While you do not need to be a top-tier student to get into Waseda, you need to be a good student with good grades, great scores, and full of energy.
In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour around Waseda University, this time not with images and videos but with colorful words.
Waseda University, a top institution of higher education based in central Tokyo, has about 50,000 students in 13 undergraduate and 21 postgraduate schools. It was founded on three principles: independence of scholarship, practical application of scholarship, and fostering of good citizenship.
Before we render a brief history of Waseda University, take a quick look at the table of contents below.
Table of contents
- About Waseda University
- Why Should I Study At Waseda University?
- Waseda University Rankings
- What Is Waseda University Acceptance Rate?
- Programs Offered At Waseda University
- Waseda University Admission
- How Much Does It Cost To Study At Waseda University
- Are There Available Scholarship Opportunities To Study At Waseda University?
- Waseda University Alumni Network
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
About Waseda University
A Japanese statesman who served as the prime minister, Shigenobu Okuma founded Waseda University, then called Tokyo Senmon Gakko, on October 21, 1882.
The institution was renamed Waseda Daigaku (Waseda University) in 1902, after acquiring official designation. In the first class, 80 students enrolled in the Departments of Political Science, Law, English, and Physical Science.
Apart from the main campus, Waseda also operates out of additional campuses in Chūō, Nishitōkyō, Tokorozawa, Honjō, and Kitakyūshū. All of these campuses are situated in different prefectures throughout Japan. This makes the university especially accessible to domestic students who do not wish to move to Tokyo to pursue higher studies.
Waseda University holds as its founding principles the preservation of the independence of scholarship, the promotion of the practical application of scholarship, and the fostering of good citizens.
Wasenda has produced many CEOs in distinguished Japanese companies, such as Sony, Honda, Toshiba and Fujitsu, which are brands renowned around the world for their highly trusted, high-quality and high-performance “Made in Japan” products.
Why Should I Study At Waseda University?
From extensive Japanese language courses to full-time degrees taught in English, Waseda offers a variety of educational programs for everyone.
There are a good number of reasons why you should study at Waseda University and for the sake of emphasis, we’ll highlight the key reasons why you should study at Waseda University.
#1 World Class Education
Waseda University provides a wide range of opportunities to help students develop a global perspective and cultural sensitivity that breaks the barrier of nationality, language and culture.
The university has produced CEOs in distinguished Japanese companies; such as Sony, Honda, Toshiba, and Fujitsu.
Offering over 2,400 English courses, and over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can be earned entirely in English, Waseda University wears the crown as the top English-based degree provider in Japan.
According to the QS World Rankings by Subject 2017, Waseda is ranked top 50 for three subjects, namely Sports-related Subjects (19th), Modern Languages (41st), and Mineral & Mining Engineering (50th). Under the same ranking, nine subjects are ranked in the top 100 and 24 subjects in the top 200. Waseda University is aiming towards ranking at least 18 of its subjects ranked in the global top 100 by 2024.
#2 A global research university
A leader in academic research, Waseda University is a founding member of RU11, a consortium of eleven of Japan’s leading research universities.
It is also one of the 13 schools selected for the top “Type-A” category of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Top Global University Project. Waseda was also chosen for MEXT’s “Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities” as a university with exceptional research activity at a world-class level. The University has earned a reputation for research of the highest caliber.
There are 2,000 researchers covering a wide range of fields including humanities, social sciences, science, and engineering. Additionally, the University’s Comprehensive Research Organization supports interdisciplinary research and promoting exchange, and has established approximately 180 project research institutes that transcend boundaries across different research fields.
Waseda has academic exchange agreements with 560 universities in 86 countries and regions. The University has 15 research institutes and international bases of its own in over 10 countries, which support its education and research projects.
In addition to research, Waseda is also known for its collaborative work with industries.
#3 It has an expanding global network
Ranking 26th in the world for graduate employability, Waseda is becoming one of the top private universities in Japan. Waseda’s liberal school spirit is characterized as open, diverse and fluid, and has produced countless leaders in the industry, academia, and government, including seven prime ministers as well as founders and CEOs of many internationally famous corporations.
