Graduate School of Letters, Arts and SciencesWaseda University

Graduate Schools at Waseda University are engaged in research and instruction in the humanities and sciences fields, at an advanced level, in terms of both theory and practice. They aim to reach a depth of knowledge, create and develop cultures, and contribute to the welfare of mankind. The graduate courses consist of a “master’s program” for two years and a “doctoral program” for the following three years. The degrees that can be obtained are as follows:

• Master of Arts in Literature
• Doctor of Literature

Non-Degree students are allowed to take a course or several courses of study in a year.

As a rule, classes, research guidance, and thesis instruction at our Graduate School are conducted in Japanese. However, we provide guidance in English for the Program “Global-J”.

For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the program overview* or course registration.　　　*For the latest information on entrance examinations, please refer to the following application guidelines.

Reference materials
Guidance for Students Seeking Promotion to the GLAS
GLAS Appendix

Website
Global Japanese Literary and Cultural Studies (Global-J)

Master’s Program

2026 Application Guidelines for Global-J (Master’s Program) 2025.7.31 Released

2026 List of Supervisors for Global-J (Master’s Program)

• Entrance Date

April 1 2026 or September 21 2026

*Applicants can choose the entrance date at the time of application.

• Application Period

November 6 at 10:00 ～November 19 at 17:00, 2025

• Screening Methods

First screening: Document screening　Second screening: Oral examination

• Other Infromation

From 2028 Intake Onwards Change in Japanese Language Proficiency Requirements for Global Japanese Literary and Cultural Studies (Global-J) Master’s/Doctoral Program 2025.8.5 Released

Doctoral Program

2026 Application Guidelines for Global-J (Doctoral Program)2025.7.31 Released

2026 List of Supervisors for Global-J (Doctoral Program)

• Entrance Date

April 1 2026 or September 21 2026

*Applicants can choose the entrance date at the time of application during the November Application period. (The June Application is for September entrance only.)

• Application Periods

November Application: November 6 at 10:00 ～November 19 at 17:00, 2025

June Application: June 1 at 10:00 ～ June 8 at 17:00, 2026

• Screening Methods

First screening: Document screening　Second screening: Oral examination

• Other Infromation

From 2028 Intake Onwards Change in Japanese Language Proficiency Requirements for Global Japanese Literary and Cultural Studies (Global-J) Master’s/Doctoral Program 2025.8.5 Released

Application documents (designated format)

• Statement of Financial Resources
• Request for the Return of Application documents

Master‘s Program

• Language Proficiency and Other Information
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample
• Evaluation of Japanese Language Proficiency
• Letter of recommendation

Doctoral Program

• Research Plan label
• Personal history form and research achievements
• Evaluation of Japanese Language Proficiency
• Letter of recommendation

Non-Degree Student

• Application label
• Application form
• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae for Application to Approved Courses as a Non-Degree Student
• Application to Approved Courses as a Non-Degree Student

Payment of Examination Fee

• Payment method for payments at a convenience store
• Payment method for credit card payments and online payments from China
• Screening Fee Waiver Program for Applicants from Specified Countries

International Students with a foreign citizenship

• Acquisition of Status of Residence “Student”