IB Schools in Tokyo: Fees and Guide 2026

The International Baccalaureate is one of the world’s most globally recognised educational frameworks, and Tokyo has a strong selection of IB World Schools offering programmes from early childhood through to university preparation. This guide covers every significant IB school in Tokyo, their fees, which programmes they offer, and how to decide whether IB is the right path for your child.

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IB Programmes Explained

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) offers four programmes:

• PYP (Primary Years Programme): Ages 3–12. An inquiry-based framework for early childhood and primary education.
• MYP (Middle Years Programme): Ages 11–16. Bridges primary and diploma years with a broad, connected curriculum.
• DP (Diploma Programme): Ages 16–19. The flagship two-year pre-university qualification taken in the final two years of school.
• CP (Career-related Programme): Ages 16–19. A vocational alternative to the DP (rare in Tokyo).

Schools offering all three (PYP + MYP + DP) are described as IB continuum schools — these provide the most seamless IB experience from start to finish.

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IB World Schools in Tokyo: Fee Comparison

School	IB Programmes	Annual Fees (JPY)	Location
Tokyo International School (TIS)	PYP + MYP + DP	2,500,000–3,800,000	Minato-ku
K. International School Tokyo (KIST)	PYP + MYP + DP	1,800,000–2,800,000	Koto-ku
Nishimachi International School	DP only (Gr 10–12)	2,000,000–3,200,000	Minato-ku
American School in Japan (ASIJ)	DP option	3,000,000–4,500,000	Chofu
The British School in Tokyo (BST)	DP option	2,200,000–3,500,000	Shibuya
Seisen International School	DP only	1,700,000–2,700,000	Meguro-ku
ISSH (Sacred Heart)	DP	1,800,000–3,000,000	Shibuya

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School Profiles

Tokyo International School (TIS)

TIS is Tokyo’s premier IB-only school. Every student from Pre-K through Grade 12 follows an IB programme — there is no AP, A-Level, or US diploma track. This makes TIS the ideal choice for committed IB families who want full curricular consistency from early childhood onwards.

Annual fees: JPY 2,500,000–3,800,000 IB DP mean score: Consistently above 34/45 (world average ~30) Campus: Minato-ku (central Tokyo, easily accessible from Hiroo and Azabu) Student body: ~600 students, 50+ nationalities Admissions: Competitive; apply 12+ months in advance for popular grades.

TIS is accredited by both the IBO and CIS, and its DP results place graduates in top universities across North America, Europe, and Japan.

K. International School Tokyo (KIST)

KIST offers the full IB continuum at a meaningfully lower price than TIS, making it the most accessible entry point for families seeking a complete PYP-to-DP experience in Tokyo. Located in Koto-ku, it’s best positioned for families living in east Tokyo.

Annual fees: JPY 1,800,000–2,800,000 IB DP results: Above global average Campus: Modern facilities in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Koto-ku Student body: ~600 students Accreditation: IBO, CIS, EARCOS

KIST’s fees represent the best value among Tokyo’s full-continuum IB schools. The east Tokyo location (versus the more central/western locations of TIS and ASIJ) suits families in Koto, Sumida, Edogawa, and south Tokyo.

Nishimachi International School

Nishimachi’s unique feature is its bilingual (English-Japanese) curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 9, leading to the IB Diploma in Grades 10–12. The IB DP is delivered in English, but students arrive having developed genuine Japanese language proficiency throughout their schooling.

Annual fees: JPY 2,000,000–3,200,000 IB DP programmes: Yes (Grades 10–12) Languages: English and Japanese (K–9), English (DP) Campus: Minato-ku (Motoazabu)

Nishimachi’s bilingual graduates are uniquely positioned for both Japanese and international university admission.

American School in Japan (ASIJ)

ASIJ offers the IB Diploma Programme as an option alongside its core American curriculum (AP). Students in Grades 11–12 can choose to sit the IB Diploma or pursue US college applications through the AP/SAT route. This flexibility makes ASIJ attractive to families uncertain whether their child will attend university in the US or internationally.

