Special needs course in Tokyo
Yes. You can study special needs (SEN) teacher training online from Tokyo with London College of Teachers and start any day. The 120-hour SEN Certificate costs US$325, and higher levels run up to the 550-hour Master Level. Tokyo's international schools hire learning support staff.
Tokyo: the local picture
Japan's system of special needs education includes special schools and resource rooms, and Tokyo's international schools hire learning support staff.
Visas usually need a degree; SEN training shows inclusion skills to international schools.
Tokyo at a glance
| Region | Tokyo, Japan |
|---|---|
| Languages | Japanese, English |
| Schools and curricula | Public and private schools, conversation schools, international schools |
| Education authorities | Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) |
| Usual school year | April to March; international schools usually August to June |
| Nearest LCT office | Bangkok, Thailand (+66 64 496 0296) |
General guidance, checked October 2026. Calendars and rules change, so confirm with the school or authority.
Special needs education in Tokyo
Teachers in Tokyo use SEN training to show inclusion skills.
Where special needs graduates in Tokyo work
- International school learning support
- Tutoring
- Family-employed support
- Online support
- Parent coaching
Practical tips for Tokyo
- Visas usually need a degree.
- Show inclusion skills.
- Basic Japanese helps with families.
Which special needs course should you choose in Tokyo?
- Teachers and parents new to special needs: the 120-hour Certificate
- Shadow teachers and learning support staff: the 200-hour Diploma
- International school learning support roles: the PG Diploma or Master Level
Compare every level on the special needs courses page.
What employers in Japan look for
Visas usually need a degree; local licences apply to Japanese schools.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Course fees for learners in Tokyo
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Special Education Needs | 120 | up to 6 months | US$325 | £275 | ₹23,600 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Special Education Needs | 200 | up to 10 months | US$399 | £340 | ₹29,500 incl. GST |
| PG Diploma in Special Education Needs | 240 | up to 12 months | US$475 | £390 | ₹35,400 incl. GST |
| Certificate in Child Psychology | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Child Psychology | 200 | up to 10 months | US$250 | £210 | ₹17,700 incl. GST |
What you will study
Special needs teacher training covers how to spot children who need extra support and how to teach them well: learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, emotional regulation, behaviour support, classroom management and inclusive teaching methods. The Diploma adds cerebral palsy, sensory issues and visual and hearing impairment, and the Master Level is built on a PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD plus certificates in learning disability, child psychology and 21st century teaching skills. See the course details.
Why learners in Tokyo choose London College of Teachers
- UK-registered provider: London College of Teachers Limited, UKPRN 10096558
- Fully online and self-paced: start any day from Tokyo
- Clear pathway from a 120-hour Certificate to a 550-hour Master Level
- Certificate verifiable online that employers can check
- Support by WhatsApp, phone and email
How studying online from Tokyo works
- Apply online or send a quick enquiry.
- An adviser confirms your level and sends payment details.
- Get your login and study each module at your own pace.
- Complete quizzes and assignments, then receive your verifiable certificate.
Support is by email, phone and WhatsApp; your local time is JST (UTC+9).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a special needs teacher training course in Tokyo?
Yes. You can take London College of Teachers' special needs courses fully online from Tokyo, from the 120-hour Certificate to the 550-hour Master Level. There is no need to travel to a centre.
How much does a special needs course cost in Tokyo?
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency. The 200-hour Diploma is US$399 and the PG Diploma US$475.
Can I work as a shadow teacher or SEN teacher in Tokyo with this certificate?
Teachers in Tokyo use SEN training to show inclusion skills. Visas usually need a degree; local licences apply to Japanese schools.
How long does the special needs course take from Tokyo?
The 120-hour SEN Certificate is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and many learners in Tokyo finish sooner. The Diploma takes up to 10 months, the PG Diploma 12 months and the Master Level 18 months.
Is the London College of Teachers certificate accepted in Japan?
The certificate is issued by London College of Teachers Limited, a UK-registered learning provider (UKPRN 10096558), and can be verified online. Private schools, inclusive schools, therapy centres and families hiring shadow teachers set their own rules, while government special educator posts usually need a national qualification and registration, so confirm with your target employer.
Is SEN training useful in Tokyo?
Yes, for international schools.
Do I need a degree?
Usually, for the visa.