About Courses

Please tell me more about the courses.

About Courses

NS1-3 Courses (Multiple subjects selectable)

Each subject includes 4×30-minute live lessons per week and one assignment.
Monthly: 22,000 JPY per subject (incl. tax).

IGCSE Courses (Multiple subjects selectable)

Each subject includes 4×30-minute live lessons per week and one assignment.
Monthly: 24,200 JPY per subject (incl. tax).

A-Level Courses (3 or more subjects, Cambridge rules)

Each subject includes 3×60-minute live lessons per week and one assignment.
Monthly: 26,400 JPY per subject (incl. tax).

Is it possible to take lessons earlier in the day? We are considering homeschooling.

As the number of homeschool students is increasing, we also open daytime classes as needed. Please feel free to consult us.

If I miss a class, can I take a make-up lesson?

NVA has a recording feature. Missed classes can be viewed later via recordings, and teachers can confirm whether you have watched them.

How can I attend the Induction Session?

The Induction Session held before enrollment can be accessed via the “Induction Room” inside NVA. Guidance is provided during the orientation session. Please contact us if you have questions.

Regarding the Induction Session, how long does it take and is the assessment test included?

About Induction Session

The Induction Session takes about 60 minutes. The assessment test is expected to be taken individually before the Induction Session.
* If you attend a trial lesson, the assessment test will be conducted in advance.

For Maths, ICT, English, and Science classes, is it possible to combine the Brunei timetable with the UK timetable?

Each subject consists of 4×30-minute live lessons per week.
For example, Maths lessons are held Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri from 19:40–20:10. If you cannot attend a class, you can view the recording. Asian students, including those in Japan, are taught by Brunei teachers, but if you wish to combine with UK classes, please consult us.

The current course seems too easy. Can I change courses midway?

Please consult your teacher. Course changes are possible if conditions are met.

I would like to change how my name is displayed in NVA. Can it be changed to first name only or to Western-style order?

Yes, it is possible to change the name display. Please consult us.

What is the English proficiency requirement for A-Level courses?

Recommended English proficiency:
* NS Courses: approx. Eiken Pre-2 level
* IGCSE: approx. Eiken Grade 2
* A-Level: approx. Eiken Pre-1
Students with Grade 2 English proficiency can join international classes.
Students below this level can take the Booster course to strengthen their English until they reach the required level.

Do you have a curriculum to build English skills up to course level?

Yes. The Booster Course is designed to strengthen subject knowledge and English ability required for the main curriculum. We recommend students aiming for the International Course to take the Booster Course by September.
Short-term Booster options are also available: 1–4 lessons per week (30 minutes each). Combining with Units of Sound personal training significantly accelerates English progress.

In A-Level classes, how many students are from overseas?

Class size is a maximum of 15. Currently, about 70–80% of students are from overseas.

What does NS stand for?

NS is the code representing “Nisai Lower Secondary.” The curriculum covers Cambridge Lower Secondary Years 7–9.

Are there courses for adults?

Yes. The CEFR Course is recommended for adults, offering study options tailored for English refresher, business, or translation/interpretation purposes.

Are there courses available for younger students?

Yes, if they pass the entry assessment. Younger students may also benefit from Units of Sound, our recommended e-learning tool.

I want to improve English in a short period. Are there suitable courses?

The Booster Course is designed for short-term improvement, offering subject-based study in English to accelerate language skills.

Do you offer short-term English lessons for students with lower proficiency?

Yes. There are two main options:

Short-term Booster Courses (English, Maths, ICT, Science)

Typically 2×30-minute lessons per week, but frequency and duration can be customized to match your goals. These lessons prepare students for International Programs (All English).

Long-term CEFR Courses (NOCN-certified qualification)

Offered from CEFR A1 (Eiken Grade 5 equivalent) up to C2 (Eiken Grade 1+/translation level). Usually 4×30-minute lessons per week, but flexible to adjust for short-term goals as well.

Combining with Units of Sound personal training accelerates progress.

