Kansai Gaidai University
Address: 16-1 Nakamiya Higashino-cho, Hirakata-city, Osaka 573-1001

Overview
Kansai Gaidai is a private, nonprofit institution composed of Kansai Gaidai University, (four-year program), Kansai Gaidai College (two-year program), the Graduate School, and the Asian Studies Program.
All the academic programs of Kansai Gaidai University are fully accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which is the sole accrediting agency in Japan.
Located in Hirakata City, Osaka, Kansai Gaidai is accessible, within a one-hour train ride, to Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals, and Osaka, the second largest business hub in Japan. Kansai Gaidai has two campuses in Hirakata: the Nakamiya Campus and the Gotenyama Campus Global Town.
Currently affiliated with 423 institutions in 55 countries/regions, Kansai Gaidai offers great many university sponsored study abroad programs through which over 1,100 Japanese students are sent abroad each year and welcome over 1,000 international students from around the world.
Conditions
1. Number of Scholarships Offered in Fall 2026
2
2. Status of Admitted Student
Successful applicants will be admitted as non-degree-seeking students in the Asian Studies Program (ASP) in September 2026 and later have a chance to transition to the College of Global Engagement (CGE), an undergraduate degree program, as transfer students.
To become a degree-seeking student, the student must separately pass the university’s regular admissions exam. The CGE will admit transfer students in the third year only.
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3. Description of the Non-Degree Program
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Established in 1972, the Asian Studies Program today annually welcomes about 1,000 competitively selected students who represent about 40 countries and regions. Typically, our student body is equally balanced between males and females. About 90% of the total program participants are from our affiliated institutions worldwide, and the remaining 10% enroll independently.
The raison d’etre of the program is to provide international students with a means of exploring Japan and Asian studies through classroom instruction and interaction with Japanese people. Japanese language courses range from introductory to advanced level. Previous Japanese language training is not required.
A variety of course offerings relevant to Japan and Asia taught by experienced faculty members, will provide new perspectives for participants and inspire their intellectual and personal growth. One of the special advantages of studying in our program is the fact that all courses, except for Japanese language courses, are conducted in English.
The Program has been designed to accommodate the diversified needs and backgrounds of international students who would like to begin their explorations about Japan and Asia, and/or who would like to enhance their knowledge by taking in-depth courses and immersing themselves in a first-hand experience of living in Japan. Students’ daily life is fully supported by staff members who are highly committed to international education.
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4. Eligibility
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Must currently reside in Japan.
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Must be a citizen of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria or Ukraine.
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Must have studied at a university or junior college for at least two years
5. Language of Instruction
All courses, except for Japanese language courses, are conducted in English. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence that they have adequate English proficiency (see below).
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6. Language Requirement
TOEFL score of above 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test or 80 on the internet-based test / IELTS 6.5
7. Accommodation
Dormitory provided at no cost.
8. Stipend
Not provided.
9. Degree Program
Students who wish to be admitted to a degree program in August 2027 must apply to the College of Global Engagement (CGE) after getting accepted as a non-degree-seeking student at the ASP.
The CGE offers a unique opportunity for international students to transfer to a Japanese university as a 3rd year student and obtain a B.A. degree in two years by taking courses all taught in English. Courses are offered in three academic disciplines: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business/Economics. This multi-disciplinary perspective will give students a broader understanding of how all of these disciplines work together to address global issues.
The academic program has been developed to address global issues such as poverty, education, health, human rights, etc., on the basis of Kansai Gaidai’s long history of providing international students with study opportunities to learn about Japan and Asia. Japanese language courses are available at all levels to those who wish to improve their Japanese language proficiency. Curricular and non-curricular programs include team-based projects and activities with local students, as well as students from all over the world. The College of Global Engagement provides an excellent opportunity for students to expand their horizons through studying and living in Japan and further develop their credentials as a global thinker and leader.​
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Inquiries
If you have questions about the university, please inquire with the university directly. Please indicate that you are inquiring from the Japan Education Pathways website.
