WHY
WASEDA?
Why Tokyo?
Tokyo is more than just a city – it's a global hub: academically, economically, and culturally. Studying in Tokyo gives you access to top-tier education and a world of opportunities, including internships, global networks, cultural richness, and an exceptional quality of life.
Tokyo ranks 1st in Asia and 2nd in the world in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2025 for its strength in economy, research & development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility. As one of the world’s most influential cities, Tokyo offers advantages far beyond the classroom, ideal for students seeking international exposure and growth.
In the QS Best Student Cities 2026, Tokyo is ranked 2nd globally, highlighting its outstanding support for both domestic and international students.
Tokyo also ranks 1st worldwide in the “Employer Activity” indicator, showing its unparalleled access to employment opportunities, internships, and global companies. This means real career potential and smoother pathways after graduation.
The 2025 CEOWORLD “Most Economically Influential Cities” ranking places Tokyo 3rd in the world, reflecting its significant role in global business and finance.
Tokyo also has the highest metropolitan GDP in 2025, making it one of the wealthiest and most economically dynamic cities on earth—an environment full of opportunity for ambitious students.
The MICHELIN Guide 2025/2026 confirms that Tokyo continues to be the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. From traditional Japanese cuisine to cutting-edge fusion and international dining, Tokyo offers unmatched culinary variety—along with vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment.
-
#1 in Asia Global Cities Index
-
#2 Best Student Cities Ranking
-
#1 Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants in the World
-
2 International Airports and over 60 Subway & Rail Lines
Waseda: Reviews and Rankings
Waseda University has extremely high scores in brand surveys and rankings
published in a range of both domestic and international media.
-
QS Employability -Employer Reputation (World) 2025
QS World University Rankings (World) 2026
QS World University Rankings (Japan Private Universities) 2026
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
QS Global Engagement-International Student Ratio (Japan) 2026
QS Global Engagement-International Student Diversity (Japan)
- University Brand Image Survey 2025‑2026 (Nikkei BP Consulting, Inc.)
- University Search Ranking Book 2026 (Daigaku Tsushin)
- [Japan] University Ranking 2026 (Asahi Shimbun Publications)
World-Class Education
Waseda University posted educational and research expenses at 99 billion yen in FY 2024, equivalent to an outlay of 1.96 million yen per student. This expenditure far exceeds tuition fees, demonstrating the University’s strong investment in providing high-quality educational and research environments.
Waseda University has built a global network of over 800 universities and institutions, offering a wide range of study abroad programs tailored to the diverse needs of its students. These include double degree (dual or joint degree) programs offered in partnership with 19 universities*, allowing students to earn qualifications from both Waseda and the partner institution. In addition, the University offers numerous opportunities, such as the Global Leadership Programs in collaboration with five leading U.S. universities**, to foster global perspectives and cultural sensitivity that transcend national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries.
*Peking University, Fudan University, Tsinghua University (China), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, National Chengchi University (Taiwan), Korea University (South Korea), Columbia University, Earlham College (USA) , ESCP Europe, Sciences Po (France), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Université libre de Bruxelles, KU Leuven (Belgium), Vietnam Japan University (Vietnam)
**Georgetown University, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, University of Washington, New York University.
According to the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025, Waseda ranked in the top 100 worldwide in 2 of the 5 broad subject areas
-Arts& Humanities, Rank #65 (#2 in Japan)
-Social Sciences & Management Rank #99 (#3 in Japan).
In addition, Waseda ranked within the top 50 worldwide in 2 of the 55 subjects, namely History of Art (Rank #21-50, #2 in Japan) and Modern Languages (Rank #40, #2 in Japan). Under the same ranking, fourteen subjects are ranked in the top 100.
Through educational frameworks that integrate the humanities and sciences, students are encouraged to boldly pursue solutions to complex, seemingly unanswerable problems from perspectives beyond their own majors. The Global Education Center makes this vision a reality by offering the educational programs below that foster “Intellectual Resilience” and “Flexible Sensitivity.”
Academic Literacy: Students systematically learn data science, mathematics, information, English, and academic writing as the foundations for all scholarship.
University-Wide Minors: Diverse minors are offered in all schools and academic years.
Students can acquire a second strength that reinforces their major.
