Courses

Could you tell me more about the courses?

About Our Courses

NS1-3 Courses (4 subjects available; multiple subjects can be selected)

Each subject includes four 30-minute live lessons per week and one assignment per week.
The monthly fee is JPY 22,000 per subject, including tax.

IGCSE Courses (multiple subjects can be selected)

Each subject includes four 30-minute live lessons per week and one assignment per week.
The monthly fee is JPY 24,200 per subject, including tax.

A-Level Courses (students select at least 3 subjects in accordance with UK requirements)

Each subject includes three 60-minute live lessons per week and one assignment per week.
The monthly fee is JPY 26,400 per subject, including tax.

Are classes available earlier in the day? We are considering homeschooling.

As the number of homeschooling students is increasing, we also offer daytime classes as required. Please feel free to contact us to discuss available options.

Is there a make-up class if I am unable to attend a lesson?

Lessons on NVA are recorded, so students who are unable to attend a live lesson can watch the recording afterwards. Teachers can also check whether students have viewed the recording.

How can I attend the Induction Session?

The Induction Session, which takes place before enrolment, can be attended through the "Induction Room" in NVA. We provide information about how to attend the Induction Session during the pre-enrolment guidance session. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

I have a few questions about the Induction Session. How long does each session take, and is the assessment test completed during the session?

About the Induction Session

The Induction Session takes approximately 60 minutes. Students are expected to complete the assessment test independently before the Induction Session.
* If you are taking a trial lesson, the assessment test will be completed beforehand.

For Maths, ICT, English and Science, we are considering taking ICT, English and Science according to the Brunei timetable and Maths according to the UK timetable. Is this type of study arrangement possible?

Each subject consists of four 30-minute live lessons per week.
For example, Maths may be held four times per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 19:40 to 20:10. If a student is unable to attend a lesson, they can watch the recording afterwards. Students in Asia, including Japan, are generally taught by teachers in Brunei. If you would like to combine Brunei and UK classes, please contact us to discuss the available options.

My current course is too easy. Can I change courses part-way through?

Please speak with your teacher. A course change may be approved if the relevant requirements are met.

I would like to change the name displayed on NVA to either my first name only or a Western-style name format. Is this possible?

Yes, it is possible to change the name displayed on NVA. Please contact us for assistance.

What level of English is recommended for studying A-Level?

The following English levels are general guidelines for each course.
* Students may still be able to enrol even if they have not yet reached these levels.
NS Course: approximately Eiken Grade Pre-2
IGCSE: approximately Eiken Grade 2
A-Level: approximately Eiken Grade Pre-1
Students with approximately Eiken Grade 2 English ability can study in classes with international students.
Students with English ability up to approximately Eiken Grade Pre-2 can strengthen their English through Nisai's Booster programme before progressing to the main course. Classes can be arranged with students of a similar English level.

Do you offer a programme to improve my English to the level required for the main courses?

Yes.
The Booster Course is designed to develop the subject knowledge and English skills required for the main curriculum. Students planning to join an international course are encouraged to take the Booster Course before September. Teachers adapt their lessons to each student's English level and help them progress towards the level required for the main course.
For students who want to improve their English within a shorter period, we recommend one to four 30-minute Booster lessons per week. Combining the programme with Units of Sound personal training can further accelerate English development.

How many international students are there in an A-Level class?

Classes have a maximum of 15 students. Currently, approximately 70-80% of students are international students.

What does NS stand for?

NS is a programme code and stands for Nisai Lower Secondary. The programme covers content from British Lower Secondary Years 7-9.

Are there courses for adults?

For adult learners, we recommend the CEFR Course. We offer courses for a range of goals, including relearning English, business English, and advanced levels suitable for translation and interpreting.

Are there courses suitable for younger students?

Students can generally join our international programmes regardless of age if they meet the entry requirements based on the assessment test. We also recommend Units of Sound, our e-learning tool.

Is there a suitable course for students who want to improve their English within a short period?

The Booster Course is designed for short-term study. Students learn a variety of subjects in English, allowing them to develop their English skills over a relatively short period.

Are there short-term English courses for students whose English level is not yet very high and who want to improve their language skills?