In a bid to form global leaders, Waseda has academic exchange agreements with 779 world-renowned universities and institutions where students and researchers connect.
#4 Safe Campus life
Tokyo is ranked by far the safest city in the world. What is more, Tokyo is known to be the best for quality of life among world cities. Students can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that they are in the safest country in the world and can focus on their studies.
Waseda’s dormitories are open to students as soon as they arrive in the country, and live-in House Masters (administrators) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are there to help. While respecting students’ privacy, various opportunities encourage cross-cultural exchange among students in the dormitories and help create lifelong networks.
#5 International students receive scholarship
Waseda provides over 250 different scholarships, including many that are unique to the University. Scholarships totaled over 21.1 billion yen for over 17, 000 students in 2015, leading in numbers in Japan. The University also provides all kinds of scholarships for international students, with over 50% receiving some sort of scholarship.
RELATED POST: List Of Top International Scholarships In Japan 2024
Waseda University Rankings
Waseda consistently ranks among the most academically selective and prestigious universities in Japanese university rankings. It is often ranked alongside Keio University, its rival, as the best private university in Japan.
In the previus year, Waseda ranked 189th in the QS World University Rankings. Waseda is among the top type of select Japanese universities assigned additional funding under the MEXT’s Top Global University Project to enhance Japan’s global educational competitiveness.
According to the Asia Top MBA Business Schools Ranking by Asiaweek, Waseda Business School is ranked 2nd in Japan.
Eduniversal also ranked Japanese business schools and Waseda is 2nd in Japan (93rd in the world). In this ranking, Waseda is one of only 3 Japanese business schools categorized in “Universal Business schools with major international influence”.
Furthermore, Waseda Law School is considered as one of the top Japanese law schools, as Waseda’s successful candidates for bar examination were 5th in 2009 and 2010 in Japan.
Additionally, Waseda University Business School is awarded the highest-ranking 5 palms in the Eduniversal World Business School rankings.
To cap it up, usnews.com ranks Waseda University #467 in Best Global Universities.
What Is Waseda University Acceptance Rate?
Waseda University’s acceptance rate is estimated to be 27%. This makes the institution a highly selective one. Therefore, to get accepted is to get good grades while in school, study for tests and get good scores, and do meaningful extracurriculars.
Also, when you are applying, ensure you submit the necessary documents and pay attention to all the assessments.
READ ALSO: 15 Best High Schools in Japan for International Students in 2024
Programs Offered At Waseda University
With a focus on educating the common people, Waseda University offers a good number of undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
Undergraduate programs
Waseda’s undergraduate schools have a total entrance capacity of 8,800 students. Individual entrance capacities are denoted below:
- School of Political Science and Economics – 900
- School of Law – 740
- School of Culture, Media and Society – 860
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences – 660
- School of Education – 960
- School of Commerce – 900
- School of Fundamental Science and Engineering – 535
- School of Creative Science and Engineering – 595
- School of Advanced Science and Engineering – 540
- School of Social Sciences – 630
- School of Human Sciences – 560
- School of Sports Sciences – 400
- School of International Liberal Studies – 600
Graduate programs
- Graduate School of Political Science
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
- Graduate School of Commerce
- Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
- Graduate School of Creative Science and Engineering
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering
- Graduate School of Education
- Graduate School of Human Sciences
- Graduate School of Social Sciences
- Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies
- Graduate School of Global Information and Telecommunication Studies
- Graduate School of Japanese Applied Linguistics
- Graduate School of Information, Production, and Systems
- Graduate School of Sports Sciences
- Business School
- The Okuma School of Public Management
- Law School
- Graduate School of Finance, Accounting, and Law
- Graduate School of Accountancy
- Graduate School of Environment and Energy Engineering
- Graduate School of Journalism
Research institutes
- Kagami Memorial Laboratory for Materials Science and Technology
- Institute for Comparative Law
- The Institute for Research in Business Administration
- Institute for Research in Contemporary Political and Economic Affairs
- Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences
- Advanced Research Institute for Science and Engineering
- Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies
- Global Information and Telecommunication Institute
- Institute for Advanced Studies in Education
- Center for the Japanese Language
- Media Network Center
- Environmental Research Institute
- Environmental Safety Center
- Center for Finance Research
- Human Service Center
- Comprehensive Research Organization (Project Research Institute)
- Institute for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
- Consolidated Research Institute for Advanced Science and Medical Care
- Information Technology Research Organization
- Organization for Asian Studies
- Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS)
Waseda University Admission
WU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. To qualify for admission, you need to satisfy the requirements that differ according to the distinct undergraduate schools which will be listed in a few lines to come.
