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FAQ
【Class】
What are the requirements to complete the master’s program?
Students must complete at least 2 years of study, earning at least 30 credits, must submit the master’s thesis upon completion of the prescribed research guidance, and pass the thesis evaluation.
Are the classes taught in English? All classes are taught in English.
When are the classes held? The classes are mainly held from 9am to 6pm on weekdays.
【Admissions】
Where can I obtain the application guide and application form?
You can download them on the GSICCS website.
http://www.waseda.jp/gsiccs/admissions/application_en.html What should I do if I graduated from an
institution in a non-English-speaking country overseas, and I cannot obtain a notarized translation of my certificates in time for the application deadline?
A translation from an accredited Japanese language school or translation agency is acceptable if is stamped with the official seal of the translating body.
※Graduates from universities in China must submit both original of degree certificate and certification of graduation (diploma). In this case, Applicants do not need to submit a Japanese / English translation.
Do I need to submit a transcript relating to a period of study abroad as an exchange student during my undergraduate program?
Please submit if the transcript is available.
I have a Japanese Language Proficiency test (JLPT) score -- should I submit it?
The submission is optional. A photocopy of the test score is acceptable.
Is it true that there is no written exam or interview?
Since evaluation is conducted through a comprehensive
screening of the documents submitted at the time of application, in principle there is no exam or interview. However, it may be necessary for the Admissions Office to check aspects of your application by e-mail or telephone during the selection period. Is there difference between applying for
admission in April and in September?
There is no difference.
If there are 50 students registered for April entry, are you still going to conduct for September entry?
We will not cancel the admissions. We will conduct the admissions regardless of the student quota.
Will I be accepted for my research field allocated if the research field is different from that I indicated in my original application?
2 When will GSICCS send us the examination
number cards?
We send out examination number cards at least 2 weeks before the date of the result announcement. If you did not receive the examination number card 10 days before the date of the result announcement, please contact the GSICCS office (Tel: 03-3208-0467, E-mail: gsiccs@list.waseda.jp).
Can I know the reason why I could not be admitted?
No queries regarding acceptance and rejection, including the reason, can be handled.
【English Language Proficiency Certificate】 How will my English language ability be
evaluated?
Through the submission of an English language proficiency certificate, whether TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS (Academic). Is there a minimum required score in
English?
There is no minimum required score. Screening results reflect a comprehensive evaluation of all the submitted documents. Is there a time limit concerning the validity of
a certificate of English language proficiency?
The period of validity is for two years from the last day of the application period.
If I have experience of studying abroad, am I exempt from submitting a certificate of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL?
The submission of either an English-language proficiency certificate or a score in a common graduate school entrance test framed in English (GRE/MAT/GMAT/LSAT) is required for all applicants. This includes those who have completed an
undergraduate degree or similar through the medium of English. If my mother tongue is English, am I exempt
from submitting a certificate of English language proficiency?
The submission of either an English-language proficiency certificate or a score in a common graduate school entrance test framed in English (GRE/MAT/GMAT/LSAT) is required for all applicants. This includes those whose nationality and/or
educational background indicate that they are likely to be native speakers of English.
Is it possible to submit only a copy of a certificate of English language proficiency or a score in a common graduate school entrance test?
A copy is not acceptable. You must submit the original official document by the application deadline.
* Depending on the country or region, test dates and venues may be limited. So that the transcript will arrive by the GSICCS filing deadline, please arrange to take the test as early as possible and confirm when the results will be announced with the examining body.
Can I have my TOEFL sent directly to the GSICCS Admissions Office? If so, what is the code number?
TOEFL scores do not have to be sent directly, but can be
submitted along with your other application documents. If you have the score sent directly, the ETS registration code number is "4232".
Can I have my GRE sent directly to the GSICCS Admissions Office? If so, what is the code number?
3 Can I have my IELTS score sent directly to
the GSICCS admissions office? If so, what should I do?
If you took IELTS within Japan, please apply for “Issue of Additional TRF Forms” following their instructions. Please refer to “EIKEN Foundation of Japan” website. If you took IELTS outside Japan, please inquire at your local IELTS institution.
I am still waiting for my English proficiency test result/ a Common entrance examination for graduate school result to arrive, and may not be able to submit my test result with my application form. What should I do?
If you can see your score online, print it out and submit it with your application materials, then we will accept it as long as your original test result arrives at the GSICCS office even though deadline passed. In that case, please enclose a memo that you are going to send your test result later so we will be able to put all together. Can I submit TOEIC-IP test or TOEFL-ITP
test score?
We cannot accept Institutional test scores such as TOEIC-IP test or TOEFL-ITP test. Please submit an official score certificate. 【Recommendation form】
From whom can I obtain a recommendation form?