Fostering Self-competency: Waseda offers extensive volunteer courses and leadership courses that foster self-competency required of global leaders.
Language Education: More than 20 language courses are offered aside from English. Students gradually refine their skills from introductory and beginner levels.
The Waseda Business School (WBS) offers five programs, three of which are conducted in English (International MBA, MSc in Finance and the Waseda-NTU Double-Degree Program). It is ranked as the No. 3 business school in Japan by QS Global MBA Ranking 2026. WBS is also one of the only two business schools in the nation that have been internationally accredited by AACSB and EQUIS, making it a “double-crowned” business school.
-
82%
In 2024, 82% of undergraduate classes had 50 or fewer students, and 55% had 20 or fewer students
-
14%
Waseda University Ranked in Top 14% in the QS World University Rankings 2026
-
6+15
Waseda University offers English-based degree programs across 6 undergraduate schools and 15 graduate schools
-
18.2%
Faculty with doctoral degrees from overseas institutions
-
No.3
No. 3 business school in Japan according to the QS Global MBA Ranking 2026
A Global Research University
Waseda University was selected for the MEXT Top Global University Project in recognition of its world-class research excellence. It has also been chosen for MEXT’s Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities in recognition of exceptional research activity. Waseda has earned a strong international reputation for conducting research of the highest caliber across a wide range of fields.
Waseda University is recognized as a leading university with 19 graduate schools and about 2,000 full-time researchers. Its academic community spans a wide range of fields, from humanities and social sciences to science and engineering. The University’s Research Organization actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and has established approximately 150 project research institutes that bridge traditional academic boundaries.
Waseda is regarded highly among researchers. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Waseda ranks in the top 100 worldwide in 2 of the 5 broad subject areas:
- Arts & Humanities (global rank #65, #2 in Japan)
- Social Sciences & Management (global rank #99, #3 in Japan).
In addition, Waseda University ranks within the top 100 worldwide in 14 individual subjects. In particular, Waseda places in the top 50 globally in:
- History of Art (Rank # 21–50)
- Modern Languages (Rank # 40)
And it ranks among the top 100 worldwide in these subjects: Law, Politics & International Studies, Linguistics, Accounting & Finance, Economics & Econometrics, Engineering – Mineral & Mining, Geography, History, Marketing, Petroleum Engineering, Sports‑related Subjects and Classics & Ancient History.
As well as research, Waseda is also renowned for its collaborative work with industry. The University also tackles social issues, and has made major contributions to disaster recovery efforts, such as the establishment of numerous projects relating to health and medical treatment, infrastructure resilience, urban planning and social systems.
Waseda has academic exchange agreements with over 800 universities and institutions in more than 90 countries and regions. The University has 11 research institutes and international bases of its own in over 10 countries, which support its education and research projects.
Waseda’s Expanding Global Network
Find Yourself at Waseda
In the QS 2025 rankings, Waseda ranked 37th in the world for Employer Reputation. This strong recognition from global employers reflects the caliber and impact of our graduates.
Waseda’s liberal school spirit is open, diverse and fluid, and has produced countless leaders in industry, academia and government, including eight prime ministers, and the founders and CEOs of global companies such as Nintendo, Sony, Uniqlo etc
Waseda has produced over 690,000 graduates. The University’s alumni are active on the world stage in a variety of fields. Waseda’s international network is a great asset while studying at the University and after graduation. With over 1,300 alumni associations worldwide, including 81 overseas associations in major cities such as New York, Dubai and Seoul, Waseda fosters a powerful global network of influence and opportunity. Many alumni also contribute to the success of current students by offering mentorship, guidance and funding. This dynamic alumni community ensures that the legacy of excellence continues, providing invaluable connections that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Waseda has academic exchange agreements with more than 800 world-renowned universities and institutions. Exchange between students, researchers and faculty members is highly valued, including the approximately 8,200 international students enrolled at the University (as of 2024). The University is dedicated to preparing students to become future global leaders and providing them with know-how that they can take with them anywhere. Researchers who studied at Waseda are leaders at universities and research institutions around the world.
Sport is an important part of education that fosters social development and builds character. Waseda sees great value in sport and plays a very important role in Japan’s sporting world. Graduates have gone on to become successful international athletes, including 468 Olympians and 66 medalists. At the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, 38 students and alumni participated, winning a total of 10 medals, showcasing Waseda's sprit and commitment to developing top-tier talent in both sports and academics. Their achievements continue to inspire the next generation, proving that excellence is cultivated both on and off the field.
