Keio University, the first private university in Japan, was founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa, who is often called the intellectual father of modern Japan. Over the last 150 years, Keio University has become known worldwide as a premier educational institution.

Keio University established its Business School in 1962 and launched graduate-level educational programs to develop skilled and innovative business managers.

In 1978 KBS launched the first MBA program in Japan. In accordance with the key principles of self-respect and pragmatic thinking espoused by Yukichi Fukuzawa, KBS produces distinguished leaders who take initiative in reforming established business activities and starting new ventures to contribute to the advancement of society.

History

1956
Keio-Harvard Advanced Management Seminar was launched
1962
Keio Business School was founded to provide management seminars and prepare for the launch of graduate-level educational programs
1969
A one-year, non-degree professional general management education program was launched
1978
A two-year MBA program was started as Graduate School of Business Administration
1988
The MBA program started the international exchange program
1991
A Ph.D. program was established
2000
KBS became the first institution in Japan to receive AACSB accreditation
2005
Renewed AACSB accreditation
2009
MBA double-degree programs were launched (with ESSEC in 2009, with WHU in 2010, and with HEC in 2012)
2010
Renewed AACSB accreditation
2012
Held KBS 50th Anniversary Conference
2012
Jointly held the Council on Business & Society 1st annual international forum in Paris
2014
Organized the Council on Business & Society 2nd annual international forum at Kyosei-kan, Collaboration Complex, Hiyoshi Campus, Keio University
2015
Launched an Executive MBA program
Renewed AACSB accreditation
2020
Renewed AACSB accreditation
2025
Renewed AACSB accreditation

Milestones

Approximately 23,000 students have completed executive seminars
Approximately 3,900 students have graduated from the one-year program or the graduate programs (master's and Ph.D programs)

Statistics

Graduation & Attrition Rates For The Past 6 Years(As of May 1, 2024)

MBA Program

Year of enrollment # of newly enrolled Attrition rate Graduation rate
2019 86 1.2% 98.8%
2020 81 2.5% 97.5%
2021 93 4.3% 94.6%
2022 69 2.9% 95.7%
2023 76 6.6% -
2024 66 0.0% -

EMBA Program

Year of enrollment # of newly enrolled Attrition rate Graduation rate
2019 50 0.0% 100.0%
2020 51 0.0% 100.0%
2021 55 1.8% 98.2%
2022 55 0.0% 100.0%
2023 57 0.0% -
2024 52 0.0% -

navigation start