Apply for Admission

Begin by Understanding Our Admissions Policies

Choosing the right school is an important decision, and one that deserves time and careful consideration. At Nagoya International School, the admissions process is designed to ensure a strong and supportive match between the student, their family, and our mission-driven learning community.

The first step in applying to NIS is to carefully review our Admissions Policy, Admissions Criteria, as well as our School Mission, and Guiding Statements. These documents outline who we serve, what we value, and the expectations that guide teaching, learning, and community life at NIS. We encourage families to take time with this step, as it helps ensure shared understanding before moving forward.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to space availability, for students through Grade 11. Once families confirm alignment with our mission and criteria, they may proceed with submitting an application through our online Admissions Portal.

Submit an Application

Here is a link to the NIS Admissions Portal, where parents may request information, schedule a tour or apply online. Parents will be asked to create a username and password for their family. The online portal ensures efficient communication between the prospective family and various NIS staff involved in the admissions process.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions & Development Office directly. 

NIS has two application forms:

• For applicants entering the ELC Preschool & Kindergarten
• For applicants entering Grades 1-12

Please complete the appropriate form in as much detail as possible, one per applicant. 

Upload the Required Documents

• Progress Reports and Transcripts

  • Applicants must submit reports from the past two years in English. If submitting in advance of final reports being available, these reports must be submitted when available. 

  • High School applicants must submit official records (transcripts) in a school-sealed envelope or arrange for them to be sent directly to NIS via postal mail.  The admissions decision may be delayed if documents are not submitted in a timely manner. 

• Recommendation Forms:   NIS has one recommendation form for ELC preschool and kindergarten applicants and one for applicants in Gr. 1-12.  All applicants should request their current classroom teacher or principal to complete this recommendation form and submit it in a school-sealed envelope together with the application materials.  
  • NIS ELC Early Childhood Recommendation Form for ELC Preschool & Kindergarten applicants
  • NIS Confidential Recommendation Form for applicants entering grades 1-12

• Passport Photocopy (or "Juminhyo"):   A photocopy of the applicant’s passport to verify date of birth and nationality.  A photocopy of the Residential Registration is required for residents of Japan.

• Student Photo  Submit a 2.5 x 3.5 cm, passport-style photo. This must be taken with a white or light background, and from the shoulders up; this will be used as an ID card for all students from Gr. 4 and above (for mid-year enrollment).

• Parents' Photos   Submit a 2.5 x 3.5 cm, passport-style photo of each parent/guardian. This must be taken with a white or light background, and from the shoulders up; this will be used as an ID card for all parents for use while on campus.

• Family Photo   Submit a photo of the family expected to be living with the applicant during enrollment; a casual “snapshot” is acceptable.

• Video Statement  Families (and Secondary students) must submit a video "interview" as part of the application process. A link will be sent to applying parents after the application has been submitted. 

Paying the Application Fee

The Application Fee is ¥50,000 per applicant, and payment must be in yen. Payments can be made online through the NIS application portal via credit card.

The Review and Assessment Process

An interview is an important part of the admissions process for both the parents and the school to determine if your child will succeed in our program. After submitting all application documents, an interview will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. The review process includes:

1. Admissions Interview: An on-site interview with the Principal for both the applicant and parents (online options may be available)
2. English Test or Other Assessment: On-site testing may be required.
3. ELC Applicants: Must schedule a classroom observation.

The Admissions Offer

After all the admissions materials and documentation have been submitted, the school will determine eligibility, grade placement, whether additional support is needed, and whether or not we are confident that the applicant can maintain satisfactory progress. 

After the interview and/or observation has been completed, the Admissions Office will contact the family either by email or telephone as soon as a decision is made by the Principal. 

A registration fee of ¥850,000 is due to accept the admissions offer.