Keio University Faculty of Economics, Graduate School of Economics - Logo - Link to HOMEKeio University Faculty of Economics, Graduate School of Economics Title LOGO - Link to HOME
Link to the Institute for Economic Studies, Keio University website
Menu

HOME > Undergraduate > Study Abroad > Student Exchange Programs – Outbound information

Study Abroad

Student Exchange Programs – Outbound information

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

The Faculty of Economics and the Graduate School of Economics at Keio University jointly manage their own student exchange program (hereafter referred to as the “Econ Program”), separate from the university-wide program organized by the International Center (hereafter referred to as the “International Center Program”). It offers study abroad opportunities for students of the Faculty and Graduate School of Economics through agreements made independently with overseas universities.

Important notes and required procedures for the program are thoroughly covered on this page. Please make sure to review it carefully.

2. From Application to Study Abroad and Return Home

schedule flow

  • The Faculty of Economics will comprehensively determine which partner universities allow study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” taking into account each university’s academic calendar and other factors.
  • For the Second Round Selection, the study abroad period at eligible partner universities is limited to “Spring Semester Only.” Furthermore, only partner universities that did not fill their quota during the First Round Selection will be included.
  • Even if “Spring Semester Only” is an option, due to circumstances at the partner university, if the study abroad period overlaps with Keio University’s class or examination period, courses taken in the fall semester before departure (and spring semester courses in the case of set courses) may become invalid.

If you are considering studying abroad, please make sure to read the “Guide to Studying Abroad.” It contains detailed explanations about procedures such as credit transfer and retroactive advancement.

3. Eligibility and Study Abroad Period

【Eligibility】
＜Type AB Students＞
Applications are accepted starting from the First Round December Selection of the first year. Applications for the Second Round September Selection, which takes place earlier, are not permitted.

＜PEARL Students＞
Applications are accepted starting from the First Round March Selection of the first year. Applications for the First Round December Selection, which takes place earlier, are not permitted.

【Study Abroad Period】
First Round Selection
＜Type AB Students＞
The study abroad period can be “One Year (Fall Semester + Spring Semester),” “Fall Semester Only,” or “Spring Semester Only.” If you wish to study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” there will be restrictions on the partner universities you can apply to.

＜PEARL Students＞
・First-Year Applicants: The study abroad period can be “One Year (Fall Semester + Spring Semester)” or “Spring Semester Only.” If you wish to study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” there will be restrictions on the partner universities you can apply to.
・Second-Year and Beyond Applicants: The study abroad period can be “One Year (Fall Semester + Spring Semester),” “Fall Semester Only,” or “Spring Semester Only.” If you wish to study abroad for “Spring Semester Only,” there will be restrictions on the partner universities you can apply to.

＊Please refer to the list of “Universities Open for Application” in the Application Guidelines for the applicable study abroad periods at each host university.

Second Round Selection
For both Type AB and PEARL students, the study abroad period is limited to “Spring Semester Only.”

4. List of Partner Universities

Asia

  • China
    • The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Faculty of Social Sciences
    • Fudan University – School of Economics
    • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – School of Business and Management
    • Nankai University – School of Economics
    • Peking University – Guanghua School of Management
  • Republic of Korea
    • Yonsei University – College of Commerce and Economics
  • Taiwan
    • National ChengChi University – College of Social Sciences
    • National Taiwan University – College of Social Sciences
  • Thailand
    • Chulalongkorn University – Faculty of Economics

Europe

  • Austria
    • Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna)
  • Belgium
    • KU Leuven – Faculty of Economics and Business
    • Universite catholoque de Louvain – Louvain School of Management（UCLouvain）
  • Denmark
    • Copenhagen Business School
  • Finland
    • Aalto University – School of Business
  • France
    • École Politechinique
    • HEC Paris
  • Germany
    • University of Cologne – Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences
    • Goethe University Frankfurt – Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
    • Leipzig University – Faculty of Economics and Management Science
    • University of Mannheim – Department of Economics
    • Ruhr University Bochum – Faculty of East Asian Studies
  • Italy
    • Bocconi University
  • Netherlands
    • Erasmus University Rotterdam – Erasmus School of Economics
  • Norway
    • NHH Norwegian School of Economics
  • Spain
    • ESADE Law School
  • Switzerland
    • University of St. Gallen
  • Sweden
    • Stockholm School of Economics
  • U.K.
    • University of Glasgow
    • University of Warwick

North America

  • U.S.A.
    • University of California – Education Abroad Program
    • University of South Carolina – Darla Moore School of Business
    • Brandeis University