Can younger students take IGCSE or A-Level courses?

Yes, age is not a limitation if ability is sufficient. International qualifications generally have no age restrictions, though taking courses at the appropriate age is recommended.

Are grades given each term?

Yes, term reports are issued and can be downloaded from the Customer or Parent Portal. They may also be distributed by partner institutions.

I’m not sure which course to choose.

The best course depends on your current English level, desired skills, and future plans. Whether you want to strengthen English only, pursue study abroad, or prepare for domestic exams using external English certifications, we can propose a tailored plan. Please book an individual consultation: Book here

I attended an English conversation school but didn’t improve. Will Nisai’s program work?

Yes. Nisai offers 4 weekly live lessons with overseas teachers, one weekly personal training with Japanese trainers, and bi-weekly assignments. Students engage in all four English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), leading to effective improvement. The CEFR course is particularly effective for strengthening grammar and vocabulary.

I want to join the International Course, but my English level is not enough. What should I do?

Please take the assessment test first. If your English level is below the entry standard, you can strengthen your skills through the CEFR Course (A2–B1). If only slightly below, you may take a short-term Booster Program to reach the required level before admission.

Does the Eiken Preparation Course focus on Eiken-specific strategies?

First, we measure your current level via CEFR. The CEFR Course raises proficiency by one level within 11 months, which naturally improves Eiken, IELTS, TOEFL, and other exam scores, as they are based on CEFR standards. For example, an elementary student passed Eiken Grade 3 with a perfect score after 6 months in the CEFR course.

What is the Booster Course?

The Booster Course is a preparatory program before the September start of the International Course. It develops English and subject knowledge to meet entry requirements.

If I miss a class, do you provide rescheduling?

There are no make-up classes, but all lessons are recorded, so you can catch up via recordings. Teachers can check whether you have watched them.

Can I change courses midway?

Please consult your teacher or tutor. Course changes (e.g., CEFR → International Course) are allowed if requirements are met.

Please tell me about Nisai’s programs.

Nisai is an online international school teaching Cambridge and Pearson curricula, with students from 30+ countries including Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. Classes are ability-based, not age-based, and taught by fully qualified international teachers. Class sizes are small (7–9 average, max 15), allowing close support. Students also join Zalo/WhatsApp learning groups with staff support and receive regular reports.

Does Nisai have clubs?

Yes. Nisai offers many clubs and weekend programs for skills like programming, debate, and creativity.
* Social Space on NVA (drawing, reading, etc.) – no registration required.
* Other clubs – registration needed at the start of term, depending on capacity.

What curriculum and textbooks does Nisai use?

Nisai teachers create a unique curriculum (SOW) based on UK frameworks, CEFR, and NS levels, using Cambridge and other textbooks.
* IGCSE and A-Level use Cambridge textbooks.
* Nisai is a Cambridge-registered school.
* From 2024, Nisai added Pearson Single Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology).

About the System

Are the classes held in real-time online?

All classes are fully online live lessons. Teachers in the UK and Brunei conduct lessons in real time. If you are absent, recordings are available so you can catch up later via archived videos.

Can I attend public school and take your classes after I get home?

Yes. Classes generally start after 16:00, so you can study as a “double school” after regular school hours. As homeschoolers have increased, we also run daytime classes. Please contact us for details.

Can I take classes at any time I like?

There is a set timetable. You choose times by subject and can attend at a convenient time or the closest available slot.

You mentioned skipping grades. How can I advance a grade early?

Acceleration is decided by the teacher. If your learning is judged fully sufficient, your teacher will recommend moving up a level.

Is there a test before enrollment, and will I be placed at the appropriate level?

Yes. You will take an assessment (e.g., for English proficiency) before joining. We will then place you in the class that best fits your goals and level.

Please tell me the steps from application to enrollment.

Enrollment Process

Fill out and submit the application form → We arrange and you attend the Induction Session → You can start from the day after the Induction Session is completed. Feel free to discuss desired courses, questions, and any concerns during the session.

