Keio University, the Oldest Private University in Japan

WeXpats
2020/09/08

Keio University, founded more than a century ago, is the oldest private university in Japan and is one of the most prestigious universities in the country today. The university’s reputation is not only known in Japan, and is also recognized in the global community. Just what sets Keio University apart?


Table of Contents


Keio University across the ages 

19th century Japan was marked by broad developments due to the entry of Western thoughts and ideals that enriched and widened the perspective of the public. These ideals were able to readily manifest in the institutions of Japan back then, and among the major ones would be that of education. 

Grounded upon the spirit of Western scientific thought, Keio University was founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukazawa. Fukuzawa, a revered Japanese author and scholar during the Meiji Restoration period of Japan was educated in the Western system of education, upon which he was able to exert its influence in founding the university. Keio University’s institutional philosophy is grounded upon the concept of jitsugaku or an emphasis on the empirical sciences. He believed that any man, who strives for the betterment of his society, should go for a knowledge independent of any predilections. It is evident that Western learning shaped Keio University as an institution.

Eventually, the university became a network of schools in Japan that provides education from elementary, secondary to tertiary levels as well as various research programs and post-graduate education. It accepts not only Japanese citizens but also international students. As a matter of fact, Keio University was the first university in Japan to accept international students in its programs. In the past decades, it has been involved in various regional and global efforts to strengthen internationalization in different fields. Their membership with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) and Global University Leaders Forum (GULF) opened an opportunity for the institution to take part in a series of efforts for international relations and initiatives.

※ Keio University Law School, "About Keio University"

Now, as the oldest private education institution in the country, Keio University is esteemed for its impeccable quality of education. According to the Times Higher Education rankings, it is ranked 14th best university in Japan; 36th best university in Asia; and 91st in the Impact Rankings of the World. The Impact Rankings is used to determine the rankings of universities around the world in terms of their Sustainable Development Goals adhering to the United Nations’ standards. Some of its broad area subjects are included in their respective rankings by the Times Higher Education as well. Social Sciences and Management ranked 82nd in the world while Anatomy and Physiology was considered the 36th best in the world. 

It is also home to respected individuals in Japan. Just some of them include Ryota Yamagata, a silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics in Track and Field; Rei Kawakubo, founder of Commes des Garcons; and Akihiko Yoshide, an astronaut. Indeed, the educational institution has something to say about giving world-class education.

※ Keio University, About Keio, "Philosophy"
※ Times Higher Education, "About Keio University" 
※ Keio University, "Keio University Facts & Figures 2019-20," p.8      

Education

 

Keio University offers undergraduate and graduate courses spread all over different disciplines. There are ten major faculties that provide education in respective fields. Here are the faculties that belong to the roster of Keio University:

·  Faculty of Business and Commerce

·  Faculty of Economics

·  Faculty of Environment and Information Studies

·  Faculty of Law

·  Faculty of Letters

·  Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care

·  Faculty of Pharmacy

·  Faculty of Policy Management

·  Faculty of Science and Technology

·  School of Medicine

One should be aware that the medium of teaching in the university is primarily Japanese. It is no wonder why international admission to Japanese universities requires a certain level of Japanese language proficiency. However, there are courses offered entirely in English. This will benefit any international student without Japanese language proficiency who wants to take his or her chance to study at such a prestigious university.

Programs at Keio offered in English 

These undergraduate and graduate programs of Keio University taught in English share in almost similar nature with global education. In fact, there are 21 graduate degrees offered in Keio University that use English as the primary medium for teaching. This means that the courses are concerned either on understanding international structures or training that adheres to disciplinary focus involving global matters. These programs are highly specialized yet holistic. The characteristics of these courses reflect the university's commitment to forward and take part in the process of internationalization.

There are two undergraduate programs offered by Keio University that use English as its primary teaching medium. These two undergraduate programs are well-fitted for an international student who wanted to pursue an interdisciplinary undergraduate education at Keio University:

  • Program in Economics for Alliances, Research and Leadership, or PEARL: a four-year undergraduate Economics course involving contemporary global issues and innovative solutions.

  • Global Information and Governance Academic Program or GIGA: a four-year undergraduate course that focuses on the interdisciplinary integration of the sciences and humanities that involve problematizing and understanding different global issues. 

Study Abroad 

Alongside with these educational programs, Keio University is also known for its study abroad programs. Undergraduate and graduate Keio students are given the chance to study abroad in one of the 100+ partner universities of Keio University in 33 countries. For inbound students, meaning students who wish to study abroad at Keio University, there are a range of programs available to students from Partner Institutions that last anywhere from two weeks, to just a summer term, to a semester or more. One can even choose to focus on learning Japanese through the Japanese Language Program. 

※Keio University, “Study Abroad and International Programs

Campus life, Facilities and Scholarships  

Aside from its world-class and topnotch academic programs, Keio University also boasts its facilities where students are honed for their academic pursuit. The university has 12 campuses across Japan, 6 of which are in the Greater Tokyo area. Depending upon the degree program, students are assigned to one or more of these campuses throughout their collegiate life. 

Also, the university has its complex of student dormitories. There are 9 student dormitories that are owned by the Keio University administration; each has its own feature or exclusivity. For instance, one of these student dormitories is exclusive for international students (Plume IS) and for athletes (Shimoda Student Village).

※ Keio University, "Maps & Directions"

Another important facility for Keio University would be its historic library. Currently, the library network is composed of three buildings. The main library was built in 1905 and endured more than a century of history. It remained one of the oldest and largest in Japan as it accommodates millions of diverse books. Up to this date, the media center (an alternative term for Keio University library) is home to different scholarly collections, primary sources, and theses and dissertations of students.

※ Keio University, "The History of a Keio Symbol: The Old Library"

​​​​​​The development of student life within the university is fostered through different organizations and groups. Academic, athletic, cultural, political, and other interest groups are well organized inside the campus, engaging students through their different inclinations.

Lastly, Keio University has the largest scholarship fund in Japan. It distinguishes itself from government scholarship programs such as MEXT and JASSO as it is privately funded by the university administration as a private institution. It provides support in two categories: merit-based and need-based scholarships. These programs are offered to both undergraduate and graduate level students who are in need of financial assistance. 

Summary

Keio University in Japan is indeed a contributor and pioneer of formal modern education in the country. With its rich history, the institution has been and will be an integral part of the development of Japan. Promising the continuity of its commitment to its own principles and ideals, it is undeniable that the institution will continue to shape the next generation of leaders, not only in Japan but of the world as well.

Keio University

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