International Programs

Ritsumeikan University actively accepts international students from many different countries to promote the internationalization of its education and research. International students are vital in the attempt to cross international borders to foster mutual understanding amongst the many peoples, cultures, and histories of the world. As of May 1st, 2009, 1,112 short and long-term international students (undergraduate and graduate) from Asia, America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa are studying at Ritsumeikan University.

2009 International Student Data

Exchange Students
Students currently attending a university in their home country who would like to attend Ritsumeikan on a short-term basis (i.e. one year or less) are invited to apply to the Study in Kyoto Program, a one or two semester long program that concentrates on Japanese studies through language, and cultural and traditional arts courses.
Another available program is the Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program, offered by Ritsumeikan’s Center for Language Acquisition, a five-week program providing an intensive and comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture.

International Students
Students can attend Ritsumeikan as long-term international students for 4 years as either undergraduate students or graduate students.  Long-term international students are required to take a special entrance exam in Japanese and English followed by an interview. To learn more see the international admissions page (in Japanese):

Undergraduate Admissions (English / Japanese)

Graduate Admissions (Japanese only)

Graduate Programs in English

International Program for Advanced Industrial Technology
In September of 2001, the International Program for Advanced Industrial Technology was launched. This program fosters problem-solving skills, a global perspective, and special knowledge and technical skills, and develops competent leaders capable of contributing to development in the Asia-Pacific Region. Enrollment is in September, and all classes are conducted in English, creating a suitable environment for facilitating the adjustment of newly-arrived exchange students. Furthermore, with the cooperation of many companies, aside from internship programs, we have invited many people working in the Asian Pacific region to guest lecture on topics such as management. Concentrations include the fields of: Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology; Electrical, Electronic and Computer Systems; Mechanical Engineering and Robotics; Environmental and Urban Engineering; Advanced Technology Fusion Programs; Computer Science; and Human Information Science. Depending upon their specialization, Asia Pacific University graduates may also apply for this program.

Global Cooperation Program
Starting in the year 2003, the Graduate School of International Relations drastically reformed its programs to meet the changing needs of international relations education. One key focus point was globalization. The rapid pace and large-scale of globalization has had a dramatic effect on countries and regions throughout the world. In this context, we consider it necessary to focus on newly arising issues through an interdisciplinary approach to research and education. All of the courses in the Global Cooperation Program are in English except the Japanese language training course. Our curricula are designed to help foster students with strong analytical skills, an international perspective, specialized knowledge of contemporary international society, foreign language skills, and information processing skills.

Master's Program in Economic Development
Established in September 2002, the Master's Program in Economic Development (MPED) enables students to enroll in elective courses such as international finance, developmental policy, public policy, environmental economics, international economics, and financial economics as well as common courses. Since its establishment in 1950, the Graduate School of Economics at Ritsumeikan University has produced many outstanding graduates who have entered the business world, central and local government, and various research organizations. Located near Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, the campus offers a beautiful natural environment along with the highest level of facilities and equipment. Students who finish the MPED are expected to make great contributions to the social and economic development of their home countries while forming lasting bridges between their home countries and Japan.

Master's Degree Program on Regional Policy and Planning
This two year master's program is primarily aimed at Japan's Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) recipients from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Uzbekistan and Vietnam who are provided the opportunity to carry out academic research at Japanese higher educational institutions, with funding provided by the Japanese government. The JDS Program supports human resource development in these countries, and expands and encourages bilateral relationships between them and Japan. Young people from these countries such as government officials, researchers and business executives are expected to become leaders in their respective countries in the 21st century.

The Master's Degree Program on Regional Policy and Planning focuses on regional policy and planning, with a view towards sustainable regional development. The program is provided for both central and local government officials, researchers and NGO staff who are seeking to acquire a master's degree.