Our students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is made up of three core components and six subject groups.

Average class size: 18 students

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Core components

• Theory of Knowledge: Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we claim what we know.

• The Extended Essay: An independent, self-directed piece of research finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Students take part in a range of experiences and at least one project.

Subjects

• Studies in language and literature: English Literature, English Language and Literature, Chinese Literature, Japanese Literature, Spanish Language and Literature, School Supported Self-Taught Literature
• Language acquisition: English B, Japanese B, Spanish B, Chinese Ab Initio, Japanese Ab Initio, Spanish Ab Initio

• Individuals and societies: Economics, History, Global Politics

• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies, Computer Science

• Mathematics: Maths - analysis and approaches, Maths - applications and interpretation

• The arts: Visual Arts, Theatre, Film

The Pre-IBDP Programme

UWC ISAK Japan welcomes boarding students between the ages of 15 and 19. Fifteen-year-old students can join the school as part of its three-year high school programme, which emphasises its flagship Leadership Programme in Grade 10, before merging with the two-year IBDP in Grade 11 (16-19 year-olds).

Co-curricular

All students at UWC complete a co-curricular programme called Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) - an integral part of the IB qualification. Students get the opportunity to choose a physical, a creative and a social service activity.

Students are in charge of developing and running their own CAS projects in groups of eight or more students, so projects change from year to year. For example, recent CAS projects have addressed clothing recycling, environmental issues and sustainability, fundraising and support for Nepal, educational support for refugees in Asia, LGBTQ+ community advocacy, food waste and youth outreach.

The UWC ISAK Japan campus is located in Karuizawa, a beautiful mountain resort community located approximately 70 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo. As well as modern facilities, students have regular access to exceptional local athletic facilities.

Residential accommodation:

There are four mixed-gender student residences. Rooms are deliberately mixed with overseas students and local students. All residences have a day room/common room and laundry room. UWC ISAK Japan offers both single-sex residences and blended houses with students sharing either a two-person or four-person bedroom. Blended houses have gender-neutral toilets and showers, as well as single-sex showers. Rooms are diverse, with students coming from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Each house includes a common area, a small kitchen and laundry facilities.

Students are expected to return home between Year one and Year two. The school provides on-campus housing or alternatives for students unable to go home for winter break. Full-time teachers also live on campus with everyone playing a significant role in the college community, creating and supporting each other's UWC experience.

Medical provisions

• Two full-time nurses
• Weekly campus visits by a local doctor
• Access to local medical and dental facilities
• Students covered by Japan’s National Health Insurance

Academic and emotional well-being

The school supports students’ academic and emotional well-being through:

• House mentors who support students in their residential setting 

• Two school counsellors providing one-to-one support

• An experienced Pastoral Care team, led by a Deputy Head of Pastoral 

You can apply through your UWC national committee (NC) or through the UWC Global Selection Programme. Direct applications are also possible for Grade 10.  For more information about UWC ISAK Japan, visit the website.