University of St Andrews

At a glance

Established in 1858 as a small school of Western learning, Keio was Japan’s very first private institution of higher learning. Over 150 years since its founding, Keio has thrived under its founder’s motto of jitsugaku, or empirical science, as it continues to transform Japan as a modern nation through contributions to education, research, and medicine. It is located in Minato, a special ward in Tokyo, Japan. Thanks in part to its history, Keio University is still known for its strength in industry, with an impressive alumni network that includes many CEOs at listed companies in Japan. But Keio alumni excel beyond the private sector. In addition to academia, Keio has produced more than its fair share of leading figures across arts and culture as well as in government and politics, including three former Prime Ministers.

Established : 1858
History : Keio University is the oldest private university in Japan, founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), a Japanese author, writer, teacher, translator, entrepreneur, journalist, and leader who helped transform Japan from a feudal nation into a modern nation-state. Fukuzawa, who was from a low-ranking samurai family, began Keio to help modernize the country and catch up with the West, thinking that it was essential to train talented individuals in the private sector in addition to public service.
Rankings : #45 QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024

Overview of Facilities and campus : Keio University has six campuses throughout the Greater Tokyo area. Three of them—Mita, Shinanomachi, and Shiba-Kyoritsu—are located in central Tokyo, which is consistently ranked at the top of QS Best Student Cities. Mita and Shiba-Kyoritsu are just a short walk away from the iconic Tokyo Tower. Hiyoshi, Yagami, and Shonan Fujisawa campuses are located just outside Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture, offering a comfortable, cosmopolitan lifestyle in a lush, green environment.

Website and links

Website : Keio University homepage

Study abroad page : Keio's International Centre

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at 慶應義塾 (Keio University):

Please note that this exchange is only open to Modern History students.

• History

Semesters Available

• Second Semester
• Full Year

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2023/4
Semester 1 Sep 2023 to Mar 2024
Semester 2 Apr 2024 to Sep 2024
2024/5
Semester 1 Sep 2024 to Mar 2025
Semester 2 Apr 2025 to Sep 2025
2025/6
Semester 1 Sep 2025 to Mar 2026
Semester 2 Apr 2026 to Sep 2026

Your studies abroad

Partner Course Catalogue : Modules are available in English.

Course catalogue

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 2 semester places (or 1 full year place) will be available at Keio University in the academic year 2025-2026.

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

Narita and Haneda are two airports based around Tokyo. Most international flights go through Narita, and the airport offers more options of transport into the city. To get from Narita to Keio University by public transit, take Skyliner 46 from Narita Airport Terminal 2·3, get off at Nippori Station, where you will then catch the Keihintohoku Line bound for Ofuna. Get off at Tamachi Station and your walk will be less than 10 minutes to the university.

Once at Keio, public transit is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation for getting around.

Accommodation

Applications to stay in Keio's accommodation are accepted twice a year: in late January for those wishing to move in at the end of March, and in July for those wishing to move in early September. Keio has some subsidised off-campus housing which is available for inbound students who apply before the deadline. Exchange students have priority access, but this is not guaranteed. If awarded the acommodation, you will be charged a one-off cleaning fee, which is about one-third of a month's rent. Find out more on the International Housing Homepage.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

Keio's International Centre offers a range of support and orientation services.

The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law and ignorance may not be considered a defence. This includes Vicks Inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing Pseudoephedrine and even some over-the-counter painkillers like those containing Codeine. Please see the FCO webpages for further information.

Academic Calendar

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.