In short
Keio University, Japan's oldest private university founded in 1858, offers a prestigious education across 10 undergraduate faculties and 14 graduate schools in Tokyo. It provides a strong academic foundation with a focus on practical knowledge and boasts significant research strengths, particularly in medicine and science.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1858
- Students
- 33,437
- International students
- 2,400
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–18k/yr
- Languages
- EN, JA
- Location
- Tokyo, Japan
Keio University, founded in 1858 in Tokyo by Yukichi Fukuzawa, is Japan's oldest private university and one of its most prestigious, encompassing 10 undergraduate faculties and 14 graduate schools across six campuses. With over 33,000 students, Keio excels in medicine, law, economics, engineering, and environmental studies, consistently ranking among the top universities in Asia. Keio's philosophy of independent thinking and practical knowledge - Jitsugaku - shapes an education that blends rigorous academic study with real-world application. Its Mita-kai alumni network, one of Japan's most powerful, provides graduates with extraordinary professional connections across every industry.
Why study here
- Keio is Japan's most historically significant private university - its brand opens doors at Japan's top corporations, government ministries, and global firms.
- World-class medical and scientific research through Keio University Hospital and cutting-edge laboratories across six campuses.
- The Shonan Fujisawa Campus offers a unique interdisciplinary environment integrating policy, environment, and technology.
- Strong internationalisation: bilateral exchange agreements with top universities worldwide and English-taught graduate programmes.
- Tokyo location provides unmatched access to Japan's largest economy, tech startups, and cultural experiences.
Student life
Keio offers a rich campus life across six distinct campuses. The historic Mita Campus hosts the main library, landmark architecture, and vibrant student clubs (over 500 circles). The Hiyoshi Campus has a large sports complex and is the heart of Keio's famous varsity sports culture - the annual Keio-Waseda Rikyo rivalry games are major social events. Tokyo and Yokohama are easily accessible by train, offering world-class dining, nightlife, museums, and entertainment. International students receive dedicated orientation, Japanese language classes, and housing support. The Keio International Center organises cultural exchange events and buddy pairing.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition for international undergraduate students: approximately JPY 1,000,000-1,800,000 (EUR 8,500-15,000 depending on faculty and year). Graduate programmes range JPY 900,000-2,200,000 per year.
HomeDomestic student tuition: approximately JPY 900,000-1,800,000 per year depending on faculty. Medicine is significantly higher.
LivingMonthly living costs in Tokyo average JPY 130,000-200,000 (EUR 800-1,250), including accommodation in a shared apartment or university dormitory.
Fees vary significantly by faculty. Medicine and pharmacy are among the most expensive. The Japanese yen exchange rate affects EUR equivalents; check current rates.
Admissions
Undergraduate (international)Completion of 12 years of education equivalent to Japanese upper secondary school, or IB Diploma. Individual faculty examinations and interviews. Limited international intake per faculty.
Graduate programmesRelevant bachelor's degree with strong academic record. Faculty-specific entrance examinations and research proposals for doctoral programmes.
Exchange / Visiting studentsAvailable through bilateral agreements. Students apply via their home university's international office.
TOEFL iBT79-100 depending on programme
IELTS Academic6.5 overall for most English-taught programmes
TOEIC730+ for some graduate programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025215
QS Asia University Rankings 2025Top 30 in Asia
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025401-500
University scholarships
Keio University Scholarship for International StudentsJPY 100,000-300,000 per month
MEXT Japanese Government ScholarshipFull tuition + monthly stipend JPY 117,000-145,000
Keio Mita-kai Alumni ScholarshipVaries; awarded to outstanding graduate students
Accreditation
Keio University is accredited by the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA). The Faculty of Business and Commerce holds AACSB accreditation. Medical programmes are accredited by the Japan Council for Medical Education.
