The Faculty of Letters offers a wide range of academic fields, where faculty and students work together to explore the essence of “human beings,” “culture,” and “society,” while developing the insight and critical thinking needed to engage with a changing society. The admissions system is also designed to attract students with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This page introduces the admissions processes at the Faculty of Letters.
*For details, be sure to consult the General Selection Guidelines, the application guidelines for each admissions method, and the admissions information page on the Keio University website.
General Admission
This admissions route assesses academic ability through written examinations in three subjects: a foreign language, geography and history, and an essay. Many students take this path to admission.
Recommendation-Based Admissions by Self-Nomination
Applicants must have attained a prescribed grade threshold in high school. Selection is conducted through a comprehensive review that also takes into account extracurricular activities and social engagement during the applicant's enrollment. This pathway offers an opportunity for highly motivated applicants who have a clear desire to study at the Faculty of Letters at Keio University. In addition to “Comprehensive Examination I” and “Comprehensive Examination II,” applicants are evaluated based on materials such as a “Self-Recommendation Statement,” a school transcript, and an official report from their high school.
International student admissions
This entrance exam is designed for international students who have completed their junior high and high school education overseas. Applicants are selected based on their academic performance and motivation to study. Application guidelines are typically released in late June, and the application period runs from mid to late October.