School of Political Science and EconomicsWaseda University

Q1: What are the major changes in the 2025 admissions?

Q2: Under what circumstances are applicants exempted from submitting English language proficiency test scores?

A: The submission of English language proficiency test scores is exempted only for:

(1) applicants whose native language is English and/ or

(2) applicants who, in at least three of the four years prior to the time of their enrollment at Waseda University, will have studied full-time in a high school, college, or university where the sole language of instruction is English except for foreign language classes.

* If you are not sure whether you meet criteria (1) or (2), we strongly recommend you submit scores from an English proficiency test. For applicants whose English-language proficiency cannot be ascertained, those without scores from TOFEL-iBT or IELTS Academic are less competitive, all else being equal.

Q3: When is the application deadline for the 2025 AO Admissions?

A: You can find the application schedule on our admissions website.

Q4: When is the enrollment period?

A:  We only offer September intake for the English-based Degree Program at the SPSE. However, the Japanese-based Degree Program at the SPSE admits students in April. You can apply to both programs. For information on applying to the Japanese-based Degree Program, please refer to the website in Japanese.

Q5: What should I do if I cannot submit standardized test scores?

A: Please contact the SPSE before the application period begins.

Q6: Will there be online classes at Waseda University in 2025?

A: In principle, most courses will be conducted in person.

Q7: I’m from Taiwan and the GSAT scores  (or from Singapore and the Singapore A-Level) will not be available until after the application period. Will the SPSE accept late standardized test scores?

A: The SPSE allows a grace period for standardized tests that are conducted only once a year, AND the results will be released after the deadline, such as the GSAT in Taiwan, and the Singapore A-Level. Please refer to the Application Guide. and the List of Application Documents by Education System to see which standardized tests for details.

Q8: Where can I find information in English about the programs taught in English at the SPSE?

A: Thank you for your interest in our programs! We offer a synthesis of the study of political science and economics in a fully bilingual program. Most courses are offered in both English and Japanese, however, taking courses in Japanese is not required. Please refer to the following link for information about our English-based Degree Program (EDP): https://www.waseda.jp/fpse/pse/en/about/edp/

We also have an e-brochure that you can look through online and share with your family and friends.

Q9: Where can I find information about the professors and the curriculum?

A: For information about our professors, please refer to our Faculty page, where you can refer to each faculty member’s educational background, research fields, and courses they teach. For information about our curriculum, please refer to our Curriculum Table.

Q10: How can I select a degree program?

A: Applicants are accepted into degree programs (major), which you will select at the time of application. Be sure to read the description of each degree program thoroughly before making your choice.

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics
• Bachelor of Arts in Global Political Economy

Your choice of the degree program cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.

Q11: What is the difference between the Global Political Economy program and the other programs?

A: Regardless of their major, students studying at the SPSE must have a global perspective. While the Political Science major and the Economics major allow students to specialize in their respective fields, the Global Political Economy (GPE) major offers a unique and balanced mix of the two disciplines to its students. You can read more about the three degree programs that we offer at the SPSE.

Q12: How is the SPSE Global Political Economy program different from the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS)?

A: SILS aims to equip students with a well-rounded, broad-ranging education without any specialization in a particular professional field, whereas the SPSE, including the degree program in Global Political Economy, offers a focused and systematic education in political science and economics. This focus ranges from the fundamentals to advanced topics, with the aim of developing skills that are necessary to offer policy solutions to global issues.

Q13: What is the difference between majoring in Economics at the SPSE and attending the School of Commerce at Waseda?

A: In the School of Commerce (no English-based degree programs), students learn Management and Business Administration (e.g., the analysis of corporate activity). On the other hand, the SPSE programs focus on economic theory and move systematically from there towards economic applications. This process gives them a solid foundation for studying management, marketing, and other related fields in the future. Studying at the SPSE also offers the opportunity to explore the relationship between economics and politics.

Q14: What does the concept “Academic Year” refer to?

A: The academic year for September enrollment starts on September 21, (2025) and ends on September 20, (2026). For more information, refer to our academic calendar.

Q15: I’ve heard about “seminars” at the SPSE. But how are they different from other classes at the SPSE?

A: Seminars are organized in small groups, typically with 5 to 15 students, in which students collaborate with their peers and discuss their ideas with their professors. Students have the option of writing a thesis in their final year under the supervision of their seminar professor. Developing a life-long relationship with a professor through these seminars is not rare at Waseda.

Q16: Can I take SPSE courses in Japanese?

