Student Exchange Programs – Inbound information
In addition to the university-wide exchange programs, the Faculty/Graduate School of Economics welcome international students based on their own exchange agreements with their partners.
Partner Institutions
Austria: Vienna University of Economics and Business
Belgium: KU Leuven, Faculty of Economics and Business; Universite catholique de Louvain, Louvain School of Management
Denmark: Copenhagen Business School
Finland: Aalto University, School of Business
France: HEC Paris (Undergraduate students only); École Politechinique (Undergraduate students only)
Germany: Bochum University, Faculty of East Asian Studies (Graduate students only); Goethe University Frankfurt, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration; Leipzig University, Faculty of Economics and Management Science; University of Cologne; University of Mannheim, Department of Economics
Italy: Bocconi University
Korea: Yonsei University, College of Commerce and Economics
The Netherlands: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus School of Economics
Norway: NHH Norwegian School of Economics
P.R. China: Fudan University, School of Economics; Peking University, Guanghua School of Management; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, School of Business and Management; Nankai University, School of Economics; The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Undergraduate students only)
Spain: ESADE Law School
Sweden: Stockholm School of Economics
Switzerland: University of St. Gallen
Taiwan: National Taiwan University, College of Social Sciences; National Chengchi University, College of Social Sciences
Thailand: Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Economics
UK: University of Glasgow; University of Warwick
USA: University of California, Education Abroad Program; University of South Carolina-Darla Moore School of Business (Undergraduate students only); Brandeis University
English Courses Open to Incoming Exchange Students
Classes on Economics
The Faculty of Economics offers various courses taught in English for economics majors.
Professional Career Program (PCP)
The Professional Career Program (PCP) was established within the Faculty of Economics in 2005. PCP courses emphasize practical education in economics that will be of direct use for students’ future careers.
International Center Courses
The curriculum of the International Center Courses focuses on Japan and East/Southeast Asia as a central theme. There are courses in various fields such as language and literature, arts, culture and cross-cultural understanding, science, religion and thought, history, media and communications, social issues, politics, diplomacy and international exchange, business and economy, and law.
Application
1. Eligibility
Must be enrolled at one of the partner institutions (see above)
Must have student status at your home institution throughout your period of study at Keio University
Must be formally nominated as an exchange student by your home institution
2. Application Deadline
Fall Admission: March 30
Spring Admission: October 5
3. Application Process
Step 1: Nomination by home university
Important Notes
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Your application will be reviewed by the Faculty/Graduate School of Economics selection committee.
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 in principle. 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 scheduling conflicts or graduation from your home institution. Please check our Academic Calendar, and consult with your home institution well in advance.
Japanese Language Requirement
There is no Japanese proficiency required to apply to be an exchange student at Keio University.
Financial Requirement
Be sure you can financially support yourself during the period of study at Keio.
The average cost of living is at least JPY 130,000/month if you live in a university-subsidized student dormitory.
Finding a scholarship when you are in Japan is very difficult. Plan your financial support before arriving.
Student Visa
You must obtain a “College Student Visa” in order to study at Keio University.
You are also required to enter Japan with a “College Student Visa” under Japanese immigration law.
If you come to Japan with a temporary visitor (tourist) status, you may be asked to leave Japan and obtain a “College Student Visa” in your home country. Therefore, we highly recommend that you book a flight AFTER the visa is granted.
You will need a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for your visa at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Your visa’s term of validity is the same as the length of your study term at Keio.
Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
The CoE is an official document issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice.
The University will apply for your CoE on your behalf, and send it to you when issued.
Please note that the COE issuance schedule totally depends on the Immigration Services. Therefore, we cannot provide the exact issuance schedule or hasten the process under ANY circumstances.
You will need to use the CoE and a valid passport to apply for a “College Student Visa” at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Consult with the Japanese Embassy/Consulate for any supporting documents. CoE DOES NOT REPLACE A STUDENT VISA.
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 National
If you are a spouse or child of a Japanese National, you have the choice of either applying for a Student visa or applying for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa. A CoE is not required to apply for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa. Regarding the application procedure, consult with a 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.
Housing/Accommodation
Keio assists students in arranging accommodation in Japan. Students are provided with a room, if available, at one of the student dormitories subsidized by the university.
The rent charged to students varies from around 60,000 yen to 80,000 yen per month (subject to change). Students will also be charged a 20,000 yen non-refundable maintenance fee upon entrance.
Location of Dormitories
Please refer to the link below. Only one dormitory is in Tokyo, and it is about 40 minutes away using the train to Keio Mita Campus where you study.
Most of the dormitories are located around Hiyoshi Campus and it will take about one hour to arrive at Mita Campus.
National Health Insurance
National Health Insurance (NHI – kokumin kenko hoken, often abbreviated as Kokuho in Japanese) is one of the health insurance systems in Japan that allows the insured to receive medical care without financial concern when ill or injured by splitting the medical care expenses between the local or national government and the insured.
International students who will be studying in Japan for more than three months MUST join this insurance unless covered by the insurance plan of a family member who lives in Japan; overseas medical insurance is not accepted.The necessary procedures can be completed at the NHI counter at a local city office in Japan after your arrival.