Admission System of School of Fundamental Science and Engineering

Admissions to the School of Fundamental Science and Engineering are divided into Japanese-taught degree programs (general admissions, affiliated/associate school recommendations, designated school recommendations, Kitakyushu regional partnership recommendations) and English-taught degree programs. Japanese-taught programs conduct admissions by academic cluster rather than individual departments. Students spend their first year studying common science and engineering subjects, then choose their department based on their interests and aptitude when advancing to the second year. For details on cluster-based admissions and department assignment, please visit this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which admission cluster should I apply to if I want to enroll in the Japanese-taught program of the Department of Applied Mathematics?

The Department of Applied Mathematics has a capacity of 60 students: 30 from Cluster 1, 15 from Cluster 2, and 15 from Cluster 3. There are no slots from Cluster 4. Since Clusters 2 and 3 have limited slots for Applied Mathematics, Cluster 1 provides the easiest path. Note that Mathematics Department students and English Program Math Major students can join Applied Mathematics research laboratories for seminars and graduation research in their fourth year. At the graduate level, the distinction between Mathematics and Applied Mathematics disappears, merging into a single Graduate Program in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

What's the difference between the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics departments?

While the Mathematics Department emphasizes the development of mathematics as an academic discipline, Applied Mathematics focuses on "connections between mathematics and other fields." For those interested in developing new machine learning methods using mathematics, algorithm design and computational complexity analysis, medical and biological data analysis, climate prediction, financial risk assessment, and solving challenges in science, technology, industry, and society through mathematics, Applied Mathematics provides the perfect environment. Our collaborative curriculum with the Mathematics Department ensures solid foundational training while developing skills to apply mathematics across disciplines.

I'm interested in studying AI and data analysis. Do I need to study mathematics?

Yes, deep understanding of AI and developing AI technologies requires mathematical knowledge. Machine learning and deep learning are built on extensive theories including linear algebra, calculus, probability theory, and optimization. Data analysis requires not only statistics but also probability theory and information theory. Applied Mathematics systematically covers mathematics from fundamentals to applications, training many graduates who make essential contributions to AI and data science.

I'm interested in applied mathematics but worried about my math grades.

Strong math grades and research capability in mathematics aren't necessarily the same thing. Applied Mathematics offers a progressive curriculum from basic to advanced mathematics, with dedicated faculty committed to education. Many students experience significant growth. While we encourage solid high school mathematics preparation, don't let current grades discourage you from pursuing mathematics at university.

Can I develop programming skills in Applied Mathematics?

Yes, the Department of Applied Mathematics offers classes and exercises using Python, R, C, and MATLAB. In addition, practical programming skills are naturally acquired through research activities such as numerical analysis, data analysis, algorithm implementation and performance evaluation experiments. In fact, many students publish the results of their graduation and master's research as software. This is a rare environment where students can acquire not only abstract mathematical knowledge, but also the programming skills necessary for practical work, and learn both at the same time.

I want to work in IT or finance. Is Applied Mathematics good for job prospects?

Absolutely. Our graduates work as systems engineers, data scientists, financial engineers, and consultants in IT, finance, trading companies, think tanks, and government agencies. The logical thinking, mathematical analysis, and implementation skills developed through applied mathematics are highly valued across industries.

Can I visit the campus to meet students and professors?

Applied Mathematics is located at Nishi-Waseda Campus, directly connected to Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line (see Access for location details). Annual summer open campus events provide opportunities to meet Applied Mathematics faculty and students. Even if you can't attend open campus, you can explore the campus anytime through YouTube and VR campus tours.