A: Yes. First, we should emphasize that our English-based Degree Program students are able to obtain all credits for degree completion by taking courses entirely in English. So, Japanese language ability is not necessary. At the same time, we believe that one of the greatest benefits of studying at the SPSE comes from our offering a Japanese-based Degree Program alongside our English-based Degree Program. In other words, we offer most political science and economics courses at all levels of study (introductory, intermediate, and advanced) in both English and Japanese, and these courses are open to all students at the SPSE. Taking courses in Japanese may be particularly beneficial for English-based Degree Program students who are proficient in both languages and seek careers in or related to Japanese companies or organizations.

Q17: Can I learn Japanese while studying in the English-based Degree Program?

A: Yes, and many English-based Degree Program students do. If you are interested in learning Japanese, please visit the webpage of Waseda University’s Center for Japanese Language. At the SPSE, you can also count Japanese language courses toward graduation, although there are limitations on the number of credits.

Q18: I would like to know more about the employment status and post-graduate studies of the SPSE graduates.

A: SPSE graduates enter careers or post-graduate programs not only in Japan but also in many other countries. Our graduates have found employment in a wide range of positions in finance, manufacturing, mass communications, international organizations, and public offices. Some of our graduates advance to prestigious postgraduate programs. On our Career Center website, we provide further information on how we support career development.

Q19: Can I apply for both the English-based Degree Program and the Japanese-based Degree Program at the SPSE?

A: Yes, you can apply for both of the programs. For information on applying to the Japanese-based degree programs, please refer to the admissions website in Japanese.

Q20: Can I apply to other schools at Waseda in the same year?

A: Yes, you can apply to programs at multiple schools in the same year. However, please note that requirements for admissions vary among schools. Also note that you can only enroll in one school even if you receive offers from multiple schools.

Q21: I am currently studying at another university. Can I transfer to the English-based Degree Program at the SPSE?

A: Yes. We accept a small number of transfer students each year, both from universities in Japan and abroad. Transfer students will begin as second-year students of a four-year program. Please refer to Admission by Transfer. Note that this admission scheme will be discontinued in 2026, and the last intake will be in 2025.

Q22: I am a student at another school at Waseda University, can I transfer to the English-based Degree Program at the SPSE?

A: Yes. First-year students who entered Waseda University in September or second-year students who entered Waseda University in April are eligible to apply. Please refer to the Change of School page. Note that this admission scheme will be discontinued in 2026, and the last intake will be in 2025.

Q23: Are any proficiency in Japanese and prior knowledge of economics and political science necessary?

A: We do not require any Japanese language proficiency or prior knowledge about the fields of political science and economics.

Q24: Are there any restrictions on nationality to apply to the SPSE?

A: No, we welcome applications regardless of nationality.

Q25: How can I confirm my eligibility for the application?

A: In general terms, eligibility refers to primary and secondary education requirements. Individuals of all nationalities and residence statuses are welcome to apply. Eligibility is not merely determined by your age, educational background, standardized tests taken, etc.
For the specific requirements, please refer to the “Eligibility” section of the Application Guide. Do not hesitate to contact the International Admissions Office via the inquiry form if you have questions about your eligibility.

Q26: Does the SPSE conduct an “entrance examination” for the English-based Degree Program admissions?

A: No, we do not conduct any entrance examination for English-based Degree Program admissions. For an overview of EDP admissions, please visit this page: https://www.waseda.jp/fpse/pse/en/applicants/admissions/

Q27: What are the screening standards for the English-based Degree Program?

A: Admissions decisions are based on a holistic screening of the application documents. This includes consideration of examination/test scores and English language proficiency.

Q28: Is an interview part of the English-based Degree Program admissions process?

A:  Interviews will be conducted online only if necessary.

Q29: Are there any requirements on minimum scores for standardized tests or university entrance qualifications?

A: There are no minimum score requirements for admission. For reference, you may want to refer to the average scores for those admitted over the past few years.

Q30: I read that the SPSE requests scores for the subject area of mathematics in the university entrance qualification examinations, but my examination subjects do not include mathematics. Can I still apply?

A: To be competitive for admission, all submitted scores must include results for mathematics.
* You can apply even if your examination subjects do not include mathematics, but in order for your application to be competitive, you should submit test scores for mathematics. We recommend you take the SAT or ACT.

Q31: How can I check the status of my application documents?

A: If your application is considered complete, your examinee number can be checked via the online application system, “The Admissions Office (TAO). Refer to the Application Guide regarding the date.

Q32: What kinds of standardized test results does the SPSE accept?

A: We accept scores from various standardized tests and university entrance qualification examinations, such as the SAT, ACT, IBDP, GCE A-Levels, and International A-Levels for screening purposes, among others.
For detailed information, please refer to the the List of Application Documents by Education System.

*As for predicted results, we accept official predicted results for IBDP and GCE A-Levels, but final scores must be submitted eventually during the enrollment procedure. If you are successfully accepted by the AO Admissions, you will receive unconditional offers. In principle, your unconditional offer will not be revoked as long as you ensure that you successfully obtain your IBDP and GCE A-Levels or graduate from your high school by September 2025.

