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
Student experience
You owe it to yourself to study abroad
Tommy Osborne, The Gauntlet
Program details
Last updated Sept 2026.
Areas of Study:
There are two programs available at Keio:
- The Keio International Program (KIP) which includes 80+ courses taught in English in the following areas: Language 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, Law, and more. Students with N2 may take a couple of Japanese taught courses from the regular faculty course offerings.
- Regular faculty courses taught in Japanese through KIP (N1 required for 5 or more courses http://www.ic.keio.ac.jp/en/study/exchange/courses/uggs.html)
- The Japanese Language Program (JLP) is a language intensive program with 9 levels of language study. (Please note that this program has limited space)
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.)
Graduate Research: UCalgary 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.
The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.
- Spring semester runs from late March to late July
- Fall semester runs from September to early February.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Keio estimates that monthly living expenses (rent, utilities, food, clothes, transportation, books and miscellaneous expenses) to be 130,000 - 170,000 yen per month.
One student budget example for a month in Tokyo:
Expense Cost 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: Click Here
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while studying abroad, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. 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.
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).
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).
Keio has specific requirements for the reference. You may approach your professor to ask if they can provide you a reference specifically in February, after you have been accepted by our office. We cannot accept references that do not meet the partner's requirements and/or are on the school specific form.
Important Visa Info: Japanese citizens must travel on their Japanese passport.
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 instructions to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We strongly recommend applying to your top three programs, as placement may be competitive. Your applications will be assessed in the order that you rank (first, second, third choice).
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary, so check each program web page and make sure you're aware of any differences! Pay attention to the eligibility requirements and whether supporting documents are needed.
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 are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
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.