Waseda University Application
Here’s a rundown of the step-by-step process to follow to apply for admission at Waseda University:
- Choose your program
- Check requirements and schedule
- Create an application form online
- Submit application documents
- Screening result announcement
- Registration fee payment
With the admission requirements specific to each program, you can visit the school website to choose your intended program and access their admission requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Study At Waseda University
The cost of studying at Waseda University differs according to the program and course of study.
Undergraduate degree program tuition at Waseda University
| Schools | Admission Fee | First-Year Tuition | Second-Fourth Year Tuition |
| School of Political Science and Economics | 200,000 | 999,000 | 1,199,000 |
| School of Social Sciences | 200,000 | 971,000 | 1,171,000 |
| School of International Liberal Studies | 200,000 | 1,390,000 | 1,590,000 |
| School of Culture, Media and Society | 200,000 | 1,009,000 | 1,209,000 |
| School of Fundamental Science and Engineering | 200,000 | 1,446,000 | 1,646,000 |
| School of Advanced Science and Engineering | 200,000 | 1,446,000 | 1,646,000 |
| School of Creative Science and Engineering | 200,000 | 1,446,000 | 1,646,000 |
Graduate Degree Programs (Master’s/ Professional) Tuition Fee
| Graduate School/ Professional School | Admission Fee | First Year Tuition | Second Year Tuition |
| Political Science | 200,000 | 624,000 | 824,000 |
| Economics | 200,000 | 624,000 | 824,000 |
| Law | 200,000 | 875,000 | |
| Letters, Arts and Sciences | 200,000 | 624,000 | 824,000 |
| Commerce | 200,000 | 624,000 | 824,000 |
| Fundamental Science and Engineering | 200,000 | 962,000 | 1,162,000 |
| Creative Science and Engineering | 200,000 | 962,000 | 1,162,000 |
| Advanced Science and Engineering | 200,000 | 1,071,000 | 1,271,000 |
| Social Sciences | 200,000 | 624,000 | 824,000 |
| Sport Sciences (2 year) | 200,000 | 926,000 | 1,126,000 |
| International Culture and Communication Studies | 200,000 | 745,000 | 945,000 |
| Asia-Pacific Studies | 200,000 | 1,373,000 | 1,573,000 |
| Information, Production and Systems | 200,000 | 1,114,000 | 1,134,000 |
| Business and Finance (Full time, 2 year) | 200,000 | 1,640,000 | 1,840,000 |
Graduate Degree Programs (Doctoral) Expenses
| Graduate School/ Professional School | First-Year Tuition | Admission Fee | Second Year Tuition |
| Political Science | 448,000 | 200,000 | 648,000 |
| Economics | 448,000 | 200,000 | 648,000 |
| Law | 448,000 | 200,000 | 648,000 |
| Commerce | 448,000 | 200,000 | 648,000 |
| Letters, Arts, and Sciences | 448,000 | 200,000 | 648,000 |
| Fundamental Science and Engineering | 707,000 | 200,000 | 907,000 |
| Creative Science and Engineering | 707,000 | 200,000 | 907,000 |
| Advanced Science and Engineering | 707,000 | 200,000 | 907,000 |
| Social Sciences | 448,000 | 200,000 | 648,000 |
| Sport Sciences | 677,000 | 200,000 | 877,000 |
| International Culture and Communication Studies | 548,000 | 200,000 | 748,000 |
| Asia-Pacific Studies | 775,000 | 200,000 | 975,000 |
| Information, Production, and Systems | 707,000 | 200,000 | 907,000 |
Are There Available Scholarship Opportunities To Study At Waseda University?
