Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - OWIS Osaka
At One World International School, our parents and students come first. We understand that making the right decision about your child’s education is not something to be taken lightly. Allow us to assist by answering any questions you may have. We’ve compiled a list of queries that we hope you will find helpful as you consider what to look for in an international school. This page contains additional information about our admissions process, curriculum and co-curricular activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWIS Osaka
- Admission & Enrollment
- Academics & Curriculum
- Facilities & Services
We recommend scheduling a personalized 1:1 counselling session with our admissions team to facilitate your family’s admissions journey. Kindly email us at [email protected] or use our website contact form.
There is currently no nationality cap, however, we are always seeking to have a balance of nationalities within the school. For an up-to-date breakdown of the current student body, please reach out to our admissions counsellor.
You can transfer between any OWIS campuses with minimal friction, and there is no registration fee in these cases.
OWIS has two OWIS campuses in Japan, one in Osaka and another in Tsukuba. We intend to have even more OWIS campuses expanding around Japan in the coming years. We also have over 11 OWIS campuses across the globe.
We offer a 25% admissions discount for each additional child applying within the same family. See our school fees page for more information.
Admission into grades is based on the current grade level of the student. If your child begins school in April, he or she will enter the same grade in August, as long as the child has completed the full previous grade. Typically, an eight-year-old on September 1st would begin Grade 3. However, we cannot categorically say which grade a student will be entered into until we see documents from the previous school.
We are progressively expanding our grade levels, intending to offer education up to Grade 12 (age 18) by the year 2029 at the latest, gradually introducing at least one new grade each academic year.
For more details and information, please enquire here.
We cannot offer education to students whose grade level we don’t currently support. We aim to be offering up to Grade 12 by the year 2029.
Grade skipping is not encouraged at OWIS Osaka. We believe students thrive best when placed with peers of the same age, allowing for balanced academic and social-emotional development.
Our availability for each grade is continually changing. Our most popular grades fill up quickly so we recommend that you pay the application fee to save your spot. To check availability and secure a spot for your child, please contact our admissions team using our contact page.
The application fee is non-refundable. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing applications and assessments. See our school fees page for more information.
Yes, you may be eligible to receive over 40,000 JPY in government subsidies for your child’s education at OWIS Japan, ages 3-5.
Check our government subsidies page to learn more.
Applications can be submitted up to two academic years prior to the intended start date for your child.
We are not certified to sponsor visas for students, parents, or guardians.
All visas must be self-obtained.
All visas must be valid, long-term visas in order to start the enrollment process.
During the enrollment process to OWIS Osaka, let us know you are currently already attending an OWIS or GIIS.
Transferring students are eligible for a waived application fee. To ensure complete organisation and transfer of documents, it’s necessary to complete the application process via MyOWIS. Following this, the admissions team will inform the finance department about the application fee waiver.
We strongly advise that you have an online consultation with our admissions counsellor first if you wish to apply, as they will be able to guide you through the process. It is possible to secure your seat from abroad by completing the application process, but there are additional requirements in order to fully enrol your child into the school. To complete the final enrolment process, we require a valid long-term visa to stay in Japan, and the child will have to pass the assessment on campus before they start school. We do not do online student assessments. Once you have the long-term visa, it is possible to get the other necessities that are required to enrol. To learn about the full list of requirements, please contact our admissions team.
International School students are typically children of expatriates, international business families, and also local residents who seek a global curriculum that offers a broad world view and prepares them for a global future. These children are united by a shared curiosity and openness to different cultures and experiences, fostered by our commitment to holistic education. They benefit from a supportive environment that not only focuses on academic excellence but also emphasizes emotional and social development in a multicultural setting
Our global presence allows us to offer high-quality international education at a more affordable price point than our competitors. See our school fees page for more information.
Our admissions process is smooth and simple. There are a few different steps in the process, which may take up to two to four weeks to complete, subject to your availability.
Our certified, experienced, and passionate teaching team comprises educators from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. We pride ourselves on having a culturally rich international faculty, all of whom have native English speaking ability. Most of our teachers come from Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and Central Europe.
All of our classes are taught in English, except for secondary language classes such as Kokugo & Japanese as a Second Language (JSL)
We teach students English as part of the main curriculum and as part of the Academic English Programme (AEP). We also teach Kokugo to native japanese speakers so that they can keep up with thier peers, as well Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) to non-native speakers.
Yes, we offer an Academic English Preparation (AEP) programme designed to support students in developing English proficiency. This programme is tailored to assist students in acclimatising to an English-first classroom setting.
We also offer afterschool Intensive English classes and three-month transition programmes for aspiring students wishing to accelerate their learning as fast as possible.
The language of instruction at all OWIS schools is English. As a supplement, we will require all students in Kindergarten (age 5) and above to take Japanese language courses such as kokugo for native Japanese speakers, and Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) for non-natives.
