JPY 560,561. (Three terms per year; equivalent annual termly total: JPY 1,681,683.) - Yearly resource fee: JPY 70,000, yearly, non-refundable. - Discounts available: Founders Family Discount — 5% off tuition (promotion noted on the fees schedule); Sibling Discount — 25% off tuition (one discount may be applied per child).
Junior Secondary — Grades 6 to 8 (Ages 11–14)
- Tuition fee (per term): JPY 561,600 (term tuition; discounts not yet applied). - Building fee (per term): JPY 32,760. - Total recurring cost per term: JPY 594,360. (Three terms per year; equivalent annual termly total: JPY 1,783,080.) - Yearly resource fee: JPY 70,000, yearly, non-refundable. - Discounts available: Founders Family Discount — 5% off tuition (promotion noted on the fees schedule); Sibling Discount — 25% off tuition (one discount may be applied per child).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school year is organised into three terms. Termly recurring fees must be paid for the full term before the invoice ‘Last Date of Payment'. The payment deadline for the first and every subsequent term is one month before school starts. Late fee charges will be applied for delayed payments. - All listed fees already include the 10% consumption tax and may change if Japan's consumption tax is revised. - Tuition and other recurring school fees (after initial fees) must be paid by auto-debit deduction only.
Boarding
- Boarding is not offered; OWIS Osaka operates as a day school with stated school hours and on-campus access arrangements.
School bus / transport fees (additional cost, termly)
- A dedicated OWIS school-bus service is available; bus fees are charged per student per term and vary by route and stop. Examples of termly bus costs by route/stop include (indicative): JPY 160,000; JPY 150,000; JPY 140,000; JPY 120,000; JPY 100,000; JPY 80,000; JPY 65,000; JPY 40,000 — exact termly cost depends on the route and stop chosen. Bus seat allocations and route schedules are managed by the school.
Other costs and optional purchases
- Resource fees (annual) are charged as noted above and are non-refundable. Application fees are one-time and non-refundable. - Books, uniforms, and related school materials are provided/sold as related services and are charged separately. Payment methods for purchases and related services (books, uniforms, etc.) include credit card and bank transfer for those transactions; bank-transfer fees may apply.
Refund information
- Application fees and the annual resource fees are stated as non-refundable. - Refunds for other items or charges are possible only with school management approval; refund requests are subject to the school's approval process.
Fee payment options
- Recurring tuition and term fees: auto-debit deduction only. - Purchases related to education (books, uniform, shop items): payment methods may include credit card and bank transfer; bank-transfer fees may apply.
Notes on discounts and promotions
- Founders Family Discount: 5% off tuition (promotion details and applicable registration dates are indicated in the school's fee schedule). Sibling Discount: 25% off tuition. Only one discount may be applied per child.
Contact for payments and enquiries
- For specific questions about bus routes and exact termly transport costs, contact the school's admissions or transport team. Published contact numbers and campus address are provided with the campus information.
Fee details
Application and one‑time admissions fees
- Application (Admissions) Fee: ¥30,000 for Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades 1–9; ¥22,000 for Grades 10–12. This application fee is required at the time of application and is non‑refundable.
- Registration Fee (one‑time at enrolment): ¥300,000 for Preschool through Grades 9; ¥200,000 for Grades 10–12. The registration fee is not refundable once paid.
Annual tuition and fee breakdown by school year group (2025–2026 academic year)
For each grade band below I list: Tuition (annual), Development Fee (annual), Insurance (annual), and the Annual Total (sum). The school issues invoices across the school year (see Billing schedule). Amounts are in Japanese yen (¥).
- Grades 10–12: - Tuition (annual): ¥670,000 (note: tuition for Grades 10–12 may be supported by Japanese government schemes; actual family payment can vary). - Development Fee (annual): ¥1,498,000. - Insurance (annual): ¥7,000. - Annual Total: ¥2,175,000.
Per‑billing (per‑term) amounts
- The school invoices tuition and fees over three billing periods. Use the Annual Total divided by three to estimate each invoice amount (rounded to the nearest yen): - Preschool: approximately ¥548,333 per invoice. - Kindergarten: approximately ¥579,667 per invoice. - Grades 1–6: ¥632,000 per invoice. - Grades 7–9: approximately ¥700,333 per invoice. - Grades 10–12: ¥725,000 per invoice. - The school's standard invoicing schedule and specific installment deadlines are shown in the published fee information; paying in installments may incur an additional charge (see Payment terms).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoicing: tuition and fees are invoiced across three periods during the school year (the school issues bills in June, November and February).
