RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY

Degree Programs

As one of the most international comprehensive universities in Japan, RU is able to provide students with world-class interdisciplinary studies in a multicultural campus environment. By living and studying in the cultural heart of Japan, while interacting and exchanging ideas with students from around the world, students gain a broad understanding of both Asia and the world at large as they study the latest developments in their field. In addition to a wide range of Japanese-taught programs, RU also offers a variety of undergraduate, masters and doctoral level programs taught entirely in English.

See the Academics and Admissions pages for more information:

• Admissions
• Academics

Short-term Programs

Short-term programs at RU give students a deeper understanding of the Japanese language and culture through intensive, hands-on study at introductory to advanced levels. The Study in Kyoto Program (SKP) provides one semester or one year students a wide variety of study options, ranging from intensive instruction in the Japanese language to hands-on introduction to the traditional arts of Japan to business and international relations studies in the English language. The two-or-five-week Ritsumeikan Summer/Winter Japanese Program offers introductory instruction in the Japanese language while also exposing students to Japanese culture through field trips and educational outings to locations of cultural importance in Kyoto.

See the links below for more information on short-term programs:

• SKP
• RSJP

Research

Four world-class research organizations oversee a wide range of research institutes and centers at RU. Research is being conducted by professors and student researchers in such diverse areas as the humanities, social sciences, international relations, education, eco-technology, robotics, health and sports, advanced materials, and micro system technologies. In addition, RU has built a strong reputation for fostering effective industry-government-academia collaboration and is renowned for its state of the art research facilities. Three of RU’s research centers were recognized for their achievements by the Japanese Ministry of Education and have been designated as Global Centers of Excellence.

See the Research page for more information:

• Research

Guidance

RU provides a wide variety of services to help international students transition smoothly into their life in Japan and get the most out of their university experience. Through the International Center and other on-campus resources, RU offers guidance with pre-arrival procedures, immigration paperwork, housing information, guarantor services, Japanese language classes, tutoring, general consultation, medical services, and of course support for daily student life. Think of the International Center as your first stop when you have any questions or concerns as they will be able to assist you directly or connect you with someone who can.

For more information about our visa issues, health services, financial aid, and other important information for students, please see our Current Students page:

• Current Students

Financial Aid

In addition to the scholarships and tuition reduction schemes that international students may apply for after commencing their studies at RU, there are also a number scholarships that prospective students can secure before beginning their studies. Scholarships are provided not only by RU, but also organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the Japanese Ministry of Education. In addition, students may work part-time to further supplement their financial needs.

Please visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about your financial support options:

• Financial Aid

Career Support

RU's Office of Career Services (OCS) offers career support for international students looking to pursue future employment in Japan. In addition to providing career consultation, information on internships, and on-campus company information sessions, OCS also hosts various career development events throughout the year. Kyoto City and the surrounding Kansai Region also offer a variety of job fairs and other resources for international students, further enhancing the career support network available through RU.

• Career Planning

Life at RU

Ritsumeikan is home to close to 37,000 students, with over 1,000 of these being international students. Needless to say, with all the activities and festivals held throughout the year campus life can be pretty exciting. Highlights for Japanese and international students alike include the entrance ceremony held at Osaka Stadium, numerous international parties, and various sporting events held throughout the year. Most notably, in November, up to 100,000 people visit the school festival to experience various attractions, including stage performances and unique events.

Another highlight of studying at Ritsumeikan is the unique environment created by the multi-cultural student body. RU’s multi-cultural campus allows students to develop friendships with people from all around the globe, bonds that students cherish for many years after their studies at RU.

For more information about visa issues, health services, financial aid, and life at RU in general, please see the pages below:

• Current Students
• R-Life Blog
• Tour of RU

Campus Facilities

The campuses of Ritsumeikan University offer a wide variety of facilities to meet the various needs of its students. These facilities include the numerous multi-media rooms and libraries for those who need a quiet place to study, health centers to answer any health concerns students may have, a wide variety of popular eateries and cafes to help students relax and recharge, as well as gyms for students to work off the everyday stresses of university life. Other facilities include book stores, bike parking, international offices and lounges, student counseling and even a student volunteer center. We hope these facilities are able to help you get the most out of your time at Ritsumeikan University.

