Application Guide for Keio Exchange Program

Updated: January 15, 2025

Eligibility

      • Must be enrolled at one of Keio University's partner universities

      • Must have student status at your home university throughout your period of study at Keio University

      • Must be formally nominated as an exchange student by your home university

      • GPA requirement:
        All applicants MUST have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 / 4.0 or equivalent

      • English proficiency requirements:
        Applicants for the "Keio International Program (KIP)" or "Research Program (if attending in English) "need to meet the following English proficiency requirements, unless you qualify for an exemption as below.

        Intended Program

        English proficiency requirement

        Keio International Program (KIP)

        TOEFL iBT 79 or equivalent　*1

        Research Program (RP)

        		 If attending the program in English:
        TOEFL iBT 79 or equivalent　*1

        If attending the program in Japanese:
        No proof of English proficiency required

        Japanese Language Program (JLP)

        No proof of English proficiency required

        *1 If one of the following applies, you will be exempted from English proficiency requirements.
        -Student who is a national from countries where English is the first language
        -Student who is currently in the degree program where classes are given in English. (Regardless of whether English is the official language of the country)

        -How to submit English exam scores
        Score reports are NOT required and the expired score reports are also accepted.
        Upon nomination by the coordinator at the host university, please make sure that the nominating students have already obtained the required scores or will obtain the score by the application deadline.

        -Which English Exams should be taken
         We do not have specific rules regarding English proficiency certificates.
        As long as the certificate is accepted by the home university, it could be used as a valid English proficiency certificate to validate that the student(s) meet the requirement (TOEFL iBT 79 or equivalent).

        Application Deadline

        The application must be submitted Keio University NO LATER than the deadlines below.

        2025 Fall Admission March 30, 2025
        2026 Spring Admission October 5, 2025

        Important Notice

          • If you are a transfer student and wish to apply for the JLP, you must have completed at least one semester at your home university (nominating institution) at the time of application. You must be able to submit a transcript and a recommendation letter from your home university.

          • Incomplete applications will not be processed.

          • Your application will be reviewed by the selection committee of each program.

          • Acceptance to Keio is confirmed once you receive your acceptance letter. We recommend that you do NOT purchase an airline ticket prior to receiving your official letter of acceptance.

          • Extending your study period is not permitted. Please plan and choose your study period very carefully when you apply.

          • No credits or certificate will be given if you are not enrolled until the end of the course and miss the exams. No exceptions will be made for those who wish to leave early due to academic schedule conflicts or graduation from your home institution. Please check our "Academic Calendar" and "Important Dates", and consult with your home institution well in advance.

          • There is no Japanese proficiency required to apply to be an exchange students at Keio University.

        Academic Calendar

        Please visit here for the latest exchange program scedule.

        Financial Requirement

        Be sure you can financially support yourself during the period of study at Keio. The average cost of living expense is at least JPY 130,000/month if you live in university-subsidized student housing. For the details, please visit here.

        Scholarships

        Scholarships such as JASSO are available but are not guaranteed for all the exchange students since the number of recipients is limited.

        Application Instructions for Incoming Exchange

        1. Ensure you meet Keio's eligibility

        2. Review programs and course descriptions
        It is very important that you choose the program that best suits you. Read this information carefully before you make your decision.
        Please visit here for programs for exchange students.

        3. Online nomination (needs to be completed by exchange coordinator of your home university)
        Inform your coordinator of your intended program and study abroad duration.

        4. Prepare application documents before you start online application procedures.

        Some documents (such as recommendation letter, certificate of health or bank letter) may take more time than expected.

        For the list of application documents required, please visit here.

        5. Read the " User Guide for the Keio Exchange Program.pdf "carefully.

        • NOTES:
      • We only accept the application online. Please DO NOT send us hard copy documents by post.
      • The link for the online applicatin page will only be sent to the applicants who have been officially nominated by their home university.

        • JASSO Scholarship

        Scholarships such as JASSO are available but are NOT guaranteed for all the exchange students since the number of recipients is limited.

        If you wish to apply for the JASSO scholarship, read the Application guide for JASSO scholarship below carefully and make sure you meet all of the requirements. Then, appy for the scholarship on the STEP 5 of the Online Application for Keio Student Exchange Program.
        Application Guide for JASSO Student Exchange Support Program.pdf

        Japanese Nationals

        Japanese nationals, including those with dual nationalities must enter Japan as a Japanese national with a Japanese passport. If you do not have a Japanese passport, apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate nearby. Do not enter Japan with a foreign passport.

        Spouse or child of a Japanese Nationals

        If you are a spouse or child of a Japanese National, you have the choice of either applying for a Student visa or applyingfor a Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa.

        A Certificate of Eligibility is not required to apply for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa. Regarding the application procedure, consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country directly. Although the application procedure for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa is simpler than obtaining a Student visa, persons entering Japan with this visa should be aware that they must surrender various advantages provided to international students.

        Inquires

        Please inform us of your name and your home university when inquiring.

        Office of Student Services (International Exchange Services Group)
        E-mail: ic-inbound@adst.keio.ac.jp

        FAQ