Waseda University offers scholarship opportunities to specific countries.
| Country | Scholarship Programs | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| China* | The Special Admission for Postgraduate Study Abroad Program by China Scholarship Council | Doctoral program / Special Research Students program |
| Saudi Arabia | Waseda University – King Abdullah Scholarship Program | Undergraduate Course / Master’s Course / Doctoral Course |
| Recommendation System for Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Cultural Office | Non-degree student program / Master’s Course / Doctoral Course | |
| Myanmar | AO admission of Full Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship exclusively for the Republic of the Union of MYANMAR [Note] Application suspended (Sep23) | Master’s and Ph.D. programs for 5years or Ph.D. programs for 3years |
* Only applicants with Chinese citizenship are eligible (excluding Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau).
Other scholarship opportunities to study in Waseda University:
MEXT Scholarship & Short-term Programs
This scholarship is offered by the “Monbukagasho” or the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). There are a few different types of MEXT scholarship and here we will mainly explain the MEXT scholarship of “Embassy Recommendation”.
Generally, MEXT students of Embassy Recommendation will enter the university as non-degree research students. To become regular degree students of MA, MBA, or PhD courses, MEXT students have to accept and pass the entrance examinations of their desired graduate school during the period as non-degree research students.
Recruitment for the MEXT scholarship (Embassy Recommendation) is held at overseas Japanese embassies or consulates. Application procedures and deadlines differ per country, but recruitment is generally held during spring for those who plan on going the following year.
The first selection process at the embassy or consulate is called Primary Screening and is usually held around summer (*1). Upon passing the Primary Screening it will be necessary to apply for a “Letter of Acceptance” by directly contacting and sending necessary documents (*2) to your desired university.
To apply, visit your home country’s Japanese embassy or consulate.
Master Kong Dream Scholarship Program
Master Kong Dream Scholarship Program has been carried out by Waseda University’s Center for International Education since AY2016 fall semester.
The generous donation from Ting Hsin International Group, Tingyi Holding Corporation, a leading food corporation in China, makes it all possible to boost this privileged program even further.
At the end of the program, students will be writing research papers on subjects such as environmental issues, food safety, and the dwindling birthrate combined with the aging population.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Waseda University Alumni Network
There are over 600,000 alumni of the Waseda University Alumni Network. Among the notable alumni of Waseda University have become top politicians, businessmen, writers, architects, athletes, actors, and a lot more.
The Waseda network comprises over 50 alumni groups or “Tomonkai” on six continents.
Here’s a list of notable Waseda alumni
- Masaru Ibuka, co-founder of Sony
- Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo
- World-renowned novelist Haruki Murakami
- Prime Ministers of Japan Tanzan Ishibashi, Noboru Takeshita, Toshiki Kaifu, Keizō Obuchi, Yoshirō Mori, Yasuo Fukuda
- Yoshihiko Noda; Li Dazhao, co-founder of the Communist Party of China
- Palme d’Or winning director Shohei Imamura
- Tadashi Yanai, founder, and CEO of Fast Retailing and the richest man in Japan
- Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat
Conclusion
Waseda University announced that it has more than 5,000 international students enrolled, strengthening its reputation as the top destination for study abroad in Japan.
With over 5,000 international students, Waseda University prides itself on being a top study abroad in Japan destination for internationals. The school welcomes applicants from all parts of the world. Therefore, go through this guide to find out how to apply.
References
- en.wwikipedia.org – Waseda University
- waseda.jp – Waseda University
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