For high school students about to take their first steps towards higher education, financial worries about tuition fees and living expenses can be a big obstacle.Waseda University offers approximately 150 unique scholarship programs.We have established a system to fully support students' learning.Student Affairs Department, Scholarship DivisionWe spoke with Oda and Saito of the university and asked them about the reality of the scholarship system and their message to students and parents who are considering continuing their education.

150 types of grant-type scholarships, far more than any other university

--What are the characteristics of Waseda University's scholarship system?

OdaWaseda University has approximately 150 different scholarships available.Among private universities, the number ofAnd the biggest feature of all of these scholarships isGrant type that does not require repaymentThis means that you can receive the benefit with peace of mind, as you will not have to pay it back after you graduate in the future.

--With 150 different scholarships, it seems like it would be difficult for students to know which one to apply for.

OdaSo at Waseda University,The "Scholarship Registration" SystemFor new students, we ask them to register for scholarships in March before enrolling, and then we select scholarships that meet the conditions from among the registrants and decide on the scholarship recipients. Students do not choose scholarships individually,A system where people apply in bulk and we match them up.

There are a wide variety of scholarships available, including the "Ono Azusa Memorial Scholarship" for financial support, the "Okuma Memorial Scholarship" for students with outstanding grades, and even scholarships funded by donations from alumni and general philanthropists.

Expanding support through system reforms adapted to the times

--Have there been any new initiatives in the scholarship program recently?

OdaA major change is that for students entering in 2024,Aim!Metropolitan Seihoku ScholarshipWhen applying forExpanding the income requirement from less than 800 million yen to less than 1,000 million yenThis was because there were voices saying that 800 million yen would be a tough budget for students to come to Tokyo from rural areas, live alone and pay tuition fees.

This change has increased the number of applicants by 1.5 to 1.6 times. In addition, from next year's 2026 admission,Tokyo's islands are also includedWe decided to add this because it is practically difficult for students from the islands to commute to school, and we received inquiries from students taking the exam.

--I heard that there have also been changes to the national system.

Oda: Starting this year,New government support system for tuitionAs a system change to "Free tuition fees for large familieshas begun. We have received a lot of inquiries about this this year. This applies to all students from first to fourth year, so we would like to encourage students who qualify to carefully check the application period set by their university and actively apply.

Early information gathering and scholarship registration is important

--When do you want to provide information about scholarships to students?

Saito:For those who are unsure about continuing their education due to financial concerns, and their parents,We want to deliver the information as early as possible before students enter university.Financial worries can make students hesitate to continue to higher education, but by removing those worries, students will be able to concentrate on their entrance exams and will have hope for their student life after they enter higher education.

--Are there any common misconceptions among high school students and their parents?

Oda: Scholarships areMany people think that it is something you apply for after entering university.However, in reality, the procedures before enrollment are important. Especially in the case of Waseda University,New students must register for scholarships in March.There are some students who come to us for advice after enrolling without knowing this.

For more information on the "Aim for the Metropolitan Northwest Scholarship"The earliest application period will begin in OctoberSince there are 1 applicants in the first round and 900 in the second round, we recommend that you apply in the first round if possible. Even if you haven't yet decided whether you will take the Waseda entrance exam, we would like you to apply if there is a possibility.

The value of scholarships based on real-life experiences

--I understand that you yourself are from the countryside.

Saito:：I myself came to Tokyo from the countryside. When I was in my third year of high school and was offered a designated school recommendation, my family told me that it would be financially difficult to get into a private university in Tokyo. I have a younger sister who is three years younger than me, and considering my future, it was not an easy decision to make. At that time, the first place I looked at was the scholarship department's website.

We held a family meeting and confirmed that Waseda University has many scholarship programs, including a program run by the Japan Student Services Organization. We learned that there was also ample support for student dormitories, and we were able to decide that this plan would allow us to continue to study at Waseda. Our parents also supported our decision by learning about the current state of the university's various support programs for continuing to study at a university.

I received a scholarship from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) for four years, rather than an internal scholarship, and am currently repaying it. However, this scholarship enabled me to continue my studies with hope, so I don't see it as a negative thing at all.

