[2026] KEIO UNIVERSITY’S GIGA PROGRAM – SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Launched in 2011 through Keio University’s Global 30 activities, GIGA (Global Information & Governance Academic) is an international undergraduate course, taught in English, that integrates information and communication technology, and governance skills.

To date, Keio University has offered nearly 1000 courses in English and is increasingly offering English degree programs. This not only makes the school more accessible to international students but also provides global awareness among Japanese students.

Currently, Keio University has announced the admissions guidelines for the September 2026 intake (updated on August 29, 2025). Please check out the following article!

I. OVERVIEW INFORMATION OF KEIO UNIVERSITY

– Keio University is a private university founded in 1858. It has 6 main campuses, 10 undergraduate faculties, and 14 graduate schools.

– According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, Keio University ranks 197th worldwide, 9th in Japan, and 1st among Japan’s private universities.

– To date, Keio has over 33,400 students and more than 390,000 alumni. In 2022, the university welcomed nearly 2,000 international students from over 85 countries. Keio offers more than 23 programs and 940 courses taught in English.

– Keio is renowned for its research in the social sciences and humanities, as well as for its affiliated hospital, which provides advanced medical services.

– The university is home to 4 faculty members recognized as among the world’s most influential researchers (according to the 2022 Highly Cited Researchers list).

– In addition, many Keio alumni have achieved success across diverse fields – from prime ministers, scientists, athletes, musicians, and doctors, to numerous other outstanding individuals who have been part of this prestigious institution.

II. THE GIGA PROGRAM – KEIO UNIVERSITY

GIGA (Global Information & Governance Academic) is a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. Those who are interested in studying and earning a degree at Keio University but are worried about their Japanese language skills, rest assured, that courses for the GIGA Program are conducted entirely in English. It provides diverse research fields that take an interdisciplinary approach.

By participating in the program, students will have the opportunity to learn Japanese and take courses offered in both English and Japanese. Additionally, GIGA offers full-ride scholarships available exclusively for GIGA international students before enrollment. There’s no need to come to Japan for the admission process and submission of standardized test scores is optional.

1. About SFC – A campus for forward-minded students

The Faculty of Policy Management and the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies at Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) were established in April 1990, born out of an innovative concept not yet seen anywhere in the world—creating and reorganizing knowledge to meet the needs of the times. The faculties were ahead of their time in academics for the twenty-first century and in defining what a university should be.

At SFC, students are equipped with the ability to tackle real-world issues by understanding, restructuring, and applying existing knowledge and technologies across multiple related fields—rather than being confined to fixed academic disciplines.

The school seeks students who aspire to cultivate the ability to pioneer new paths toward the future by making full use of all resources available at SFC, including its learning environment and educational system. In particular, through its AO (Admissions Office) process, SFC places priority on applicants with a clear vision and strong passion for learning.

2. Curriculum

3. Faculties & Majors

In the Faculty of Policy Management, problem-solving is approached from the perspectives of policy, law, strategy, management, and governance. The Faculty of Environment and Information Studies emphasizes approaches that leverage technology, design, tools, ingenuity, and art. Although there is overlap between the approaches taken by the two faculties, they are based on different ideas. While collaboration between the two faculties is always available, each faculty aims to be distinct in its approach to problem solving.

4. Fees and Expenses

Academic fees and expenses for September 2026 enrollment will be finalized in late November 2025. For your reference, the table below shows the fees and expenses for April 2025 enrollment.

*These fees and expenses are not refundable; however, academic fees (excluding admission fees) and fees categorized as “others” may be refundable if the applicant makes a request to withdraw from the university in accordance with the procedures specified by the university. See the Enrollment Registration Guide for further details.

III. SCHOLARSHIPS INFORMATION – THE GIGA PROGRAM

International students who wish to enroll in September through GIGA Program admissions may apply for the scholarships listed below at the time of application. Various other scholarships are also available to apply for after enrollment. Further details will be announced after enrollment.

*Note:

– Applicants may apply for these scholarships the same time they apply for the GIGA Program.

– Applications for these scholarships will not be accepted after entrance into Keio University.

– Applicants may apply for all of these scholarships, but only one scholarship will be awarded if selected to be a recipient.

– Note that updates on the MEXT scholarship will not be available until late December.

IV. APPLICATION

AO screenings takes a holistic approach, evaluating the unique abilities and strengths of each applicant

GIGA admissions process is open to all applicants who meet the specified eligibility requirements. It does not rely on a one-dimensional, uniform assessment based solely on written exam scores or skills tests. Instead, GIGA review each application holistically, considering multiple perspectives. As part of your application, you are asked to provide information on your academic and other achievements since graduating from junior high school.

1. Admissions Quota

Approximately 50 students: 25 each for the Faculty of Policy Management and the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies

* Applicants cannot apply to both Faculties through the Winter AO (Admissions for the GIGA Program) in the same year.

2. Enrollment Cycles

Two cycles: one in September 2026 and one in April 2027

* Enrollment in September (Fall Semester) is strongly recommended if your Japanese proficiency is not yet at a level to take classes conducted in Japanese.

* International students (September-entry applicants only) may apply for scholarships when they apply to the GIGA Program.

3. Eligibility requirements

The applicant must meet at least one of the eligibility requirements below.

4. Application timeline

5. Application submission method

– Application: Online Application System

– Screening: Evaluation of submitted application documents.

*Note:

– NO written tests

– NO interviews

– NO need to come to Japan

6. Required documents

V. ADMISSION STATISTICS OVER THE YEARS FOR THE GIGA PROGRAM – KEIO UNIVERSITY

VI. CONTACT

👉👉 Jellyfish Vietnam – Media representative authorized by Keio University in Vietnam

✦ Hotline: 096 110 6466

✦ Head Office – Vietnam: 1st Floor, Web3 Tower, Alley 4 Duy Tan Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

✦ Branch Office: 2nd Floor, SH5.11 Vinhomes Marina, Vinh Niem Ward, Le Chan District, Hai Phong

✦ Head Office: 4F Westhill Building, Nishigotanda 2-24-4, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan