How reputable is Waseda University? It is widely recognized, but what kind of university is it exactly?
Waseda University is the largest university in Japan. Its reputation and public opinion are extensive, given the large number of students and associated individuals.
This article provides insights into the reality and reputation of Waseda University. You will learn more about the university and address any concerns or questions you might have before enrollment.
Details About Waseda University
Basic Information
The basic information about Waseda University is as follows.
| University Name | Waseda University |
| Location (Waseda Campus) | 1-104 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| Phone Number | 03-3203-7747 |
| Year Established | 1882 |
| Faculties | School of Political Science and Economics, Law School, School of Education, School of Commerce, School of Social Sciences, School of International Studies, School of Culture and Media Studies, School of Humanities, School of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, School of Sports Sciences |
| Student Population | 38,685 |
| Number of Faculty Members | 1,869 |
Waseda University is Japan's largest private university, located in Tokyo.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Waseda University are illustrated below.
Since admission fees are only required during the first year, the tuition from the second year onward is approximately ¥200,000 cheaper.
Deviation Scores
The table below summarizes Waseda University’s deviation scores by faculty and department.
| Faculty | Department | Deviation Score |
| School of Political Science and Economics | Department of Political Science | 70.0 |
| Department of Economics | 70.0 | |
| Department of Global Political Economy | 70.0 | |
| Law School | Department of Law | 67.5 |
| School of Education | Education Division | 67.5 |
| Lifelong Education | 65.0 | |
| Educational Psychology | 67.5 | |
| Foundation Education | 67.5 | |
| Japanese Literature | 65.0 | |
| English Literature | 65.0 | |
| Social Sciences - Geography and History | 65.0 | |
| Social Sciences - Public Citizenship | 65.0 | |
| Sciences - Biology | 62.5 | |
| Earth Sciences | 62.5 | |
| Mathematics | 62.5 | |
| Interdisciplinary Culture | 65.0 |
Waseda University ranks as one of Japan’s top-tier institutions.
It is ranked 5th among 767 universities and 2nd among 589 private universities in Japan’s deviation score rankings.
Employment Opportunities
Waseda University boasts an employment rate of 95.3%.
Details about employment opportunities by faculty and department, including student numbers, are shown below.
For further employment outcomes, refer to Waseda University’s Employment Rankings by Faculty and Graduate Schools.
Notable Alumni
Waseda University has produced 2,859 distinguished alumni, an impressive number.
Below are a few examples:
- Mummy-D (Hip-hop MC)
- Maiko Itou (Entertainer)
- Kuri Mantaro (Announcer)
- Goro Miyazaki (Animation Director)
Beyond its acclaimed reputation, Waseda University’s history speaks of exceptional achievements.
Prestige
Waseda University is the largest university in Japan, with an extensive alumni network, high employment rates, and exceptional deviation scores.
It is highly regarded among universities across Japan.
For more insights, check out the Waseda University official website.
The Reputation and Evaluation of Waseda University
Reputation of Waseda University①: Excellent Transportation Accessibility
The Waseda campus is exceptionally well-connected by public transport.
Here are the travel times from nearby stations:
- 5-minute walk from Waseda Station
- 17-minute walk from Nishi-Waseda Station
- 20-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station
The only station within walking distance is Waseda Station.
Reputation of Waseda University②: Large Scale
Everything at Waseda University operates on a large scale.
With 10 campuses, it ranks third in Japan for campus size, and it also comes second in terms of student population.
Waseda is undoubtedly the largest university in Japan.
Reputation of Waseda University③: Expansive Campus
The campus map of Waseda University is shown below.
The campus is vast and spacious.
If you'd like to view the maps of the other nine campuses, please refer to Waseda University’s campus map on their official website.
Evaluation of Waseda University①: Female Student / International Program in the School of International Program Studies / Current Student / Admitted in 2023
Overall Evaluation
For students eager to improve their English skills, this environment is excellent. The daily courses are designed to help you enhance your language proficiency for studying abroad. Although the introductory courses may lack in-depth specialization, students can supplement their knowledge by taking additional courses in GEC and other departments. By using English in practical contexts, students can develop academic English skills.
