KIU Academy - Kyoto International University Academy

KIU Academy (Kyoto International University Academy) offers a bilingual (English and Japanese) program and accepts students into Grade 1 and Grades 2–12. Admissions are conducted with a clear, grade‑based process and, for some applicants, flexible entry points (including overseas and returnee families). The information below follows the official admissions steps and timelines published for KIU Academy.

Grade 1 Admissions Process

1. Application Period. Applications are accepted in two periods this year: Period 1 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, and Period 2 from October 1 to November 28, 2025. The school recommends applying during Period 1 when possible, regardless of location, with Period 2 remaining open mainly for returnee students and overseas families. Plan ahead for the period you choose and confirm any required documentation early.

2. How to Apply. Submit the following items by registered mail: (1) Application form with a 2.4 cm × 3 cm photo attached, (2) Academic documents (transcripts) from the last school attended, (3) Any existing academic test results (optional), (4) an application fee of ¥25,000. Use the Bank of Kyoto Osumi branch for the transfer to the Kyoto International University account. If you don't receive a receipt within a week, contact the admissions office.

3. Examination Schedule. There are two possible periods for examinations: Period 1 in late August 2025 and Period 2 in late November 2025. The exact date and arrival time for a school visit are communicated individually. Applications are reviewed across documents and interviews.

4. Test Method. The admissions review includes evaluation of the submitted documents and interviews involving the student and their parent/guardian. The school does not discuss admission decisions in advance.

5. Placement Tests. Placement tests cover English and Japanese. The tests are administered during the interview and help determine the class placement after enrollment based on demonstrated ability.

6. Notification of Results. For Period 1, results are dispatched on September 12, 2025; for Period 2, results are dispatched on December 12, 2025. The dispatch dates are fixed once the period is selected.

7. Enrollment Process. Accepted applicants must transfer the entrance fee by the specified date: September 26, 2025 (Period 1) or December 26, 2025 (Period 2). Delays in payment may result in denial of admission if seats are no longer available.

Tuition and Fees (Grade 1) — First Year Totals

- First Year Total: 1,453,000 yen, comprising Entrance Fee of 300,000 yen, Course Registration Fee of 50,000 yen, Facilities Fee of 150,000 yen, and Tuition of 953,000 yen. All fees are subject to change.
- Notes: Tuition is stated as 953,000 yen (tuition per trimester is noted as 370,000 yen, with three trimesters per year). Other miscellaneous items include optional summer programs, clubs, and school supplies. Application/entrance fees are non‑refundable. Sibling discounts and government enrollment support may apply in appropriate cases. Financial aid may be available for those who need it, with documents requested through the admissions office.

Grade 2–12 Admissions Process

1. Application Period. Applications for Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 enrollment begin July 1, 2025 and continue onward. Availability is grade‑dependent, so applicants should check with the admissions office about current capacity in their target grade. The form used for Grade 1 is the same as that used for Grade 2–12.

2. How to Apply. Submit the same set of materials as Grade 1 by registered mail: (1) Application form with a 2.4 cm × 3 cm photo attached, (2) Academic documents (transcripts from the last school attended), (3) Any existing academic test results (optional), (4) an application fee of ¥25,000. Bank transfer details are the same as for Grade 1. If you do not receive a receipt within a week, contact the admissions office.

3. Examination Schedule. Details of the examination schedule for Grades 2–12 are provided by the admissions office; applicants should contact the office for the current timetable.

4. Test Method. The process includes document review and interviews with students and their parents/guardians. The school notes that admission decisions cannot be discussed in advance.

5. Placement Tests. Placement tests cover English, Japanese, and Math. These tests are administered at the interview, and results help place students into the appropriate class after enrollment.

6. Notification of Results. Results are provided within two weeks after the interview.

7. Enrollment Process. Bank transfer of the designated fees is due within two weeks of notification of acceptance.

Fees (Grade 2–12) — First Year Totals

- First Year Total (Grade 2–12): Entrance Fee 300,000 yen; Course Registration 50,000 yen; Facilities 150,000 yen; Tuition 953,000 yen; Total 1,453,000 yen. All fees are subject to change.
- Notes: Miscellaneous fees include optional summer programs, clubs, and school supplies. Annual payment options are available for Spring entrants; Fall/Winter entrants use by‑term or by‑month options. A sibling discount may apply; 10th–12th graders are eligible for government enrollment support; financial aid may be available for families needing assistance.

Returnees & Overseas Students Admissions (Additional Path)

KIU Academy provides a flexible admissions path for returnees and overseas students. Enrollment is available in Spring, Fall, and Winter, and the school year runs from April to March. Online interviews are available for overseas applicants, reducing the need to travel to Japan for the interview, though in‑person interviews may be requested after arrival for specific needs. Classes are scheduled to align with each student's English and Japanese proficiency, and alumni have progressed to universities both in Japan and abroad.

Language of Instruction and General Considerations

KIU Academy operates bilingual instruction in English and Japanese, with a curriculum designed to support students as they develop proficiency in both languages. This bilingual approach is highlighted as part of the school's mission to provide education that goes beyond mere language proficiency.

KIU Academy does not publish a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. Enrollment is described as dependent on seat availability by grade, with applications accepted on a rolling basis starting July 1, 2025 (and onward). Families should check current grade availability with the admissions office, and note that admissions are processed as seats remain open rather than through a centralized waitlist.

KIU Academy does not publish detailed, school‑level scholarship programs on its admissions pages. There is a note that financial aid may be available for families with difficulty affording tuition, and families are advised to contact the admissions officer for application documents. In addition, 10th–12th graders are eligible for government‑sponsored enrollment support. These government/support options are mentioned as part of the general fees section for Grades 2–12 and Grade 1, but no specific KIU Academy scholarship program is described. Prospective families should discuss financial aid options with the admissions office and consider government enrollment support where applicable.