About the Program
Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Waseda university is a large, private institute known throughout the country with its ranking as 8th in the nation. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of majors while getting the most out of your academic semester or year.
Deadline to Apply for Spring 2025
Tuesday, October 18, 2024
Academics
As a rule, Exchange students must select their courses from those offered by the school they will be affiliated with at Waseda. In some cases, you may be permitted to take courses offered to all students or courses offered by other schools as well, but your study plan should be focused on the courses offered by the school for which you are applying. To find courses in English, you can use the Course (Syllabus) Search. You can also check this department course list and make note of any restrictions there might be for exchange students and view specific departments.
The number of credits students can enroll in per semester differs according to each School. For example, students on the Japanese Language Program (JLP) must take a minimum of 13 credits per semester, and can take up to 18 credits per semester. Students in School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) must take a minimum of 14 credits per semester and can take up to 21 credits per semester.
Application instructions and eligibility requirements for each school can be found here. YOU CANNOT APPLY TO WASEDA UNTIL YOU APPLY TO THE PROGRAM THROUGH UMAINE.
Transfer Credits:
1 Waseda Credit = 1 UMaine Credit
Best Suited Majors
Other Majors
Estimated budget for one semester at Waseda University.
Academic Year:
- September 21 – July 31
- Orientation: Mid-September
Spring Semester:
- April 1 – July 30
- Orientation: Mid-March
*Fall is not applicable as a semester-only option because our calendars do not align. See the Academics page to view available calendars.
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0
Full-Time Enrollment:
Students must enroll in at least the equivalent to 12 UMaine credits. It is recommended that students enroll in up to 15 UMaine credits. Most courses at Waseda are either 2 or 4 Waseda credits. You would typically enroll in at least 7 courses, equaling 14 credits but could enroll in up to 20 credits, depending on the school.
It is compulsory to join Japan’s national health insurance. The amount of the premium you must pay varies by city or ward but it is usually about 1,500 yen per month ($14). You are also required to purchase travel insurance before leaving for Japan.
When you study in Japan under a student visa, you are permitted to work for up to 28 hours each week. During extended breaks like those during the summer, you may work for up to 40 hours per week.
Most international students live on-campus. Students can live in Waseda University Student House South Wing/North Wing, Waseda University Nishi Waseda International Students’ House, or Waseda Housien. Accommodations typically come with a shared kitchen, lounge and bathrooms, while there are a few options to have a private bathroom.
| Waseda Letter Grade | Waseda Percentage Grade | UMaine Grade |
| A+ | 90 – 100 % | A |
| A | 80 – 89 % | A |
| B | 70 – 79 % | B |
| C | 60 – 69 % | C |
| F | 0 – 59 % | No transfer credit |
Campus
Waseda University is located in Tokyo. The campus is differs greatly from the UMaine campus, boasting a very modern and business-like feel with tall buildings and carefully placed foliage. Escalators are placed within buildings to get to higher floors and you’ll find yourself with the opportunity to look out over the cityscape from certain classrooms.
Cultural Activities
Live in the capital city of Japan during your time abroad. Shibuya, Yokohama, Asakusa and many more popular locations are within easy reach. Grab a coffee at the local conbini (convenience store) and pop over to Shibuya to check out a hedgehog cafe. Or, take a short 15 minute train to Asakusa to visit the beautiful shrine and plentiful food stands.
Student Favorites
Learn More About an Education Abroad at Waseda University
Erika Clement
Assistant Director of Education Abroad
5713 Chadbourne Hall RM 122
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207. 581.3437 | studyabroad@maine.edu
Yijie Ren
Education Abroad Advisor
5713 Chadbourne Hall RM 122
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207. 581.3437 | studyabroad@maine.edu