Some famous athletes from the recent years include: figure skaters Yuzuru Hanyu (gold medalist at the Sochi Olympics) and Shizuka Arakawa (gold medalist at the Torino Olympics); swimmers Seto Daiya, Masato Sakai and Natsumi Hoshi (medalists at the Rio Olympics).
(among private universities) QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2025
Japanese Prime Ministers graduated from Waseda
alumni around the world
partners among leading global institutions
Most international students with around
8,200
Vibrant Student Life and Waseda’s Student Support
Student Activities
Waseda boasts one other “curriculum”— extra-curricular activities. Students organize extracurricular activity groups in areas such as academics, culture, art, and sports. These groups are called “circles” and approximately 17,000 students participate in at least one circle. As of 2025, there are approximately 500 official circles and it is said that there is no circle that does not exist at Waseda! In the on-campus Student Center building, circle activity rooms are located in the basement and from the 2nd to 11th floors, supporting students’ activities. What is more, Waseda has 44 sports clubs, and enthusiastic support for these teams is an important part of campus life. Over the years, Waseda has produced many professional athletes, as well as a number of Olympians and Paralympians.
日本語を学習し、日本の文化を体験してみよう
Waseda offers multiple English-based degree programs conducted entirely in English, while also providing opportunities to study Japanese, so that students can further understand Japanese culture, enhance their Japanese proficiency, and enrich their experience. The Center for Japanese Language at Waseda is one of the largest Japanese language centers with around 600 courses available. The center offers eight levels of study ranging from beginner to advanced in which students can learn four language skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) and can also learn Japanese through variety of themes. This opportunity is particularly important for students considering finding employment and staying in Japan after graduation.
of International Undergraduate Students Receive Scholarships
Waseda provides a range of around 250 different scholarships including about 150 that are unique to Waseda. All Waseda’s internal scholarships are grant-based and led Japan in distributing over 10 million USD in AY2024. Many of the internal scholarships are funded through donations from private benefactors, parents, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni. Regarding the scholarships for international students, a number of both internal and external scholarships are available. In AY2024, the total amount of scholarships awarded to international students was over 5 million USD.
Communal Life with Fellow Students
Waseda University offers over 20 student dormitory options, including both direct-managed and affiliated residences. The largest direct-managed dormitory is Waseda International Student House, with a capacity of 872. Live-in House Masters (administrators) and RAs (Resident Assistants) are there to help students have a fulfilling and enjoyable dormitory life. Various initiatives encourage cross-cultural exchange in the dormitories, helping to create networks that students will treasure for the rest of their lives. Moreover, as one of the safest cities in the world, Tokyo offers a comfortable environment for students.
Waseda University cherishes opportunities for international cultural exchange. The Intercultural Communication Center (ICC) organizes a wide range of events and a variety of activities, around 200 each year! Student Staff Leaders take the lead in planning and organizing the ICC’s events and activities through student initiative.
Also, for the QS World University Rankings, we were ranked No.30 as employer reputation worldwide. This means many companies would like to hire Waseda graduates! Our Career Center offers job-hunting guidance, seminars, internship opportunities, and recruitment talks by companies actively hiring international students. At Waseda University, we support each student in building a bright and promising future beyond university life.
-
200,000
Approximately 200,000 people visit our school festival, Waseda-sai
-
500
44 athletic clubs and approximately 500 official circles
(extracurricular activity groups) -
Over30%
International students receiving scholarships
-
10million USD
Distributed through internal scholarships for AY2024
-
93.9%
Employment Rate for the Class of 2024
-
872
Max 872 students live and study together in one of the direct-managed student dormitories, Waseda International Student House
Sorry!
The Waseda University official website
<</>> doesn't support your system.
Please update to the newest version of your browser and try again.
Suporrted Browser
-
Google Chrome
Windows version 38 later
Macintosh version38 later
WebSite -
Fire Fox
Windows version 33 later
Macintosh version 33 later
WebSite -
Safari
Windows version 38 later
Macintosh version38 later
WebSite -
Internet Explorler
Windows version 10 later
WebSite
