Types of Study Abroad
Study abroad programs can be broadly categorized as follows:
Language training programs aimed primarily at improving foreign language proficiency
Programs in which students, while enrolled at their home institution, take courses in their major or fields of interest at overseas universities or other higher education institutions
Programs aimed at obtaining a degree from a foreign university
In general, the language training programs described in (1) are not recognized as official study abroad, and students are required to take a leave of absence from Keio University. By contrast, programs in (2) and (3) are often recognized as study abroad, and the period of study may be counted toward the student’s enrollment period.
Language Proficiency
Applicants seeking admission to degree programs at universities or graduate schools in the United States or Canada may be required to submit scores from the following standardized tests.
SAT（Scholastic Assessment Test）
GRE（General Record Examination）
GMAT（Graduate Management Admission Test）
LSAT（Law School Admission Test）
TOEFL and IELTS are English proficiency tests for non-native English speakers and may also be required when applying for student exchange programs at Keio University.
Student Exchange Program
Keio University sends exchange students to partner universities overseas for one academic year. Through this program, Keio University and its partner institutions provide students with opportunities to experience university life abroad, thereby fostering international awareness and broadening perspectives.
Inter-faculty exchange program
In addition to university-wide systems, the Faculty of Law, Graduate School of Law, and Law School have their own exchange agreements with prestigious law faculties overseas. Students are sent to leading universities in legal education in their countries, such as Germany (University of Hamburg, University of Freiburg, Humboldt University), Switzerland (University of Zurich), and China (Tsinghua University), after a selection process unique to each faculty. This allows students to study specialized legal studies in depth alongside local students, providing an opportunity to gain more specialized international experience.
Study Abroad Costs
For outbound student exchange programs, students pay tuition to Keio University, while tuition at the host university is waived. Scholarships may also be available from Keio University, host institutions, or the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).
Short-Term Overseas Study Programs
In short-term programs, students learn through interaction with students from other universities, as well as through lectures, fieldwork, and group work. These programs offer excellent opportunities to broaden knowledge and engage in academic exchange, and some may be eligible for academic credit.
Application Guidelines for the Student Exchange Program
You can view the “Study Abroad Handbook: Application Guidelines for the Keio University Student Exchange Program,” published by the Keio University International Center, as a digital book. Students interested in studying abroad, those considering applying for the student exchange program, as well as those who feel interested but don’t know where to start, are all encouraged to have begin here.