Foreign families moving to Tokyo with school-aged children can access dedicated high school admission quotas if their child needs Japanese-language support and has lived in Japan for three years or less. To enter a metropolitan high school under this special frame for April 2027, candidates must first complete an official pre-application eligibility check conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education. Many families arriving in the city find that staying in a furnished monthly apartment first gives them the flexibility needed while navigating residency registrations and school admissions.
Who qualifies for Tokyo's special high school admission quota?
To be eligible for the foreign student admission selection for April 2027 entry, candidates must require Japanese-language support and live in Tokyo with a parent or guardian, or move to Tokyo and commute from their home by the high school entry date. An exception applies to Hitotsubashi High School, Asakusa High School, Ogikubo High School, and Sunagawa High School, where applicants qualify if they either live or work within Tokyo without needing to live with a guardian.
Applicants of any nationality must also meet at least one of the following five conditions:
- Expected to graduate from a Japanese junior high school by March 31, 2027, and resided in Japan for three years or less by the admission date (entering Japan on or after January 1, 2024 fulfills the three-year limit).
- Already graduated from a Japanese junior high school and resided in Japan for three years or less by the admission date.
- Expected to complete or already completed nine years of education in their home country by March 31, 2027.
- Hold a foreign passport and attend a foreign school in Japan equivalent to a junior high school, expecting to graduate by March 31, 2027, or already graduated.
- Attend a Japanese school abroad equivalent to a junior high school, expecting to graduate by March 31, 2027, or already graduated.
Because individual visa and education histories vary, applicants should always confirm their personal situation directly with official educational authorities.
When and where is the pre-application eligibility check held in 2026?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education conducts the Pre-Application Eligibility Check at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Main Building No. 1, 5th Floor Main Conference Hall (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo). Prior online reservation is required, opening on October 13.
Screening sessions are held across three dates:
- November 15, 2026
- December 6, 2026
- December 20, 2026 (strictly for applicants whose screening was not completed on November 15 or December 6)
Each day is divided into four sessions:
- Session 1: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Capacity: 30 on Nov 15; 40 on Dec 6)
- Session 2: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Capacity: 50; arrive by 12:00 p.m.)
- Session 3: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Capacity: 50)
- Session 4: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Capacity: 120; arrive by 4:00 p.m.)
Attendees must pick up a yellow entrance pass on the 1st floor near the north side elevators before going to the 5th floor. If you cannot attend any scheduled dates, call the organizers at 03-5320-6745.
What language interpretation support is available?
Interpretation in eight languages is provided during the checks:
- English, Chinese, Tagalog, and Nepalese: Available November 15 and December 6 (10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean: Available December 6 (1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
For other languages, requests had to be made by phone at 03-5320-6745 by November 6. General qualification inquiries can be directed to the Education Board Consulting Number at 03-3360-4175.
What documents are required for the screening?
All candidates must bring the completed Application Form for Pre-Application Eligibility Check in English or Japanese, alongside their original passport and residence card. Required school documentation depends on the applicant's status:
- Junior high students in Tokyo: Bring a student handbook or student ID displaying name, home address, and grade.
- Students outside Tokyo or in foreign/local schools: Bring official transcripts, certificates of expected graduation, or graduation certificates showing nine years of completed study.
Current Tokyo residents must submit a Certificate of Items Listed in the Certificate of Residence (Form Ō-3) obtained on or after November 1. Applicants living outside Tokyo receive Form Ō-1 (Application for Approval of Application) and Form Ō-5 (Declaration Concerning Return to Home Country) during the check, and must submit Form Ō-3 to the high school after moving.
Note that residence cards issued on or after June 14, 2026 no longer display the landing permission date. In such cases, officials check passport entry stamps or entry/exit return records requested from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging accommodation early is crucial when preparing for Tokyo high school admissions, as candidates must establish an address in Tokyo prior to their enrollment date. Staying in temporary housing during the initial transition allows families to complete eligibility checks and municipal procedures smoothly. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, providing an easy housing solution for relocating families. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing), giving parents time to select the right district for commuting. Additionally, booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card, making it simple to secure accommodation before moving permanently.