Lectures/Courses
The courses tend to focus on popular fields such as international politics and international relations. If you wish to choose from these sought-after courses, the selection rate is quite high, so you may find yourself forced to enroll in courses that are not ideal for you. However, with very few compulsory courses, you can supplement your specialization by taking courses from other departments, so overall, I am satisfied with the program.
Seminars/Workshops
Starting from the first year, compulsory seminar-style courses are offered, allowing students to expand their network of contacts. Professors act as academic advisors and provide guidance on study abroad and career opportunities.
Employment/Advancement
As SP1 mandates studying abroad, some students may go abroad while seeking employment. However, the university’s career center organizes job fairs upon their return, so there is ample support available across the university.
Transportation/Location
The campus is located about a 10-minute walk from the nearest station. The area boasts many affordable restaurants that are great for students, and being a student district, it is very safe.
Facilities/Equipment
The restrooms have strong water pressure, and the water sometimes splashes onto your face. After class, the escalators are often crowded.
Friends/Romance
At national universities, seminars are conducted from the first year, making it easy to make friends. Due to the broad social circles, expanding friendships is not difficult if you are willing to participate.
Campus Life
The annual Waseda Festival attracts a large number of visitors. It is not uncommon for a single club to have as many as five subgroups, making it easy to find an environment that suits you.
Evaluation of Waseda University②: Male Student / Department of Social Sciences in the School of Social Sciences / Current Student / Admitted in 2023
Overall Evaluation
You can also immerse yourself in clubs or hobbies. You can continue your academic pursuits, and depending on your interests, you will enjoy a very fulfilling student life!
Lectures/Courses
You can study a wide range of subjects, from political science, law, business, and sociology to unique areas such as cross-cultural communication and social design. Starting from the 2024 academic year, students will have a more structured curriculum.
Seminars/Workshops
Seminars begin in the fall of the second year. There are about 60 options to choose from, but there is a significant difference between the more popular and less popular ones.
Employment/Advancement
The focus is not on generous support but on personal autonomy. As long as you put in the effort, you will certainly land a good job!
Transportation/Location
The nearest station is Waseda Station, as expected. There are plenty of good and affordable restaurants in the area!
Facilities/Equipment
The 14th building is not brand new, but it is very clean and feels open.
Friends/Romance
With a large student body, you are sure to find like-minded friends! However, it may be difficult to become close with professors. Love is a personal matter for everyone.
Campus Life
The number of clubs is among the highest in Japan. The Waseda Festival held every November is truly impressive in scale.
Evaluation of Waseda University③: Female Student / Department of Literature in the School of Letters / Current Student / Admitted in 2023
Overall Evaluation
The first year is relatively easy, but once I entered my second year and continued studying psychology, I went through a tough time. For those genuinely interested in studying psychology, this is a great environment, as they have free access to paid tools and the facilities are excellent. However, for beginners in psychology, it can be quite challenging.
Lectures/Courses
Known as Asobun/Bunsaku, the courses are rigorous, and since you must study a second foreign language four times a week in the first year, there is little opportunity for rest. However, compared to first-year students at other universities, the schedule is relatively flexible, and the workload is manageable. Additionally, the Chinese language course as a second foreign language lasts 50 minutes, so it is recommended.
Employment/Advancement
I am not fully aware, but I have heard that finding a job can be difficult. However, based on my academic performance, I believe the faculty's support doesn't play a significant role in this matter.
Transportation/Location
There are plenty of delicious restaurants around the university, and there are also many bars in the nearby Baba area, so I am quite satisfied.
Facilities/Equipment
The library is spacious, very clean, and offers free access to computer rooms.
Friends/Romance
Joining a good circle of friends will enrich your relationships. However, I believe that it is difficult to form close friendships unless you join a club.
Campus Life
Waseda University has one of the largest numbers of clubs in Japan, so I am confident you will find a club that suits you.
