Okuma Memorial Scholarship (Waseda): 2025 Profile

TL;DR
Waseda's Okuma Memorial Scholarship provides a generous stipend for outstanding international undergraduates and postgraduates—align your leadership narrative with Waseda's global mission and prepare a polished Japanese/English application pack.

Scholarship Snapshot

• Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-03)
• Official Portal: Waseda University Scholarships — Okuma Memorial
• Who It Targets: Exceptional overseas applicants and current students pursuing full-time undergraduate or graduate studies at Waseda University
• Eligibility: Top academic performance, leadership and community contributions, and financial need evidence; Japanese or English proficiency depending on programme
• Tenable Institution: Waseda University (Tokyo, Japan)
• Bond: None; scholars join the Okuma Honour Society and support Waseda community initiatives

Award Components

• Monthly stipend (typically ¥200,000) for up to one academic year, renewable for high performers
• Tuition fee reduction or waiver for selected faculties
• Access to Okuma Memorial events, mentoring, and alumni network
• Opportunities for research assistantships, entrepreneurship support, or global leadership programmes at Waseda

Eligibility Checklist

• Strong academic credentials (top 5–10% of cohort, honours awards, or published research)
• Offer of admission or current enrolment in a Waseda undergraduate or graduate programme
• Demonstrated leadership or service—student government, cultural societies, start-ups, or social impact initiatives
• Documented financial need (income statements or sponsor declaration)
• Proficiency in English or Japanese sufficient for coursework; JLPT N2/N1 advantageous for Japanese-medium programmes

Application Roadmap

1. Secure admission to Waseda (or be an enrolled student) before scholarship application window.
2. Gather documents: academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of financial need, résumé, and personal essays.
3. Submit application via Waseda's scholarship portal during the designated cycle (typically April–May for autumn intake).
4. Interview (if shortlisted): conducted in English or Japanese, focusing on academic goals, leadership, and contributions to Waseda.
5. Award notification through the Student Affairs Office; recipients sign acknowledgement and attend orientation.

Selection Tips

• Highlight regional leadership: explain how your Singapore/ASEAN experiences enrich Waseda's international community.
• Quantify impact: showcase results from research projects, social enterprises, or cultural initiatives you led.
• Address financial planning: present a clear budget demonstrating need and how the stipend enables participation in campus opportunities.
• Demonstrate language readiness: include JLPT scores or evidence of academic work in Japanese/English.
• Prepare for alumni engagement: outline how you will support Waseda events, outreach, or mentoring after graduation.

Scholar Experience

Okuma Scholars tap into Waseda's Innovation & Entrepreneurship community, join leadership forums, and collaborate on global policy projects. Many pursue internships in Japan's corporate or start-up ecosystem, leveraging the stipend to cover living costs in Tokyo while focusing on academic excellence.

Useful Resources

• https://www.waseda.jp/inst/whywaseda/en/
• https://www.waseda.jp/inst/scholarships/en/
• https://www.waseda.jp/inst/career/en/