Waseda University
Address: 1-104 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050
Students who are applying to the non-degree program at Waseda University, the Center for Japanese Language (CJL), must apply to the CJL as well as the Japan Education Pathways. The application period for the CJL is October 1 through 8 (16:00).
Overview
Waseda University is constantly innovating and striving to make a continuous contribution to global society. Officially unveiled in 2012, Vision 150 aims to make Waseda a university that can consistently produce global human resources with four principles, these being “Students of the Highest Caliber and Character Who Show Promise in Being Able to Contribute to the World,” “Research that Will Ultimately Contribute to Real World Peace and Happiness in Human Society,” “Graduates Who Will Contribute to the Public Good as Global Leaders” and “A University That Earns the Trust of the World and Constantly Upholds the Spirit of Reform to Continuously Evolve.”
Waseda University was founded by Shigenobu Okuma in 1882. Waseda maintains its traditions while continuing to engage in the development of new eras and culture through education and research activities held to a global standard.
Waseda University is known around the world as one of Japan’s top universities. The university has produced eight Japanese 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 advocated by founder Shigenobu Okuma, “Harmonization of Eastern and Western Cultures”, Waseda University has proactively opened its doors to international students since its founding. Currently, over 8,000 international students have enrolled from over 120 countries, making Waseda without a doubt the most internationalized university in Japan.
Conditions
1. Number of Scholarships Offered in Spring 2026
1
2. Status of Admitted Student
In principle, the student will be admitted as a non-degree-seeking student at the Center for Japanese Language (CJL) in April 2026 and later have a chance to transition to an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
To become a degree-seeking student, the student must separately pass the university’s regular admissions exam. Waseda University will admit both undergraduate and graduate students. However, the graduate school will only admit master's students, and not doctorate students. Undergraduate students may only take the admissions exam to enroll as first-year students. Those who wish to transfer must take the regular transfer exam for Japanese students. For details, please see the sections after 9. Degree Program.
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3. Description of the Non-Degree Program
Non-degree-seeking students will be admitted to the Center for Japanese Language (CJL). Please note that the maximum period that a student can be enrolled at Waseda University as a non-degree-seeking student is two years. To apply to the CJL, students must apply to both Japan Education Pathways and the CJL. The application period for the CJL is October 1 through 8 (cutoff time:16:00). Waseda University will prepare a special application form for JEP applicants which will be accessible from the link below during the application period. Please do not apply through the regular application form.
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The CJL application form for JEP applicants will only be accessible from this button during the application period (Oct. 1-8).
You can check the documents required for CJL application from the Admissions Guidelines. The CJL application fee is waived for students applying for Japan Education Pathways.
In addition to the Japanese classes offered by CJL, admitted students may take up to 2 subjects and 4 credits of courses from university-wide courses which are available to all first-year students. Please note that the availability of university-wide courses may be affected by cancellations or the number of registrants, and it cannot be confirmed in advance.
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4. Eligibility​
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Must currently reside in Japan.
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Must be a citizen of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria or Ukraine.
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Must meet at least one of the criteria below:
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Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in universities outside Japan (including those taking a leave of absence or taking courses online)
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Those who have graduated from or dropped out of a university outside Japan and currently not enrolled in higher education
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Those attending short-term programs in Japanese universities
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Those currently attending or who have graduated from Japanese language schools in Japan
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Those who have graduated from high school or will graduate from high school in 2026
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Must, as of April 1, 2026, be 26 years old or younger if planning to apply for an undergraduate degree program, and 28 years old or younger if planning to apply for a graduate degree program.
5. Language of Instruction
Japanese language courses offered by CJL are offered in Japanese, undergraduate courses open to CJL students are offered in Japanese or English.
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6. Language Requirement
JLPT N3 equivalent and above for the non-degree program
7. Accommodation
Dormitory provided at no cost.
8. Stipend
Provided (70,000 JPY/month)
9. Degree Program
Students who wish to be admitted to a degree program in September 2026 or April 2027 must apply to the Undergraduate Program or the Graduate Program after get accepted or enrolled as a non-degree-seeking student at CJL. The conditions and application period for the degree program differs according to the field of study. Please check the university website for more information. Students who wish to be admitted to a degree program in other period, please contact the university directly. For degree programs, the language requirement will differ for each faculty. Please check each faculty website for more information.
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10. Majors Offered in the Degree Program
All faculties excluding the doctorate program, provided that the student passes the entrance examination.
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The type of entrance exam will vary depending on the location of the high school students graduated from (domestic or overseas). There are no transfer exams for international students. Please check each faculty website for more information.
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Inquiries
If you have questions about the university, please inquire with the university directly.