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Waseda University

Founded in 1882 as the Tōkyō Senmon Gakkō, Waseda University is located close to the vibrant Shinjuku City ward of Tokyo.
Find out more at Waseda's exchange website

Number of places: 4 full year places (3 MLAC + 1 non-MLAC, priority will be given for MLAC students)

Dates

Term dates

Spring Semester March - August
Fall Semester September - February

More information can be found here: Academic Calendar – Waseda University

Application

Application deadline: Early March

Academic Information

Programmes

1. Undergraduate English-based Program

This programme is overseen by the individual Schools that make up Waseda University. You will be taking English-language courses related to your degree major/concentration alongside fellow international students and local Japanese students. All the courses in this programme are conducted in English.

2. Japanese Language Program (JLP)

Hosted by the Center for Japanese Language, this full-year programme is intended for undergraduate students who have undergone at least one academic year (150+ hours) of formal Japanese language learning. This could be through university, secondary/high school, or through a Japanese language school. All the courses in this programme are conducted in Japanese. 

Academic Information

Courses

1. Undergraduate English-based Program

Courses should be offered by the same School of which you are attending; it is unlikely that exchange students will be able to take courses from multiple departments.

Undergraduate students may not take postgraduate level modules.

The Science and Engineering Schools (undergraduate) are divided into Majors, and students can only take courses from the Major they apply to. Please be aware that the choices of English courses available to undergraduate exchange students are quite limited, and undergraduate exchange students cannot take any courses related to lab work/experiments. 

The School of Advanced Science and Engineering (English based programme) Bioscience major will stop accepting new students from Spring 2024.

2. Japanese Language Program (JLP)

Only credits of CJL courses and “Japanese Applied Linguistics (日本語教育科目)” courses offered at GEC are counted as the credits for the completion of this program.

Study Load

1. Undergraduate English-based Program

20-24 credits per academic year, depends on the department.

2. Japanese Language Program (JLP)

26 credits per academic year.

For more information, please visit: Application Guidelines for Waseda University Exchange Programs

Language Requirements

1. Undergraduate English-based Program

Modules are offered in English through the following departments:

  • School of Political Science and Economics
  • School of Commerce
  • School of Social Sciences
  • School of International Liberal Studies
  • School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
  • School of Creative Science and Engineering
  • School of Advanced Science and Engineering

Information on all available modules can be found via the 'Syllabus Search' tool.

*Before applying please check that the department you wish to apply to provides sufficient English-language taught modules!

2. Japanese Language Program (JLP)

Students wishing to apply without Japanese language learning experience must submit either of the followings:

  • Test results or certificate of an official Japanese language proficiency test, such as JLPT
  • A formal document issued by Japanese language teacher etc. at Durham University proving the student’s Japanese language proficiency. 

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How to Apply

Applicant Restrictions

Students must meet all the application requirements - including GPA and language proficiency - of the School/Graduate School/Centre within Waseda that they wish to apply to.

A full list of the requirements needed to be met can be found here, separated by programme: Application – Center for International Education,Waseda University

Academic Requirements

1. Undergraduate English-based Program

All applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, except if applying to the School of Culture, Media, and Society in which case a GPA of 3.5 or higher must be obtained. 

2. Japanese Language Program (JLP)

All applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0. This is roughly 65 points or above in a 100-point scale. 

Required Supporting Documents

  • Copy of Passport (Identification Page)
  • Academic Study Plan
  • Study Abroad Agreement
  • Official Certificate of Enrolment issued by the home university
  • Official Academic Transcript
  • Application for Certificate of Eligibility
  • Documents concerning defraying for CoE
  • ID Photographs
  • Nomination Letter
  • Letter of Recommendation

 

Student Support @ Waseda

Waseda offers a wide range of student support from mental health and disability support to visa, living costs, and insurance information to every student on campus. All free of charge - available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Find out more about Waseda student support Waseda's Student Counseling Center

Other Information for Applicants

Accommodation

Exchange students can apply for university-based accommodation once they have been accepted. If university-based accommodation is not available, Waseda will provide information on private housing and homestay options.

Insurance

International students staying in Japan are required to enrol in the National Health Insurance Scheme (Approximately 1,200 JPY per month).

Fees and Costs

Average living expenses are approximately 120,000 JPY per month (including food, transport, accommodation and miscellaneous costs).

Exchange students must first apply for a 'Certificate of Eligibility' in order to obtain a study visa to enter Japan.

Summer Opportunities

There are Summer School opportunities at Waseda University.

 

Discover more

Everday Life in Shinjuku offers information and advice for foreign students living in Shinjuku.

Discover more about Shinjuku City

GO Full Year Study: Step by Step

How does it work?

Find out details of how full-year GO study works

Where can I go?

Find out about Durham's partner universities

How to apply

Find out the application process

Preparing to go

What students must do pre-departure

Currently Abroad

Help and resources for students abroad

Returning Students

Find out what to do on your return