NationalEducation
Free Textbooks and Tuition for Compulsory Education
義務教育の授業料不徴収・教科書無償給与
In short: Children at public elementary and junior high schools pay no tuition and get all textbooks free. Foreign children are accepted free of charge like Japanese children if parents wish.Free textbooks are given to all pupils at national, public and private compulsory-education schools, for all subjects.(Source: www.mext.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: MEXT pages checked 2026-10-15 (FY2026 budget stated). Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/kyoukasho/gaiyou/04060901/1235098.htm
Who qualifies
- Free textbooks are given to all pupils at national, public and private compulsory-education schools, for all subjects. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Parents of foreign children have no legal obligation to send them to school, but if they wish, public compulsory schools accept them free of charge, like Japanese pupils. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
|---|---|
| Income | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | Elementary and junior high school age. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Residence in Japan | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Tokyo / municipality | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Work / insurance type | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Disability | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
Residence status
Any non-Japanese national (other conditions apply).
[official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Where to apply
- For enrolment of foreign children, contact your municipal board of education. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
Not yet verified from an official source.
Documents
Not yet verified from an official source.
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、公立学校への入学について伺いたいのですが、対象になるか、何を持っていけばよいか教えていただけますか。
Hello. I would like to ask about enrolling my child in a public school. Am I eligible, and what documents should I bring?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。
Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.
Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?
Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.