Understand the steps for enrolling a child of foreign nationality in a Japanese public elementary or junior high school, which costs are free and which parents pay, and be able to consult and apply at the board of education yourself.
Explanation
Parents of children of foreign nationality are not legally obliged to send their children to school (the obligation to send children to school, 就学義務), but if they wish, their children are accepted at public elementary and junior high schools free of charge, just like Japanese children. Tuition and textbooks are free. School lunch, teaching materials and similar costs are, in principle, paid by the parent (from April 2026, national support has reduced school lunch costs at public elementary schools, but any remaining cost differs by municipality). If you are in financial difficulty, you may be able to use school-attendance assistance (就学援助).
The procedure is done at the board of education (教育委員会) of the municipality where you live. It goes more smoothly if you also ask about school enrollment when you submit your moving-in notification (転入届). Required documents differ by municipality.
The grade is, in principle, decided by age (children born between April 2 and April 1 of the following year are in the same grade). Depending on the situation, you may be able to discuss placing your child in a lower grade.
Which statement about children of foreign nationality entering public elementary and junior high schools is correct?
They cannot enroll
If the parent wishes, they can enroll free of charge
An entrance fee is required
They cannot enter unless they pass a Japanese-language test
AnswerB. If the parent wishes, they can enroll free of charge
Parents of children of foreign nationality are not obliged to send them to school, but if they wish, the children are accepted free of charge, just like Japanese children.
Q2
Where do you go for the enrollment procedure?
The board of education of the municipality where you live
The Immigration Services Agency
Your embassy
The police station
AnswerA. The board of education of the municipality where you live
The board of education of the municipality where you live gives guidance on school enrollment and handles the procedure.
Q3
What is free at public elementary and junior high schools?
School lunch fees
School trip costs
Tuition and textbooks
School uniforms
AnswerC. Tuition and textbooks
Tuition and textbooks are free. School lunch, teaching materials and similar costs are, in principle, paid by the parent (lunch costs may be reduced by national support or municipal programs).
Q4
How is a child's grade decided?
Parents choose freely
Only by a Japanese-language test score
By the month the child enrolls
In principle, by age (children born between April 2 and April 1 of the following year are in the same grade)
AnswerD. In principle, by age (children born between April 2 and April 1 of the following year are in the same grade)
In principle, it is decided by age. Depending on the situation, you may be able to discuss placement in a lower grade.
Q5
What can you do if it is financially difficult to pay school costs?
Nothing
You may be able to use the municipality's school-attendance assistance
The child has to leave school
Return your residence card
AnswerB. You may be able to use the municipality's school-attendance assistance
School-attendance assistance (就学援助) is a program in which the municipality helps pay for school supplies, school lunch and other costs. The criteria and details differ by municipality.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can my child enroll in the middle of the school year?
A. Yes, your child can enroll (transfer in) even in the middle of the school year. When you arrive in Japan or move, consult the board of education of the municipality where you live as early as possible.
Q. My child doesn't speak Japanese yet. Is that OK?
A. Your child can enroll even without understanding Japanese. Depending on the school and municipality, there may be support such as Japanese-language instruction or interpreters. Ask the board of education or the school what kind of support is available.
Q. Can we choose a foreign school or an international school?
A. Children of foreign nationality can also choose a foreign school or an international school. However, these schools may be treated differently from Japanese elementary and junior high schools, for example in how graduation is recognized, so it is a good idea to check this, including the requirements of the schools your child may go on to.
Practice: answer the questions on this page
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations. Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original