Japan » Waseda » Admission and Preparation

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the Waseda University exchange program are as follows:

• Spring: October 15
• Fall Semester (Fall and Winter Terms Combined) or Academic Year: February 1

Eligibility Requirements

This program is open Oregon University System applicants only. Undergraduate students in any major may apply.  To be eligible, students must meet the following mandatory requirement at the time of application:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.  No exceptions can be made to this requirement.

In addition, students must meet the following minimum requirements before departure:

• 45 college credits minimum (at least sophomore standing)
• a minimum of one year or the equivalent of college-level Japanese study

Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress throughout the application process and during their study abroad program, and otherwise comply with policies and procedures of the host university, the OUS Office of International Programs, and their home university International Programs Office.

If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements, please consult with your home campus contact person before applying.

Application Process

OUS International Programs uses an online application and data management system called Studio Abroad. To submit an application you must create a student account within this system. Once you have created this account, you may begin the application process. Early application is advised.

To create an account and apply for an OUS study abroad program, go to the OUS Application page. Here you can access the OUS Studio Abroad online application system which will take you through all the necessary steps to initiate and complete an application. Be sure to complete all required documents by the application deadline. (We advise you to get an early start since it will take you some time to prepare/gather all the necessary documents.) A $50 application fee is due at the time the application is submitted and is non-refundable under any circumstances.

If you would like additional assistance regarding the application process, we have provided “Step-by-Step Instructions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” at the link above. As you go through the online application process, please consult these documents if you have questions.

Selection and Participation

Selection for the program is based on a review of the student's online application (application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations) as well as the results of the student’s campus interview.

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, and be prepared linguistically, academically, and socially to succeed abroad. Overseas study participants must satisfactorily complete the following:

• Well-written program application
• Personal interview and language evaluation
• Timely submission of all required paperwork
• Attendance at pre-departure orientation sessions
• Payment of program fees

Program participants must also demonstrate the ability to be successful overseas through evidence of maturity, motivation, and flexibility. Participation in any program is subject to the approval of the OUS International Programs Office, and its partner institutions, which may grant or withhold such approval in their sole discretion.

Acceptance to all study abroad programs involves a significant amount of paperwork for legal, financial, academic and safety reasons. Your Campus Contact and our office are ready to help explain and guide you through the paperwork process; however, it is your responsibility to complete the paperwork in a timely and professional manner.

Visa Information

Participants will travel on student visas. For participants who are traveling from Oregon to Japan at around the start of the semester, OUS will coordinate the processing of your student visa.

For students who are planning to travel before arriving in Japan, OUS will make arrangements to send you the official documents you will need to secure your student visa. You will then be responsible for submitting your application and materials at a nearby Japanese embassy or consulate.

The Japanese Consulate does not charge a processing fee for U.S. citizens applying for a Japanese visa. Citizens of other countries may be asked to submit a money order or cashier’s check to cover any applicable fees.

Orientations

All students are required to attend the OUS pre-departure orientation that will cover academic, logistical, and financial matters. For detailed information, including dates and locations, please click here.