Education Guide for Expats in Japan
Curriculum for Expat Schools in Japan
Expat families moving to Japan generally choose between three main schooling routes: Japanese public schools, private Japanese schools, and international schools.
Public Schools: Japanese public schools follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education (MEXT), with instruction almost entirely in Japanese. Public education offers a strong academic standard and full immersion in Japanese language and culture, but the language barrier can be a significant adjustment for children arriving with little or no Japanese.
Private Japanese Schools: private schools in Japan generally follow a similar curriculum to public schools but often offer smaller class sizes, additional resources, and sometimes a specific religious or pedagogical focus.
International Schools: international schools are popular among expat families, particularly in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya. These schools typically teach in English and offer curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, or American systems, easing the transition for children who may move between countries again in future. Places at well-established international schools can be competitive, so it’s worth starting the application process early.
Necessary Insurance for Expats in Education
Health Insurance
- National Health Insurance (NHI): most residents of Japan, including many international students, are required to enrol in Japan’s National Health Insurance system, which covers a significant portion of medical costs.
- Private or International Health Insurance: many expat families choose to supplement NHI with private or international cover, particularly for the period before enrolment is complete, or for services not fully covered under the national scheme. Visit our Japan international health insurance page to explore your options.
Other Insurance Needs
- Renters Insurance: for students or families living off-campus, this covers personal belongings and liability in a rented home.
- Travel Insurance: useful for covering health emergencies and travel disruptions when moving between Japan and your home country.
Further Considerations for Expats Studying in Japan
Language Proficiency
Japanese language ability makes a significant difference to daily life and, for public and private school routes specifically, to a child’s ability to keep pace academically. Many families begin language lessons before or shortly after arrival, and some schools offer dedicated Japanese as a Second Language support for non-native speakers.
Cultural Adaptation
Japanese schools place strong emphasis on group harmony, routine, and respect for teachers and peers, which can differ noticeably from school cultures in other countries. Taking time to understand local school customs and expectations, and engaging with other expat families who have been through the same transition, can make settling in considerably smoother.
Legal and Administrative Matters
Depending on your visa category, you’ll need to ensure your residence status permits study or accompanying family members’ enrolment in school. It’s worth confirming enrolment requirements directly with your chosen school or local municipal office, since procedures can vary by city and by whether you’re enrolling in a public or private institution.
Support Services
International schools and many universities in Japan offer dedicated support services for expat families and students, including orientation programmes, language support, and community groups. Connecting with established expat networks in your city can be a valuable source of practical advice during the transition.
Health Insurance for Students Moving to Japan
Alongside choosing the right school, arranging the right health cover is one of the most important steps for any student or family settling in Japan. ExpatInsure can help you find the right international health insurance plan for your life there. Visit our Japan international health insurance page to explore your options.
Higher Education for Expats in Japan
Japan is home to a large number of universities, including several with strong international reputations and a growing number of degree programmes taught in English, particularly at the graduate level.
Japanese universities are generally divided into national universities, public universities (run by local governments), and private universities. Admission for international students typically involves either the standard Japanese university entrance process or a dedicated international admissions route, depending on the institution and programme.
Financial Considerations
Tuition and Fees: tuition varies by institution and whether a programme is taught in Japanese or English. It’s worth researching individual university fee structures directly, since these can change from year to year.
Scholarships: the Japanese government’s MEXT scholarship programme, along with scholarships offered by individual universities and private foundations, can help offset costs for eligible international students. It’s worth researching eligibility and application deadlines well in advance, as these are typically competitive and require lead time.
Part-Time Work: international students in Japan may be permitted to work part-time under certain visa conditions, which can help with living costs, though this requires separate permission from immigration authorities.
Choosing the Right University in Japan
Language of Instruction: consider whether you want a programme taught in Japanese, English, or a mix of both, and factor in your own or your child’s language proficiency.
Location: Japan’s major cities each offer a different pace of life and cost of living, worth researching alongside academic reputation.
Support for International Students: many Japanese universities now offer dedicated international student offices providing language support, housing assistance, and cultural orientation.