There are two main types of English language programmes available.

Short-term Booster Course (English, Maths, ICT and Science)

The programme can be offered in any of these subjects. It is normally provided as two 30-minute lessons per week, but the number and duration of lessons can be customised according to the student's goals and target English level.

The course covers key subject content from the international programme and is designed as preparation for a programme taught entirely in English. Teachers also adapt their approach to the learner's current level.

Long-term CEFR Course (offered in partnership with NOCN, a European international awarding organisation) *Qualification Course

This course follows the CEFR framework. A wide range of levels is available, from A1, approximately equivalent to Eiken Grade 5, through to C2, which is beyond Eiken Grade 1 and suitable for advanced translation and interpreting-level English. The standard format is four 30-minute lessons per week, but shorter-term programmes can also be arranged according to the student's goals. The frequency and duration of lessons can also be customised.

Combining either programme with Units of Sound personal training can significantly accelerate English development.

Can students take courses such as IGCSE or A-Level even if they have not yet reached the typical age?

Students may take these courses before reaching the typical age if they have the required academic ability. International qualifications generally do not have strict age restrictions; however, except in special circumstances, we recommend studying the course and taking the examination at an appropriate age. Please contact us for further details.

Will students receive grades or reports at the end of each term?

Yes. A report is issued at the end of each term. Reports can be downloaded through the Customer Portal or Parent Portal in English. They may also be distributed by representatives of our partner organisations. Please feel free to contact us for further information.

I am not sure which course to choose.

The most suitable course depends on the student's current English level, the academic knowledge and skills they wish to develop, and their future educational goals. For example, the appropriate course will differ depending on whether the student wants to focus only on English, study overseas, keep overseas study as a future option while aiming for university in Japan, or use an external English qualification when applying to a Japanese school or university. We can propose a plan that meets these different needs, so please start by booking an individual consultation.
Book an individual consultation here

I previously attended an English conversation school but did not see much improvement. Can I still make progress through Nisai's programme?

Yes. The Nisai programme includes four live lessons per week with international teachers, one personal training session per week with a Japanese trainer, and an assignment every two weeks. Students are given substantial exposure to English and develop all four language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking - as part of the process of acquiring English as a second language. Students who previously had limited exposure to English or focused too heavily on only some of the four skills may therefore see greater progress. The CEFR programme is particularly effective for strengthening grammar and vocabulary and is designed to help students progress by one CEFR level.

I would like to take an international school course, but my English level is not high enough. What should I do?

First, we will assess your English level through an assessment test. If your English does not yet meet the entry requirements for the international school course, you may first study through the CEFR Course and raise your English to approximately CEFR A2-B1 before progressing. If your English is only slightly below the entry requirement, you may take a short-term Booster Programme before joining or transferring into the international school course. Booster Programmes are offered for individual subjects and are designed to develop both the English ability and subject knowledge required for the main programme.

Does the Eiken preparation course focus specifically on preparing students for the Eiken examination?

Students first take an assessment to determine their current English level according to the CEFR framework. Nisai's CEFR Course is an online programme designed to improve a student's overall English ability by approximately one CEFR level over 11 months. Examinations such as Eiken and IELTS are aligned with the CEFR framework, so studying through a CEFR-based curriculum naturally helps students improve the skills required for these examinations. Because the programme develops overall English ability, it can also support preparation for IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL. We have also had a beginner-level third-grade primary school student achieve a perfect score in Eiken Grade 3 after six months on the CEFR Course.

What is the Booster Course?

The Booster Course is a preparatory programme for students before the international school programme begins in September. It is also designed for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements for an international school course and need to strengthen their English and subject knowledge in order to meet the required standard by September. Booster Programmes are available for each course and are designed to develop students' English to the level required for entry to their chosen main programme.

Is there a make-up class if I am unable to attend a lesson?

There are no make-up lessons, but all lessons are recorded. Students who miss a live class can therefore watch the recording afterwards. Teachers can also check whether students have viewed the recording.

Can I change courses part-way through?

Please speak with your teacher or tutor. A course change may be approved if the relevant requirements are met, for example when progressing from a CEFR Course to an international school course.

Could you tell me about Nisai's programme?