Applicants must submit two forms written by separate evaluators. One of the two forms must be written by a university professor who has supervised the work of the applicant, or other appropriate person. Letters must be sealed, or signed and submitted without being open.
My professor is abroad. Can I still get a recommendation letter from the professor?
Even if your professor is abroad, it does not matter if the professor knows you well. Please get an original signed letter. Also, please ask a recommendation letter in plenty of time since mail service from overseas takes time.
Can my recommenders type in their recommendations on the recommendation forms?
Yes, there is no problem in the recommender inputting the recommendation via personal computer, in the case, please use the designated Word format. Also, please make sure to get his/her signature in the designated section.
Do I need to get the recommender’s seal on the seal section?
If the recommender has a seal, please obtain his/her signature and seal. If seals are not used in the country in question, please get his/her signature only.
【Scholarships】
Does GSICCS have its own scholarship program?
Currently GSICCS does not operate its own scholarship program. However, both external scholarships and Waseda University internal scholarships are allocated in the same way as in other graduate schools of Waseda University.
Is there any scholarship that I can apply for before admission?
4 Are there scholarships for Japanese
students?
Along with other admissions documents, you will receive a
scholarship booklet entitled “Challenge”, and you can register for a scholarship following the procedure described in the booklet. Also, please refer to http://www.waseda.jp/syogakukin/ for further
information. Are there scholarships for international
students?
Yes, we have some. In general, students are supposed to apply to scholarship after their enrollment.
I would like to know more about scholarships-- where can I get the information?
A few scholarships can be applied for before admission, but most procedures take place after admission. For further information, please refer to the Scholarship Division website at
http://www.waseda.jp/syogakukin/ or, in the case of international students, the Center for International Education website at
http://www.cie-waseda.jp/en/lifesupport/scholarships/.
【Directed Research Field】
How do I select the directed research? If you succeeded the admission, your directed research will be allocated based on your research plan. At least, you have to have a research director who matches with your research plan. You can access information on faculty specializations by clicking the names of a professor.
Do I need to contact the professor who is in charge of the directed research I would like to undertake before I apply?
You can if you wish, but it is not a must to contact the professor before you apply.
If I have questions regarding directed research, how can I contact the professor responsible?
Please see the professor’s contact information on the database at
https://www.wnp7.waseda.jp/Rdb/app/ip/ipi0201.html?lang_kbn=1. If there is no contact information on the page, please write to
gsiccs@list.waseda.jp and we will forward your message to the professor. However, whether there will be a response or not depends on each professor. Also, please contact us at
gsiccs@list.waseda.jp regarding admissions (including document submission) and other general questions about GSICCS. Can I change my research field/director
later?
In the case where the allocated research director recognizes the need for a change of research field, you will be able to change your research director/field with the approval of the new research director and the GSICCS committee responsible.
5 【Interpretation Studies】
Which languages will be used in the seminar on Interpretation Studies?
Interpretation Studies at GSICC will focus on interpretation from English to Japanese, also from Japanese to English.
(English-Japanese in both way) You will thus need appropriate Japanese language skills in this seminar.
【Intramural Selection by Recommendation】 If my GPA is under 3.0, can I still apply to enter via intramural selection by
recommendation?
Since a GPA of at least 3.0 is a requirement for application via intramural selection by recommendation, you are not eligible. Instead, please apply as an AO candidate.
【Non-degree research student】 Can I get a status of residence if I am accepted as a non-degree research student?
You cannot get a status of residence if you do not take classes more than 10 hours per a week (7 courses including Japanese classes at Center for Japanese Language.
Can you tell us about the number of courses and credits I can take as a non-degree research student?
You can take maximum of 4 credits each semester, 8 credits per year from basic courses, related courses and specialized courses.
What is the difference between non-degree research student and research student?
There is no system of research student at Waseda University, where there is a system of non-degree research student instead. Non-degree student can take classes and get credits. Non-degree research student won't have a research director so he/she cannot conduct research.
Can I get student discounts for commuter pass, etc. as a non-degree research student?
You cannot get student discounts for commuter pass, etc.
Can I get a scholarship as a non-degree research student?
There is no scholarship available for a non-degree research student.
How long can I stay at the school as a non-degree research student?
There is no school regulation, but in the case of international students, basically it is one year by the judgment of the
Immigration Bureau. You may not be allowed to stay more than 1 year with the status of college student.
Is it possible to be a regular student later? You must pass the entrance examination if you would like to enter as a regular student and obtain a master's degree.
Can I transfer my credits I obtained as a non-degree research student when accepted as a regular student?
If your research director and the GSICCS committee approve you obtained credits, your credits will be approved to complete
6 I would like to apply for the master’s program
and the non-degree research program at the same time, how should I apply?
Please send us your application documents separately for each category. Please attach Certificates of Payment of Screening Fee on each application form, prepare 2 envelops, attach the
