privateEnglish ProgramsFounded 1858

Keio University

慶應義塾大学

Japan's oldest private university (1858). QS 2027 #218, ~7% international, ¥1.2-1.5M/year tuition. Strongest in medicine, law, business, and computer science.

33,000 students2,200 internationalTokyo, Tokyo

Data refreshed: April 1, 2026

Keio University is Japan's oldest private university (founded 1858) and one of the country's most prestigious institutions. Strong in medicine, law, business, economics, and computer science. For international graduate students, Keio offers premium English- taught programs at KMD (design) and KMBS (MBA) plus several discipline-specific tracks, with Tokyo location and active alumni network.

History and identity

Keio University (慶應義塾大学, Keiō Gijuku Daigaku) was founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa, one of modern Japan's most influential intellectuals. Originally a school for the Western-style education that Fukuzawa championed, Keio became Japan's first formal private university in 1920. Fukuzawa's image is on the ¥10,000 banknote — a measure of his cultural significance.

Top departments

  • Medicine: Keio University School of Medicine is consistently top-3 in Japan
  • Business: Keio Business School (KMBS) — Japan's top private MBA
  • Law: Faculty of Law and Graduate School of Law
  • Economics: top private program for finance and economics
  • Computer Science: Graduate School of Science and Technology has strong CS
  • Media Design (KMD): unique English-taught Master's combining design and tech
  • Letters / Humanities: traditional liberal arts

English-taught programs

  • KMD (Keio Graduate School of Media Design): fully English Master's, design + tech
  • KMBS (Keio Business School) International MBA: English MBA track
  • Graduate School of Economics: International program tracks in English
  • Graduate School of Science and Technology: English-track Master's options
  • Letters Graduate School: international program tracks

For broader landscape, see English-taught Master's in Japan 2027.

International community

About 2,200 international students out of 33,000 total (~7%). Keio's international student percentage is lower than national universities but the international cohort is well-supported with dedicated programs. Five Tokyo-area campuses (Mita, Hiyoshi, Yagami, Shonan-Fujisawa, Shinanomachi) each serve different disciplines.

Admissions and tuition

Tuition: ¥1,200,000-1,800,000/year depending on program (private). 50-100% merit scholarships available for strong international applicants.

  • JLPT N2 for Japanese-taught (waived for English programs)
  • TOEFL iBT 80-90+ or IELTS 6.5-7.0+ for English programs
  • GRE sometimes required for Economics; GMAT for KMBS MBA
  • Research plan + 2 recommendations + transcripts
  • Document review + interview common

Living in Tokyo (Keio campuses)

Mita campus is in central Tokyo (Minato Ward), one of the most expensive areas. Hiyoshi and Yagami are in suburbs. Monthly student cost ¥154,000-240,000 for central Tokyo or ¥118,000-181,000 for suburb. See living costs guide for details.

Scholarships

  • MEXT: covers Keio tuition + stipend
  • Keio University Internal Scholarship (50-100% tuition reduction)
  • Keio University Premium Scholarship for international students
  • JASSO Honors Scholarship
  • Foundation scholarships
  • All scholarships

2027 application timeline

Most programs: November 2026 - January 2027 for April 2027 entry, or May-July 2026 for October 2026 entry. KMBS and KMD have specific cycles. Check program-specific pages. See full timeline guide at application timeline.

Bottom line

Keio University is the best choice for international graduate students wanting Japan's most prestigious private-university experience, particularly for business (KMBS), media design (KMD), or medicine. Higher cost than national universities but generous scholarships and Tokyo career advantages. For comparison see public vs private universities guide. Combined with MEXT or Keio merit scholarship, the cost gap shrinks substantially.

Frequently asked questions

What is Keio University strongest in?

Medicine, law, business, economics, computer science. Keio is Japan's oldest private university (1858) and Japan's most prestigious private medical school. Keio Medical School is consistently ranked top-3 in Japan. The Keio Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) is a unique English-taught program for design + technology applicants.

How does Keio compare to Waseda?

Keio and Waseda are Japan's top-2 private universities and longtime rivals. Keio is older (1858 vs Waseda's 1882), with more emphasis on medicine, law, and finance. Waseda is larger overall and stronger in social sciences, journalism, and engineering. Keio has slightly more selective admissions and slightly higher career outcomes in finance and consulting.

What does Keio cost?

Keio's tuition runs ¥1,200,000-1,800,000/year depending on program — significantly higher than national universities (¥535,800/year). However, Keio offers extensive scholarships including merit-based 50-100% tuition reductions. International students with strong applications can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Are there English-taught programs?

Yes — Keio Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) is fully English-taught Master's; Keio Business School (KMBS) MBA has English MBA track; Graduate Schools of Economics, Letters, and Science and Technology offer English-track Master's. The Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicine programs typically require Japanese.

What about Keio's medical school?

Keio University School of Medicine is one of Japan's most prestigious medical programs. The 4-year medical program at Keio is in Japanese (requires N1+); however, Keio has international research collaborations and visiting researcher programs in English. International applicants for medicine in Japan typically apply to other universities or as research/PhD students.

What's the international community?

Approximately 2,200 international students out of 33,000 total (~7%). Smaller percentage than top public universities, but Keio has dedicated international student support and active student associations. Tokyo's Mita campus is the heart of business and humanities; Hiyoshi and Yagami campuses serve other fields.

What's the application deadline?

Application deadlines for Keio graduate programs vary by school. Most have deadlines in November-January for April entry, or May-July for October entry. KMD and KMBS often have rolling or earlier deadlines. Check program-specific pages.

Build the Japanese you'll need

Application guides

Find your program

Explore other Japanese universities and English-taught programs.

All universitiesScholarships