History
Kwansei Gakuin was founded in 1889 in Kobe by the American missionary Reverend Walter Russell Lambuth, with the aim of training missionaries and educating young people based on Christian principles.
Education
As one of Kansai's leading private universities, KGU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees to around 25,000 students in over 80 different disciplines across 14 undergraduate schools and 14 graduate schools.
Schools:
- Theology
- Humanities
- Sociology
- Law and Politics
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Science and Technology
- Policy Studies
- Human Welfare Studies
- Education
- International Studies
- Language, Communication, and Culture
Kwansei Gakuin University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1501 Ranking
- 2 Masters
- 49 Scholarships
- 706 Academic Staff
- 25,000 Students
- 1,400 Students (int'l)
- Private Institution Type
Kwansei Gakuin University Overview
Kwansei Gakuin University Scholarships
Kwansei Gakuin University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Kwansei Gakuin University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 SEK
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Kreditkortlistan Financial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25000 USD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Read more about eligibility
Kwansei Gakuin University Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 3 reviews
- 5 Star 1 Review
- 4 Star 2 Reviews
- 3 Star 0 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
Clean campus, life lessons
I am really grateful to be a part of student in this university. There are many international students as well. The campus is clean and facilities are amazing. Unfortunately, my studies have not led to my future job, but I was able to find my own way of life and way of thinking here.
Learning Beyond Borders
What I really liked about Kwansei Gakuin University was its strong encouragement for students to explore learning beyond the classroom and beyond national borders. Through the SDGs Campus Supporter program, I had the opportunity to lead a team promoting sustainable development on campus while learning practical skills such as project management and digital communication. Moreover, the university’s International Volunteer Activities program allowed me to intern at the Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Center, where I learned how education can empower individuals across different cultures. Professors were supportive and open-minded, and the atmosphere inspired students to think critically about social issues and their own values. While the university offers diverse international and extracurricular opportunities, it could improve by providing more structured career guidance for students who wish to connect their social impact experiences with concrete professional pathways. More interactive English-taught courses or workshops focused on global leadership and digital skills would also help students translate their passion for change into practical competencies. My overall experience at Kwansei Gakuin University was transformative. I not only gained academic knowledge but also developed the ability to lead, collaborate, and reflect deeply on what it means to “serve the world,” which is the university’s founding spirit. The combination of international exposure, hands-on social engagement, and supportive faculty helped me grow into a person who values both personal well-being and contribution to others. It was a place where I learned not just what to study, but why I want to keep learning throughout my life.
Why you should come to Kwansei Gakuin University
Kwansei Gakuin Univeristy is located in Nishinomiya, a city for families. The university offers many exchange programs to different countries and univeristies around the world. For people thinking of studying abroad, it is a great option. What you can learn here as a bachelor is not as practical as those in the western countries however. The reason is behind the system of job appliacations in Japan and how it works differently compared to other countries.
Studied here? Share your experience
Kwansei Gakuin University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 25.6% Japan
Top 37.7% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1985
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 55 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1803 | 1930 | 1985 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
1501
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1501 | - | 1501 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
No 2026 Ranking
By TopUniversities
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1201 | 1401 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
GS Network is an official student group endorsed by CIEC (the Center for International Education and Cooperation). The GS Network provides various forms of support to exchange students during orientation, in addition to organizing and operating cultural exchange activities for both exchange students and KGU students over the course of the year.
Housing services
- There are three dormitories for male students: Keimeiryo, Seishuryo, and Seizenryo.
- There are two dormitories for female students: Seifuryo and Seiwaryo.
- For international student dormitories, there is Yukoryo, a mixed-type international education dorm, as well as the International Residences.
- There is a dormitory dining hall adjoining the male dormitories. Irrespective of gender, KGU students, even those who do not live in the dorms, can use it.
- KGU has also been running a homestay program since 1980. Doing a homestay is a very effective way to learn about Japanese culture and language. Becoming a part of Japanese family will be an amazing experience.
- The Residence Center serves as the point of contact for inquiries about dormitories and single-person lodging, and is available for consultations on a variety of issues.
Library services
The Kwansei Gakuin University Library provides the faculty, students, and other library patrons with the appropriate academic information through collecting, organizing, and maintaining books, periodicals, and other materials, as well as disseminating knowledge in an effective way, via the library bulletin and Website.
Campus life
Kwansei Gakuin University's main campus is located in the city of Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, which is under an hour away from the metropolitan areas of Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto. The university also has other campuses in the cities of Nishinomiya, Osaka, Sanda and Tokyo.
Student clubs
The Kwansei Gakuin University Fighters is the American football club belonging to the KGU Athletics Association. With a total of more than 200 players and student staff members, the club is one of the largest university athletic clubs in the Kansai region. Since its establishment in 1941, the club has achieved excellent results, winning the West Japan League Championship 56 times, the Koshien Bowl (becoming the best student team in Japan) 29 times, and the Rice Bowl (becoming the best non-professional team in Japan) once. The Fighters have vigorously maintained their club’s position as the leading programs in American football in Japan.
Kwansei Gakuin University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Japan Country
Nishinomiya City