- Installment deadlines (published for the 2025–2026 schedule): First installment: June 6, 2025; Second installment: December 5, 2025; Third installment: March 6, 2026. When using the school's installment arrangement, a surcharge of 3% applies to installment payments (this 3% surcharge does not apply to Grades 10–12).
- Refunds and withdrawing before enrolment: once paid, tuition and fees (excluding the registration fee) will be refunded only if the school receives a written notice of withdrawal by the day prior to the date of enrollment (the school's “Declining an Offer of Admission” procedure applies). The application fee is non‑refundable.
Boarding fees
- There are no boarding facilities at Osaka YMCA International School; therefore no boarding fees apply.
Other school costs and recurring service fees
- Bus (Nakatsu campus only): annual bus fee ¥60,000 (available from designated stops).
- Lunch: monthly lunch charges vary by grade and month; examples published for 2025–2026 show a monthly range (Small: ¥5,400–¥15,600 intended for EC–G4; Medium: ¥5,850–¥16,900 intended for G4–G8). No lunch service is available at the Tosabori campus (Grades 9–12).
- After‑care (Preschool–G3): typical session charges ¥1,500 per session (Monday–Friday 15:40–17:30); Wednesday session options and late‑pickup charges are published (additional ¥1,500 for late pickups after 17:30).
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) Fee: ¥175,000/year for selected students in Grades 1–12 (no EAL fee for Preschool and Kindergarten where not applicable). Fees for EAL are required for selected students and may be refundable if the student exits the program during the school year.
- Overnight trip and extracurricular charges (examples): an extracurricular overnight collection of ¥30,000 for Grades 4–5 and ¥70,000 for Grade 6; Grades 7–9 are charged for mandatory overnight excursions at the beginning of the year (actual costs may result in additional collections). Grade 10 has a published Extended Overnight Trip Fee of ¥200,000. New Grade 12 students are billed an additional fee of ¥140,000 to cover IB Diploma assessment and shipping fees. Any remaining trip monies are carried over or refunded on leaving as applicable.
- School services bookings and small activity payments: services and activity fees booked via the SchoolsBuddy system are paid by credit card through that portal.
Fee payment methods and contact for accounts
- Invoice payments (tuition and major fees): payable by bank transfer using the bank details shown on each invoice.
- Service, activity and portal payments: payable by credit card via the SchoolsBuddy online payment portal; parents may also access a SchoolsBuddy wallet and make online payments at any time.
- For billing questions the Accounts Department contact is provided by the school; billing communications and the official billing documents give the accounts email for queries.
Additional notes about special cases of fees
- Grades 10–12 tuition may be reduced through Japanese government support programs; the amount of support varies by address and income and may reduce the family's tuition obligation (support can range up to the published amount noted by the school). Extra fees tied to the IB Diploma (assessment, shipping) are charged separately for Grade 12 new entrants.
(End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
OWIS Osaka uses an inquiry-based, student-centered international curriculum grounded in IB methodology and Global Schools Group practices. The program emphasizes values-driven education, critical thinking, creativity, and real-world connections, delivered by certified teachers in class sizes of 18 or fewer. OWIS Osaka currently offers Early Childhood (3-5), Primary (5-11), and Junior Secondary (11-16); Senior Secondary (16-18) is planned, with the campus operating EC to Grade 8 (ages 3-14) and Grade 12 opening in 2029. The school is pursuing the IB Primary Years Programme and is a candidate for the PYP. English language support is provided through the Academic English Preparation (AEP) and transition programmes, plus after-school English clubs. Technology-rich learning is integrated through Programming & Robotics, 3D printing, Nikon Photography Studio, Apple labs, and student devices.
