Scholarship
Introduction Are you an exceptionally talented international student looking to advance your academic career at one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions? Do you want to dedicate yourself entirely to your master’s or doctoral research without the burden of financial stress? The Keio “Design the Future” Award for International Students is now accepting applications for the 2027 academic year, and it could be the exact opportunity you need to achieve your goals. Founded by Yukichi Fukuzawa in 1858, Keio University is Japan’s first modern institution of higher education.
Requirements: For schools requiring direct application, you will typically need to gather the following documents (check your specific graduate school’s guidelines for exact requirements): A formal Resume using the prescribed Keio University designated form (downloadable from the official site). Official Academic Transcripts from undergraduate (and graduate) institutions, in English. Proof of Research Achievements (e.g., list of published papers, academic presentations).
Benefits: If you are selected for the Keio “Design the Future” Award, here is what your funding package includes to support your academic journey: Full Tuition Waiver: The complete cost of academic fees and expenses at Keio University is covered. *(Note: This specific benefit is not applicable to Double Degree international students).*
How to apply: If you are interested in applying for the Keio “Design the Future” Award, follow these steps carefully: Identify the specific Keio University Graduate School you wish to attend and thoroughly review their admission timeline. Check the Graduate Schools table above to determine if your chosen school accepts direct applications for the award or if they operate strictly on an internal nomination basis.
A quick overview based on the listing. Review the full details below before applying.
Application link provided with this listing — verify the destination and requirements before submitting.
Are you an exceptionally talented international student looking to advance your academic career at one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions? Do you want to dedicate yourself entirely to your master’s or doctoral research without the burden of financial stress? The Keio “Design the Future” Award for International Students is now accepting applications for the 2027 academic year, and it could be the exact opportunity you need to achieve your goals.
Founded by Yukichi Fukuzawa in 1858, Keio University is Japan’s first modern institution of higher education. To commemorate its 150th anniversary, Keio launched this highly selective award to attract international students with the drive to become global leaders in academia, business, and public service. A small number of outstanding students are chosen each year to receive this exceptional funding, which is widely considered one of the most generous packages available from any Japanese university.
If you are ready to bring your academic excellence to Tokyo and join a highly competitive cohort of future innovators, read on to discover if you meet the eligibility criteria, what the award covers, and the precise application steps required by your chosen graduate school.
| Provider | Keio University |
| Country / Location | Tokyo / Yokohama, Japan |
| Program Type | Scholarship / Award |
| Study Level | Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Number of Awards | A small number of students will be selected |
| Open To | International Students |
| Deadline | Varies by Graduate School (August 21 – October 16, 2026) |
The application procedure varies significantly according to the graduate school. Some require direct public applications alongside your admission documents, while others strictly operate on an internal nomination basis.
| Graduate School | Application Period | Application Method / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (MBA) | Aug 21 – Sep 1, 2026 | Direct application. Submit alongside Fall entrance exam documents. |
| Science and Technology | Sep 1 – Oct 16, 2026 | Direct application via IGP Online System. Requires advisor recommendation. |
| Letters | Sep 7 – Oct 2, 2026 | Direct application. Recommendation letter must be sent directly by prospective Keio supervisor. |
| Business and Commerce | Sep 7 – Sep 18, 2026 | Direct application (Master’s only, must have passed entrance exam). |
| Human Relations | Sep 14 – Sep 28, 2026 | Direct application (For successful Master’s entrants or prospective Doctoral applicants). Requires JLPT N1 or EJU. |
| Law | By Oct 1, 2026 | Direct application. Requires JLPT N1 or EJU. |
| Economics | Internal Selection | The school contacts eligible Master’s/Doctoral applicants individually. |
| Medicine | Internal Selection | No public call. Eligible entrance exam passers will be contacted. |
| Media and Governance | Internal Selection | Nominees will be asked to submit forms separately. |
| Law School (LL.M.) | Internal Selection | Candidates selected from successful LL.M. in Global Legal Practice entrants. |
| Health Management | Internal Selection | Nominees will be asked to submit forms directly. |
| System Design and Management | Internal Selection | Selected candidates notified via email around late October. |
| Media Design | Internal Selection | Candidates selected from entrance exam applicants based on potential. |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | Internal Selection | Contacted directly after passing Master’s or Ph.D. entrance exams. |
No. Students currently receiving any funds from the Japanese government or Japanese government-affiliated organizations (like MEXT, JASSO, JICA, JSPS, or JST) are strictly prohibited from receiving this award concurrently.