• Campus Facilities

Clubs & Sports

Students at Ritsumeikan University lead proactive lives, focusing their energies on their greatest interests. Many students belong to the more than 700 clubs and interest groups at the university, giving full play to their unique personalities as they seek fulfillment through sports, culture, and art. Some popular clubs for international students have been the hiking club, traditional dance club, double-dutch club, calligraphy club, and photography club. But with over 700 clubs to choose from, there is bound to be a club that fits your interests.

• Clubs & Sports

Kyoto and Kusatsu

Kyoto

Many see Kyoto as the home of Geisha, and a place where ancient traditions and arts are alive in the streets. And although it is true Geisha can still be seen in the evenings as they go about the narrow streets of the Gion district, Kyoto still has many faces to be discovered by its many visitors.
For example, although many know of the 1,000s of temples and shrines housed throughout the city, are you aware there are 25 different universities within Kyoto, and that their combined student population makes up nearly 10% of the entire population of the city? Or that the headquarters of Nintendo® is in the heart of the city? In fact, Kyoto has grown to become a center of innovation and design, while at the same time holding true to its time honored arts and traditions.

Kusatsu

Kusatsu’s proximity to Kyoto and the fact that it is home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, have made it an important crossroads of culture and industry throughout history. The culture of Kusatsu can still be experienced at locations like Hikone Castle and the famous Ishiyama Temple, while its industrial advancement is showcased by the technological centers of companies like Panasonic and IBM Japan. Moreover, the natural surroundings of Lake Biwa and the Hira Mountains provide endless options for outdoor recreation and getting away from it all, whether you like to camp, cycle, swim, fish, windsurf, hike, or just barbeque on the beach.

For more information, see the links below:

• Life in Kyoto & Kusatsu
• Access to RU
• The History of Industry in Kyoto (coming soon)

The Kansai Region

The Kansai region sets itself apart from other regions in Japan with its diverse mix of historical vistas and modern cityscapes. Internationally, the Kansai region is probably best know for the cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, both of which offer a glimpse into Japan’s ancient past through their many temples, shrines, and other cultural heritage sites. Most notably, the largest wooden structure in the world, Todai-ji, (which happens to house the world's largest statue of the Buddha Vairocanain) is located in Nara Park and is a must see for any visitor to the region. Other gems of the Kansai region include Osaka, the heart of Japan’s comedy scene and an ideal city to experience Japanese urban culture and fair, Kobe, a beautiful city snuggled between the mountain and the sea that offers much more than just the internationally renowned “Kobe beef,” and Himeji, which is best known for its many feudal castles that are a popular destination for Japanese and foreigners alike.

International Network

Ritsumeikan has long stood at the forefront of the internationalization of higher education in Japan. Utilizing its extensive international network of nearly 400 partner institutions around the world, RU is able to provide students with unique international opportunities, ranging from student exchange programs and research collaboration to international symposiums and guest lectures by renowned scholars. Furthermore, RU provides comprehensive support services for prospective and current students through its international centers on campus and satellite offices overseas.

In addition to its educational activities, RU contributes to the international community through its Office of International Cooperation and Service, which strives to link RU’s educational research activities with international social contribution.

See the links below for a list of RU’s partner institutions and satellite offices:

• Partner Institutions
• Satellite Offices

Global 30

In 2009, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) launched the “Global 30” Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization. Core universities will play a major role in increasing both the number of foreign students studying in Japan and the number of Japanese students studying abroad. RU was one of the first thirteen universities to be selected for this prestigious funding initiative.

For more information on RU’s Global 30 strategies and MEXT, please see the links below:

• Ritsumeikan University ・Global 30 Initiatives
• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)