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The 2026 edition of "Scholarship Information Challenge" is available at each faculty office and can also be downloaded from the Scholarships and Financial Assistance Section website.

Waseda University offers over 250 types of scholarships, including internal scholarships, Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarships, and scholarships from private organizations and local governments. Among these, Waseda University's own internal scholarships (average annual payment: approximately 400,000 yen) ,which are all non-repayable grant-type scholarships, and there are approximately 150 types.

In 2024, we awarded a total of approximately 1.5 billion yen in scholarships to approximately 3,500 students across graduate and undergraduate programs, one of the largest numbers amongst private universities in Japan.

If you wish to receive a scholarship in the 2026 academic year, you must first complete the "Spring Scholarship Registration." For current students in their second year or above (including those who enrolled in September 2025), the spring scholarship registration period runs from Monday, February 2, 2026, to Friday, March 13, 2026. This procedure must be completed before the start of the new academic year. Scholarship registration also requires documents related to your family's income and earnings. Please review the process and prepare thoroughly in advance before applying.

First, check the process on the opening page of the "Scholarship Information Challenge" (click to enlarge). The image is for undergraduate students.

What kind of scholarships are available?

Waseda University students can apply for four main types of scholarships. Scholarships are either non-repayable or loans and selection criteria vary depending on the type of Scholarship. There are approximately 150 types of internalscholarships, all of which are non-repayable grants, including the Okuma Memorial Scholarship, which places emphasis on academic performance in selection, and the Ono Azusa Memorial Scholarship, which aims to support students in financial difficulty.

Main Scholarship Systems

• Scholarships provided by the University (grant type)
• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships (grant type*, loan type)
• Private Organization Scholarships (grant type, loan type)
• Local government scholarships (grant type, loan type)

*The new national scholarship system, Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) (JASSO) Scholarship (Grant Type) + Tuition Reduction/Exemption, does not require scholarships registration at Waseda University. However, we strongly recommend that you register  for scholarships in case you qualify additional scholarships. This system is only available to undergraduate students.

*Starting in 2025, a new national system of academic support (including tuition fee exemptions for large families) was implemented. If you wish to receive this support, you will need to apply for the "New National System of Academic Support." Please note that this support is not automatically applied. For more information, please check the "Scholarship Information Challenge."

When should I apply?

The scholarship registration required to receive a scholarship (online application and submission of necessary documents) is done twice a year, in spring and summer, but most scholarships are selected in spring, so it is best to apply for scholarships in spring if possible. Also, scholarships are awarded continuously from year to year (such as JASSO scholarships), you are required to apply for scholarships every year.

Spring Scholarship Registration Period
February 2nd (Monday) - March 13th (Friday), 2026

What preparations do I need?

To receive a scholarship, you must apply online and submit the necessary documents during the scholarship registration period. The process from scholarship registration to selection and offer is as follows. For details, please refer to the guidebook "Scholarship Information ChallengePlease keep in mind that you will need to disclose your family's income, so please discuss it with your family in advance. ​​​​​

Spring scholarship registration process

About graduate students

Main Scholarship Systems

• Scholarships provided by the University (grant type)
• Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship (loan type)
• Private Organization Scholarships (grant type, loan type)
• Graduate school doctoral course researcher training scholarship (grant type)

Please refer to the "Scholarship Information Challenge for Graduate Students," which will be distributed at each graduate school office in early February 2026. Students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs at Waseda University who will be entering graduate programs at Waseda University in April 2026 should register for scholarships as new graduate students, not as undergraduate students. Graduate students can only register for scholarships in the spring.

About international students

Main Scholarship Systems

• Scholarships provided by the University (grant type)
• External Scholarships /university recommendation/internal selection available (grant type)
• External Scholarships /open recruitment/free application (grant type)

Almost all scholarships for international students, both through Waseda or outside , are grant-type. The method of applying for External scholarships for international students varies depending on the faculty or graduate school to which you belong. In some cases, you may register scholarships using the MyWaseda application form, while in other cases, you may not register for scholarships and may receive information about scholarships you are eligible for individually, or information may be posted on bulletin boards or websites. Please contact the office of your faculty or graduate school directly. For more information, click here.

Please note that students with multiple nationalities who also hold Japanese nationality cannot apply for scholarships for students with a "Student" residence status. If you wish to receive a scholarship, please register for the spring scholarship by following the instructions in the "Scholarship Information Challenge."

FAQ on regisration

Voices from students receiving scholarships