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Waseda University

Sakura blossoms sit in the foreground in front of various skyscrapers.

Due to limited capacity, this program is currently open for semester-long exchange only.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.


Japan, Tokyo

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Waseda is one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious universities. This exchange program will provide you with a challenging academic environment located within one of the world's most exciting cities. You will have access to a variety of courses in English while at Waseda, which will vary depending on which School within Waseda you choose to enroll in. Why study abroad at Waseda? 

With a population of about 14 million, rising to nearly 20 million during workdays, Tokyo is the quintessential metropolis. The city boasts an outstanding art and cultural scene, including libraries, museums, and art galleries, as well as movies, theater, and drama from all over the world. The city is a center of government and business, with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Japanese Diet (National Legislature) making Tokyo their home. You can also find cultural landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo. Tokyo's location provides ready access to nearby Mt. Fuji, the historic shrines and temples of Nikko and Kamakura, and the hot springs of Hakone, as well as international destinations in South Korea, China, and further afield in Asia.

Completing a major or certificate in Japanese? Consider our other exchange programs in Japan. These programs are intended for students already studying Japanese, and have a language pre-requisite.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Observe Japanese perspectives on academic disciplines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • These eligibility criteria are for students looking to study in Waseda's SILS program. See the Waseda website for more information on specific eligibility for other Waseda Schools.
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Preference will be given to students who have taken Japanese language coursework.
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Japanese language, humanities, social science, biological & physical science, business

Classroom Language

English, Japanese

Housing

Residence Hall, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Academic Year: Late September - Early August

Spring: Early April - Early August

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 8/7/2026 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 - [Suspended] 12/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Waseda has a selection of courses that are available to exchange students. Generally, exchange students must select their courses from those offered by the School they will be affiliated with at Waseda. The Science and Engineering Schools are divided into Departments, and students can only take courses from the Department they apply to. Please be aware that the choices of English courses available to undergraduate exchange students in the Science and Engineering Schools are quite limited, and undergraduate exchange students cannot take any courses related to lab work/experiments. There are two different ways to enroll as an exchange student at Waseda:

School for International Liberal Studies (SILS)

You will have access to a variety of liberal arts courses taught in English through SILS. SILS also recommends that each student take Japanese language coursework as part of the program, though the focus is on English-taught courses. SILS intermediate and advanced level courses are open to exchange students. Most exchange students going to Waseda enroll through SILS.

SILS coursework can be found in the links below. Note that courses open to SILS exchange students are noted as "Open to SP3". This is primarily the SILS intermediate and advanced elective courswork.

Other Schools

You may also enroll in a Waseda School that offers English instruction, such as the School of Science and Engineering, School of Political Science and Economics, or School of Commerce, among others. You are not requred to take Japanese coursework in these programs, but may elect to do so. The courses taught in English in these areas might be limited (or nonexistent), so look at what's been offered in the past as a guide.

No prior experience with the Japanese language is required to apply for this program. If you will be starting to learn the Japanese language on this program, we strongly recommend that you learn how to read Japanese hiragana and katakana before leaving for Japan, in order to be able to keep up with the pace of the language courses. 

Program Web Pages

Waseda Student Exchange Program

Foreign Courses

Course Availability by Waseda School/Program SILS Course Options: Select "Undergraduate (English-Based Program)", then check the fall/spring links under SILS. Science and Engineering Course Options Waseda General Course/Syllabus Search

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents