Nearly 60% of Kikokushijo Academy Alumni Enroll at Six Leading Japanese Universities, While One in Four Study Overseas — Where English Leads Next

Kikokushijo Academy (KA), where students learn, think, and communicate entirely in English, has compiled university destination data for 122 alumni based on a survey conducted through its alumni network, which launched in 2026.

Nearly half of the alumni surveyed attended The University of Tokyo, Keio University, or Waseda University, while approximately one in four attended a foreign university. Altogether, their destinations span 47 universities in Japan and abroad.

At KA, learning English is not the end goal. Students develop skills they can carry into university, their future fields of study, and the opportunities that follow. Through the paths taken by its alumni, KA is sharing how its philosophy of “English for a Lifetime” is reflected in a wide range of university destinations.

Key Points

● Nearly half of the alumni surveyed attended The University of Tokyo, Keio University, or Waseda University

● Adding Hitotsubashi University, Sophia University, and International Christian University (ICU), approximately 60% attended one of these six universities

● Roughly one in four enrolled at a university overseas, with destinations ranging from globally recognized research universities to leading liberal arts colleges

● A growing range of opportunities to earn a degree in English within Japan

● KA's University Prep program helps students prepare for university admissions and study in Japan and overseas

Nearly 60% Attend UTokyo, Keio, Waseda, Sophia, ICU, or Hitotsubashi

Among the 122 alumni whose university destinations were confirmed, nearly half attended The University of Tokyo, Keio University, or Waseda University. When Hitotsubashi University, Sophia University, and International Christian University are included, approximately 60% attended one of these six universities.

Approximately three in four attended universities in Japan, while around one in four attended a foreign university. Their destinations are not concentrated in a single institution or country, but span 47 universities in Japan and abroad.

University Destinations of KA Alumni

This data is based on responses to a KA alumni survey. Participation was voluntary, and respondents were not selected based on graduation year or university destination. Where an alumnus listed more than one university destination, only the first institution listed was included in the calculation. The foreign-university category includes one respondent who attended Temple University, Japan Campus, a Japan campus of a U.S. university. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number. The data should not be interpreted as representing the university destination patterns of all KA alumni or as outcomes of University Prep, which launched in the 2026 academic year.

About 1 in 4 Attend Foreign Universities—With Destinations Beyond the U.S., Including the U.K., Australia, and France

The foreign universities attended by KA alumni in the survey represent institutions from six countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Canada, and Italy.

Destinations include Harvard University, Princeton University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Northwestern University, and New York University, as well as liberal arts colleges such as Amherst College, Middlebury College, and Davidson College.

Selected Foreign-University Destinations

United States: Harvard University, Princeton University, UCLA, University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Northwestern University, New York University, Dartmouth College, Purdue University, Amherst College

United Kingdom: UCL, King’s College London

Australia: The University of Sydney, Macquarie University

France: Sciences Po

Canada: Sheridan College

Italy: Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

More Opportunities to Study in English Within Japan

Studying at university in English is not limited to going overseas. In Japan, students can also pursue degrees through faculties and programs where specialized subjects are taught in English.

In 2027, Tohoku University is scheduled to open Gateway College in April, followed by The University of Tokyo’s UTokyo College of Design in September. Other options include Waseda University’s School of International Liberal Studies (SILS), Keio University’s PEARL and GIGA programs, and Sophia University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA).

As the range of English-medium university options continues to expand within Japan, students have more ways to carry their English abilities into higher education.

Please refer to each university’s official website and other official sources for the latest information on programs and admissions

KA's University Prep Program Helps Students to Prepare for University

With a growing range of university options in Japan and overseas where students can study in English, KA launched University Prep in the 2026 academic year for students from Grade 9 through Grade 12. Building on KA’s existing programs for junior high and high school students, University Prep places a greater emphasis on university preparation.

The program helps students prepare for university pathways in Japan and abroad while continuing to strengthen their ability to read, think, discuss, and express ideas in English. Students also work on areas such as test preparation and university application essays.
Learn more about University Prep:

https://www.kikokushijoacademy.com/core_program_jhhs

Coming Next: Where KA Alumni Go After University

Following this first release on university destinations, KA plans to publish a second press release focusing on the careers of its alumni.

The next release will explore how university study has connected with graduates’ current work and research through examples in fields including international cooperation, autonomous driving, medicine, and quantum technology and semiconductor research.

Through these stories, KA will show how English can support students in expanding their expertise and future possibilities across both the humanities and sciences.

About Global KA Group

Company: Global KA Holdings Inc.
Official Website: https://globalka.com
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Charles Knudsen, President and CEO

Main Brands:
● Kikokushijo Academy (KA)
● KA International School (KAIS)
● Global Step Academy (GSA)
● The International School Times (IST)
● Kokusaba Tutoring

Media Contact

Global KA Holdings Inc.
Public Relations
Email: media@globalka.com