Keio University
Keio is one of Japan's top 10 universities and is a private university with over 33,000 students, including 1300 international students.
Experience the home of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and study at one of the most prestigious universities in Japan! Keio is the first modern university in Japan, celebrating their 160th anniversary in 2018. Located in central Tokyo across the Bay from Odaiba and ten minutes from the Tsukiji Fish Market, you can experience the busy Tokyo lifestyle at Keio. The university is ranked in the top 200 world wide (QS 2020)
Key information
Application information
Student experience
You owe it to yourself to study abroad
Tommy Osborne, The Gauntlet
Useful links
Program details
Areas of Study:
There areÌý:
- The Keio International Program (KIP) which includes 80+Ìý:ÌýLanguage 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, as well as theÌýÌý(economics); theÌýÌý(business) and the option to do anÌý. It is possible to studyÌýÌýin this program. Students with N2 may take a couple of Japanese taught courses from the regular faculty course offerings.
- The (intensive)ÌýÌýOpen to students at a variety of levels. Students with N2 may take a couple of Japanese taught courses from the regular faculty course offerings. (Limited space on this program)
- Regular faculty courses taught in Japanese through KIP (N1 required for 5 or more coursesÌý)
Course Requirements:
4 Japanese credits = 1 UCalgary half-course (3 units), though some language courses may be 2 credits to a UCalgary half course. Please speak with the exchange advisor for more information.
Most programs require students to be enrolled in at least 7 courses per semester within their program with the opportunity to take additional courses outside the program. (Many courses are 1-2 credits.)
Student Experience: "I got to study Japanese literature, Japanese history, Japanese Noh theatre, and Japanese language. You can learn a lot about Japan that you wouldn't be able to in Canada."
Graduate Research:ÌýUCalgary Masters/Graduate students (with basic Japanese or greater) can conduct research under the supervision of an academic advisor at Keio University. Please speak with the exchange advisor.Ìý
The academic year is divided intoÌý.
- Spring semester runs from late March to late July
- Fall semester runs from September to early February.Ìý
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Keio estimates thatÌý(rent, utilities, food, clothes, transportation, books and miscellaneous expenses) to be 130,000 - 170,000 yen per month.Ìý
One student budget example for a month in Tokyo:
ExpenseÌýCost in CAD
Rent$900
Food$600-900
Health Insurance$36
Laundry$24
Transit$120
Mobile Phone$30
Gym$36
Total Range$1746-2046
Also, remember to include things like visas, vaccinations, etc in your budget planning.
Tokyo cost comparison vs. Calgary:Ìý
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange?ÌýSince you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for anyÌýÌýyou are eligible to receive from the university as well asÌý.
Our office administers several awards, including theÌýGlobal Access FundÌý(based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and theÌýÌý(students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Keio has off campus housing that is subsidized by Keio, which exchange students have priority access to. Rent ranges from 51,000 - 78,000 yen per month.Ìý
Keio advises that as finding an apartment is very difficult, all students are strongly recommended to apply for Keio University Housing. Applications are handled on a first-come, first-considered basis when the portal opens (will be emailed to students).Ìý
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).Ìý
KeioÌýhas specific requirements for the reference. You may approach your professor to ask if they can provide you a reference specificallyÌýin February, after you have been accepted by our office.ÌýWe cannot accept references that do not meet the partner's requirements and/or are on the school specific form.
Important Visa Info:ÌýJapanese citizens must travel on their Japanese passport.
Keio has a buddy program calledÌý, as well as a Global Lunch, and otherÌýÌýto meet local students
Every fall in late October/early November Keio also participates in their version of the Crowchild classic, the "Keio-Waseda Baseball Games", where students can cheer for Keio as they take on their Waseda rivals!
Student Tips: "If you want to meet the local Japanese people, join the groups that are meant to facilitate this, like KOSMIC (Keio Organization of Student Members of the International Center)."
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pagesÌýand make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.