Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies

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 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 $5,000. 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, typically equivalent to taking seven courses per semester in the spring and fall. Students must pre-register for courses at the time of application in order 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. 

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 on 10 credit hours.

Important Application Information
Students must meet with their study abroad advisor prior to the study abroad deadline for their applications to be considered. 
 
The Office of Graduate Student Services will review all applications received for each exchange program and will nominate students for available exchange positions based on the quality of the application materials submitted. Students who are nominated must complete applications with exchange partners as directed to be accepted and enrolled in the program. Due to the limited exchange spots available, the Office of Graduate Student Services strongly encourages students to apply to a backup program in the event they are not selected for nomination.