Curriculum details
Osaka YMCA International School provides a complete IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 6–12 (grades 1–6); Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 12–16 (grades 7–10); and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18 (grades 11–12). In the PYP, learning centers on six Key Learning Areas—English, Japanese, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, Visual Arts and Music, and Physical Health and Well-being—taught through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, with a culminating PYP Exhibition. The MYP emphasizes inquiry-based, concept-driven learning with Approaches to Learning and strong interdisciplinarity; the MYP/DP Course Catalog shows disciplines including Language & Literature, Design, Music & Visual Arts, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Language Acquisition, Sciences, Physical Education and Health, and Interdisciplinary Learning, all designed to prepare students for the Diploma Programme and beyond. The Diploma Programme was authorized in February 2021 and first graduated in 2023; there are three graduation pathways for DP students—IB Diploma Programme, IB Diploma Programme Course, and the WASC Diploma—with university counseling to support applications. Across PYP, MYP and DP the language of instruction is English, and all students are required to take two language courses, with offerings including English, Japanese, and Korean.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions Process (4-step).
1. Initial contact and campus visit. Reach out to the Osaka admissions counsellor, who will be your assistant and guide through the rest of the process. Tell them you would like a tour of the campus and set a convenient date. The counsellor provides information about OWIS Osaka's programmes and what to expect during the visit, and can advise on next steps. For relocations within Japan or from afar, the counsellor can share a relocation guide and discuss timelines (research typically 6–12 months in advance for city-to-city moves).
2. Application review and fee instructions. After you visit, the admissions counsellor reviews the application form and directs you on how to pay the online application fee. They walk you through any required documents and answer questions about program placement and entry requirements. This step ensures you understand what is needed before proceeding with the formal application.
3. On-site logistics and resources. Return to the school to meet Student Services, who will provide uniforms, photo IDs, and school resources. They can also arrange lunches and school bus services if needed. This step covers practical arrangements to support a smooth first weeks after enrollment.
4. Financing and enrollment confirmation. Meet with the finance department to pay for the first term tuition fees. Once the payment is completed, the child is ready to start school. If the application has been accepted, OWIS Osaka welcomes the child into the school community and confirms enrollment details.
Language of instruction and English support (context for admissions). OWIS Osaka uses English as the language of instruction for core subjects. English language support pathways are available, including Academic English Preparation (AEP), a four-month transition programme, and After-School Intensive English clubs to support learners at different stages of language development.
Relocation and ongoing inquiries. The admissions team can assist with transfers between OWIS campuses and between schools, and there is a relocation guide for moving between cities or countries within Japan. Rolling admissions are available year-round, with August (start of the academic year) and the December or April terms highlighted as advantageous entry points when possible.
Fees and admissions integration (summary for families). The school outlines a fee structure for the Osaka campus that applies to the 2025–26 academic year, with term-based tuition, a building fee, a yearly resource fee, and one-time application fees. Details by grade band are provided, and discounts for families (sibling and founder/family discounts) are noted. (See Fees section for full breakdown.)
Admissions
Osaka YMCA International School (OYIS) uses a rolling admissions process that operates when vacancies exist. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year close on March 6, 2026. OYIS accepts applications online, and families can start by submitting an inquiry to begin the process. The Admissions Officer will contact you to verify the information provided and outline the next steps.
1. Submit an inquiry: Parents submit an online inquiry to initiate contact. The Admissions Officer will reach out to confirm basic information about the child and family and to outline the required documents and steps ahead. This initial contact helps clarify eligibility and fit for the IB continuum program.
2. Admissions Officer verification: The Admissions Officer verifies the information provided in the inquiry. This includes confirming the child's current grade level and country of residence, as well as any special considerations (language support needs, accessibility, etc.). The goal is to ensure that both the family and school have aligned expectations before formal applications proceed.
3. Submit the online application and pay admissions fee: The application is submitted through the online portal, and families must pay a non-refundable Admissions Fee at the time of submission. The Admissions Fee is distinct from other tuition-related charges and signals the start of the formal admissions review. Detailed instructions are provided in the online application.
4. Initial application review: The Admissions Officer conducts an initial review of the submitted application materials. This review assesses eligibility, completeness, and alignment with OYIS's IB programmes. Only when the review indicates potential fit does the process move to the next stage.
5. Documents screening: The OYIS Admissions Team screens the documents in the file. This step ensures that required transcripts, birth certificates, passports, and other materials are complete and appropriate for verification. Only candidates deemed successful at this stage proceed to testing and interviews.
6. Online tests: Online assessments are administered. Reading ability is assessed for entries from Kindergarten through Grade 11, and Math is assessed for entries from Grade 7 through Grade 11. These tests help determine readiness for the IB curriculum and placement.
