Waseda University is located in the heart of Tokyo and is one of Japan's top three universities. Waseda University boasts of alumni that include the world-renowned author, Haruki Murakami, nine Japanese Prime Ministers, as well as CEO's, chairmen or presidents of companies like Honda, Nintendo, Mitsubishi and Sony.
Take classes at this prestigious university and wander through the beautiful architecture of the Haruki Murakami Library. And of course, don't forget to explore and discover the endless things you can do in the world’s largest metropolis, Tokyo! |
| Academics |
Academic Program
Waseda University offers a wide range of courses for undergraduate students. Due to how the Japanese academic year works, UAlbany students typically participate in the Waseda University exchange programs as either an Academic Year student (Mid-September - Early August) or as a Spring Semester student (End of March - Early August).
There are several program options available to choose at Waseda University. Please be sure to note the specific GPA requirements and other restrictions for each program carefully:
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Please be sure to read the specific requirements for the CJL program here. CJL courses are taught in Japanese, not in English, even at the beginner level. Students who apply to CJL MUST have at least ONE ACADEMIC YEAR of Japanese in the university or high school setting. Here is the list of Japanese language courses that have been offered at Waseda.
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Students interested in SILS will be required to take 6 credits of Japanese language courses from the Center for Japanese Language (CJL). Please note, CJL courses will be taught in Japanese, not in English. Students are strongly recommended to obtain reading and writing abilities in Hiragana and Katakana before arrival to Waseda. Please be sure to read the specific notes for the SILS to make sure you are eligible to apply.
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The Waseda University Syllabus Search is also a useful tool, as some courses may be offered in more than one department.
Please thoroughly review Waseda University’s website about the exchange program process and application requirements.
Course equivalency information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program may be approved to satisfy the World History/International Perspectives or other UAlbany General Education requirements, if you earn appropriate credit in these areas and receive approval using the General Education Substitution Request form.
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, with approval by the associated academic department(s). You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
All courses successfully completed through this program abroad that are not assigned a specific UAlbany course equivalency will at least count as UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.
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| Faculty |
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| Accommodations |
Housing
The Waseda University off-campus housing is extremely competitive for exchange students to obtain. Waseda University also offers off-campus partner housing through Waseda's Student Housing Center Office. Further details will be provided if accepted into the Waseda exchange programs.
Meals
There is no meal plan for this program. You may choose to purchase meals in the cafeteria, cook, or eat out at local restaurants.
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| Costs |
Estimate of Costs
Review this program’s most recent Estimate of Costs. Note, there may be several tabs in the Estimate of Costs. Please be sure that you are reviewing the tab for your anticipated term abroad.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
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| Eligibility |
Academic Requirements
- The Waseda University Program is only open to UAlbany students.
- Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. If you have a lower GPA, please reach out to the Japan Program Advisor, Megumi Kim at mtkim@albany.edu.
- Graduating seniors are not eligible for this program. You must have at least one semester remaining at UAlbany upon return from Waseda University.
- If you are a transfer student, you must have at least one semester of grades from UAlbany at the time of application.
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| Excursions |
Experiential Learning
University-arranged excursions are not included in this program, but you may enjoy tourist attractions and events off campus, on your own.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Waseda University’s Intercultural Communication Center (ICC) organizes various events throughout the semester. |
| Scholarships |
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page
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| Testimonials |
In Their Own Words
"Waseda University is a beautiful campus located right next to a bustling town within Tokyo known as Takadanobaba. The campus is surrounded by shops large and small, restaurants, convenient stores and parks. There are numerous "Kokusai Kouryuu" clubs on campus, whose main objective is the sharing and exchanging of cultures and are always looking for exchange students to join their ranks! This has made meeting people on campus a lot easier!
If you have studied Japanese at UAlbany, or any of the assorted history classes offered, adapting to the culture shouldn't be too difficult. However, just like anywhere else, treat people the way you wish to be treated.
My only recommendation is to make sure to keep yourself busy while here. If you don't have school, classes, or homework, I guarantee you won't just want to sit around in your room all day. Tokyo is a beautiful city with a lot of things to see and do, a lot of which can be done extremely cheaply."
Joshua Capra, Computer Science/Japanese Major
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| Contact |
Speak with an Advisor
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| Location |
About the City
Waseda University is located in Shinjuku, the center of Tokyo. Even within bustling Tokyo, Shinjuku marks a clear center for business, shopping, and entertainment, and is an active and exciting city hub through which people flow day and night. In particular, the direct vicinity of Shinjuku Train Station is known as Japan's biggest entertainment district. Shinjuku has been called the center of Tokyo since the Metropolitan Office moved there from Marunouchi in 1991.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain a visa to enter Japan.
For all other nationalities, please check with your government and the Consulate General of Japan website to determine whether you are required to obtain a visa for this program.
More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
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| Duration |
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Monday, September 16, 2024 - Thursday, July 29, 2025
Fall 2024
Due to the host university’s academic calendar, a Fall semester program is not offered.
Spring 2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - Thursday, July 29, 2025
*For the most up-to-date Waseda University academic calendars, please click here. |
| Overview |
About the Program
Founded in 1882, Waseda University is located in the center of Tokyo, the capital of Japan, and has become one of the most popular destinations for students like you, who want to study in Japan. The students from more than 100 countries currently studying at Waseda University create an intercultural atmosphere across the campus, leading each student to interact with people from diverse backgrounds on a daily basis.
The various undergraduate schools of Waseda University seek to impart not only contemporary knowledge and theory, but also the ability to apply this learning in practical and meaningful ways. You will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself into Japanese society and culture as you take the same courses as local Japanese students. This type of education prepares you to actively participate in and contribute to modern society.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
Waseda University's International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
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