Keio University Undergraduate 2026: PEARL & GIGA Programs for Indians

Introduction

Are you an Indian student looking for a world-class education in Japan? Keio University Undergraduate 2026 admissions are your gateway to one of Asia's most prestigious institutions. As Japan’s oldest private university, Keio ranks #215 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

For international students, Keio offers two flagship English-taught programs: PEARL (Economics) and GIGA (Policy Management, Environment, and Information Studies). These programs allow you to study in Japan without needing prior Japanese language skills. This guide covers everything from eligibility and fees to the application process for Indian applicants.

Highlights: Keio University Admissions 2026

Point	Details
University Name	Keio University (Tokyo & Kanagawa, Japan)
QS World Ranking	#215 (QS 2026)
Main English Programs	PEARL (Economics) & GIGA (IT & Governance)
Intake Year	September 2026
Application Mode	Online (TAO System)
Basic Eligibility	Class 12th (Completed or Appearing) + SAT/ACT/IB
Tuition Fees (Approx)	₹7 Lakhs – ₹8.5 Lakhs per year

What are the PEARL and GIGA Programs?

1. PEARL (Programme in Economics for Alliances, Research and Leadership)

Hosted by the Faculty of Economics at the Mita Campus (Tokyo), PEARL is designed to foster global economic leaders. It is a four-year BA in Economics taught entirely in English.

• Best for: Students strong in Mathematics and interested in Finance, Global Economy, and Consulting.

2. GIGA (Global Information and Governance Academic)

Hosted at the futuristic Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC), this program integrates technology and governance. It falls under two faculties:

• Faculty of Policy Management: Focuses on International Relations, Public Policy, and Social Innovation.

• Faculty of Environment and Information Studies: Focuses on Computer Science, Design, and Biotechnology.

• Best for: Tech-savvy students interested in solving global problems through IT and policy.

Important Dates for 2026 Intake

For the September 2026 entry, Keio University generally offers three application windows for PEARL and a Winter AO screening for GIGA.

PEARL Program (Sep 2026 Entry)

• Application Period I: Oct 22, 2025 – Dec 3, 2025

• Application Period II: Dec 5, 2025 – Jan 28, 2026

• Application Period III: Feb 27, 2026 – Apr 10, 2026

GIGA Program (Sep 2026 Entry)

• Winter AO (Global) Screening:

  • Application Period: Mid-December 2025 – Late January 2026

  • Results Announcement: Mid-March 2026

  • (Note: GIGA typically has one major intake for September entry. Check the official SFC website closer to December for exact dates.)

Eligibility for Indian Students

To apply for Keio University Undergraduate 2026 programs, Indian students must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification:

  • Completion of 12 years of formal education (CBSE, ICSE, IB Diploma, or State Board) by September 21, 2026.

  • Students currently in Class 12 can apply as "Expected Graduates".

• Standardized Tests (Mandatory):

  • PEARL: Must submit SAT, ACT, or IB Diploma predicted/final grades.

  • GIGA: Accepts SAT, ACT, IB, or GCE A-levels.

  • Note: JEE Mains/Advanced scores are generally not accepted as a substitute for SAT/ACT.

• English Proficiency:

  • Required if your schooling was not in English.

  • TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores are recommended to strengthen your profile.

Admission / Application Process

The application process is completely online. No physical presence in Japan is required for the interview/exam.

1. Create an Account: Register on the The Admissions Office (TAO) online portal.

2. Prepare Documents:

   • Official High School Transcripts (Class 10, 11, and 12 mid-term/predicted).

   • Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT sent directly from College Board/ACT).

   • English Proficiency Score (TOEFL/IELTS).

   • Statement of Purpose (SoP) / Essay.

   • Letter of Recommendation (from school teacher/counselor).

3. Pay Application Fee:

   • PEARL: ~¥35,000 JPY (approx. ₹19,000 INR).

   • GIGA: ~¥35,000 JPY (approx. ₹19,000 INR).

4. Submit & Wait: After submission, results are announced on the portal. There is usually no interview for PEARL; GIGA screens purely based on documents for the Global AO method.

Fees and Scholarships

Studying in Japan is often more affordable than in the US or UK. Here is the cost breakdown for the first year.

Tuition & Fees (First Year Estimate)

Fee Component	PEARL Program (JPY)	GIGA Program (JPY)	Approx INR Value
Admission Fee	¥200,000	¥200,000	₹1.1 Lakh
Tuition & Facilities	~¥1,260,000	~¥1,530,000	₹6.8 - ₹8.3 Lakh
Total (Year 1)	~¥1,460,000	~¥1,730,000	₹7.9 - ₹9.4 Lakh

Scholarships for Indian Students

• Keio "Design the Future" Award: Full tuition + living stipend (very competitive).

• MEXT Scholarship: Offered by the Japanese government; covers full fees + monthly stipend.

• JASSO Scholarship: Monthly stipend (~¥48,000) for 6–12 months.

• Internal Merit Scholarships: Partial tuition waivers available for high-achieving students after enrollment.

Tips for A Strong Application

• High SAT Score: For PEARL, a score of 1450+ is safe. For GIGA, 1400+ is competitive.

• Strong Essay: Clearly explain "Why Japan?" and "Why Keio?". Connect your career goals to the specific curriculum of PEARL or GIGA.

• Mathematics: Strong grades in Class 11/12 Math are crucial, especially for Economics (PEARL).

FAQs regarding Keio University Undergraduate Admission 2026

1. Is Japanese required for Keio University Undergraduate 2026 admissions?

No. Both PEARL and GIGA programs are taught 100% in English. You can learn Japanese as an elective subject after joining.

2. Can I apply with a JEE score?

No, Keio University typically requires SAT, ACT, or IB Diploma scores for these specific English undergraduate programs. JEE scores are not standard for these admissions.

3. What is the cutoff for the SAT?

There is no official cutoff. However, successful Indian applicants usually have SAT scores between 1400 and 1500.

4. When does the academic year start?

For international students in PEARL and GIGA, the academic year starts in September 2026.

5. Is there an interview for the selection process?

Generally, the PEARL program selects students based solely on document screening. The GIGA program also assesses primarily on documents for the overseas application track, but policies can change, so always check the latest guide.

6. Is hostel accommodation available?

Yes, Keio offers several dormitories for international students, costing between ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 (₹27k - ₹43k INR) per month.

Conclusion

Keio University Undergraduate 2026 admissions offer a golden opportunity for Indian students to study at a top-ranked global university. With the PEARL and GIGA programs, you get the best of Japanese discipline and global academic standards. Start preparing your SATs and essays now to secure your seat in Tokyo!