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International Schools in Kobe, Japan

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Kobe, Japan

Kobe’s international schools are a mixed group: you will find English-medium day and boarding schools, bilingual Japanese - English IB programmes and a small number of European-language (notably German) schools that operate alongside the city’s Japanese schools and language centres. Common curricula in the city include the International Baccalaureate at various levels, British/IGCSE-style pathways at some campuses, and school-specific national programmes; Japanese language lessons are normally part of the offer even where English is the main teaching language. Tuition varies substantially by school and by grade - published school fees in Kobe range from roughly around ¥1.7 million a year at some European-language schools to the high two millions for newer British-style international branches - and families should expect separate application and enrolment deposits, meals and bus or boarding costs. Admissions are a mix of rolling applications and main intakes set by each school’s calendar, so begin enquiries well before your move and check what provision a school has for Japanese-language and newcomer support.

Compare 8 international schools in Kobe, Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 1,840,431), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 8 schools · avg fee JPY 1,840,431
Schools listed
8
Curricula
16
Average annual fee
JPY 1,840,431
Fee range
JPY 756,000 – 3,510,000
Most common curriculum
IB (PYP) (4 schools)
Average school size
415 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Canadian Academy
Oldest
Deutsche Schule Kobe International (1909)
With boarding
1
View by curriculum (5)

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IB (4) British (3) International (2) American (1) German (1)
(Opening 2028) Senior School on Rokko Mountain
North London Collegiate School Kobe logo

North London Collegiate School Kobe

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 6 to 13

¥2,800,000 - 2,900,000
Ages 6 to 13 years
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Instructs in English
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The school's main academic buildings overlooking the primary sports and play area.
Marist Brothers International School logo

Marist Brothers International School

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 3 to 18

¥1,791,000 - 2,167,000
Ages 3 to 18 years
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum
Instructs in English
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The urban campus building for Marie International School Shukugawa in the city.
Marie International School Shukugawa logo

Marie International School Shukugawa

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) · Ages 1 to 12

¥1,072,500 - 1,677,550
Ages 1 to 12 years
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
Instructs in English
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Deutsche Schule Kobe International — international school in Kobe, Japan
Deutsche Schule Kobe International logo

Deutsche Schule Kobe International

IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 1 to 18

¥1,609,000 - 1,876,950
Ages 1 to 18 years
IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), German Curriculum
Instructs in English and German
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The main campus entrance of Canadian Academy located in Kobe, Japan.
Canadian Academy logo

Canadian Academy

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 3 to 18

¥2,300,000 - 3,510,000
Ages 3 to 18 years
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Instructs in English
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Exterior view of Ascot International School Japan on a bright sunny day.
Ascot International School Japan logo

Ascot International School Japan

British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) · Ages 2 to 18

¥1,151,000 - 1,871,000
Ages 2 to 18 years
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Japanese Curriculum
Instructs in English and Japanese
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The welcoming main entrance of St. Michael's International School.
St. Michael's International School logo

St. Michael's International School

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) · Ages 3 to 11

¥1,454,500 - 1,628,400
Ages 3 to 11 years
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Instructs in English
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An exterior view of the vibrant multi-story campus facility under clear skies.
Kobe Bilingual School logo

Kobe Bilingual School

Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum · Ages 3 to 12

¥756,000 - 882,000
Ages 3 to 12 years
Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Instructs in English and Japanese
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FAQs for Japan

What curricula and language options are available in Kobe’s international schools?
Many schools in Kobe offer the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), while others follow British-style IGCSE/A-Level or national curricula; there are also bilingual Japanese - English IB models and schools that teach in German as well as English. Japanese is commonly taught alongside the main language of instruction, and some schools operate trilingual or specifically bilingual programmes.
How much should we budget for school fees and extra costs?
Published annual tuition at Kobe international schools varies by provider and grade; recent public fee schedules show figures in the region of about ¥1.7 million at some European-language schools and around ¥2.8 - 2.9 million at some British-style branches, with variations year to year. In addition to tuition most schools charge a non-refundable application or assessment fee, an enrolment deposit once a place is offered, and recurring extras such as lunches, school buses, uniforms and extracurriculars.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process typically involve?
Admissions practice varies by school: many operate rolling admissions and will consider applications throughout the year, while others have a main intake tied to their academic calendar; expect assessments, interviews and language checks as part of the process. Schools commonly require a non-refundable application or assessment fee and an enrolment deposit to hold a place, so start enquiries many months ahead of your intended start date to allow for testing, paperwork and visa or relocation timing.
What languages of instruction and newcomer support can we expect?
English is the dominant medium at most international schools, but many also offer structured Japanese lessons and some run fully bilingual Japanese - English programmes or additional language instruction in German and other languages. The city of Kobe and several schools provide targeted Japanese-language support for newly arrived students and families, so check each school’s Japanese-as-an-additional-language provision and local municipal support services when comparing options.
How do age ranges and stages work, and what should parents look for when comparing schools?
International schools in Kobe typically cover early years through to upper secondary but the exact age range differs by school - some are PreK - 12 while others only offer primary or primary plus middle years - so confirm the grades covered and transition arrangements. When comparing schools, look for the curriculum and accreditations offered, language-support and learning-support services, class sizes and pastoral care, published fee schedules and clear admissions timelines; these factors have the biggest impact on how well a school will suit your child’s needs.