NationalEducation
High School Tuition Support
高等学校等就学支援金
In short: Tuition support for high school students; from April 2026 no income limit, but eligibility is limited by nationality/residence status.From April 2026 the income limit was abolished. Private full-time high school cap raised to ¥457,200.(Source: www.mext.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: New system from 1 Apr 2026; MEXT Q&A read in full 2026-10-15. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1342600.htm
Who qualifies
- From April 2026 the income limit was abolished. Private full-time high school cap raised to ¥457,200. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Eligible: Japanese nationals, Special Permanent Residents, Permanent Residents and others prescribed by MEXT ordinance. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Residence status (MEXT Q&A Q4): Japanese nationals and holders of (1) Special Permanent Resident, (2) Permanent Resident, (3) Spouse or Child of Japanese National, (4) Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, (5) Long-Term Resident recognised as intending to settle permanently, (6) Dependent who graduated from a Japanese elementary and junior high school (incl. equivalents) and is recognised as intending to work and settle in Japan after high school. (Accessed 2026-10-15.) [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Students enrolled before 31 March 2026 who fall outside the new rules keep support at the old level (transitional measure). New entrants from April 2026 who are not eligible (except "Student" status) may get separate income-based support. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
|---|---|
| Income | No income limit from April 2026 for the main system. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | High school students. [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
Only the statuses listed below.
Eligible: Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者), Permanent Resident (永住者), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等), Long-Term Resident (定住者), Dependent (家族滞在)
Excluded: Student (留学)
Japanese nationals and: Special Permanent Resident, Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese, Spouse of PR; Long-Term Resident only if recognised as intending to settle permanently; Dependent only if they graduated from a Japanese primary and junior high school and intend to work and settle in Japan after high school. Students on "Student" status are excluded even from the transitional support.
[official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Where to apply
Not yet verified from an official source.
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
Not yet verified from an official source.
Documents
Not yet verified from an official source.
Key details
- Students outside the new rules who were enrolled by 31 March 2026 keep support at the old income-based level; new entrants from 1 April 2026 (except "Student" status) may get income-based "new study support" if they meet household income conditions. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Application is required; Japanese nationals can apply online (e-Shien). Methods, documents and deadlines differ by school and prefecture; payment starts from the month you apply. Forms are handed out by the school. The school receives the money and offsets tuition. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、高等学校等就学支援金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。
Sumimasen, kōtō gakkō tō shūgaku shienkin ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, taishō ni naru ka, nani o motte ikeba yoi ka oshiete itadakemasu ka.
Hello. I would like to ask about high school tuition support. Am I eligible, and what 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.