Waseda University

Address: 1-104 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050

Students applying to the non-degree program at Waseda University’s Center for Japanese Language (CJL) must apply to Japan Education Pathways and the CJL separately. The application period for the CJL is from Thursday, October 1 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8.

Overview

Waseda University continues to pursue reforms and take on new challenges in order to remain a university that contributes to the world. Ahead of Waseda’s 150th anniversary in 2032, we have launched the “Vision 150” strategy to further establish Waseda as a university with an education ecosystem that can continually produce talented graduates with the potential for global success. The four principles of this strategy are “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.”

Founded by Shigenobu Okuma in 1882, Waseda University honors its history while actively shaping new eras and cultures through world‑class education and research. Recognized globally as one of Japan’s leading universities, Waseda has produced several Japanese prime ministers and countless alumni who excel across diverse fields both in Japan and on the international 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 earliest days. Today, with over 8,000 international students from over 100 countries, Waseda is without a doubt the most internationalized university in Japan.

Conditions

1. Number of Scholarships Offered in Spring 2027

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 2027 and later have the 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 admit only master's students and not doctorate students. Undergraduate students may 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 following “9. Degree Program.”

3. Description of the Non-Degree Program

Non-degree-seeking students will enroll in the Center for Japanese Language (CJL). Please note that the maximum period that a student may be enrolled at the CJL as a non-degree-seeking student is two years. To enroll in the CJL, students must apply to both Japan Education Pathways and the CJL separately. The application period for the CJL is from October 1 to 4:00 p.m. on October 8. Waseda will prepare a special application form for JEP applicants, which will be sent only to the successful candidate. Please do not apply with the regular application form.

[Schedule]

Waseda University Interview Screening: Early to mid-September
Notification of Interview Results: Mid to late September *Only successful candidate will receive the CJL special application form.
CJL Application Period: Thursday, October 1 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8
CJL Admission Results Announcement: Wednesday, November 18

*Please refer to the Admissions Guidelines to confirm the documents required for the CJL application. The CJL application fee will be waived for students also applying to Japan Education Pathways.

In addition to Japanese classes offered by CJL, admitted students may take up to 4 credits of classes in 2 subjects from among the University-wide Open courses available to all first-year students per semester. Please note that the availability of University-wide Open courses may be affected by cancellations or the number of registrants, and cannot be confirmed in advance.

4. Eligibility

Must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by Japan Education Pathways.
Must have university entrance qualifications as defined by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) . (Please confirm the entrance exam requirements and other required processes and documents for each undergraduate school/graduate school at the time of application).

5. Language of Instruction

Japanese language courses offered by the CJL are offered in Japanese. Undergraduate courses open to CJL students are offered in Japanese or English depending on the course.

6. Language Requirement

JLPT N3 equivalent and above

7. Accommodation

Dormitory provided at no cost

8. Stipend

Provided (70,000 JPY/month)

9. Degree Program

Admission to CJL is generally effective starting in April 2027. However, if you take and pass the entrance exam for an undergraduate or graduate (master’s) degree program before enrolling at CJL, you may enroll in that program. If students already enrolled at CJL aim to enter a degree program starting in September 2027, April 2028, September 2028, or April 2029, they must take and pass the entrance examinations for an undergraduate or graduate (master’s) degree program. Please check the websites of the respective undergraduate or graduate schools you wish to apply to, or the Admissions Center website, for application periods and requirements. Please note that eligibility, required documents, and other requirements (such as proof of language proficiency and scores from standardized tests) for degree programs vary by undergraduate school, graduate school, and admissions system. Students aiming to enter a degree program must verify these details in advance. Additionally, please be aware that the required documents and criteria for the degree program you wish to enter, as well as the admissions system itself, may change or be discontinued after you enroll at CJL, and Waseda University assumes no responsibility for such changes. For details, please refer to the information provided by the undergraduate or graduate school you wish to enter.

10. Undergraduate and Graduate Schools Open to Degree-Seeking Applicants

All undergraduate and graduate schools at Waseda University (excluding doctoral programs)

*The types of entrance exams available may vary depending on the location of the applicant’s high school (domestic or overseas). Please note that Waseda University does not conduct transfer exams specifically for international students.

Inquiries

If you have questions about Waseda university, please inquire with the university directly.

Inquiries