Waseda University was founded by Shigenobu Okuma in 1882. Throughout its history the university has been supported by three principles of learning, centered on Independence of Learning, and other ideals such as enterprising spirit and an anti-elitist philosophy. Waseda continues to maintain these traditions while also continually engaging in the creation of new eras and culture through global standard education and research activities.
Waseda University is known around the world as one of the top universities in Japan. It has produced seven prime ministers so far, and its alumni are widely active in various fields, not only in Japan, but also on the world stage. Furthermore, under the principle that its founder advocated, "Harmonization of Eastern and Western Cultures," Waseda University has proactively opened its doors to international students since its founding. Currently, 4,280 international students have enrolled from about 90 countries, which is the largest number among Japanese universities. Without a doubt, Waseda is the most internationalized university in Japan.
Location
The university is located in Tokyo, Japan. Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. Tokyo is also one of Japan’s 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns, and villages west of the city center. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, and culture. The city’s history can be appreciated through museums, historic temples, and gardens.
Academics
Exchange students may choose to enroll in one of the following options at Waseda:
*only for 3rd year and 4th year students
Curriculum
View information about academics, including academic requirements and restrictions, on Waseda's Application webpage. Search courses using the Waseda Syllabus Search.
Terms
Academic Year: late September - late July
Spring Semester: early April - late July
Due to the academic calendar, fall-semester only study is not possible. Students may study for the year or for the spring semester.
Accommodation
There are dormitories specifically for exchange students at Waseda University. Waseda University International Students House, Waseda Hoshien, and Waseda University Nishi Waseda International Students House are all within walking distance from Waseda, Toyama and Nishi Waseda campuses. Information regarding each dormitory for exchange students can be found on the Center for International Education Housing page.
Cost
UVA students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Students are additionally responsible for room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation choices, cost, and application procedures.
Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa.
UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance.
Scholarships
Bridging Scholarship
For more information about scholarships for semester and year-long programs, visit the Bridging Scholarship webpage.
JASSO Scholarship
Students who are nominated for this exchange are eligible to apply for the Japan Student Services Organization scholarship. For more information, visit the JASSO Scholarship webpage.
Expected Expenses
Tuition and Fees: Students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Tuition and fees will be billed to each student’s SIS account and can be paid as normal.
Housing and Meals: Students are responsible to pay for accommodation and any required or preferred meal plan. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation and meal plan choices, cost, and application procedures.
Travel and Travel Documents: Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa. Students should also budget for in-country transportation costs.
Insurance: UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance. More information can be found on the
insurance web page.
Additional Expenses: Students should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Students should also budget for additional personal expenses; examples include laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc.
If you are not able to find accommodation costs or application, cost of living, or other information you need in order to prepare for your study abroad program, please contact your Education Abroad Advisor.
Financial Aid
You can find detailed information regarding financial aid and study abroad on the following websites:
Please contact your Education Abroad Advisor with any questions.
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Passport and Visa
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US passport holders will need a visa to participate in this program. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor and Education Abroad Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
Health and Safety Information
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
