School of Social SciencesWaseda University

A student wishing to study at an overseas university or equivalent higher-education institution for a period of one year or one semester must obtain the approval of the Faculty Committee, and the following conditions shall apply.

(1) Study Abroad Exchange Program

This program features study abroad at universities or higher education institutions that hold exchange agreements with Waseda. Typically, the exchange period has a one year’s duration (one-semester periods are also offered). In most cases, exchange students do not receive language training at the chosen destination and from the very beginning undertake the same curriculum as their fellow local students. For this reason, relatively high language proficiency is required.

(2) Departmental Study Abroad Exchange Program

Under agreements with overseas partner universities, the School of Social　Sciences and the Graduate School of Social Sciences conduct exchange programs of their own. As a general rule, the exchange period is set to one year or one semester. The curriculum differs according to the partner schools or universities.

The School of Social Sciences and the Graduate School of Social Sciences have established an exchange agreement with the following partner university.

1.    College of Social Sciences, National Taiwan University
The program overview and forms of the necessary documents to be submitted can be downloaded from the following:
Program Overview:
Application Guideline 2019
Forms of Necessary Documents to be Submitted：
1)    Application Form
2)    Study Plan / Research Plan
3)    Certificate of Language Proficiency (those who cannot submit HSK or TOEFL/TOEIC/IELTS only)

2.   Wuhan University
The program overview and forms of the necessary documents to be submitted can be downloaded from the following:
Program Overview:
Application Guideline 2018

(3) TSA (Thematic Studies Abroad) Program

This is a program specifically developed for Waseda students that assembles its curriculum focusing on theme-based learning. Extensive support for enhancing the language skills needed for taking courses is offered by the universities abroad.

(4) ISA (Individualized Studies Abroad)

ISA allows students to take courses of their choosing from a regular program at a university abroad. Courses can be selected rather freely and the decision is made while receiving guidance from a local coordinator. In the case of insufficient language proficiency, training may be required.

(5) Double Degree Program

While enrolled at Waseda, students can take courses at distinguished universities abroad and, by fulfilling the necessary requirements, obtain two degrees at the time of graduation. For completing a degree at a university abroad, a high proficiency in the language of instruction is needed. Proof of advanced reading, listening and speaking skills will be required.

(6) Study Abroad Other than Programs Offered by Waseda (Self-funded Study Abroad, etc)

*Fees and years of enrolment at school differ according to the regulations set by each program. For details, please refer to the pamphlets distributed at the school office, the Study Abroad Guide issued by the Center for International Education or visit the Center’s website.

(7) Doshisha University Exchange Program (Domestic)

This is a domestic mutual exchange program with students from Doshisha University and around 15 students participate each year. After completion of the program and screening of credits obtained while studying at Doshisha, students may have those credits count toward graduation requirements from the School of Social Sciences.

1. Applicants must be at least second year students at the time of the exchange.
2. The exchange period is one year (April 1 to March31 the following year) or one semester (Spring Semester: April 1 to September 20; Fall Semester: September 21 to March 31 of the following year)
3. Regardless of school affiliation or major at Waseda, the school and major at Doshisha can be chosen freely.
4. The credits obtained at Doshisha University will be recognized according to the standards set by the affiliated school.
5. School fees are collected by Waseda and need not be paid at Doshisha. Any additional fees that may be needed at Doshisha are to be borne by the student.

1. Period of Study Overseas
   Regardless of the academic periods employed by the overseas university in question, any period of overseas study shall be coordinated with Waseda University semesters.
2. Years of Attendance
   A student’s school year will advance in the normal manner during a period of overseas study. However, as this may result in a discrepancy between the student’s attendance year and school year, the student should exercise care with regard to the selection of courses upon their return to Japan.
   • 1 year (9 months or more): April 1 – March 31 of following year, or September 21 – September 20 of the following year
   • 1 semester (4 months or more): April 1 – September 20, or September 21 – March 31 of the following year
3. Transfer of Overseas Study Credits
   Credits obtained during study abroad while the student is enrolled in the University can be recognized as credits toward graduation in the School of Social Sciences. Be aware, however, that not all credits obtained during periods of study abroad will be recognized at Waseda. Please refer to the Office of the School of Social Sciences and the Study Abroad handbook issued by the CIE.
   * Open Course credits and other credits obtained at other institutions also count towards the maximum number of credits accepted from other systems or institutions.
4. Graduation in Four Years
   Students who have satisfied the number of credits required for graduation through recognition of credits as stipulated in section 3 above, can achieve graduation in a total of four years, including the study abroad period. Graduation in the School of Social Sciences requires (1) obtaining the required credits for graduation, (2) payment of the requisite tuition fees, etc., and (3) attendance for the requisite number of years. If (1) is satisfied through recognition of credits, students can satisfy (a) and (b) below and achieve graduation. For details, consult with the school office.(a) Payment of recognition fees (for study abroad at the student’s own expense)
   (b) Counting the study abroad period in the number of years of school attendance (in units of 0.5 years, up to a limit of 1 year)Students obtaining the approval of their seminars instructors can have recognized and counted for graduation a maximum number of 4 credits acquired through other seminars. Graduation thesis credits are required credits in the last year. Please note that students undertaking study abroad during the fourth year will not be able to graduate in a total of four years.Details about each of study abroad programs can be found on the Center for International Education website (http://www.cie-waseda.jp/en/)

Below CJSP students share their experiences studying at one of Waseda University’s many study abroad programs.

Experience One: “Getting Out of My Comfort Zone” (Georgetown University)

Our Privacy Policy For Applicants, Students, and Alumni From Our Partner Universities In The European Economic Area and The United Kingdom With Student Exchange Agreements