Annual fees: JPY 3,000,000–4,500,000 IB DP option: Available alongside AP Campus: 14-hectare campus in Chofu

The British School in Tokyo (BST)

BST offers the IB Diploma as an alternative to A-Levels in the sixth form (Grades 12–13). Students choose between the two pathways in Year 11. The IB Diploma scores at BST are competitive, and the choice depends largely on university destination preference.

Annual fees: JPY 2,200,000–3,500,000 IB DP option: Yes, alongside A-Levels Campus: Shibuya

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IB vs AP vs A-Level in Tokyo

IB Diploma Programme

• Recognised globally — strong for UK, US, European, and Japanese university applications
• Broad curriculum (6 subjects + TOK + EE + CAS)
• Requires strong time management and independent research skills
• Final score out of 45; universities internationally have well-established entry requirements

Advanced Placement (AP)

• US-focused qualification; less widely recognised outside North America
• Students choose individual subjects (typically 3–5)
• Strong for US college applications (can earn college credit)
• Available at ASIJ, some other US-curriculum schools

A-Level (Cambridge)

• Gold standard for UK university admission
• Deep subject expertise (typically 3–4 subjects)
• Also well-recognised for Australian, Canadian, and some Asian universities
• Available at BST, Tokyo British schools

Recommendation: If your family is internationally mobile and university destination is not yet fixed, the IB Diploma is the most versatile qualification. For US-focused families, AP may be preferable. For UK-bound students, A-Levels from BST offer the most direct route.

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IB Recognition at Japanese Universities

IB recognition at Japanese universities has improved significantly over the past decade. The Japanese government has been actively promoting IB education as part of its educational reform agenda, with over 200 Japanese schools now offering IB programmes.

Universities that accept IB:

• Tokyo University (Todai) — accepts IB for some faculties
• Keio University — has established IB entry pathways
• Waseda University — accepts IB with appropriate scores
• Sophia University — strong IB acceptance tradition
• APU (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University) — explicitly welcomes IB graduates

The shift toward IB acceptance at Japanese national universities has made IB increasingly practical for families who may stay in Japan for university. That said, Japanese university IB requirements can vary significantly by faculty and change year to year — always confirm current requirements directly with universities.

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Admissions for IB Schools in Tokyo

Entry Points

Most IB schools in Tokyo admit students at standard entry points: Pre-K/KG (age 3–5), Grade 1 (age 6), Grade 7 (age 12), and Grade 10 (IB DP start). Mid-year and other-grade entry is possible but depends on available places.

Selective Entry

TIS and ASIJ (IB) are the most competitive for admissions. KIST, Nishimachi, and Seisen are somewhat more accessible but still require advance planning.

What’s Required

• Application form + fee
• Academic transcripts (previous 2–3 years)
• Passport and eligibility documentation
• Teacher references (typically 2)
• Some schools conduct student English assessments at Grade 5+

Apply at least 12 months in advance for top-choice schools.

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Tutoring Support for IB Students in Tokyo

The IB Diploma is academically demanding. Many students — even at Tokyo’s excellent schools — benefit from expert tutoring to strengthen weaker subjects or prepare for final examinations.

Tutopiya provides specialist IB tutors for all HL and SL subjects, including Mathematics AA/AI, Sciences, English Literature, History, and Economics.

• Find an IB tutor: Browse Tutors
• Explore IB support programmes: Learning Portal

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Summary

Tokyo’s IB schools range from the continuum excellence of TIS and KIST to the optional IB track at ASIJ and BST. The full IB continuum provides the most consistent experience; the IB option at larger schools provides flexibility. Fees range from JPY 1,700,000 to JPY 4,500,000 per year depending on school and level.

IB recognition at Japanese universities is growing, making the IB increasingly practical for families staying in Japan for university education. Apply early — Tokyo’s top IB schools have significant demand and limited places.

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