Osaka YMCA International School

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.

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).

OYIS is a private international school that operates as a co-educational day school.

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.

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.

The school is based in Osaka, Japan. No formal country affiliation is listed.

There is no religious affiliation listed for OYIS.

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.

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.

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.

OYIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as part of its inclusive, student-centered approach. The Student Support Team (SST) coordinates holistic, well-balanced student support for MYP/DP, and the team comprises administration, student support coordinators, student support teachers, the MYP/DP counselor, the MYP/DP school psychologist, and the school nurse. The SST works in consultation with the English as an Additional Language (EAL) team to identify and provide the necessary support for language learners. All staff and faculty are responsible for inclusive education, creating affirmative, responsive, and differentiated learning environments. Homeroom teachers and the broader school community foster belonging and safety through deliberate practices and involvement, such as the Parent/Caregiver Volunteer Group, while after-school programs and clubs support social development and personal wellbeing.

OYIS can support students with mild to moderate learning support needs, including the exceptionally able. Support is coordinated through the Student Support Team (SST) in collaboration with the EAL team. The Admissions Policy outlines admission criteria and identifies the level of support needed for success. The school does not publicly disclose whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. The SST and EAL team work together to identify and provide required support within the school's resources.

English is the language of instruction across the PYP, MYP, and DP, and the school provides English language support via the English as an Additional Language (EAL) team. The language and support team use methods including co-teaching, 1:1 and small-group teaching, scaffolded assignments, and differentiated assessments. There is a yearly fee for additional English language support. In addition to English, the school offers Japanese and Korean language courses; all students participate in two language courses throughout their studies. The EAL team works with subject teachers to support emerging English communicators and their learning across the curriculum.

Mental wellbeing is supported through the SST, which includes the MYP/DP counselor, the school psychologist, and the school nurse. The learning environment aims to promote belonging and safety, with teachers fostering affirmative and responsive classrooms. After-school programs and clubs contribute to personal wellbeing and social development. Parent involvement via the PVG and ongoing collaboration with teachers support student wellbeing and goal setting. Activities and programs during and after school, including CAS-related offerings, contribute to holistic wellbeing.

The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding and child-protection policies on its site. The privacy policy addresses online privacy and children's information, but does not specify safeguarding procedures. The inclusion and SST structure indicates a framework for student welfare through dedicated staff (counselor, psychologist, nurse) and coordinated support. Inclusion practices involve identifying barriers to learning and consulting with the SST and the EAL team to support students. No explicit safeguarding policy is publicly disclosed, and additional details would require direct inquiry with the school.

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.

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.

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.