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Waseda University

Japan's most international private university

#201
QS Rank
1882
Founded
12%
Intl. students
~25%
Acceptance
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About Waseda University

Waseda University is Japan's most internationally oriented private university, with over 8,000 international students and numerous English-taught programmes. Located in Tokyo, it is strong in social sciences, humanities, engineering, and arts. The SILS (School of International Liberal Studies) is taught entirely in English.

💰 Tuition Fees for International Students

Undergraduate
JPY 800,000–1,800,000/year
Postgraduate
JPY 700,000–1,600,000/year

Fees are indicative for international students. Verify current rates on the university's official website.

📋 Entry Requirements

IELTS6.5 for SILS and English-taught programmes
PTEVaries
GPAStrong academic record

🌏 Life as an International Student

📍 Location
Tokyo, Japan
💼 Working while studying
Up to 28 hours per week with permission; 8 hrs/day in holidays
🎓 After you graduate
Designated Activities (job-hunting) visa — up to 1 year
🏥 Health cover
National Health Insurance is mandatory (~¥20,000/yr).
💰 Living costs
¥1.5–2 million per year
🗓️ Main intakes
April (main) and September/October

Country-level guidance for international students. Visa, work and cost figures change — confirm current details with Waseda University and the Japan immigration authority.

Popular Programmes

SILS (International Liberal Studies — English)MSc Computer ScienceMBAMA International StudiesBEng Electrical Engineering

🎓 Scholarships Available

  • MEXT Scholarship
  • Waseda University Scholarship
  • JASSO Scholarship

Also check: government and national scholarships →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Waseda SILS programme?

The School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) is Waseda's fully English-medium undergraduate liberal arts programme. It covers politics, economics, communication, cultural studies, and more. The student body is diverse — roughly half international. It is one of the few fully English-medium undergraduate programmes at a major Japanese university.

Where is Waseda University located?

Waseda University is located in Tokyo, Japan.

Can international students work while studying at Waseda University?

Japan generally allows students to work up to 28 hours per week with permission; 8 hrs/day in holidays. On-campus roles — library, admin or research-assistant work — are often available too. Always confirm the work conditions attached to your student visa.

Can I stay and work after graduating from Waseda University?

Yes — Japan offers a post-study work pathway: Designated Activities (job-hunting) visa — up to 1 year. Eligibility and length depend on your course and level, and immigration rules change, so confirm the current policy before relying on it.

How much should I budget for living costs at Waseda University?

Plan for roughly ¥1.5–2 million per year in living costs on top of tuition. Tokyo can run above or below that national range depending on rent and lifestyle.

Do I need health insurance to study at Waseda University?

National Health Insurance is mandatory (~¥20,000/yr). Build this into your budget before you arrive.

When are the main intakes at Waseda University?

Japan's main university intakes are April (main) and September/October. Apply well ahead of your intended start — popular intakes and scholarships fill early.

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