Keio University’s “Design the Future” Award funds a small number of international students entering its master’s, doctoral or professional degree programs, so they can focus on study and research in Japan.
Each graduate school screens and nominates candidates; a university committee interviews them and picks recipients. Routes and deadlines differ by school, and several schools invite candidates instead of taking applications.
Benefits & funding
- Full academic fees and expenses at Keio (not for double-degree students).
- ¥200,000 monthly living stipend and a one-time ¥150,000 relocation grant, travel included.
- Up to 2 years for master’s, 3 for doctoral/professional; ends at degree conferral if sooner.
- Recipients may not live outside Japan for over six months; funds can be stopped or reclaimed for poor performance or lost eligibility.
Eligibility
- International students planning full-time master’s, doctoral or professional degree study at Keio from April 2027, September 2027 or April 2028, recommended by that graduate school.
- At least 15 years of schooling outside Japan, and an undergraduate degree earned (or due before entry) outside Japan.
- Not receiving funds from Keio or any public research-support body, including Japanese government programs.
- Incoming double-degree students are eligible.
- Some schools add gates, e.g. Laws and Human Relations require JLPT N1 or EJU results.
Can you apply?
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Application process
- 1Check your graduate school’s row: six schools take applications; the rest pick candidates and contact only them.
- 2Send the prescribed resume and your school’s documents by its deadline; several require a recommendation from your prospective supervisor.
- 3Nominees hear by late November and interview on 12 December 2026 in Japanese or English, online if abroad.
- 4The award is revoked if you fail the entrance exam or do not enroll.
Program timeline
School application windows (Science and Technology closes last)
Aug 21, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026
Nominees notified
Late November 2026
Final interviews
Dec 12, 2026
Enrollment
April 2027, September 2027 or April 2028