Other languages are also being considered as per popular demand. If you have a language that you would like your child to learn, let our admissions counsellor know using our contact form.
Yes, we offer EC classes such as sports, dance, creative arts, language classes, and afterschool care. You can see a full list of our EC’s and afterschool programmes here.
OWIS Osaka hosts an annual four-week Summer Camp in July and August, as well as an annual one-week Winter Camp in December.
Check out our fun-filed seasonal camps page for more details.
We also look forward to adding Summer School at the end of the academic school year dedicated to providing additional academic and language development to those students who require the additional support.
All OWIS campuses in Japan offer an inquiry-based international curriculum aligned with globally recognised frameworks such as the IB pathway, focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world learning. The curriculum is delivered in English and supports students from Early Childhood through Grade 12.
Our International school lunch vendor, Cezar’s Kitchen, offers warm buffet-style lunches to all students. Alternatively, students are welcome to bring in their own bento lunch boxes.
There are three terms per year.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is widely recognised for developing academically capable, confident, and globally minded students. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, independent learning, and strong research skills, while providing a broad education across a range of subject areas. Rather than focusing on memorisation alone, the IB helps students understand concepts deeply and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. It is also highly respected by universities around the world, making it an excellent choice for families considering international higher education.
As a rigorous academic programme, the IB requires consistent effort, effective time management, and a willingness to engage with challenging coursework. Students complete a combination of examinations, projects, presentations, and coursework throughout their studies. While this can be demanding, many families see it as one of the programme’s greatest strengths, helping students develop the resilience, independence, and study habits needed to thrive at university and beyond.
Both the Cambridge (IGCSE/A Level) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula are internationally recognised and prepare students well for university, but they take different approaches to learning.
The Cambridge curriculum is more subject-focused and exam-based, allowing students to specialise earlier and offering greater flexibility in subject choices. In contrast, the IB provides a broader, inquiry-led education that emphasises critical thinking, research, global perspectives, and connections across subjects.
The IB is ideal for students who enjoy exploring ideas, learning independently, and taking an active role in their education, while Cambridge may better suit students who prefer a more structured, exam-focused approach and wish to specialise earlier. The best choice ultimately depends on each student’s learning style, strengths, and future goals.
Graduates of OWIS Osaka will receive the certified OWIS Osaka Diploma, which reflects their academic achievements and holistic development. In addition, they will earn qualifications aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which are internationally recognised and valued by leading universities around the world.
- Full IB Diploma – Requires six IB exams plus core components. This diploma is recognised by universities worldwide.
- IB Course Route – Students take 1–3 IB exams and receive an OWIS Osaka Diploma (accredited by WASC/NEASC) and IB subject certificates.
OWIS Osaka provides personalised university guidance from Grade 9 onwards. Our dedicated college counsellors support students with career planning, university selection, application strategy, essay writing, and interview preparation. We also host university fairs, guest speaker sessions, and workshops to help students explore global higher education options.
Yes, we offer multiple school bus routes. You can see the details of our bus service on our access page.
We are currently collecting input from applying families to establish more bus stops and routes, based on demand.
Families with children in EC may take advantage of our school bus services, but they should be aware that child seats are not provided in the bus.
Bus attendants are present on every bus, in the morning and evening, to support student as they travel to and from school.
School hours are scheduled from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with extracurricular activities and business operations commencing post-school hours, up until 6:00 PM.
The school is not open on the weekends or national Japanese holidays.
Our school lunch service, Cezars Kitchen, offers buffet-style international cuisine. Alternatively, students are welcome to bring packed lunches from home.
Our campus includes a black-box drama theatre, student iPads, Apple PC’s, and MacBooks, specialised maker spaces for woodworking, 3D printers, a gymnasium (with stage), a rooftop swimming pool, a multi-purpose sports field, children’s play equipment, and more! These resources enhance our experiential learning approach and provide students with tools for creative expression and innovative learning.
Because we are a day school, we do not offer any boarding facilities.
We provide all parents with an up-to-date calendar each year in the school handbook. We recognise the holidays in the Japanese calendar as national holidays away from school.
Some Japanese holidays such as Setsubun (節分), and some Western holidays such as Valentines day and Easter, may be celebrated in the classroom.
OWIS operates campuses in Osaka and Tsukuba, providing modern learning environments with small class sizes, interactive classrooms, and dedicated spaces for arts, sports, and collaborative learning. These campuses are designed to support inquiry-based education and student wellbeing.
We recommend scheduling a personalized 1:1 counselling session with our admissions team to facilitate your family’s admissions journey. Kindly email us at [email protected] or use our website contact form.
There is no fixed nationality quota. As an illustration, our sister school in Tokyo comprises 55% Japanese students and 45% from approximately 20 other countries.