Nisai is an online international school offering international curricula, including programmes based on Pearson syllabuses in the UK. Students from more than 30 countries, including Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia, study with Nisai. The curriculum is similar to that of an in-person British school, but Nisai is 100% online. Rather than placing students solely according to age or school year, Nisai uses assessment tests to create ability-based classes. Nisai has specialist teachers with internationally recognised qualifications. Students study alongside learners from countries such as Japan, Thailand and Indonesia, providing opportunities to learn about different cultures in a multicultural environment. Classes are small, averaging 7-9 students with a maximum of 15, enabling teachers to provide close support. For individual support, each student has a Zalo/WhatsApp study group with staff who closely monitor their learning and provide support throughout the curriculum. Regular reports are also sent to families."

Could you tell me about Nisai's programme?

Nisai is an online international school offering international curricula, including programmes based on Pearson syllabuses in the UK. Students from more than 30 countries, including Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia, study with Nisai. The curriculum is similar to that of an in-person British school, but Nisai is 100% online. Rather than placing students solely according to age or school year, Nisai uses assessment tests to create ability-based classes. Nisai has specialist teachers with internationally recognised qualifications. Students study alongside learners from countries such as Japan, Thailand and Indonesia, providing opportunities to learn about different cultures in a multicultural environment. Classes are small, averaging 7-9 students with a maximum of 15, enabling teachers to provide close support. For individual support, each student has a Zalo/WhatsApp study group with staff who closely monitor their learning and provide support throughout the curriculum. Regular reports are also sent to families."

Does Nisai offer clubs?

Nisai offers a variety of clubs, and students are encouraged to participate according to their interests.
* Social Space on the NVA platform (located on the left side of the homepage): a space where students from different countries can participate together in activities such as drawing and reading.
Nisai also offers an online weekend extracurricular and learning support programme called the Skill-Up Programme, where students can choose from clubs such as programming, presentations, debating and creativity. Clubs and HDNK events are held online using platforms such as Zoom.
Please note the following:
* Social Space: advance registration is not required.
* Other clubs: registration is required at the beginning of each term and availability depends on the number of places offered each term.

What curriculum does Nisai teach, and what textbooks are used?

Based on CEFR and NS levels, Nisai teachers follow a general British curriculum framework and use a range of resources, including Pearson materials, to develop Nisai's own Scheme of Work (SOW). This enables students to develop essential knowledge and skills.
・Nisai is a British school registered with the UK Department for Education, and the frameworks used for its programmes are recognised.
・From 2026, Nisai has expanded its range of subjects and adopted syllabuses including Pearson programmes, providing students with a wider range of study options.

How It Works

Are the lessons taught live online?

Yes. All lessons are fully online live classes.
Teachers in the UK and Brunei teach students online in real time. If a student is unable to attend, lessons are recorded and can be viewed later.

Can students attend a local school during the day and take Nisai lessons after returning home?

Yes. Classes generally begin from around 16:00 onwards, allowing students to study with Nisai after their regular school day. As the number of homeschooling students has also increased, daytime classes are now available as well. Please contact us for further details.

Can I take classes whenever I like?

Classes follow a set timetable, and students can select available times for each subject. You can therefore choose a class time that suits your schedule or is as close as possible to your preferred time.

You mentioned that accelerated progression is possible. How does a student move up to a higher level?

Accelerated progression is determined by the student's subject teacher. If the teacher believes that the student has fully mastered the current level, they may recommend moving the student to a higher course.

There is an assessment before enrolment. Will students be placed in a class that matches their level?

Yes. Students take an assessment before enrolment to evaluate areas such as English ability. They are then placed in the class that best matches their preferred programme and academic level.

Could you explain the enrolment process?

Enrolment Process

Complete and submit the application form → arrange and attend the iinduction session → begin classes from the day after the induction session is completed. During the induction session, please feel free to discuss your preferred course, questions, concerns or anything else with the member of staff supporting you.

* Students complete an assessment test in advance so that we can recommend the most suitable course.

About the induction session

The session provides important information about how to use NVA, how to submit assignments and key points to remember when attending lessons. Students also learn about the attitude and responsibilities expected of them as learners.

