In short
Waseda University is a private research institution in Tokyo, Japan, established in 1882. It offers a wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with an emphasis on developing global leaders through original research and intercultural exchange.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1882
- Students
- 16,390
- International students
- 8,000
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–12k/yr
- Languages
- EN, JA
- Location
- Tokyo, Japan
Waseda University is a leading private research institution located in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1882 as Tokyo Senmon Gakko, it was renamed Waseda University in 1902. The university is dedicated to fostering global leaders with a strong sense of purpose, contributing to world peace and human happiness through original research, and maintaining strong connections with its alumni and local communities. Waseda aims to be a globally trusted university that continuously evolves with a spirit of reform, guided by its "Waseda Vision 150" plan which outlines strategic goals for its 150th anniversary in 2032. The university offers a wide array of academic programs across its various schools and graduate schools, including the Fundamental Science and Engineering, Creative Science and Engineering, and Advanced Science and Engineering. It emphasizes a comprehensive education that combines broad knowledge with deep specialization, encouraging practical learning through study abroad, volunteering, internships, and fieldwork. Waseda is committed to creating an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment where diverse academic fields, cultures, languages, and values intersect.
Why study here
- Develop into a global leader with deep specialization and broad general education, ready to contribute to the world.
- Engage in unique and innovative research across humanities, social, and natural sciences to solve global challenges.
- Benefit from a diverse and intercultural campus environment, including dormitories that mix international and Japanese students.
- Access extensive student support and scholarship programs designed to assist both Japanese and international students.
- Join a university with a strong commitment to its founding principles and a forward-looking vision for academic transformation and societal contribution.
Student life
Waseda University offers a dynamic campus life with numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth. The university promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, and provides various health, safety, and wellness resources. Students can engage in intercultural exchange programs through the Intercultural Communication Center (ICC) and participate in a wide range of sports and student clubs. Residential life in dormitories is designed to encourage interaction between international and Japanese students. The university also features libraries and museums, including the Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum and the Waseda International House of Literature (Haruki Murakami Library). Student Advisors for Waseda Culture are a student volunteer group that actively promotes and creates cultural events, connecting students with the university's rich cultural heritage and the local community.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition for most undergraduate programs ranges from about JPY 1,200,000 to JPY 1,800,000 (roughly EUR 8,000-12,000), with English-taught and science/engineering programs at the higher end; information on international student tuition fees is available upon specific program inquiry. Scholarships are available but securing funding independently is recommended due to limited scholarship numbers.
HomeJapanese and international students pay the same published tuition; fees vary by faculty and are set per academic year.
LivingDormitories are available and composed of students from diverse countries, fostering an international environment. Living costs in Tokyo are typically JPY 1,200,000-1,800,000 per year.
All fees are set by faculty and academic year; consult the official Waseda admissions pages for the current schedule.
Admissions
GMAT/GREMandatory submission for International MBA and MSc in Finance programs.
Academic RecordsCompletion of 12 years of schooling or equivalent, with strong transcripts, for undergraduate English-based degree (EDESSA) admission.
TOEFL80-90 iBT (program dependent)
IELTS6.0-6.5 (program dependent)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings#196
National (Japan)Top 10
University scholarships
Partial Tuition-Waiver Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students50% of annual tuition waived
Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship for International Students360,000 JPY
Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students (JASSO)48,000 JPY (monthly)
Accreditation
Waseda University is a private university chartered and accredited under Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is a member of the Top Global University Project.
Programs
a selectionWaseda University · Japan
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics
Waseda University's PhD in Economics program is designed for students aiming for careers in academia and research. The program focuses on advanced economic theory and empirical analysis, equipping students with the skills to conduct independent research. Students will engage with faculty who are leading scholars in their fields, contributing to cutting-edge research across various economic disciplines. The program emphasizes rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and quantitative methods. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as firm growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, finance, and data science, guided by faculty with extensive publication records and international recognition. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking and analytical skills essential for doctoral-level research. Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for positions in universities, research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, contributing to economic knowledge and policy-making.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Waseda University · Japan
Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship
This program focuses on advanced research in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Finance. Students will engage in in-depth study and research under the guidance of experienced faculty. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for academic careers or advanced roles in research and development within the business world. The Waseda Entrepreneurship Research Unit (WERU), Japan's oldest research group dedicated to entrepreneurship studies, provides a strong research environment.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Waseda University · Japan
Doctor of Philosophy in Management
This program focuses on advanced research in management, with specializations in strategic management, international business, and entrepreneurship. Students will engage in rigorous academic inquiry, contributing to the body of knowledge in these fields. The program is designed for individuals passionate about exploring complex business challenges and developing innovative solutions. Faculty expertise spans a wide range of topics within these disciplines, evidenced by extensive publications in leading academic journals. This program offers a unique opportunity to study under experienced researchers and contribute to cutting-edge business theory and practice. Graduates are prepared for academic careers, research positions, and leadership roles in global organizations where strategic thinking and international business acumen are paramount.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Waseda University · Japan
Global Japanese Studies (GJS)
Waseda University's Global Japanese Studies (GJS) program offers a Master's degree focused on contemporary Japanese society and culture, with a strong emphasis on academic research. The program is designed for students interested in exploring Japan through a global lens, drawing on various disciplinary approaches. Students will engage with cutting-edge research and develop their own scholarly work under the guidance of experienced faculty. The program aims to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for diverse academic and professional pursuits.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Waseda University · Japan
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Waseda University's MBA program is designed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge and practical skills in business management, with a specific focus on innovation and technology. The program leverages faculty expertise with extensive industry experience, allowing students to gain insights from real-world applications and strategic decision-making processes. Graduates are prepared to tackle complex business challenges in a globalized economy, particularly within technology-driven sectors.
