Student Exchange Programs (Faculty-wide)

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 the other, and you are accepted, you cannot apply to the latter.

If the result of the earlier program is not announced before the deadline of the later one, you may apply to both. However, if you are accepted to the earlier program, that acceptance takes priority and cannot be declined.

Therefore, if you are accepted to one program, any subsequent application to another program will be automatically invalidated.

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 the six they selected. 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.

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.

Keio University’s academic year is divided into the Spring Semester, from April 1 to September 21, and the Fall Semester, from September 22 to March 31. At many partner universities, the Fall Semester begins on or before September 21. In such cases, since the start of the study abroad period overlaps with Keio’s Spring Semester, students are not permitted to take a leave of absence for the Spring Semester. Similarly, for students studying abroad for the Spring Semester only, if the host university’s Spring Semester begins on or before March 31, students are not permitted to take a leave of absence for Keio’s Fall Semester because the start of the study abroad period overlaps with that semester.

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).

Students who pass Keio’s internal selection process are considered only as “Exchange Program Candidates” and are required to apply to the host university themselves after being nominated by Keio. Participation in the exchange program is officially confirmed only after acceptance has been granted by the host university. Even if a student passes Keio’s internal selection process, the host university may not approve the application following its own review. Please also note that you must submit the “Application for Study Abroad” through K-Support no later than one month before the start of your study abroad program.

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.

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.

Before applying, students should carefully discuss the costs associated with studying abroad with their guarantor and obtain prior approval from the person who will be financially responsible for their expenses. Although costs vary depending on the country, region, and university, living expenses for one year of study abroad may amount to JPY 1.5–3 million or more. While tuition fees at the host university are waived, students may be required to pay additional fees such as a Semester Fee, Orientation Fee, or Technology Fee. Students may also be required to submit a bank balance certificate when applying to the host university or for a visa.

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.  Enrollment is mandatory even if you are studying abroad in your country of nationality or in a country where your family home is located. Please note that if local insurance is required for visa purposes or other reasons, you must enroll in both the insurance specified by Keio and the local insurance. However, some universities may waive the local insurance requirement if you provide written proof by the specified deadline that your insurance purchased in Japan meets the host university’s   coverage requirements.

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

・Tokyo Club International Scholarship

・Three Arrows Foundation Scholarship

Accommodation for exchange students is not guaranteed. If students are unable to secure accommodation provided by the host university, they must arrange private accommodation on their own. Please note that Keio University is unable to provide assistance with finding accommodation, including property referrals or housing information.

Students are expected to devote themselves to their academic studies during the exchange period. Internships during the academic term are not permitted unless they are undertaken as part of the regular curriculum. In addition, part-time work during the academic term is generally not permitted, except for activities at the host university, such as working as a TA or assisting with university events.

Exchange students are not permitted under any circumstances to shorten their study abroad period at their own discretion or to return early for personal reasons, including internships or job hunting. Even if classes at the host university have ended, students are not permitted to return to Japan while they still have final examinations to take or assignments, including reports, to submit. Students should carefully take these requirements into account when planning their academic progression, graduation, and other schedules.

A website titled “Exchange Program Handbook” is available for students who have passed the internal selection process. It provides information on procedures and important matters before, during, and after studying abroad. Please be sure to review the handbook before applying. Access requires authentication with your keio.jp account.

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.

You may simultaneously apply to the Double BA or BA/MA Five Year Programs and the Econ Program (March selection), but the selection processes are independent.

If you are accepted to the Double Degree Program before the announcement of the selection results for the Econ Program, your acceptance to the Double Degree Program will take priority, and your application for the Econ Program will be automatically withdrawn.

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.