Can I withdraw from a course before it ends?

Yes. Students may withdraw part-way through a course. Please notify us at least three months in advance. For further details, please refer to the "Withdrawal and Refund Policy" in the main application form.

The NVA icon is not displayed. What should I do?

The Japan team will check with the international coordinator in the UK and arrange support as soon as possible. If you need assistance, please contact the official Nisai Japan LINE account.

Can Nisai classes be incorporated into a school's daytime curriculum?

Yes. Lessons can be provided from Brunei. As the time difference is only one hour, we can offer flexible scheduling.

Will students receive a report at the end of each term?

Yes. At the end of each term, students receive a detailed report covering areas such as attendance, behaviour, contribution, current and target grades, feedback from subject teachers on the units taught, and feedback on how the student performed in those units.

When are lesson recordings uploaded?

Lesson recordings are generally uploaded within a few hours after the lesson ends.

Can kindergarten-age and younger primary school students enrol?

Admission to Nisai is based on ability. Regardless of age, students who meet the required ability level can study through our international programmes. We are also now able to offer programmes suitable for kindergarten-age and younger primary school students. Please feel free to contact us.

Can kindergarten-age and younger primary school students enrol?

Admission to Nisai is based on ability. Regardless of age, students who meet the required ability level can study through our international programmes. We are also now able to offer programmes suitable for kindergarten-age and younger primary school students. Please feel free to contact us.

Are all lessons online?

Yes. All lessons are fully online live classes. CEFR and international school courses are taught online in real time by teachers based in Brunei. If a student misses a lesson, all classes are recorded and can be viewed afterwards.

Can I attend lessons using a smartphone or tablet?

Students are expected to use a laptop computer or higher-specification device. Developing ICT skills through computer use is also part of the learning experience, and due to system specifications, some classes may not work correctly on tablets. * Please note that lessons cannot be attended using a smartphone.

・Could you explain Nisai's academic pathway and curriculum?

Nisai teaches programmes using syllabuses from UK organisations such as Pearson.
Nisai's pathway consists of four stages.
* Stage 1: Pre-Lower Secondary (CEFR A1 and CEFR A2): Students build the English foundations required to study Nisai's Lower Secondary programme. By Grade 5, students are expected to have at least A2-level English.
* Stage 2: Lower Secondary (CEFR B1-B2, NS1, NS2 and NS3): This stage includes six subjects and is equivalent to Grade 6 through Grade
8. Students can choose subjects such as Maths, Science and ICT and build the foundation needed to progress towards IGCSE qualifications.
* Stage 3: Upper Secondary (IGCSE 1 and IGCSE 2): Equivalent to Grades 9 and 10, with 12 subjects available. Students need to select at least five subjects to obtain qualifications. Pearson subjects include Chemistry, Physics and Biology. By completing examinations at the end of the two-year programme and obtaining five IGCSE qualifications, students can pursue opportunities for university progression in Japan and overseas.
* Stage 4: Advanced (AS/A-Level): Equivalent to Grades 11 and 12, with six subjects available. Students generally need to select at least three subjects for progression to university in Japan or overseas.
* Parents should ensure that the academic content is appropriate for the student's age, as some content may not be suitable for younger learners.

Why are cameras and microphones not always switched on during live classes? Are students allowed to speak?

Keeping cameras switched off helps maintain a stable internet connection and can help students focus during the 30-minute lesson. Students are allowed to speak, but microphones are switched off by default when students first enter the class to help maintain concentration. If students have a question, they can use the chat function or click the raise-hand icon to request permission to use their microphone.

Qualifications

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

IGCSE

IGCSE is one of the most widely recognised international qualifications. In Japan, the Ministry of Education currently appears to leave recognition of IGCSE qualifications to individual schools. Students holding the qualification are generally viewed as having studied within an international school system.

A-Level

In Japan, the Ministry of Education recognises A-Level within the system as a qualification that can provide eligibility for university admission. At present, relatively few Japanese universities provide specific preferential treatment solely for holding the qualification. However, it enables students to apply using their English ability and internationally recognised academic strengths. This can be a significant advantage and also opens opportunities to apply for English-taught degree programmes.

What percentage of students obtain A-Level qualifications?

