History

1945	On November 11, Tanimoto English School, the forerunner of Kansai Gaidai University, was founded by Noboru and Takako Tanimoto in Higashi-Sumiyoshi Ward in the city of Osaka.
1947	Tanimoto English School changed its name to Kansai Gaikokugo Gakko (Kansai Foreign Language School).
1953	Kansai Gaidai College (two-year program), the Division of English and American Studies, was established in Mandai, Sumiyoshi Ward in Osaka City.
1966	The Mandai campus was partially moved to Katahoko in Hirakata City, Osaka. Kansai Gaidai University (four-year program) was inaugurated with the Department of English and American Studies and the Department of Spanish Studies. In addition, Kansai Gaidai College (two-year program) was launched at the Katahoko campus. The main administration moved to Hirakata.
1968	A professor and nineteen students from the University of Arkansas participated in a Kansai Gaidai-sponsored summer seminar, marking the first Asian Studies Program offered to students from abroad.
1971	Reciprocal exchanges were initiated with US institutions with credit transfer arrangements.
1972	The Asian Studies Program was formally designed and initiated as a one-year study abroad experience. A non-professional, liberal arts focused curriculum has been designed to meet the diverse expectations of undergraduate students worldwide.
1973	The Graduate School, M.A. Program in English Linguistics was established.
1976	The Graduate School, M.A. Program in Language and Cultural Studies, was added.
1979	A Ph.D. program within the Graduate School was established. This program was the very first among national, public, and private foreign language universities in Japan.
1980	Founded in 1977 and accredited by the Hawaiian government in 1979, Kansai Gaidai Hawaii College was opened. This satellite campus made Kansai Gaidai the first Japanese institution with an overseas campus.
1982	Hoping to enhance further international exchange, education, and research, the Tanimoto Memorial Hall for International Education, also known as the Center for International Education (CIE), was constructed adjacent to the Katahoko campus.
1984	The Hotani campus in the city of Hirakata was established. The functions of the Mandai campus were completely moved to the city of Hirakata after its 31-year history. A new international dormitory was opened to accommodate the ever increasing number of Asian Studies Program participants.
1986	Kansai Gaidai's "New Era Project" was launched in order to further improve its academic programs and physical facilities.
1987	Kansai Gaidai sent two students for a Dual Degree Program for the first time.
1990	The number of overseas affiliated institutions reached 100. The number of students who had participated in the university sponsored study abroad programs passed the 10,000 mark.
1993	The Graduate School added a "Research Course" to its Master's program. An Intensive English Studies (IES) program in the undergraduate as well as in Kansai Gaidai College (two-year program) was launched.
1994	As part of the University's continuous efforts to upgrade its academic facilities, a new library was completed. A new curriculum in the College of Foreign Studies was introduced. The Curso para Extranjeros (CPE) program for Spanish majors was also added.
1996	The Hotani campus established the Department of International Languages and Communication in the College of International Language and Communication. This program aims to produce professionals in the field of international culture and communication.
1997	The new International Seminar House was opened to provide housing for more international students. The Educational Technology Center was also established.
2002	The construction and relocation of the entire Katahoko campus to Nakamiya was completed. Greatly expanding the educational facilities, this relocation completed the Kansai Gaidai's "New Era Project."
2003	An apartment style international student dormitory, Seminar House III, was constructed to accommodate ever-increasing number of international students.
2005	In order to respond to the needs for international students dormitories, Seminar House IV was completed in August. The number of countries and regions in which KGU has inter-institutional relations reached 50. In the last five years, 21 countries have been added.
2007	The number of overseas affiliated institutions reached 300.
2010	A steady expansion of Kansai Gaidai’s international network has brought the number of affiliations up to 330 institutions in 50 countries and regions.
2011	The new department, College of International Professional Development, was inaugurated at Nakamiya campus. One-year study abroad is integrated in its curriculum.
2012	The International Communication Center, a hub for various collaborative activities with local and international institutions and organizations, opened.
2013	A new Elementary Education Program was approved to be added to the College of International Professional Development.
2014	The College of Global Communication and Language opened at Gakkentoshi Campus. One-semester study abroad in each English and Chinese speaking country is included in its curriculum.
2015	In celebration of the 70th anniversary of its founding, Kansai Gaidai University has launched Gotenyama Campus・Global Town Project: the relocation of its Gakkentoshi campus to a new location in Gotenyama, which is only a few blocks away from its Nakamiya Campus. The Gotemyama campus・Global Town is scheduled for completion in 2018. Kansai Gaidai celebrates the 70th anniversary of its foundation. The number of international affiliations reached 380 institutions in 54 countries and regions.
2016	The University celebrated the 50th anniversary of the College of Foreign Studies which has led the development of language study in Japan.
2017	The Super IES program was launched in the College of International Professional Development and the College of Foreign Studies.
2018	Kansai Gaidai College (two-year program) celebrated the 65th anniversary of its opening. Gotenyama Campus・Global Town opened at the new site. "KANSAI GAIDAI RYU - Program for Global Perspectives" was started.
2019	"Double Degree Program" was Launched. A degree-seeking student from Miami University transferred to the 3rd year of the College of International Professional Development.
2023	The Ccollege of Global Engagement and the Schoolof English and Digital Communication open to enhance the further development of global citizens.
2024	The School of Japan Studies and Global Communication and Division of International Future Career open.