Located in the Shinjuku neighborhood in the heart of Tokyo, Waseda University is a large private university offering a stimulating academic environment for its students from around the world. Waseda University is the alma mater of several high-profile Japanese politicians and business leaders.
HLS students apply for one of Waseda’s 8 English-langauge, undergraduate programs including but not limited to:
School of Political Science and Economics
School of Social Sciences
School of International Liberal Studies
School of Culture, Media, and Society
Students may also take Japanese language courses through the Center for Japanese Language.
Because IU and Waseda’s academic calendars do not align, this program is only available for the Spring semester (April-July) or entire academic year (September-July).
When HLS students apply to Waseda, they will select one of the 8 English-language departments as their main home, though students can take courses in any of the English language departments.
Courses include:
Comparative politics of East Asia
International relations between Spain, Latin-America and Japan
Globalization and human rights
Law and Culture: Understanding Modern and Contemporary Japan
The Impact of the National Peace Process on Community Peacebuilding
Students can find information about the different schools and course options here.
Waseda offers a rich extra-curricular life with over 700 student clubs and organizations to join. In addition to sports, social, and Japanese culture clubs and circles, Waseda University also has many volunteer opportunities for international students through the Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center.
Dormitories for exchange students are located a few minutes' walk from the Waseda campus. Since they are extremely popular, only a limited number of students receive on-campus housing.
The Residence Life Center helps to connect students to affiliated companies that offer student dormitories, shared houses and apartments that are easy for overseas students to apply for.
Note that Waseda University has several campuses in Shinjuku-ku, in the heart of Tokyo, so it is quite common for students to take a 40-60 minute commute by public transport. Depending on the railway line, it may take a little longer to commute to the campus, but there are advantages, such as lower accommodation costs.
You may apply if you:
are an admitted HLS major or minor
have at least a 3.0 cumulative and HLS GPA; 3.2 GPA preferred
have met with your HLS advisor
have met with the HLS semester exchange coordinator: schedule at hlsep@iu.edu
Students must have a passport valid for six months beyond program's end date.
Students must be able to demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and self-reliance.
Complete eligibility criteria and selection criteria are outlined within the Academic Policies and Procedures of Education Abroad. Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose, and appropriateness of match between program and applicant.
Students on disciplinary probation during program period are ineligible.
Students accepted into the exchange program through HLS will be nominated for admission to Waseda University. Once approved by Waseda University, students will be invited to submit a full application through WU’s portal.
More information about the application can be found here.
All HLS students will be enrolled in a group health insurance plan through Indiana University's provider, GeoBlue. A monthly fee will be charged to your bursar bill.
HLS students are required to obtain a visa and Certificate of Eligibility (COE). COE (Certificate of Eligibility) is an official document issued by the Immigration Services Bureau in Japan which is required when students apply for Japanese visa. Waseda University will apply for the COE to the Immigration Services Bureau on behalf of the students. Each applicant needs to apply for visa on his/her own at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate after receiving the COE.
As an exchange student, HLS students will pay their regular tuition to IU. They are eligible to receive their regular financial aid and scholarships.
To participate in an exchange program, there are a few additional charges students can expect:
Health insurance (approx. $40 p/month)
Education Abroad Service Fee (approx. $250)
Students will also be expected to pay for the following
International airfare and travel to/from the airport