Are students applying for Double Degree (DD) programs eligible?Yes, incoming international students participating in a double degree program are eligible to apply. However, please note that the full tuition fee waiver benefit is not applicable to DD international students; they are only eligible for the 200,000 JPY living stipend and the relocation grant.
Can I apply if I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Japan?No. To be eligible for this award, you must have completed 15 or more years of schooling outside Japan and obtained your undergraduate degree at an institution outside of Japan.
How do I receive the monthly stipend before I arrive in Japan?You cannot. A Japanese bank account is mandatory to receive both the monthly stipend and the one-time relocation grant. Keio University does not facilitate international bank transfers. Your disbursements will be placed on hold until you arrive in Japan and open a local account.
For schools requiring direct application, you will typically need to gather the following documents (check your specific graduate school’s guidelines for exact requirements):
A formal Resume using the prescribed Keio University designated form (downloadable from the official site).
Official Academic Transcripts from undergraduate (and graduate) institutions, in English.
Proof of Research Achievements (e.g., list of published papers, academic presentations).
Japanese Language Proficiency test results (JLPT N1 or EJU equivalent) — required for specific schools like Law and Human Relations.
A Self-Recommendation Letter and a formal Letter of Recommendation from your prospective academic advisor at Keio University.
To be eligible for the Design the Future Award, you must meet all of the following rigorous criteria at the point of application:
You must wish to enroll in a Keio University graduate school in April 2027, September 2027, or April 2028.
You must be recommended for this award by your prospective Keio graduate school.
You must wish to enroll as a full-time degree student in a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program.
You must have completed 15 or more years of schooling outside Japan.
Undergraduate Degree Restriction: You must have obtained your undergraduate degree outside of Japan. (Students who have obtained, or expect to obtain, their undergraduate degree at any institution in Japan are strictly ineligible).
Residency Rule: You may not reside outside Japan for more than six months while receiving this award.
Double Degree Eligibility: Incoming international students participating in a double degree (DD) program are eligible, but only while enrolled in a degree program at a Keio graduate school.
You must not be currently receiving any funds from Keio University or another public institution that aims to support research. This includes scholarships, fellowships, or salaries provided by Japanese government-affiliated organizations. You cannot combine this award with:
If you are selected for the Keio “Design the Future” Award, here is what your funding package includes to support your academic journey:
Full Tuition Waiver: The complete cost of academic fees and expenses at Keio University is covered. *(Note: This specific benefit is not applicable to Double Degree international students).*
Monthly Stipend: You will receive 200,000 JPY per month for living expenses.
Relocation Grant: A one-time payment of 150,000 JPY (including travel expenses) is provided upon your enrollment.
Duration of Support: Up to two years for Master’s students, and up to three years for Doctoral/Professional degree program students.
Important Note on Disbursement: A Japanese bank account is required to receive both the monthly stipend and the relocation grant. International bank transfers are not available. Funds will be held until you arrive in Japan and open an account.
If you are interested in applying for the Keio “Design the Future” Award, follow these steps carefully:
Identify the specific Keio University Graduate School you wish to attend and thoroughly review their admission timeline.
Check the Graduate Schools table above to determine if your chosen school accepts direct applications for the award or if they operate strictly on an internal nomination basis.
If direct application is required, download the prescribed resume form from the official website and gather your academic transcripts and research achievements.
Contact your desired supervising professor at Keio University to request the required recommendation letter, ensuring it is submitted directly to the Office of Student Services before your graduate school’s specific deadline.
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