Housing and scholarship package

--What do you think about systems such as the WID scholarship dormitory system that provide support in terms of both housing and scholarships?

Oda：I think it's a great system. I think housing costs are a big burden for students coming from rural areas. Even if you receive a scholarship, it's difficult to cover the full cost, soA system that provides both housing and financial supportI think that having this system gives students peace of mind as they continue on to higher education.

※WID Scholarship Dormitory System:Aim for it! A system that reduces dormitory fees at Waseda University's exclusive international student dormitory, WID, for recipients of the Metropolitan Seihoku Scholarship.
For more details,CLICK HERE

--I understand that you have also had the experience of living in a student dormitory, Mr. Saito.

Saito:: The dormitory where I lived was exclusively for Waseda University students, and was a mixed-gender dormitory. I was able to make friends from multiple campuses and departments, and there were various events held in the dormitory. I think that if you come to Tokyo from the countryside, it takes time to get used to Tokyo and you can easily feel lonely, but I lived here until my third year of university without such worries, so I think I was able to live a very fulfilling life.

Each person had their own room, and each room had its own bathroom and toilet, so it was practically like living alone, with personal space and privacy. If that was all you could do, you could go to the dining hall, where there was always someone there to encourage each other as you wrote reports or studied for exams, and communicated with your classmates. There was also a dorm manager and dorm mother, and when I actually had a high fever while living there, they accompanied me to the hospital, so there was a lot of support. My parents said that it was quite reassuring.

Parent-child discussion is key to success

--How should parents and children approach scholarships?

Oda：It may be difficult to talk about household income with your family, but it is the student who receives the scholarship. I think it is important for them to be aware that they are receiving the scholarship and that it is thanks to them that they are able to live their university life.

Sometimes parents say they don't want their children to know about their household finances and ask to apply for the scholarship themselves, but the student must apply for the scholarship. In such cases, they may miss out on the chance to receive a scholarship, so it is best to let the student know about their household finances to some extent.

Don't give up on your dream of going to college, take on the challenge head on

--Finally, please give a message to students who are considering continuing their education.

Oda: Waseda University has a wide variety of on-campus scholarships compared to other universities, and all of them are grant-type and do not require repayment. I think that even those who are hesitant to go to Waseda University for financial reasons can take on the challenge with peace of mind. Please take on the challenge with a positive attitude.

Saito:: The scholarship system was established with the hope that students would not give up on continuing their education due to financial worries. I believe that by thoroughly researching the system and gathering information early on, a path will surely open up. I hope that as many students as possible can head to their learning environment with peace of mind.

[Editorial Summary] Important Points of Waseda University Scholarship Program

✓ Application timing is important

Aim for it! The Metropolitan Seibu Scholarship starts in October, and scholarship registration is in March

✓ All 150 types are grant-type

No repayment required, so you can receive the benefit with peace of mind

✓ Income requirements are increased

The income requirement for the "Aim for it! Miyako no Seihoku Scholarship" will be expanded to less than 1000 million yen (starting in 2024)

✓ Early family meetings are important

Sharing financial information between parents and children early on is key to success

✓ Apply if possible

Even if you haven't decided whether you want to go to Waseda University, apply now

Waseda University's scholarship system is not just a way to provide financial support, but is also an important mechanism for expanding students' dreams and possibilities. When considering going to university, why not start by researching the scholarship system and having a thorough discussion with your family?

The two people who helped

Yuna Oda
Waseda University, Student Affairs Department, Scholarship Division
He is in charge of approximately 150 types of on-campus scholarships that Waseda University has established on its own. By providing financial support to students, he is working to create an environment in which more students can study with peace of mind.

Akane Saito
Waseda University, Student Affairs Department, Scholarship Division
Originally from a rural area, he himself used a scholarship system to enter Waseda University. He also experienced living in a student dormitory, and is currently involved in work related to the scholarship system.

For further information

• Waseda University Scholarships Department Website:https://www.waseda.jp/inst/scholarship/
• Information on the scholarship dormitory system – Aim for it! Special system for recipients of the Metropolitan Northwest Scholarship:https://wasedalife.com/news/p1680/