5. Important Notes for Application

  1. Applying to Both the International Center Program and the Econ Program
    • The application period for the International Center Program differs from that of the Econ Program.
    • If the result of one program is announced before the application deadline of the other, and you are accepted, you cannot apply to the latter.
    • If the result of the earlier program is not announced before the deadline of the later one, you may apply to both. However, if you are accepted to the earlier program, that acceptance takes priority and cannot be declined.
    • Therefore, if you are accepted to one program, any subsequent application to another program will be automatically invalidated.
  2. Applying to Multiple Universities
    • You may apply to up to six universities during the same application period.
    • You do not need to select all six, but please note that if the number of applicants exceeds the available slots at a university, a comparative evaluation will be conducted. Applying to fewer universities may reduce your chances of being selected.
    • Applicants who select six universities must also indicate whether they are willing to study at universities other than their selected six. If you are not placed at any of your preferred universities but meet the selection criteria, you may be offered a placement at a university without designated candidates. You can decide at that time whether to accept the offer.
    • If you wish to apply to the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), you must select up to three preferred campuses.
  3. Selection of Study Period
    • The International Center Program only offers one-year study periods, while the Econ Program allows you to choose between one year or one semester.
    • For one-semester study at the University of California, the period corresponds to one term/semester as defined by the university.
  4. Selection Process
    • The selection consists of two stages: the first stage (document screening) and the second stage (interview). Only those who pass the first stage will receive details about the second stage.
    • The second stage involves an interview conducted by faculty members of the Faculty of Economics. The interview will be conducted primarily in English or Japanese (PEARL students will be interviewed in English).
  5. Withdrawal After Acceptance Not Permitted
    • In principle, withdrawal from the program is not permitted after the announcement of interview results. Please research your preferred universities thoroughly and apply only to those you genuinely wish to attend.
  6. Reapplication After Rejection
    • If you are not accepted in the first round, you may reapply to the same university in the second round (additional recruitment).
    • However, if the quota is filled in the first round, the second round may not be held.
  7. Overseas Travel Insurance and Risk Management Services
    • You are required to enroll in the university-designated overseas travel insurance and risk management support services for the entire period from departure to return. The cost is approximately ¥150,000–¥200,000.
  8. Scholarships
    • Students in the Econ Program are not eligible to apply for the following scholarships offered by the International Center:
      ・JASSO Student Exchange Support Program (Agreement-Based)
      ・Keio University Exchange Student (Outbound) Scholarship
  9. Applications from Fourth-Year Students
    • Fourth-year undergraduate students may apply and study abroad during their extended enrollment period.
    • However, students who are already in their extended enrollment period are not eligible to apply.
  10. Applying to One of the Double Degree Programs and the Econ Program
    • You may simultaneously apply to the Double BA or BA/MA Five Year Programs and the Econ Program (March selection), but the selection processes are independent.
    • If the Double Degree Program is your first choice and you are accepted, you may withdraw your application to the Econ Program.
    • You may not apply to the Econ Program (December selection) if you wish to apply to the Double Degree Program in March the following year.

6. Application Guidelines

7. Application Requirements and Upload Documents

The application is completed by entering the required information and uploading documents on the designated application website. There is no need to submit any paper documents.

Application Website Input Details

1. Student Information

Please enter the required details in each designated field.

2. Background

Enter your academic and personal history, including overseas travel experience, research activities, and extracurricular involvement.

3. Statement of Purpose

Provide your reasons for applying to study abroad in both Japanese (approx. 800 characters) and the language used at the host university (Note 1, approx. 500 words).

4. Study/Research Plan at the Host University
  • Based on your academic and research experience at Keio University, describe your specific study or research plan (e.g., course enrollment, research supervision, fieldwork) in Japanese (approx. 800 characters) and the language used at the host university (Note 1, approx. 500 words).
  • You may choose to tailor your plan to your first-choice university or create a general plan applicable to all selected universities.

5. University-Specific Statement of Purpose

Select your preferred universities in order of preference, and provide a statement of purpose for each in Japanese (between 100 and 200 characters) and in the language used at the host university (Note 1, between 60 and 120 words).

※ In principle, withdrawal from the program is not permitted after the announcement of interview results. Please research your preferred universities thoroughly and apply only to those you genuinely wish to attend.

※ You do not need to select all six, but please note that if the number of applicants exceeds the available slots at a university, a comparative evaluation will be conducted. Applying to fewer universities may reduce your chances of being selected.

※ Applicants who select six universities must also indicate whether they are willing to study at universities other than their selected six. If you are not placed at any of your preferred universities but meet the selection criteria, you may be offered a placement at a university without designated candidates. You can decide at that time whether to accept the offer.

※ If you wish to apply to the University of California’s Education Abroad Program (EAP), you must select up to three preferred campuses.

（Note 1）The “language used at the host university” refers to the language in which courses are taught. If you plan to take courses taught in English in a non-English-speaking country, please write in English. If you plan to take courses in multiple languages, please write in each language accordingly (e.g., English and French). The content may be the same as the Japanese version.

