Schools/Tokyo/
ISI Tokyo-Takadanobaba Academic Pathway Campus
Tokyo
·Takadanobaba
ISI Tokyo-Takadanobaba Academic Pathway Campus
ISIランゲージスクール高田馬場校
University preparation
3 min from the station
New campus, 2026
About the school
ISI Takadanobaba Academic Pathway is a new ISI campus (opened January 2026) for students who plan to enter Japanese universities, graduate schools and colleges. It is 3 minutes from Takadanobaba Station, in a student area next to Waseda University.
Founded2026
Students from30+ countries
Course length15 months – 2 years
IntakesApr · Jul · Oct · Jan
What makes it different
A campus for entry to Japanese universities
ISI Takadanobaba Academic Pathway specialises in preparing international students for Japanese universities, graduate schools and vocational colleges. On top of the core Japanese course, from intermediate level you choose classes for your goals — EJU and JLPT preparation, graduate-school preparation or conversation practice.
University entrance
EJU, JLPT and entrance exams
From intermediate level you choose electives: EJU and JLPT preparation, a graduate-school class (research plan, essays, interview) and conversation practice.
International
Students from 31 countries
Classes are grouped by Japanese level — 8 levels from beginner to advanced — so you study in an international group of a similar level.
Student area
Next to Waseda University
Takadanobaba is a student town: universities, colleges and prep schools, libraries and inexpensive cafés all around. The campus is 3 minutes from the station.
Personal support
Guidance through admissions
Your homeroom teacher and a guidance teacher help you choose a university or college, prepare for exams and interviews and plan your applications.
ISI Takadanobaba Academic Pathway (ISIランゲージスクール高田馬場校) is an academic ISI campus that opened in January 2026. It is for international students who plan to enter Japanese universities, graduate schools or vocational colleges. Classes go from beginner to advanced level in an international setting: according to the school, in April 2026 students came from 31 countries and the average age was 23.
The campus is built around university entrance. ISI draws on many years of experience with students applying to Japanese universities and graduate schools, and offers not just language classes but one-to-one support in choosing a school and preparing for exams.
As your Japanese improves you choose extra classes for your goals. The campus has a self-study area, a library and a student lounge, and Takadanobaba — with Waseda University, bookshops and libraries — is a convenient place to study and live.
Programs
Academic Japanese Course
For students who plan to enter a Japanese university, graduate school or vocational college. Balanced work on all skills across 8 levels from beginner to advanced; you take a placement test when you arrive, and from intermediate level you choose electives. For intakes from April 2027: 1 year ¥1,015,000, 6 months ¥577,500.
Whole course, 2 years¥1,890,000
Elective classes
EJU preparation — for entry to Japanese universities. JLPT preparation — focused work towards the certificate exam. Graduate-school class — research plan, essays and the other steps of applying to graduate school. Conversation practice — real Japanese for everyday and work situations.
Short-term General Japanese Course
For students coming without a student visa. The school issues an invitation letter for a short-term visa if you book 8 weeks or more (¥20,000). Fees from April 2027: 2 weeks ¥99,150, 3 weeks ¥126,850, 4 weeks ¥154,550, 5 weeks ¥164,250, 6 weeks ¥188,350, 7 weeks ¥212,450, 8 weeks ¥222,150, 9 weeks ¥228,250, 10 weeks ¥248,750, 20 weeks ¥467,500.
Whole course¥99,150 – ¥467,500
Class schedule
20 lessons a week, up to 20 students per class. The school assigns your shift based on the placement test.
First-year costs
Application fee¥40,000
Enrollment fee¥100,000
Tuition, first year¥720,000
Other fees, first year¥155,000
Total, first year¥1,015,000
Whole course, 2 years — ¥1,890,000
Payment terms and extra costs
Scholarships and discounts
JASSO scholarship — ¥30,000 a month
For students on a student visa with at least 90% attendance over the year, excellent grades and plans to enter a Japanese university or college. The school nominates candidates.
ISI Principal’s Award — ¥50,000
For students who have studied at ISI schools for at least 1 year, with excellent grades and attendance and strong motivation. Awarded 4 times a year.
ISI Attendance Award — ¥30,000
For students on a student visa after a year at ISI with no absences and no late arrivals.
