General Information
VISA
It is necessary for prospective students who wish to study full-time
at Keio University to obtain a student visa before entering
Japan. To apply for the visa, the student must find a guarantor who
resides in Japan, though not necessarily a Japanese. The guarantor
must submit a letter of guarantee to Keio University when the student
submits his application to Keio University, as well as to the
Immigration Office, which will issue the Certificate of Eligibility
required to obtain the visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in
the student's own country.
Please note that it is extremely difficult to change a visa, and it is
sometimes necessary to leave Japan for this purpose.
When an international student becomes a research student at Keio
University, he/she usually needs to apply for a cultural activities
visa. This is different from a student visa. The application
procedure is similar to that for a student visa, though documents may
be required.
Housing
Traditionally, Japanese universities do not offer housing facilities
for students. Japanese students, therefore, live in private apartments
or rented rooms, if the university is not within commuting, distance
from their home. The same conditions apply to international students
at Keio. International students need to find their own accommodations
as there are no dormitories for international students at Keio.
Housing conditions, due to the high price of land in Tokyo and the
surrounding suburban areas, are a particular problem. It is also not
easy to find home-stay families because this system is not yet a
deep-rooted social activity in Japan. International students must
find their own apartments with their guarantors and friends in
Japan.
Insurance and Medical Assistance
Medical costs in Japan are very high for persons without health
insurance. When staying in Japan as a student for more than one year,
it is recommended that the student apply for National Health
Insurance. Payment of a premium is required. Full-time international
students can also apply for Student Medical Aid (provided by the
Association of International Education, Japan). With both types of
assistance, 96% of medical fees can be covered.
Keio's graduate, full-time, regular international students are also
eligible for the Keio Students' Health Insurance. The combination of
all three insurance systems covers 100% of medical expenditures can be
covered in most cases.
International Center
The Center is responsible for administering various programs which
facilitate international exchange, and provides a Japanese language
and culture program for foreign students. For further information
concerning the University, please apply to:
International Center
Keio University
2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108, Japan
Telephone: +81-3-3453-4511
* The International Center has a branch office on the Yagami Campus
which serves foreign students in the Faculty of Science and
Technology.
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