School of Political Science and EconomicsWaseda University

Credit transfer is a system to count the credits acquired outside of the University during studying abroad towards the credits required for graduation from the School of Political Science and Economics (“SPSE”).

① Study abroad programs approved by the SPSE

• Study abroad programs of the Waseda University Center for International Education
• Study abroad programs based on institutional agreements with the SPSE
• Privately funded study abroad programs (excluding study abroad programs at general language schools and community colleges abroad)
  * Students who wish to receive credit for “Privately funded study abroad programs” must consult with the Office before participating in the program (so that SPSE may determine whether the program is eligible for credit transfer)

② Programs at other universities abroad (excluding general language schools and community colleges abroad)
* Students who wish to receive credit for any of the programs listed under ② must consult with the Office before participating in the program (so that SPSE may determine whether the program is eligible for credit transfer)

• Short-term study abroad programs (excluding those for which the Center for International Education grants credits)
• Summer school programs etc. offered by overseas universities in Japan and abroad

Courses that meet the following conditions:

• Courses listed on a transcript (Certificate of completion may be acceptable, but a certificate of participation is not) with a passing evaluation issued by the host institution (Audited courses are ineligible for credit transfer)

The content and level of each course applied for transfer will be compared to the SPSE curriculum and be placed in the appropriate category of specialization of the student’s department at SPSE. If the student has already completed the required number of credits for the specific category of study, the course will be counted within the “General Studies (Non-SPSE)”.

Course Name

In principle, the course name at the host institution shall be used. However, if it corresponds to an unpassed required course, it may be replaced with the SPSE course name.

Number of Credits

Please select one of the following calculation methods from ①-④ below.

① 540 minutes of class hours = 1 Waseda credit (Rounded off to the nearest decimal)

1080 minutes of class hours = 1 Waseda credit (Rounded off to the nearest decimal) <Language or Practical Course>

② 45 study hours (Class time + Required self-study time) = 1 Waseda credit (Rounded down to the nearest decimal): When the study hours required by the University can be proved objectively, not self-assessed

③ 1.67 ECTS = 1 Waseda credit (Rounded off to the nearest decimal)

④ Host Institution Annual Course Registration Limit ÷ 40 [Annual Course Registration Limit at SPSE] = 1 Waseda Credit (Rounded down to the nearest decimal)
* When ①-③ cannot be proved.

Grades

All grades will be converted into [P] (Pass) and will not be included in the GPA calculations.

* If a student goes for a study abroad program multiple times (total duration one year or more): 40 credits

* Students entering Waseda from 2019 onwards: As for the number of credits necessary to graduate, it is possible to count a maximum of 48 credits (excluding credits transferred to categories other than General Studies (non-SPSE) after study abroad) toward the category of General Studies (non-SPSE).

* Students entering Waseda before 2019 (excluding 2019): From among the credits that you obtained during the period of your studies abroad, for courses that are recognized as being equivalent to any of the course categories of the School of Political Science and Economics, it is possible to transfer up to 48 credits (including credits obtained at other departments and other universities) as credits required for graduation upon screening. In such a case, for students on a year-long study abroad program, the maximum number of credits in one year should not exceed 40 credits; for students on a semester-long study abroad program, the maximum number of credits in one semester should not exceed 20 credits.

* Only for privately funded study abroad students who wish to transfer their credits and have their study abroad period count towards their years of enrollment.

Studies abroad beginning in 2025: 39,400 yen per credit

* If the Credit Transfer Fee exceeds the total of tuition and other fees for the duration of study abroad, the Credit Transfer Fee shall be limited to the total of this amount.

• Submit the application for credit transfer (on MyWaseda) along with the details of the course within the deadline
• Submission of documents such as syllabi and transcripts
• Interview with SPSE instructors on the designated day (Only where applicable. Not required as a general rule.)

• Syllabus for each course (If there is no syllabus, include an A4 Sheet of paper detailing the “Course Explanation Paper”, textbooks, handouts, etc.)
• Materials showing the time and number of credits required for calculating the number of credits for each course (timetable, class calendar, syllabus, transcript, etc.)
• English transcript issued by the host institution (if not available in English, attach an English translation) (Japanese transcript in the case of Doshisha University) (If the host institution issues an electronic transcript, submit the electronic transcript with supplementary explanations by referring to a webpage of the host institution where it is explained that it issues electronic transcripts, or an email from an academic officer in charge of transcript issuance at the host institution)
• Checklist (Updated: 30 June)

* Please prepare your materials properly, as insufficient documentation may disqualify you from credit transfer.

• This system and rules are subject to change in the future.
• If you have any questions regarding credit transfer, please contact the Office before or during your study abroad.
• FAQ
• Inquiry: SPSE Administrative Office ([email protected])