Programs
a selectionKeio University · Japan
Bachelor of Arts in Economics (PEARL Program)
The Faculty of Economics at Keio University offers the PEARL (Program in Economics with Active Learning) program, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. This program is taught entirely in English and aims to cultivate global leaders equipped with advanced economic knowledge and analytical skills. The curriculum emphasizes active learning and aims for students to graduate in four years, with a possibility of completing in 3.5 years under specific conditions. The program accepts approximately 100 students each year across its three application periods. Admission is based solely on a review of submitted application materials, with no interviews required.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Keio University · Japan
International Graduate Program (Master's) - Keio University
The Graduate School of Science and Technology at Keio University offers a two-year Master's program designed to build advanced fundamentals in science and technology. This is achieved through coursework and independent research under faculty guidance. Starting in 2026, the graduate school will be restructured into four new schools: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Life Science, and Informatics, Engineering and Design, and Informatics, Management, and Human Sciences, each offering specialized curricula. The program requires students to complete at least 30 credits, including independent study and graduate research, and to submit an approved Master's thesis. The academic year is divided into Spring (April-July) and Fall (September-January) semesters, with some courses offered in other formats. Finding and consulting with a prospective academic advisor before applying is crucial for admission, as the program is research-oriented.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Keio University · Japan
Keio University - English-Based Degree Programs
Keio University offers a growing number of degree programs conducted entirely in English, making it accessible to international students and fostering a global perspective among all students. As of June 2025, Keio provides 20 English-based degree programs across undergraduate and graduate levels, in addition to numerous courses taught in English. These programs span various fields, including Economics, Policy Management, Information Studies, Science and Technology, Medicine, Media, Law, and Business. Students can complete all academic requirements, including dissertations, in English. The university aims to develop globally-minded leaders equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Keio University · Japan
Master's Program (Graduate School of Economics)
The Master's Program at Keio University's Graduate School of Economics offers advanced study in economics for students seeking to deepen their understanding and research capabilities. The program is designed to equip students with analytical and quantitative skills necessary for pursuing careers in academia, research institutions, government, or the private sector. Prospective students can choose from various application periods to align with their enrollment plans.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Keio University · Japan
Master’s Program in Media Design
The Master’s Program at Keio University's Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) aims to cultivate creative leaders who can contribute to both society and academia through practical innovation. The program emphasizes an original educational approach that combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience. Students begin with a "Crash Course" designed to break down preconceived notions and foster an understanding of KMD's unique culture. This is followed by practical, wide-ranging lectures and workshops to build foundational skills for media innovation. A core component of the program is "Real Projects," collaborative initiatives involving participants from industry, government, and academia, allowing students to hone their abilities by tackling complex challenges. All required subjects for Master's students are conducted in English. The program culminates in presentations and a Master's thesis, where students synthesize their learning and project outcomes, contributing to the academic field.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Japan
full fundingNational Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)
Open to international students applying to GRIPS master's and PhD policy programs taught in English. Master's and five-year PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; three-year PhD applicants need a master's degree or equivalent. Specific scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, JICA, Japan-IMF) each carry their own nationality, age and work-experience conditions tied to the program selected.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational Institute of Genetics (NIG)
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to pursue a genetics project. Applicants who were previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI graduate students are not eligible.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
-29d left
Deadline
living only fundingNishimura Foundation
Nishimura Foundation Japan International Scholarship
Open to Indonesian citizens who are graduates of UGM, ITB, UI or UNAIR and who will apply for S1 (undergraduate), S2 (master's) or S3 (doctoral) study at an eligible Japanese university. Applicants must self-fund their study programme (the scholarship covers living expenses, not tuition), meet the minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduate, 3.5 for master's), demonstrate financial need, and have or be willing to learn Japanese with an interest in Japanese culture and Indonesia-Japan relations.
living only
Funding
€22k
Max
Dec 10, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOsaka University (funded by MEXT, Japanese Government)
Osaka University MEXT Scholarship for Robotics and Bioengineering
Open to non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background in a relevant field such as robotics, bioengineering or mechanical science, who meet the MEXT programme conditions, present a focused research proposal, and obtain a supporting supervisor at Osaka University before applying.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term Scholarships)
For young government officials and professionals from partner developing countries who are nominated/selected through their country's JICA programme (such as JDS) to pursue a master's (and some doctoral) degree in Japan. Applicants apply through the in-country JICA/JDS process during the partner country's call.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full fundingKyoto University (funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute)
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University
Citizens of eligible Asian countries who meet Kyoto University's academic and admission requirements, are committed to completing the two-year programme and participating in AFLSP leadership activities, and are admitted to a qualifying undergraduate programme. Open to students of all academic disciplines.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the annual tuition fees for international students at Keio University?
+
Annual tuition for international undergraduate students ranges from approximately JPY 1,000,000 to JPY 1,800,000, depending on the faculty and year. Graduate programs typically range from JPY 900,000 to JPY 2,200,000 per year. Fees can vary significantly, with medicine and pharmacy programs being among the most expensive.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Tokyo?
+
Monthly living costs in Tokyo for students average between JPY 130,000 and JPY 200,000. This estimate includes accommodation, which can be in a shared apartment or a university dormitory.
What are Keio University's rankings?
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Keio University is ranked 215th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is among the Top 30 universities in Asia according to QS Asia University Rankings 2025. It is also ranked within the 401-500 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
What academic programs are available at Keio University?
+
Keio University has 10 undergraduate faculties and 14 graduate schools, offering a wide range of programs. The university is particularly strong in medicine, law, economics, engineering, and environmental studies.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For most English-taught programs, international students typically need a TOEFL iBT score between 79-100 or an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall. Some graduate programs may require a TOEIC score of 730+.
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