IHNO scholarship — ¥10,000–¥30,000 a month
For students on a student visa who work part-time conscientiously; the amount depends on the hours worked each month.
Intakes
April Main intake
April 2027: 2-year course. Applications close on 31 October 2026 or when places are filled.
July Summer intake
July 2027: 1 year 9 months. Apply by the end of February 2027.
October Autumn intake
October 2027: 1 year 6 months. Apply by the end of May 2027.
January Winter intake
January 2028: 1 year 3 months. Apply by the end of August 2027. Your Japanese should be good enough to move from A1 to A2.
The school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility; with the visa this takes about 4–6 months. Places are limited — apply early.
Student visa. For a long-term course you study on the Student status of residence: the school applies for your Certificate of Eligibility, then you get the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. Student visa for Japan · Which documents do I need?
Working while you study. With permission, up to 28 hours a week: Part-time work for students
Housing
ISI dormitory · mixed
International House Toda
from ¥55,000 / monthsingle or twin rooms, separate floors for men and women
5 minutes on foot from Toda Station (JR Saikyo Line). Kitchen, dining room, study room and gym.
ISI dormitory · men only
International House Shakujii-Koen
from ¥55,000 / monthsingle or twin rooms
10 minutes on foot from Shakujii-Koen Station, about 10 minutes by express train to Ikebukuro. The commute to school takes 30–40 minutes.
ISI dormitory · women only
International House Musashi-Seki
from ¥55,000 / monthsingle or twin rooms
9 minutes on foot from Musashi-Seki Station, with a direct Seibu-Shinjuku Line connection to Takadanobaba. Kitchen, dining room and study room.
ISI dormitory terms
Rent: twin room ¥55,000 a month, single room ¥75,000–¥109,000 a month. One-off fees: entry fee ¥40,000, equipment ¥30,000, cleaning ¥10,000–¥20,000. Rent is paid per term (3 months): from ¥245,000 for a twin room and from ¥315,000 for a single room. Utilities and internet are included, plus 10% tax. Furniture, appliances and bedding are provided.
Other options
Guesthouses, weekly apartments and homestay
Guesthouse from ¥106,800 for 4 weeks, weekly apartment from ¥141,500 for 4 weeks, homestay with a Japanese family (breakfast and dinner) ¥219,000 for 4 weeks.
Photos and videos
Location
2-14-19 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075 — 3 minutes on foot from the Waseda exit of Takadanobaba Station (JR and other lines)
Questions about ISI Tokyo-Takadanobaba Academic Pathway Campus
How is ISI Takadanobaba Academic Pathway different from the Shinjuku campus?
Both ISI campuses suit students who plan to continue their studies in Japan, but Takadanobaba Academic Pathway focuses specifically on the academic route — entry to universities, graduate schools and vocational colleges. There is more emphasis on admissions preparation, choosing a school and electives matched to your goals. It is also cheaper than the main Shinjuku campus.
What education do I need?
The school requires 12 years of school education, but students with 11 years of school are also accepted if they are 18 or older and have a school-leaving certificate. You also need about 150 hours of Japanese study (N5 level), must be 55 or younger and need proof that your sponsor can pay for your studies and living costs.
Can I start with no Japanese at all?
No. For a student visa the school requires about 150 hours of Japanese study or N5. Your level is confirmed by an online test and an interview with a school representative when you apply.
How much does it cost, and are there scholarships?
The first year for intakes from April 2027 is ¥1,015,000: application fee ¥40,000, enrollment fee ¥100,000, tuition ¥720,000, materials and maintenance ¥155,000. The whole 2-year course is ¥1,890,000. The best students can receive the JASSO scholarship (¥30,000 a month) and ISI awards — ¥50,000 for achievement and ¥30,000 for attendance.
Does the school help me find a job?
This campus focuses on entry to universities and colleges. If your main goal is to work in Japan, consider ISI’s career campuses, ISI Shibuya-Harajuku and ISI Takadanobaba Career, with more business Japanese and career support (under the 2027 admission rules they require a university degree).
Where can I live, and can I work part-time?
The school offers ISI dormitories (from ¥55,000 a month, paid per term), guesthouses, weekly apartments and homestay. The Musashi-Seki women’s dormitory is on a direct line to Takadanobaba. On a student visa, with permission, you can work up to 28 hours a week (8 hours a day in school holidays).
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