Applications are currently being accepted for the Keio University Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral “Design the Future” Award Japan 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Keio University Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral “Design the Future” Award Japan
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.
Benefits of Keio University Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral “Design the Future” Award Japan
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.
Keio University Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral “Design the Future” Award Japan Requirements
To be eligible for the Design the Future Award, you must meet all of the following rigorous criteria at the point of application:
Academic Requirements
- 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 & Restrictions
- 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.
Funding Restrictions
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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:
- MEXT Honors Scholarships
- JASSO Student Exchange Support Programs
- JSPS Research Fellowships
- JST SPRING or AI Programs
- JICA Scholarships (JDS, etc.)
- Japan Foundation (JF) Fellowships
Application Date and Process
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.
Opportunity Application
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Keio University Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral “Design the Future” Award Japan
Apply for Keio University Fully Funded Master’s and Doctoral “Design the Future” Award Japan
