Waseda University, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS) in Tokyo, is one of Japan's top universities. It recruits 40% of its students from outside Japan, strengthening the international dialogue. GSAPS offers a wide range of courses on international affairs, development studies, and business, as well as area studies. View the factsheet and Waseda study abroad webpage for more information
Scholarship Opportunity: Elliott School graduate students wishing to study at Waseda University for a semester are eligible for the Videtto Scholarship, amounting to $4,000. Applicants will be automatically considered via a competitive interview process with the Elliott School Deans. Preference will be given to students with financial needs.
Curriculum and Registration: The Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS) at Waseda University offers a variety of courses in international affairs, development studies, and business, especially for students with an interest in Japan and East Asia.
In order to satisfy the minimum requirements for Japanese immigration law, exchange students must take courses that have at least 10 hours of lectures per week. Students must pre-register for courses at the time of application to secure his/her eligibility to stay in Japan. Seven courses are considered a normal course load at Waseda. View the course lists and registration for more information. You may also choose to browse the 2025 academic year course list.
Transfer of Credit: All exchange students from the Elliott School are required to be enrolled at Waseda as full-time students. Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students may earn up to 10 transfer credits from the partner into the Elliott School M.A. program.
- Grade "70-79" at Waseda = Grade B at GW
- 2 credits at Waseda = 2 credits at GW
Academic Calendar:
- Spring term: April - late July.
- Fall term: late September - early February.
- (Summer and winter intensive terms are not open to exchange students.)
- Classes are taught during the day and some courses meet on Saturday mornings.
Language of Instruction: Courses are offered in English and/or Japanese. The language of instruction for each course is indicated in the course catalog. Please note that although Elliott School students may take Japanese language classes, tuition and fees for Japanese language courses are payable directly to Waseda University. (n.b. Elliott School graduate students cannot earn transfer credit for language courses taken abroad.)
Housing: Waseda University offers international students housing in a short-term, private dormitory for up to one semester. Space is limited, and applications are ranked based on availability. Students may also seek to rent an apartment, although this option is far more expensive. Another option is hoshien – private church-operated dormitories, which are moderately priced.
Tuition and Fees: Elliott School graduate tuition and fees are payable directly to GW and are based upon 10 credit hours.
