Student Exchange Programs (Faculty-wide) | Faculty of Economics

Introduction

The Faculty of Economics and the Graduate School of Economics at Keio University jointly administer their own student exchange program (hereafter referred to as the “Econ Program”), separate from the university-wide program organized by the International Center (hereafter referred to as the “International Center Program”). This program offers study abroad opportunities for students in the Faculty and Graduate School of Economics through independently established agreements with overseas universities.

Important notes and required procedures for the program are thoroughly covered on this page. Please make sure to review it carefully.

From Application to Return from Study Abroad

The Faculty of Economics will comprehensively determine which partner universities allow study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” taking into account each university’s academic calendar and other factors.
For the Second Round Selection, the study abroad period at eligible partner universities is limited to “Spring Semester Only.” Furthermore, only partner universities that did not fill their quota during the First Round Selection will be included.
Even if “Spring Semester Only” is an option, due to circumstances at the partner university, if the study abroad period overlaps with Keio University’s class or examination period, courses taken in the fall semester before departure (and spring semester courses in the case of set courses) may become invalid.

If you are considering studying abroad, please make sure to read the “Guide to Studying Abroad.” It contains detailed explanations about procedures such as credit transfer and retroactive advancement.

Guide to Studying Abroad.

Eligibility and Study Abroad Period

【Eligibility】

Applications are accepted starting from the First Round (December Selection) of the first year. Applications for the Second Round (September Selection), which takes place earlier, are not permitted.

Applications are accepted starting from the First Round (March Selection) of the first year. Applications for the First Round (December Selection), which takes place earlier, are not permitted.

【Study Abroad Period】

First Round Selection

The study abroad period can be “One Year (Fall Semester + Spring Semester),” “Fall Semester Only,” or “Spring Semester Only.” If you wish to study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” there will be restrictions on the partner universities you can apply to.

・First-Year Applicants: The study abroad period can be “One Year (Fall Semester + Spring Semester)” or “Spring Semester Only.” If you wish to study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” there will be restrictions on the partner universities you can apply to.

・Second-Year and Beyond Applicants: The study abroad period can be “One Year (Fall Semester + Spring Semester),” “Fall Semester Only,” or “Spring Semester Only.” If you wish to study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” there will be restrictions on the partner universities you can apply to.

*Please refer to the list of “Universities Open for Application” in the Application Guidelines for the applicable study abroad periods at each host university.

Second Round Selection

For both Type A/B and PEARL students, the study abroad period is limited to “Spring Semester Only.”

List of Partner Universities

Keio University's Faculty of Economics and Graduate School of Economics have partnership agreements with prestigious universities in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Important Notes for Application

Applying to Both the International Center Program and the Econ Program

The application period for the International Center Program differs from that of the Econ Program.
If the result of one program is announced before the application deadline of another, and you are accepted, you may not apply to the latter.
If the results of the earlier program are not announced before the application deadline of the later one, you may apply to both. However, if you are accepted to the earlier program, that offer takes priority and may not be declined.
Therefore, if you are accepted to one program, any subsequent application to another program will be automatically invalidated.

Applying to Multiple Universities

You may apply to up to six universities during the same application period.
You do not need to select all six, but please note that if the number of applicants exceeds the available slots at a university, a comparative evaluation will be conducted. Applying to fewer universities may reduce your chances of being selected.
Applicants who select six universities must also indicate whether they are willing to study at universities other than their selected six. If you are not placed at any of your preferred universities but meet the selection criteria, you may be offered a placement at a university without designated candidates. You can decide at that time whether to accept the offer.
If you wish to apply to the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), you must select up to three preferred campuses.

Selection of Study Period

The International Center Program only offers one-year study periods, while the Econ Program allows you to choose between one year or one semester.
For one-semester study at the University of California, the period corresponds to one term/semester as defined by the university.

Selection Process

The selection consists of two stages: the first stage (document screening) and the second stage (interview). Only those who pass the first stage will receive details about the second stage.
The second stage involves an interview conducted by faculty members of the Faculty of Economics. The interview will be conducted primarily in English or Japanese (PEARL students will be interviewed in English).

Withdrawal After Acceptance is Not Permitted

In principle, withdrawal from the program is not permitted after the announcement of interview results. Please research your preferred universities thoroughly and apply only to those you genuinely wish to attend.

Reapplication After Rejection

If you are not accepted in the first round, you may reapply to the same university in the second round (additional application).
However, if the quota is filled in the first round, the second round may not be held.

Overseas Travel Insurance and Risk Management Services

You are required to enroll in the university-designated overseas travel insurance and risk management support services for the entire period from departure to return. The cost is approximately ¥150,000–¥200,000.

Scholarships

Students in the Econ Program are not eligible to apply for the following scholarships offered by the International Center:
・JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (Agreement-Based)
・Keio University Exchange Student (Outbound) Scholarship

Applications from Fourth-Year Students

Fourth-year undergraduate students may apply and study abroad during their extended enrollment period.
However, students who are already in their extended enrollment period are not eligible to apply.

Applying to One of the Double Degree Programs and the Econ Program

You may apply simultaneously to the Double BA or BA/MA Five Year Programs and the Econ Program (March selection); however, the selection processes are conducted independently.
If the Double Degree Program is your first choice and you are accepted, you may withdraw your application to the Econ Program.
You may not apply to the Econ Program (December selection) if you wish to apply to the Double Degree Program in March the following year.

Double Degree Programs

Five-Year BA/MA Programs