Enrolling Children with Foreign Nationality in Municipal Elementary and Junior High Schools

• Child-Raising and Education
• Child-Raising and Education
• Elementary School and Junior High School

Children with foreign nationality (excluding those who also hold Japanese nationality) are not subject to Japan’s compulsory education system. If they are of compulsory school age and wish to do so, however, they may request to attend a municipal public school.

School Expenses

There are no admission fees, tuition fees, textbook fees, or school lunch fees. However, parents/guardians are responsible for paying expenses for things such as school supplies (PE uniforms, workbooks, etc.), excursion fees, and school trip fees.
Financial assistance for educational expenses is available for families experiencing financial difficulties through the School Expense Assistance Program, and is based on household income.
For information on the School Expense Assistance Program and related entrance preparation grants, please click here.

Application Office

School Management Division, Shinjuku City Board of Education Secretariat
Shinjuku City Office Annex 1, 4F, 1-5-1 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Required Documents

Please bring the residence cards or special permanent resident certificates of both the child seeking admission and the parent/guardian submitting the application.
Note: If the parent/guardian cannot register as a resident due to employment at an embassy or similar circumstances, please consult the School Management Division.

Children Entering First Grade Next School Year

Households with children who are registered Shinjuku City residents and will enter the first grade of elementary school or junior high school in the next school year will receive enrollment information. Please apply according to the instructions provided.

Note: For more details, please check the Shinjuku City website (“Enrollment of foreign children in elementary and junior high schools”).

September 15, 2026