7. Principal interviews: Following testing, interviews are arranged with the school's Principal(s). These interviews provide an opportunity for families to ask questions and for the school to assess fit with the IB philosophy and classroom culture. Both student and parent participation are typical components.
8. Second review: A second review is conducted by the relevant Principals and Coordinators. This review considers test results, interview outcomes, and all submitted documentation to determine final eligibility. The aim is a holistic assessment of the student's potential success at OYIS.
9. In-class observation invitation (mid-year candidates): For candidates applying mid-year, OYIS may invite an in-class observation. This step allows teachers to observe the student's interaction, engagement, and learning style in a real classroom setting before a final decision. Availability of this step depends on timing and vacancy status.
10. Admission decision: OYIS communicates a formal admission decision if the student is recommended for placement. This decision follows the completion of all prior steps and the second review. Families receive notification with next steps and timelines for enrollment.
11. Invoicing of registration and tuition: If admitted, registration fees and the applicable tuition fees are invoiced. The invoicing reflects the grade-specific fee structure and any additional charges that may apply. Families should review the invoicing details closely for deadlines and payment options.
12. Enrollment after payment: The student is enrolled once the required payments are completed and all enrollment paperwork is finalized. Enrollment confirms seat placement and access to the school's services, including transportation options and start dates.
Additional notes that affect admissions: OYIS does not provide visa sponsorship for students. Families should plan accordingly for visa requirements through other channels. The school operates across two campuses, Nakatsu and Tosabori, with different program placements across the two sites.
Scholarships
Scholarships
OWIS Japan Scholarships are annual awards managed under the Global Schools Group (GSG), with a one-month application cycle. These scholarships aim to support meritorious students from moderate-income families and provide access to OWIS's programs and facilities. Availability includes multiple named awards, each with its own grade eligibility and duration (typically 1 year). The current offerings include: - OWIS Community Scholarship for Financial Assistance (All grades, Early Childhood to Grade 12; 1 year; Deed required). - OWIS Excellence Scholarship for Academic Achievements (Grade 6–9; 1 year). - OWIS Creativity Award (Grade 6–8; 1 year) – listed as Closed. - OWIS Innovation Award (Grade 6–8; 1 year) – listed as Closed.
These scholarships are designed to attract meritorious students and support a diverse, inclusive OWIS community across 20+ nationalities. Language: Japanese and English materials note the availability and application cycles; the OSC has a last-updated date of 2026-01-16, reflecting current offerings.
Scholarships
OYIS offers several scholarships. The Achievement Award recognizes academic excellence, community engagement, and international mindedness and can provide up to 100% scholarship for students entering Grades 10 or 11. The process includes a scholarship exam, a personal essay, and an interview, with results announced in the fall and testing taking place in January/February. Details of this award are provided in the admissions materials.
The Community Support Financial Grant (CSFG) supports families in financial need who wish to access international education. Eligibility criteria include understanding and supporting OYIS's educational philosophy, financial need, school volunteering, membership in a Parent Volunteer/Parent Ambassador group, income verification documents, and English-language communication with the school. Applications for CSFG open in February and March annually.
In addition, OYIS conducts an annual Scholarship Exam for the Diploma Programme pathway for the 2026-2027 year. The 2026-2027 Scholarship Exam is scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Tosabori Campus and online for remote participants, with no participation fee. Successful examinees may receive scholarships toward Grades 10 and 11, up to 100%, depending on exam results and government assistance applications. The exam supports two scholarship tracks: academic-based (math & English) and arts-based (visual arts & music).
Eligibility for scholarships typically includes age guidelines (students in the 10th and 11th grades for 2026-27), visa status (OYIS does not sponsor visas), and the ability to relocate or commute to Osaka. Details about the scholarship process and timelines are published in the school materials and on the scholarships pages.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waitlist or pool information is not published as a separate system. OWIS Osaka operates rolling admissions year-round, and seat availability can fluctuate as spaces fill quickly. For current seat availability, families are advised to contact the admissions team promptly. The policy indicates rolling admissions with best opportunities at the start of the academic year (August), and also in December or April when possible.
Waitlist
OYIS publishes a rolling admissions process that depends on vacancies; there is no publicly described waitlist or pooled admissions system. Applicants are considered as vacancies exist, with a defined close date for the 2026-2027 cycle of March 6, 2026. If a vacancy arises, applications may be reviewed and admitted on a rolling basis rather than via a formal waitlist.