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Meta title: Waseda University, Tokyo 2026: programs & tuition | StudyU
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

# Waseda University

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Contents

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## About the university

Campus - Waseda University

Waseda University (早稲田大学) is one of the most prestigious private universities in Japan and Asia, located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Over more than 140 years it has produced eight Japanese prime ministers, many global business leaders and the writer Haruki Murakami.

Today over 47,000 students study here, more than 8,000 of them international students from 100+ countries. Waseda upholds its founder's three principles - the independence of scholarship, its practical application and the cultivation of good citizens - while the motto of “harmonizing Eastern and Western cultures” has shaped its international focus since the 19th century.

## Waseda University in rankings

Waseda - one of the most recognizable universities in Asia:

- #196 in the world - QS World University Rankings
- One of the leading private universities in Japan
- 8,000+ international students from 100+ countries

## Campus and infrastructure

Infrastructure - Waseda University

The university's historic symbol is the Okuma Auditorium with its seven-story clock tower, built in 1927 at the center of campus. Waseda has an extensive library and well-developed facilities in the heart of Tokyo.

## Faculties and programs

Waseda offers bachelor's and master's programs across a wide range of fields, including English-taught ones. The most popular among international students:

- Business & Management
- Political Science & Economics
- Engineering & Fundamental Sciences
- Computer Science & IT
- International Relations & Culture

Not sure which field to choose?

We'll match a program to your goals and help you apply - in a free consultation.

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## How to apply

International applicants are admitted on the basis of their diploma and proven English or Japanese proficiency. For English-taught programs, Japanese is not required.

Intake dates and requirements depend on the faculty; standardized test scores and a motivation letter help strengthen your application.

The standard admission route to Waseda University for international students looks like this:

1. Choose a program (9–12 months ahead). Decide on the field — business, management, engineering and IT — and the level: bachelor’s or master’s. Programs differ in requirements, deadlines and fees.
2. Language certificate. Not necessarily: more and more universities offer fully English-taught programs, especially in business, engineering and the liberal arts. Japanese courses are usually part of the program, and you can start from scratch.
3. Application. Applications are submitted online; once reviewed, the university sends an offer — with it you can plan finances and housing.
4. Student visa and relocation. After the offer, a student visa or residence permit for Japan is arranged. We handle this stage end to end.

After 11 years of school. The standard route is a language school (1-2 years): it closes the missing 12th year and preps for the EJU. English-track programs admit on documents and IELTS without it.

## Documents for admission

- Passport
- A secondary school diploma and transcript
- A language proficiency certificate (English or Japanese)
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters - for certain programs

The exact package depends on the faculty - we'll help you prepare the documents.

## Tuition and living costs

Tuition at Waseda starts at approximately $8,130 per year (full price, before discounts). University scholarships and the government's MEXT program are available.

During a consultation we'll explain which scholarships can lower the cost and help with the application.

Country benchmark for Japan. Costs depend on the university: our pages list full prices before discounts (for example, iCLA from about $8,550 per year, Waseda from $8,130 per year). During a consultation we'll explain which scholarships can lower costs.

Scholarships and grants. The best known is the government's MEXT scholarship, plus merit-based university grants. They can cover tuition, accommodation and even airfare. Competition is high, so documents are prepared early.

Beyond tuition, budget for housing, insurance, visa fees and tickets — we prepare a full cost estimate for your case free of charge.

## Accommodation and student life

Student life - Waseda University

The university provides places in student residences and helps international students settle into Tokyo. The campus is in the Shinjuku district with excellent transit access.

## Career after graduation

After graduation. The right to stay and work after graduation is set by the visa rules of Japan — they change, so we check the current options individually.

The strong fields of Waseda University are business, management, engineering and IT. As at most universities in Japan, students have access to a career centre, job fairs and internships — use them from the first semesters: hands-on experience is decisive for the first job.

Another path is a master’s degree: with a bachelor’s from Japan you can apply to programs and scholarships worldwide.

## Student reviews

I was worried about the language barrier, but Waseda University has many programs and a lot of support for international students. Thanks to StudyU for the help with the visa and accommodation.

I was choosing between several universities, and the StudyU consultant honestly laid out the pros and cons. I have no regrets about Waseda University - I study and get to know the city of Tokyo.

I loved the campus and atmosphere at Waseda University from day one. Lots of international students, professors ready to help - it was easy to fit in.

## FAQ

### Where does Waseda stand in world rankings?

#196 in the world in the QS World University Rankings - one of the strongest private universities in Japan.

### Are there programs in English?

Yes, Waseda offers a number of fully English-taught bachelor's and master's programs, especially in business, political science and international relations.

### Can I enter Waseda University after 11 years of school?

The standard route is a language school (1-2 years): it closes the missing 12th year and preps for the EJU. English-track programs admit on documents and IELTS without it.

### How much does it cost to study at Waseda University?

Country benchmark for Japan: Costs depend on the university: our pages list full prices before discounts (for example, iCLA from about $8,550 per year, Waseda from $8,130 per year). During a consultation we'll explain which scholarships can lower costs. StudyU calculates the intake-year university fee, available discount and living budget during the free consultation.

### Are there scholarships?

The best known is the government's MEXT scholarship, plus merit-based university grants. They can cover tuition, accommodation and even airfare. Competition is high, so documents are prepared early.

Want to study at Waseda University?

We'll help with admission: from choosing a program to submitting documents and the student visa.

Other universities - studying in Japan: [International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-icla). All options are on the page [studying in Japan](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-japan).

## Get a free consultation

Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in Japan and match a program to you.

- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment

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## Similar universities - studying in Japan

Compare your options - we'll help you choose and get admitted to any of them.

### International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA)

- [All universities - Japan](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-japan)