All students who have completed Nisai's programme have obtained the qualification. Approximately 70% of participating students achieved a grade of B or above. Please see the "University Progression Results" page on our website for further details.

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

AICE is a qualification made up of Cambridge A-Level subjects. The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a group-based qualification in which learners study subjects from AS & A-Level curricula together with Global Perspectives and Research. Students select subjects from Group 1: Mathematics and Sciences, Group 2: Languages, Group 3: Arts and Humanities, and Group 4: Interdisciplinary Subjects.

Is there an age requirement for obtaining international qualifications?

International qualifications can generally be obtained regardless of age. Adults outside the typical age ranges shown for each course may also study the curriculum through adult classes. Please contact us for further details.

What is International GCSE?

International GCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is regarded as a qualification showing completion of compulsory secondary education in the UK and is also referred to as a secondary education completion certificate. It is an internationally recognised qualification demonstrating completion of secondary education.

What is the difference between International GCSE and GCSE?

International GCSE is based on the GCSE and has been adapted for international learners. International students generally take International GCSE examinations to obtain the qualification. Like GCSE, International GCSE is recognised as a qualification showing completion of compulsory secondary education in the UK and is recognised internationally. It is also referred to as an international secondary education completion certificate.

How can students obtain an International GCSE?

Our international school offers several possible pathways. The first is to complete an assessment test and meet the programme's entry requirements. Other pathways are available for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements for the International GCSE programme. In such cases, we assess the student's current level and propose a personalised pathway towards obtaining International GCSE qualifications. Please contact us for further details.

What is A-Level?

A-Level stands for General Certificate of Education Advanced Level. It is an internationally offered qualification provided through UK awarding organisations such as Pearson and serves as an advanced secondary education qualification as well as a university entrance qualification.

What is the difference between A-Level and the IBDP?

Two major differences between A-Level and the International Baccalaureate are the number of subjects studied and whether the qualification can be completed fully online. Students taking the International Baccalaureate study a total of six subjects, whereas A-Level does not require the same fixed number of subjects. Students can focus on approximately three or four subjects that match their interests and the entry requirements of the universities they wish to attend.

How can students obtain A-Level qualifications?

Our international school offers several possible pathways. The first is to complete an assessment test and meet the entry requirements for the Alevel programme. Other pathways are available for students who do not yet meet the entry requirements for Alevel. In such cases, we assess the student's current level and propose a personalised pathway towards obtaining Alevel qualifications. Please contact us for further details.

What certificates or qualifications do students receive when they complete their studies?

For Pre-Lower Secondary and Lower Secondary: students can receive academic transcripts and reports similar to those issued by in-person British schools.
For International GCSE and AS/A-Level: students completing Grade 10 or Grade 12 take their examinations through the British Council. These qualifications can be used when applying to university or studying overseas.
More specifically:
* IGCSE qualification:
- Option 1: Progress to a university foundation programme for approximately 8-12 months > then progress to the first year of university
- Option 2: Use the qualification to continue to AS/A-Level study
- Option 3: Use the qualification to transfer to a secondary school in another country, such as the United States, the UK or Finland
* A-Level qualification:
- Many universities accept AS/A-Level qualifications, including public, private and international institutions
- Overseas study: the qualification is widely recognised in countries including the UK, Australia, the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

How are A Levels different from IELTS?

IELTS is a qualification used to demonstrate a student's English language proficiency. A-Level is an advanced secondary education qualification based on UK standards and demonstrates academic knowledge in specific subjects.

How do IGCSE EFL and ESL grades correspond to CEFR levels?

An A grade in IGCSE EFL corresponds to CEFR C1. An A grade in IGCSE ESL corresponds to CEFR B2.

Tuition Fees

Can tuition fees be paid monthly?

Yes. Monthly instalment payments over 12 payments are available. Payments are generally made by credit card. Please contact us if you would prefer to pay by bank transfer.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. Payment by credit card is available. Please contact us if you would prefer to pay by bank transfer.

Are tuition fees calculated according to the number of lessons, or are they more like regular school tuition fees?