* You will take an assessment test in advance so we can propose the optimal course.

About the Induction Session

We explain how to use NVA, how to submit assignments, key tips for taking classes, and other important information. You will also learn learning attitudes and responsibilities as a student.

Can I withdraw from a course midway through?

Yes. Please inform us at least three months in advance. For details, see the “Rules on Withdrawal and Refunds” in the final application form.

The NVA icon is not showing for me. What should I do?

Our Japan team will check with the UK International Coordinator and respond promptly. If you need assistance, please contact Nisai Japan via the Official LINE.

Can we integrate classes into our school curriculum during the daytime?

Yes. Lessons can be delivered from Brunei. With only a one-hour time difference, we can accommodate schedules flexibly.

Do you issue a report card at the end of each term?

Yes. Each term’s report includes attendance, behavior records, contribution, current and target grades, teacher feedback on the units taught, and how the student performed on those units.

When are lesson recordings uploaded?

Recordings are uploaded a few hours after a lesson ends.

Can kindergarten or lower-grade elementary students take your classes?

Admission is based entirely on ability. Regardless of age, students who meet the ability standards can take Cambridge International programs. We also have programs available for older kindergarten and lower-grade students—please contact us.

About Qualifications

What are the benefits of IGCSE and A-Level in Japan?

IGCSE

IGCSE is one of the most popular international qualifications worldwide. In Japan, recognition is generally left to each school’s discretion by the Ministry of Education. Holders are typically regarded similarly to international-school graduates.

A-Level

In Japan, A-Level is officially recognized as a university entrance qualification. While universities that explicitly give preferential treatment are still limited, A-Level enables applications that leverage strong, globally benchmarked English ability and can be a significant advantage. It also opens the door to pursuing English-medium degrees.

What percentage of students obtain A-Level qualifications?

All students who complete the Nisai program obtain the qualification. Around 70% of those students achieve grade B or higher. For more details, please see the “Progression Results” page on our website.

What is the difference between the AICE Diploma and Cambridge International qualifications?

The AICE (Cambridge AICE Diploma) is a group certificate composed of Cambridge AS & A-Levels. Learners select subjects across groups to develop global perspectives and research skills: (Group 1) Mathematics & Sciences, (Group 2) Languages, (Group 3) Arts & Humanities, and (Group 4) Interdisciplinary subjects. It is awarded upon meeting the specified combination and credit requirements.

Does age matter when earning these qualifications?

International qualifications can be earned regardless of age, provided the learner meets the required ability. Even outside the typical indicated age ranges for each course, adults can study via dedicated adult classes. Please contact us for details.

About Tuition Fees

Can tuition be paid monthly?

Yes. Monthly installments (12 payments per year) are available and are paid by credit card. If you prefer bank transfer or other methods, please consult us.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, credit card payments are accepted. If you would like to pay by bank transfer or another method, please contact us.

Is tuition calculated by the number of lessons, or is it like a school tuition model?

Nisai operates as an international school, so please consider it like school tuition. Annual costs are presented as monthly amounts. Tuition includes various fees such as account setup. However, if you start more than two weeks after the new term begins, the delayed portion will be deducted from the invoice.

About Further Education

Do you provide advice on which subjects are needed when aiming for overseas universities?

A-Level students receive free guidance on university pathways. Progress toward university goals is also included in the term reports.

Where can I find how many subjects are required?

You can search the Cambridge International university database. Most universities require results in at least three subjects. Please check via the “Cambridge University Search Database” tab at the bottom of the “High School Courses” page on our website.

Can you review and provide feedback on my personal statement?

Yes, we can review and support your personal statement.

About Company Overview

What kind of international school is this?

We operate a Cambridge International School fully online. We were the first school worldwide recognized by Cambridge to provide programs online.

We offer Cambridge programs from Year 7 to Advanced Level. By studying with Nisai, students can obtain international graduation qualifications such as IGCSE and A-Level. Classes and courses are arranged according to student ability, ensuring an optimal learning environment (acceleration is also possible).