Photo/Illutration Waseda University’s Okuma Auditorium (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Tokyo-based Waseda University, which has the most foreign students in Japan, is considering tuition hikes for new enrollees from abroad who have not mastered the Japanese language.

Waseda President Aiji Tanaka issued a statement on Dec. 5, saying that while no decision has been made on the timing and amount of the increase, it will not apply to those currently matriculated.

Tanaka explained that foreign students not fluent in Japanese can still obtain degrees through programs taught in English.

But he added that a tuition hike was being considered to cover the extra costs of hiring staff who can provide English-language counseling services and medical exams at the student health center.

Waseda officials said tuition is now the same for all students regardless of nationality.

According to the Japan Student Services Organization, Waseda had 5,562 foreign students as of May 2024.

Tohoku University recently announced it would raise tuition by about 1.7-fold to 900,000 yen ($5,790) for foreign students entering the undergraduate faculties and master’s programs from April 2027.

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