Master's
Level
€10k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Waseda University · Japan
People and Organizations (Master's Program)
Waseda University's Master's program in People and Organizations focuses on the critical aspects of human resource management and organizational behavior. You will delve into topics such as employee motivation, performance management, effective team building, leadership, employee socialization, career development, and organizational change. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills to navigate complex organizational challenges. Through a curriculum developed by leading academics, you will gain insights into current research and practical applications in the field. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of how individuals and organizations interact, fostering the ability to create more effective and dynamic work environments. Graduates are prepared for roles in human resources, management consulting, and leadership positions across various industries.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Japan
full fundingNational Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
GRIPS Fully Funded Scholarships (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies)
Open to international students applying to GRIPS master's and PhD policy programs taught in English. Master's and five-year PhD applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent; three-year PhD applicants need a master's degree or equivalent. Specific scholarships (MEXT, ADB-JSP, JJ/WBGSP, JICA, Japan-IMF) each carry their own nationality, age and work-experience conditions tied to the program selected.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNational Institute of Genetics (NIG)
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to pursue a genetics project. Applicants who were previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI graduate students are not eligible.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
-29d left
Deadline
living only fundingNishimura Foundation
Nishimura Foundation Japan International Scholarship
Open to Indonesian citizens who are graduates of UGM, ITB, UI or UNAIR and who will apply for S1 (undergraduate), S2 (master's) or S3 (doctoral) study at an eligible Japanese university. Applicants must self-fund their study programme (the scholarship covers living expenses, not tuition), meet the minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduate, 3.5 for master's), demonstrate financial need, and have or be willing to learn Japanese with an interest in Japanese culture and Indonesia-Japan relations.
living only
Funding
€22k
Max
Dec 10, 2026
Deadline
full fundingOsaka University (funded by MEXT, Japanese Government)
Osaka University MEXT Scholarship for Robotics and Bioengineering
Open to non-Japanese citizens with a strong academic background in a relevant field such as robotics, bioengineering or mechanical science, who meet the MEXT programme conditions, present a focused research proposal, and obtain a supporting supervisor at Osaka University before applying.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Long-Term Scholarships)
For young government officials and professionals from partner developing countries who are nominated/selected through their country's JICA programme (such as JDS) to pursue a master's (and some doctoral) degree in Japan. Applicants apply through the in-country JICA/JDS process during the partner country's call.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full fundingKyoto University (funded by the Bai Xian Asia Institute)
Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) at Kyoto University
Citizens of eligible Asian countries who meet Kyoto University's academic and admission requirements, are committed to completing the two-year programme and participating in AFLSP leadership activities, and are admitted to a qualifying undergraduate programme. Open to students of all academic disciplines.
full
Funding
€18k
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Waseda University?
+
Annual tuition for most undergraduate programs ranges from approximately JPY 1,200,000 to JPY 1,800,000. English-taught and science/engineering programs tend to be at the higher end of this range. Specific fee information for international students is available upon inquiry for individual programs.
Does Waseda University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Waseda University offers several scholarships for international students, including tuition waivers and financial aid. Examples include the Partial Tuition-Waiver Scholarship and the Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship. However, due to limited numbers, securing independent funding is also recommended.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For programs requiring English proficiency, students typically need a TOEFL score of 80-90 iBT or an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5, though these requirements can be program-dependent.
What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate admission for English-based programs?
+
For undergraduate English-based degree programs, applicants generally need to have completed 12 years of schooling or the equivalent, supported by strong academic transcripts.
Where is Waseda University located?
+
Waseda University's main campus is located in Tokyo, Japan. The university also has a Honjo Waseda Campus in Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture.
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