Master’s Asian Studies Student Maxie Pickert from Germany Shares His Journey of Studying at Waseda University, Japan

My name is Maxie Pickert. I am from Germany. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Bonn, where I majored in Asian Studies with a focus on Japanese. Later, I pursued a master’s degree at Waseda University in Japan. I decided to continue my education in this field because I wanted to deepen my knowledge of Japan and improve my future career opportunities, especially for working in Japan.

Waseda University Scholarship Details

Regarding scholarship details, I received a scholarship for my master’s studies at Waseda University. Detailed information can be found on the GSAPS Waseda homepage. The scholarship covered Waseda University tuition costs and also included living expenses. The current amount is listed on the university homepage. Although the scholarship was very helpful, I felt that the amount was still quite small for living in Tokyo. However, with a small part-time job, it was possible to have a very good student life there.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

As for other scholarships, I did not receive any other scholarships for my master’s studies, so N/A in that category. However, at the undergraduate level, I also won a contest and received a scholarship then. In addition, during my undergraduate studies, I participated in an exchange program at Waseda, supported by a different scholarship through Bonn University and Waseda University.

Educational Background

For my educational background, I studied Asian Studies at the University of Bonn, specializing in Japanese. My Japanese level was around JLPT N2. My undergraduate studies and exchange experience at Waseda prepared me well for applying to graduate study in Japan, because I was already familiar with the academic environment, daily life, and expectations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Waseda University?

In terms of preparation, I already knew that Waseda is a difficult university to enter, so I checked all of my application documents very carefully. I probably double-checked or even triple-checked everything three or four times. I first learned about the scholarship opportunity from an exchange student senpai, who told me that this department had scholarship options. After that, I carefully checked the university homepage and did my own background research.

How Did You Find Information About Waseda University? Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare for Them?

For standardized tests, I had taken TOEIC while I was an exchange student in Japan, so I already had proof of English ability for my application. My Japanese ability was also strong, and overall, my academic performance was above average.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Waseda University Scholarship?

To prepare for the scholarship application itself, I made sure that all documents were complete and accurate. One important point is that Waseda asks many questions during the process, and applicants often need to respond quickly. Because of that, I think it is important to be mentally prepared for a real paperwork battle. Being organized and replying fast makes a big difference.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Waseda University?

My experience at the institution was academically challenging, but also very rewarding. The program was difficult, but I had wonderful colleagues and friends who encouraged me to study hard, so overall I would rate my experience 10/10.

How Do You Rate Waseda University Academically and Why?

Academically, I would also rate the institution 10/10 because of the high level of education, the strong academic expectations, and the excellent learning environment. Waseda is a highly respected university in Japan, and studying there can open many doors for future career opportunities.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

As for language, classes were conducted in both English and Japanese. In my opinion, students would not necessarily face serious academic problems if they do not fully know Japanese, depending on the program, because some classes are offered in English. However, for daily life and for making the most of living in Japan, Japanese ability is definitely very helpful. Also, one of the biggest practical challenges is the high cost of living in Tokyo, which is why many students also work part-time.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think what made my application stand out was that I had already been an exchange student at Waseda before. I was already familiar with the university, and I believe that showed my strong motivation and clear academic direction. I also made sure my application documents were prepared extremely carefully.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, one thing I would especially emphasize is asking for a recommendation letter from the right person as early as possible. I recommend asking the head of the department or the professor with the strongest influence, who knows your work well. That can make an important difference.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice for students applying for a similar scholarship would be:
Check the university and scholarship homepage carefully, ask senior students or alumni for advice, choose your recommendation letter writer strategically, and double-check every document before submitting. Also, be ready to respond quickly to additional questions from the university.

Thank you again for the opportunity to share my story. I hope this is useful for future applicants.

Best regards,
Maxie Pickert