#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda University #NAGASE #Keio University

Analysis of 2026 University Enrollment Trends for Double Admit Students

As we delve into the educational landscape of 2026, the recent findings from Tohshin High School and Tohshin Satellite Prep School have revealed some exciting insights about the university preference trends among double admit students. Waseda University has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing top positions over Keio University in several academic categories, marking a significant shift in student choices over the past few years.

Background of the Study

The research, conducted by Nagase Co., Ltd., headquartered in Musashino, Tokyo, involved analyzing the enrollment choices of students who have gained admission to both Waseda and Keio universities. This analysis has been an annual endeavor since 2018, providing unique insights into student preferences that can't be captured by mere applicant numbers and test scores. By examining the decisions of students who have been accepted by both universities, we are able to obtain a clearer picture of their real strengths and popularity.

Rising Trends for Waseda University

Over the years, the trend in student enrollment choices has shifted dramatically. As per the data collected, Waseda University has been on an upward trajectory for eight consecutive years. It was in 2025 when Waseda surpassed Keio in the choices made by students. The most recent results indicate that nearly 58.0% of double admit students chose Waseda, further widening the gap from its previous percentages.

Academic Comparison by Faculty

The analysis was particularly revealing in the context of faculty comparisons. In the latest findings, Waseda has achieved an unprecedented feat by dominating all nine academic categories when comparing the faculties of Waseda and Keio. Historically, Keio Law faculty had outperformed Waseda Law faculty; however, this year marked the first time Waseda Law emerged victorious, resulting in a clean sweep in all categories for Waseda. The evolution reflects notable growth for Waseda, contrasting sharply with the 2018 data when Keio led in eight out of nine faculties.

The Unwavering Dominance of Waseda and Keio

The rivalry between Waseda and Keio continues to shape the higher education space despite a relatively stable landscape with regard to other universities. Data indicates that very few students are opting for Sophia University or Tokyo University of Science over the two giants. This underscores the formidable wall that separates Waseda and Keio from their subsequent competitors, revealing the robust structure of Japan's elite higher education system.

Factors Contributing to Waseda's Rise

The reasons behind Waseda's increased preference among students appear to stem from a series of innovative reforms and a conducive campus environment that resonates well with modern students. Among the most notable reforms has been the introduction of advanced entrance examination practices. This included mandatory standardized testing for the Political Science department and the unusual requirement of Mathematics for liberal arts students. These sweeping reforms have attracted a larger pool of high-caliber students who seek rigorous academic standards.

In addition, Waseda's campus dynamics are considerably appealing to female students, as seen from the enrollment statistics. The percentage of female applicants at Waseda stands at 37.5%, significantly outperforming Keio's 28.1%. When examining the growth of female enrollment over the past two decades, Waseda consistently surpasses Keio's figures.

Feedback from students selecting Waseda often points to its vibrant international community and opportunities for a rich educational experience. Students appreciate the easy access to various facilities and the prospect of engaging in a culturally diverse learning environment. Such factors have decisively influenced students to prefer Waseda as their first choice.

Keio's Continued Prestige

While Waseda enjoys a growing recognition, Keio University retains its status as a prestigious institution. In fact, during the 2026 admissions process, Keio recorded the highest number of applicants since 2019, demonstrating a 4.7% increase from the previous year. Keio remains a well-established brand with popular faculties, including those not comparable to Waseda, such as the Faculty of Medicine, which continues to attract a large number of applications.

With the upcoming changes to Keio's admission exams in 2027, where the economics department will suspend the essay component, predictions indicate that admission difficulty may increase in the face of tightening competition against public universities and Waseda.

Conclusion

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by declining birth rates, the demand for both Waseda and Keio universities remains remarkably strong. Both institutions are dedicated to continuous reform and adaptation, helping to shape the future of Japan's private universities. The race for double admit preferences will undoubtedly continue, promising an intriguing landscape for the years ahead. Tohshin High School and Tohshin Satellite Prep School will release further analyses regarding other university groups, such as