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Keio University

12 July 2026 by
The UniCohort
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Overview

Situated primarily in Tokyo's Minato district, Keio University holds a prestigious position as Japan's first Western higher education institute and is widely regarded as the country's first international university.Boasting eleven branch offices and multiple campuses primarily across Tokyo and Kanagawa, it operates as a world-class private research institution dedicated to excellence in education, research, and medicine.Today, Keio provides a deeply globalized environment with over 300 international partner institutions, creating a dynamic academic home for ambitious students seeking to connect Japan to the global stage.


#213

QS 2027 Rank

#217

TUC 2027 Rank

#44

Asia Rank (TUC)


Stats


  • Career and Post-Grad Placement: Keio University dominates graduate employability metrics, frequently outperforming most domestic peers. Its unparalleled corporate alumni network heavily recruits fresh graduates into global banks, tech enterprises, and government roles.
  • Professor Quality: Students learn from top-tier researchers and industry professionals. The university's strong network of international double-degree programs means faculty frequently engage in global cross-collaboration.
  • Study Environment: Keio balances rigorous academics with strong structural support. In 2023, the university opened "H Village," a new on-campus dormitory designed to promote safe, collaborative international living.


Courses

115
Primary UG


6
Doctoral (PHD)


75
Masters (PG)


20
Masters (English)


 

Keio University has 10 undergraduate faculties, three of which conduct admissions entirely in English. This growing list of English-based degree programs makes the university highly accessible to global talent. 

  •  PEARL (Program in Economics for Alliances, Research, and Leadership): A four-year, all-English degree in advanced economics launched in September 2016, aimed at cultivating future global leaders.  
  • GIGA Program (Global Information and Governance Academic): Integrating technology, science, design, business, and international policy, this program trains students to tackle complex modern issues. 
  •  Graduate English Programs: Master's and Doctoral courses available entirely in English, including Taxation Policy and Management, Economics, and Medicine.  Japanese-Medium Programs: A robust array of traditional disciplines including Law, Letters, Business and Commerce, and Science and Technology.


Navigating Admissions: The International Student Pathway


Admissions for international, English-medium degrees at Keio look for well-rounded, globally-minded students. The step-by-step admission process generally includes:

  • Academic Excellence: Standardized test scores (such as the IB, SAT, ACT, or GCE A-level) are strongly encouraged for international applicants to programs like GIGA.

  • Language Competence: English proficiency must be demonstrated via TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or EIKEN unless the applicant's first language is English or their high school instruction was primarily in English.

  • Application Materials: Candidates typically need to submit customized essays, presentation slides or a 3-minute presentation video, alongside their official academic transcripts.

  • Application Timing & Fees: Applying to Keio typically involves a 35,000 JPY application fee.

For more Information and personalised answers please join our Discord server https://discord.gg/MtdNBUwF2b (all documents needed and other important things required for your application is posted on the server) 


Financial Architecture: 


Budget Split  (IN YEN)


(This is an average data, the actual budget may vary from person to person)

  • Fees and Annual Budget: As a premier private institution, Keio's fees are higher than Japanese national universities but represent incredible value compared to Western counterparts. First-year fees for international programs usually range around 1,671,350 JPY, dropping slightly in subsequent years to around 1,471,250 JPY. Taking advantage of subsidized on-campus dorms helps keep living expenses remarkably manageable for central Tokyo/Kanagawa.

*For more information visit https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/

  • Dorm Fees: The average monthly dormitory fee ranges from ¥51,000 to ¥78,400 for a room.


Funding the Future: 


    • Scholarship Opportunities: Keio offers numerous avenues to ease the financial burden for outstanding international scholars.

      • Mentor Mitakai Scholarship: Designed specifically to support incoming international students.

      • Masatada Kobayashi Scholarship: An award available exclusively for international students, which can cover up to four years of study.

      • Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship: Keio happily hosts students awarded this comprehensive government funding.

      • GIGA-Specific Scholarships: Exclusive funding options exist directly for students enrolling in the GIGA program.

For more scholarship updates and options please find it on our discord server https://discord.gg/MtdNBUwF2b


Why Choose Keio University? 


The Nexus of Tradition and Global Leadership: The ultimate reason to attend Keio is its powerful blend of historical prestige and aggressive modern internationalization. Ranking #50 in the world for Employer Reputation, the university acts as a direct springboard into top-tier global employment. By studying at Keio, you gain access to an unparalleled alumni network and double-degree programs with elite universities worldwide. You don't just earn a degree; you are absorbed into Japan's most robust academic and corporate lineage.




 


Join the THE UNICOHORT Discord Server!

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