Documents to Be Uploaded to the Designated Application Website
(File format: PDF; recommended file size: under 5MB per file)

1. Photograph
  • A recent photo taken within the last 3 months, showing your full face from the front, without a hat, upper body only, and with a plain background.
  • Dimensions: 4 cm height (453 pixels) × 3 cm width (340 pixels).
  • Accepted formats: JPEG (JPG) or PNG only.
  • Cropped or edited snapshots are not accepted.
  • Please refer to the Photo Upload Guide for Study Abroad Applications for details.

2. Grade Report
  • Download the latest Grade Report (not Academic Transcript) in the PDF format from the K-Support. Submissions of image files taken with a camera are not accepted.
  • Multi-page documents are acceptable as long as all information is clearly visible.
  • Please note that the Grade Report is different from an Academic Transcript.
  • First-year PEARL students applying in the First Round March Selection will not have received grades from Keio University at the time of application. Therefore, please submit an academic transcript from your high school.
    ※ If you entered Keio University as a third-year transfer student with a bachelor’s degree, you must also submit grade reports from all previously attended faculties.

3. Language Proficiency Certificate
  • Submit an official certificate of proficiency in the language used at the host university. Applications without a valid certificate uploaded during the application period will not be accepted under any circumstances.
  • Submit as a PDF file; image files taken with a camera are not accepted.
  • See below for language-specific requirements:

If taking courses in English:

Submit either TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores.

※ Scores must be from tests taken within the past 2 years.

※ Upload the Test Taker Score Report (TOEFL iBT) or Test Report Form (IELTS).

※ TOEFL MyBest Scores, Home Edition, IELTS Online and One Skill Retake are not accepted.

※ Native English speakers may be allowed to submit alternative official certificates. Contact the Office of Student Services (mita-intl「アットマーク」adst.keio.ac.jp) at least 3 weeks before the application deadline. Regardless of certificate type, all application steps must be completed by the deadline.

If taking courses in French:

Submit a copy of the original certificate issued by an official French institution.

※ If test results are not available during the application period, you may submit:
1. A copy of the test admission ticket, and
2. A language proficiency certificate issued by a lecturer in charge of language classes (designated form).
If results are available before the interview, bring a copy to the interview.

If taking courses in other languages:

Submit either an official language proficiency test certificate or a certificate issued by a lecturer in charge of language classes (designated form) during the application period.

【certificate issued by a lecturer in charge of language classes】

Use the designated form and request a certificate written in Japanese from a Keio University lecturer in charge of language classes. If unavoidable, certificates from external lecturers or those written in English are also acceptable. For languages other than French, German, Spanish, and Chinese, the designated form is not required.

Note: While Keio’s internal selection may accept instructor-issued certificates, partner universities typically require official certificates. Some tests are held only a few times a year, so plan accordingly.

4. Pledge Form

5. Permission to Study Abroad
※ Required only for graduate students and undergraduate fourth-year students planning to enter graduate school
  • Submit a document from your academic advisor at Keio University granting permission to study abroad. Format may be a letter or email.

6. Preliminary Acceptance Letter
※ Required only for graduate students and undergraduate fourth-year students planning to enter graduate school
  • Submit a document from your prospective academic advisor at the host university indicating preliminary acceptance. Format may be a letter or email.

8. Designated Application Website

  • Important Notes for Entering Information and Uploading Documents on the Application Website
    • The application must be completed and submitted by the applicant personally.
    • Data submitted outside the designated application period will not be accepted. Delays caused by computer issues or heavy website traffic will not be considered. Please note that access tends to be congested on the final day.
    • Every application period sees a number of students who access the application website for the first time just before the deadline and fail to complete their application in time. We strongly recommend starting your registration at least one week before the deadline and completing your application at least three days in advance. You may resubmit your application as many times as needed until the deadline.
    • Be sure to print and keep a copy of your application (PDF version of the application form) for your records.
    • If there are any errors or missing information in your entries or uploaded documents, your application may not be considered for selection. It is your responsibility to carefully check all submitted materials.
  • Link to the Application Website (KEIO IC-NET)
  • User Manual for the Application Website (KEIO IC-NET)
  • Photo Upload Guide for Study Abroad Applications

9. Viewing Study Abroad Reports (Keio.jp authentication required)

Former exchange students have written reports to share their experiences and insights with future applicants. You can view these reports [here] (Keio.jp authentication required).

＜Important Notes＞

  • Some former exchange students may have already graduated and may not be available due to work or travel commitments.
  • If you choose to contact them, please be respectful and considerate in your communication.

10. Past Applications and Dispatch Records

(In preparation)

To Page Top