You can transfer between any OWIS campuses with minimal friction, and there is no registration fee in these cases.
OWIS has two OWIS campuses in Japan, one in Osaka and another in Tsukuba. We intend to have even more OWIS campuses expanding around Japan in the coming years. We also have over 11 OWIS campuses across the globe.
We offer a 25% admissions discount for each additional child applying within the same family. See our school fees page for more information.
Yes, we offer multiple bus routes. You can see the details of our bus service on our bus services pages. We are currently collecting input from applying families to establish more bus stops and routes. Our Tokyo campus operates 22 different buses.
Yes, we offer EC classes such as sports, Hip-hop dance, Intensive English Classes, and Early Childhood Afterschool Care. You can see a full list of our EC’s and afterschool programmes here.
We are progressively expanding our grade levels, intending to offer education up to Grade 12 (age 18) by the year 2029 at the latest, gradually introducing at least one new grade each academic year. By September 2025 we will offer education between Early Childhood (age 3) up to Grade 8 (age 14). For more details and information, please enquire here.
If you wish to enrol a child in a grade level that is currently unavailable at OWIS Osaka, we encourage parents to express their interest and register their child’s details with us for the desired higher grade level. This helps us gauge interest and plan accordingly for future expansions. Rest assured, we are committed to broadening our academic offerings to encompass higher grade levels. As we progress in our growth, we will communicate updates regarding the availability of new grade levels to all interested parties.
School hours are scheduled from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with extracurricular activities and business operations commencing post-school hours, up until 6:00 PM.
The school is not open on the weekends or national Japanese holidays.
Our dining facility, Cezars Kitchen, offers buffet-style international cuisine. Alternatively, students are welcome to bring packed lunches from home.
Our availability for each grade is continually changing. Our most popular grades fill up quickly so we recommend that you pay the application fee to save your spot. To check availability and secure a spot for your child, please contact our admissions team at [email protected] or use our contact page.
The application fee and registration fee are non-refundable. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing applications and assessments. See our school fees page for more information.
Our certified, experienced, and passionate teaching team comprises educators from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. We pride ourselves on having a culturally rich international faculty, all of whom have native English speaking ability. Most of our teachers come from Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US.
Yes, we offer an Academic English Preparation (AEP) programme designed to support students in developing English proficiency. This programme is tailored to assist students in acclimatising to an English-first classroom setting. We also offer afterschool Intensive English classes for aspriing students wishing to accelerate ther learning as fast as possible.
Our campus includes a black-box theatre, smart boards in every classroom, iPads, ApplePC’s and Macbooks for student use, specialized labs for woodworking, 3D printers, a gymnasium and stage, a rooftop swimming pool, a multi-purpose sports field, and more! These resources enhance our experiential learning approach and provide students with tools for creative expression and innovative learning.
The language of instruction at all OWIS schools is English. As a supplement, we will require all students in Kindergarten (age 5) and above to take Japanese language courses such as kokugo for native Japanese speakers and Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) for non-natives.
Other languages are also being considered as per popular demand. If you have a language that you would like your child to learn, let our admissions counsellor know using our contact form.
Our admissions process is smooth and simple. There are a few different steps in the process which may take up to two weeks to complete, subject to your availability.
Starting from the Academic year 2025-2026, we will be hosting an annual four-week Summer camp, a one week Winter Camp, and a one week Spring Camp.
Check out our seasonal camps page for more details.
Finally, from 2025 onwards, we look forward to adding two weeks of Summer School at the end of the academic school year dedicated to providing additional academic and language development to those students who require the additional support.
Applications can be submitted up to two academic years prior to the intended start date for your child.
We are not certified to sponsor visas for students, parents, or guardians.
Transferring students are eligible for a waived application fee. To ensure complete organization and transfer of documents, it’s necessary to complete the application process via MyOWIS. Following this, the admissions team will inform the finance department about the application fee waiver.
No, we do not offer boarding facilities; we are a day school.
The curriculum is built around a North American model and uses American books but with influences from the UK, Australian, and Canadian models as well. The curriculum is centred around an inquiry-based methodology, additionally, we are an IB PYP candidate school.
We strongly advise that you have an online consultation with our admissions counsellor first if you wish to apply, as they will best be able to guide you. It is possible to secure your seat from abroad by completing the application process, but there are additional requirements in order to fully enrol your child into the school. To complete the final enrolment process, we require a valid long-term visa to stay in Japan, and the child will have to pass the assessment on campus before they start school. We do not do online student assessments. Once you have the long-term visa, it is possible to get the other necessities that are required to enrol. To learn about the full list of requirements, please contact our admissions team.
Did we miss your question? Reach out to our admissions team, and we will aim to get back to you within 24 business hours.