Canadian Academy Kobe Fees 2026

Canadian Academy (CA) in Kobe is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in Japan. Founded in 1913, it has over a century of experience educating the children of expatriate families and globally mobile professionals. Situated on the scenic Rokko Island in Kobe, CA offers a distinctive combination of academic rigour, a vibrant arts culture, and a tight-knit international community that sets it apart from many of Japan’s other international schools.

If your family is relocating to the Kobe–Osaka–Kyoto region and exploring schooling options, here is everything you need to know about Canadian Academy’s fee structure and what to budget for.

---

About Canadian Academy

Canadian Academy is an IB World School, offering the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes:

• PYP (Primary Years Programme) — Early Childhood through Grade 5
• MYP (Middle Years Programme) — Grades 6 through 10
• IBDP (IB Diploma Programme) — Grades 11 and 12

This seamless IB pathway from early childhood all the way through to the Diploma makes CA a particularly appealing choice for families who value continuity and international recognition throughout their child’s school career.

The school is located on Rokko Island — an artificial island in Kobe harbour — and benefits from a purpose-built, modern campus with excellent sports, arts, and technology facilities. The campus environment is notably safe, self-contained, and family-friendly, which many expat parents find reassuring when settling into life in Japan.

Boarding

Unlike many international schools in the Kobe area, Canadian Academy offers boarding facilities, making it an option for families based elsewhere in Japan or those whose work schedules require flexible residential arrangements. The boarding programme caters primarily to high school students.

---

Canadian Academy Tuition Fees 2026

CA publishes its fees in Japanese Yen (JPY). Tuition varies by school division and is reviewed annually. Families should confirm the latest rates directly with the admissions office at canacad.ac.jp.

School Division	Grade Range	Approximate Annual Tuition (JPY)
Early Childhood	EC1 – EC3	¥2,500,000 – ¥2,700,000
Elementary (PYP)	Grades 1 – 5	¥2,700,000 – ¥2,900,000
Middle School (MYP)	Grades 6 – 10	¥2,900,000 – ¥3,300,000
High School (IBDP)	Grades 11 – 12	¥3,500,000 – ¥3,800,000

At current exchange rates (approximately JPY 150 per USD), this places annual tuition at roughly USD 17,000 – USD 25,000 — somewhat more affordable than Tokyo-based schools like ASIJ, while still representing a premium international school investment.

Boarding Fees

Boarding fees at Canadian Academy are charged in addition to tuition. Day students and boarding students pay the same tuition; boarding costs cover accommodation, meals, and residential supervision. Families considering the boarding option should contact CA admissions for current residential fee schedules, as these can add significantly to the annual total.

---

One-Time and Initial Fees

Beyond annual tuition, families enrolling at Canadian Academy should anticipate the following one-time costs:

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee is required when submitting an enrolment application. This covers administrative processing and does not guarantee admission.

Enrolment Fee

Upon receiving and accepting an offer of admission, families pay an enrolment confirmation fee. This secures the student’s place in the class.

Capital Levy / Development Fund

Like most international schools in Japan, Canadian Academy charges a one-time capital levy or development fund contribution. This supports the long-term maintenance and improvement of campus facilities. Estimated range: JPY 300,000 – JPY 500,000, though families should confirm current amounts with the admissions office.

First-Year Total Estimate (Day Student)

For a Middle School student, a rough first-year cost breakdown might look like:

Cost Component	Estimated Amount (JPY)
Annual Tuition (Grade 8)	¥3,100,000
Capital Levy (one-time)	¥400,000
Enrolment Fee (one-time)	¥120,000
Application Fee (one-time)	¥25,000
Estimated First-Year Total	¥3,645,000+

---

The IB Advantage at Canadian Academy

The IB continuum from PYP to IBDP is one of Canadian Academy’s most compelling selling points. Families who enrol their children at the PYP stage can expect:

• Inquiry-based, concept-driven learning from the earliest years
• Seamless progression through MYP without the disruption of switching curricula
• Strong preparation for the IBDP, which is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous pre-university qualifications in the world

IB Diploma students at CA benefit from experienced DP teachers, a rich extended essay support programme, and excellent Theory of Knowledge (ToK) instruction — all of which contribute to strong Diploma scores and competitive university applications.

---

Arts and Community at CA

Canadian Academy has a well-earned reputation for its performing and visual arts programmes. The school regularly stages high-quality theatrical productions, music concerts, and arts showcases — and many CA alumni cite the arts culture as one of the defining features of their time at the school.

The student community at Canadian Academy, while smaller than some Tokyo-based schools (approximately 700–800 students), is notably tight-knit. Families frequently describe a genuine sense of community on Rokko Island — a quality that can be harder to find in the larger, more transient international school environments of Tokyo.

---

Admissions at Canadian Academy

The admissions process at CA includes:

• Submission of previous school records and teacher recommendations
• An English language assessment (for non-native English speakers)
• Student and parent interviews (typically online for families relocating from overseas)
• Confirmation of Japanese residence or imminent relocation

Places are available throughout the year, subject to availability. The school is generally accessible compared to some of the most selective Tokyo schools, though popular grade levels can fill up. Families are encouraged to apply as early as possible, particularly for the high school boarding programme.

---

Is Canadian Academy Right for Your Family?

CA is a strong choice for families who:

• Want a full IB continuum from early childhood through to the Diploma
• Are based in Kobe, Osaka, or the wider Kansai region
• Value a smaller, community-oriented school environment
• Appreciate a school with a strong arts culture alongside academic excellence
• Require boarding facilities for high school students

---

Support Your Child’s IB Journey

The IB curriculum — particularly the MYP and IBDP — is challenging, and many students benefit from additional academic support alongside their school programme.

At Tutopiya, our online tutors specialise in IB subjects and can help your child stay on top of coursework, prepare for internal assessments, and excel in their final examinations.

• 🎓 Find an IB-specialist tutor → Tutopiya Tutors
• 📚 Explore our full learning portal → Tutopiya Learning Portal

We work with IB students across Asia and beyond, offering flexible scheduling that fits around busy school timetables.

---

Final Thoughts

Canadian Academy in Kobe combines over a century of history with a modern, fully IB-aligned curriculum in a uniquely community-focused setting on Rokko Island. Annual fees range from approximately JPY 2,500,000 to JPY 3,800,000, with one-time enrolment costs adding to the first-year total. Boarding is available for high school students — a relatively rare feature among international schools in Japan.

For families in the Kobe–Kansai region seeking a well-regarded IB school with a genuine sense of community, Canadian Academy is well worth a place on your shortlist.

Ready to Excel in Your Studies?

Get personalised help from Tutopiya's expert tutors. Whether it's IGCSE, IB, A-Levels, or any other curriculum — we match you with the perfect tutor and your first session is free.

Book Your Free Trial