*As for EJU, note that we only accept EJU in English and there are some specific requirements on the subject. Please refer to the List of Application Documents by Education System

Q33: Can I submit IB predicted scores with my application and what are the requirements for IB scores?

A: Yes, you can submit IB-predicted scores with your application. However, you are required to submit your final scores during the enrollment procedure period. If your final scores are available at the time of application, please submit them directly to Waseda University (the Waseda University code is 00549). As for IB requirements, you can find them in the “IB” section of the List of Application Documents by Education System.

Q34: What kinds of English proficiency test results does the SPSE accept?

A: The SPSE accepts TOEFL-iBT and IELTS Academic. We do not set minimum score requirements for these tests. See the Application Guide for details.

Q35: How can I submit my standardized test and English proficiency test scores?

A: We suggest you start preparing all the documents well before the application period. You can submit specified standardized test results (e.g., SAT, ACT, and IBDP final results) and English proficiency test results (e.g., TOEFL-iBT, IELTS) electronically. Scores that arrive before the application period are accepted. Please ensure that the scores arrive before the final day of the application deadline. The SPSE codes for each test are as follows:

TOEFL: 9342

SAT: 0837

ACT: 5473

IBDP: 00549

For more details, refer to the Application Guide.

Q36: Can I submit my AP exam scores as a standardized test?

A: No. From 2023 Admissions onwards, AP exam scores can only be accepted as (part of) academic transcripts. See P. 23 of the List of Application Documents by Education System.

Q37: Does the SPSE accept compound scores of SAT and ACT results?

A: No. Only scores obtained on the same testing date will be considered. If you have scores from multiple testing dates, please submit test results from the exam with the highest total score.

Q38: How much is the screening fee for the AO Admissions?

A: The screening fee is JPY 5,000 for applicants residing outside of Japan, and JPY 35,000 for applicants who are residing in Japan it is JPY 35,000. For more details about the payment methods, refer to the Application Guide.

Q39: What are the requirements for an essay?

A: Write an essay of around 1000 words that explains why you want to study at the School of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University. In particular, describe the reasons for your selected degree (political science, economics, or global political economy) and your plans for using what you learn in the future. Your essay should reflect your own personal perspectives and experiences.

For more details, please refer to the Application Guide.

Q40: How do I prepare for the submission of a recommendation letter?

A: The recommender will need to submit their letter of recommendation on the online application system, “The Admissions Office” (TAO). Please follow the Instructions for Recommender. With regards to the requirements, please refer to the Application Guide.

Q41: How much are the tuition fees?

A: Refer to the Tuition and Scholarship page for details.

Q42: Are scholarships available at Waseda University?

A: We offer various kinds of scholarships for international students. Pre-enrollment scholarships are merit-based scholarships where nominees are selected by the School before enrollment. No specific procedures are needed as the School will contact the nominees individually. The details of our selection procedures are not disclosed. We also have post-enrollment scholarships which are both need-based, and merit-based, where students can apply for after they enroll in the SPSE.

You can access the list of scholarships.

Note that the terms of the scholarships are subject to change. In addition, some scholarships may not be available in the particular year of your study.

Q43: What is a COE and how can I apply for one?

A: International students without resident status in Japan are required to first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which allows them to apply for a student visa to enter and reside in Japan. In most cases, Waseda University can apply for your COE on your behalf. If you would like us to apply for your COE, you need to submit documents for the COE application by the registration deadline.

For more information on the COE, please refer to the website of the Center for International Education.

Q44: Can I apply for exchange programs or double-degree programs after I join the SPSE?

A1: University-wide Programs
We have around 800 partner institutions globally.
The Center of International Education has short-term programs (1 week to 2 months) and long-term programs (1 semester to 2 years).
Refer to the following link for information on current programs offered by the university.
https://www.waseda.jp/inst/cie/from-waseda/abroad/programlist/list
*Programs are subject to change.

A2: SPSE Study Abroad Programs (Departmental Exchange Programs)
The SPSE offers special programs exclusively for our students.
Refer to the following link for information on our current programs.
https://www.waseda.jp/fpse/pse/en/abroad/outgoing-study-abroad-programs/#anc_11
*Programs are subject to change.

A3: Credit Accreditation
Credits that you earn during your exchange program can be accredited as SPSE graduation credits. The rules for credit transfer are detailed on our website below.
https://www.waseda.jp/fpse/pse/en/abroad/credit-transfer/

Q45: Where can I find information about dormitories?

A: Please refer to the Residence Life Center website for information on Waseda University student dormitories and several other University affiliated dormitories. Dormitories are open to Waseda students from all corners of Japan and around the world.