As Nisai is an international school, tuition should be considered in the same way as regular school tuition. The annual cost is divided and presented as a monthly amount. Tuition also includes various costs such as account issuance fees. However, if a student starts more than two weeks after the beginning of the academic term, the relevant amount will be deducted from the invoice.

Can I pay the annual tuition fee in one payment?

Yes. Annual payment in one instalment is available. Payment can be made either by credit card or bank transfer.

Why is tuition charged in August even though there are no classes for the international school course?

The monthly payment is calculated by dividing the total annual tuition fee into 12 instalments. Students may of course withdraw part-way through the year, in which case they are not required to pay all 12 instalments. Please be assured that you will not be charged for the full year if you formally withdraw in accordance with the relevant policy.

University Progression

If I am aiming to attend an overseas university, can Nisai advise me about which subjects I should take?

Yes. A-Level students can receive university and careers guidance free of charge. Termly reports also include information about university-related progress.

How can I find out how many subjects I need?

As an external reference, you can use Cambridge International's Recognition Database to research how qualifications are recognised by universities and other institutions. Universities generally require grades in at least three subjects. Entry requirements vary by university, so please also confirm the latest requirements directly with your chosen institution. For further details, please use the recognition database information located near the bottom of the "High School Course" page on our website.

Can Nisai review and provide feedback on my personal statement?

Yes. We can review your personal statement and provide support with revisions.

Have any Japanese students progressed to universities overseas?

Yes. Japanese students have received offers from universities including institutions in Manchester and London.

When should students start preparing if they want to attend an overseas university?

There are two main pathways to overseas university: the A-Level route and the Foundation Course route. For the A-Level route, students can begin IGCSE in the third year of junior high school or begin A-Level in the second year of high school. This can allow them to complete A-Level in their final year of high school and progress directly to an overseas university. Students who plan to enter university one or two years after high school can begin IGCSE or A-Level one or two years later without a problem. For the Foundation Course route, students need to reach the IELTS requirement set by the university for entry to its Foundation Course. Requirements differ by university but are generally IELTS 4.5-5.5 or above, corresponding approximately to upper CEFR B1, around upper Eiken Grade 2, through to CEFR B2, around Eiken Grade Pre-1. Students therefore need to plan their English study backwards from the required target level.

Which subjects should students choose if they want to major in Computer Science?

Students planning to major in Computer Science generally select the following subjects.
5 IGCSE subjects: EFL/ESL, Math, Sciecne, and other subjects
3 AS/A subjects: Math, Economics・Sociology, Thinking Skills

Enrolment

Is a free trial lesson available?

Yes. Free trial lessons are available after an information session or individual consultation. We first ask about your child's current English learning, future educational goals and current situation. We then explain how Nisai can help expand your child's opportunities and provide information about the free trial lesson.

Can students enrol at any time?

In general, students can enrol at any time. However, IGCSE and A-Level courses have enrolment deadlines, so please contact us for further details.

Can I enrol as a homeschooling student?

Yes. Approximately one-third of our Japanese students are currently homeschooling students.

Can I study just one subject?

Yes. Some students take just one subject to strengthen a particular academic area. The ability to study from just one subject, in a way similar to attending a supplementary school, is one of Nisai's features.

Withdrawal

How far in advance do I need to give notice if I want to withdraw?

You need to give three months' notice. For example, if you notify us of your intention to withdraw in March, your enrolment will end at the end of June.

Is there a fee for withdrawing from the programme?

Yes. If a student withdraws from an international school course during the academic year, a withdrawal fee equivalent to one month's tuition per subject is charged. International school tuition is normally calculated as an annual fee. However, to reduce the financial burden on families, we allow the annual amount to be paid through monthly instalments, such as 12 payments. As a result, the actual value of the tuition provided is higher than the monthly instalment amount. We appreciate your understanding.

About Nisai

What type of international school is Nisai?

We operate a fully online British international school. Nisai is registered with the UK Department for Education (DfE) and is listed on the UK Government's Get Information about Schools service.

Our online British programme is available from Year 7 through to advance-Level. By studying with Nisai, students can work towards international qualifications such as International GCSE and A-Level. We recommend classes and courses according to each learner's ability, allowing students to study in the environment most appropriate for them. Accelerated progression is also possible.