Top >> Graduate Studies Program Top >> Prior to Application - Schedule - The regular schedules for Waseda University Study Abroad Exchange Programs beginning in September and April are outlined below. The Application Process Please begin planning one year in advance of your intended study abroad year. For September admission, begin the application process between September and November of the year prior to your intended study abroad year. Check with your university for application timeline details. For April admission, begin the application process between July and September of the year prior to your intended study abroad year. Check with your university for application timeline details. Students must confirm whether or not their university has an exchange agreement with Waseda by checking with the office of their university that handles study abroad programs. After confirming this, students can begin the application process. There are two phases to the application process. The first phase is the internal screening process conducted at students' home university. If students pass this internal screening, they will be nominated as potential study abroad students and be eligible to move on to phase two. The second phase is the Waseda University screening process. If students pass the Waseda screening process, they will be able to study at Waseda as exchange students. Please note that in order to move on to the second phase (the Waseda screening process), students must first successfully pass phase one (the screening process at their home university). From the Waseda Application to Receiving the Student Visa Consult with Your Local Study Abroad Counselor Timing: Late February - March (September admission) November (April admission) Please consult with your local study abroad coordinator regarding details of the timing and application for the Waseda screening process. Throughout the application process, consult with your coordinator if you have any questions. Please submit all documents to your study abroad coordinator upon completion (For documents, please click here). Documents from Waseda Timing: May - June (September admission) Late January - February (April admission) If you successfully pass the Waseda screening process, Waseda will send an official "Certificate of Admission" to the office of your university that handles study abroad programs. A schedule of the necessary preparations for your study abroad program will also be included. Please receive these documents from your study abroad coordinator. Student Visa Timing: July - early August (September admission) February - March (April admission) To obtain a student visa you will need the "Certificate of Eligibility" which will be sent to your university by Waseda. This document is necessary when you apply for a student visa at your nearest embassy or consulate. After application submission, student visas are usually issued in approximately one week (for more details regarding the visa process, please see the "Visa" section under "During the Program"). (Example as of October 2009) Documents Required for Student Visa Application at Japanese Embassies in the United States 1. Valid passport. 2. Visa Application Form to Enter Japan (Form No. 1-C), completed and signed by the applicant. 3. One photograph (2" x 2" ) attached to application form. 4. "Certificate of Eligibility" - original and one photocopy. (For instructions on obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility, have your Sponsor in Japan refer to: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html.) * The information above is subject to change by the Japanese government without prior notice. Travel to Japan Arriving at Narita Airport Timing: Mid-September (September admission) Late March (April admission) Most likely, you will arrive at Narita Airport with a mix of excitement and nervousness. From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express train to Shinjuku Station. Pick-up service will be offered on specified dates only. If you arrive on one of those dates, a Waseda University student volunteer will meet you at Shinjuku Station and bring you to Waseda University. Orientation Timing: Mid-September (September admission) Early to mid-April (April admission) Students will attend orientation, take the Japanese Placement Test, and receive information about a variety of procedures. After completing these initial procedures, students will be able to make a smooth transition into student life at Waseda and immerse themselves in their new environment. One Year Study Abroad Length of the Program Timing: Mid-September - July of the following year (September admission) Mid-April - February of the following year (April admission) *About the harf-yearly (One somester)enrollment, please see the note from here. Study abroad exchange programs last for 11 months. Outside of the classroom, Waseda offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and clubs to help students make the most of their time in Japan. Completion Finishing Your Program Timing: July (September admission) February (April admission) One year study abroad programs last approximately 11 months. In July and February, students will complete their programs, bid farewell to the many friends they made at Waseda, and return to their home countries. Returning to Your Home Country Returning Home Timing: Late July - August (September admission) Late February - March (April admission) You will depart from the same location as your arrival, Narita Airport. It is our sincere hope that, at that time, you will feel your study abroad was a fruitful year and an invaluable learning opportunity both inside and outside the classroom.