Quick Summary
Situated in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, Waseda University is a private established in 1882. Ranked #181 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 48350 students including 17% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Modern Languages, Politics, Classics & Ancient History, it maintains an acceptance rate of 17% - 25% (Varies by school).
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Waseda is one of Japan's most prestigious private universities, offering a global environment in the heart of Tokyo and an unparalleled alumni network (Waseda-kai) that dominates Japanese business and politics.
Subject Strengths
Modern LanguagesPoliticsClassics & Ancient HistorySocial Policy & AdministrationBusiness & Management StudiesLaw
Founded1882
TypePrivate
Total Students48350
Intl Students17%
Faculty Ratio21.4
CampusUrban
Campus Size100 acres (Waseda Campus)
Affiliated HospitalsNone (Partnerships with nearby medical institutions)
AccreditationMEXT Japan, AACSB, EQUIS
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#181
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801–1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601–700
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional, Doctoral, Short-term Programs
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Waseda Business School and Global Education Center offer hybrid modules)
Online Programs
Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS), Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
MEXT Japan, AACSB, EQUIS
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate17% - 25% (Varies by school)
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional / Recommended for Graduate Programs
GMATRequired for MBA (Waseda Business School)
SATRequired for SILS and Political Science (English-based programs)
ACTAccepted
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · February - March
SPRINGApplication Deadline · September - October
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For English-based programs, focus heavily on standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/IB) and a compelling statement of purpose that aligns with the 'Independence of Learning' philosophy.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥1,300,000/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,800,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥1,100,000/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$200
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥3,130,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship, Waseda University Partial Tuition Waiver Scholarship, JASSO, Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidAvailable for domestic and international students based on merit and need
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional, Doctoral, Short-term Programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Political Science and Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Waseda Business School (MBA) | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Science and Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$45,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong career support with extensive corporate networks in Tokyo
Industry Connections
Strong links with SonyMitsubishiToyotaand major global consulting firms
Notable Alumni
Haruki Murakami (Author), Tadashi Yanai (Founder of Uniqlo), Shigenobu Okuma (Founder), several Prime Ministers of Japan
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Waseda Arena, Takaishi Memorial Swimming Pool, Kikuicho Campus Athletics facilities
Student Clubs
Over 500 officially recognized 'Circles' covering sports, arts, and culture
Library Resources
Waseda University Library (over 5 million volumes)
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with over 800 institutions globally
Summer Programs
Waseda Summer Session (4 weeks)