FAQ | GLOBAL STUDIES

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If the FAQ below doesn’t answer your questions, please email hello@st.ritsumei.ac.jp

It says that all the classes are taught in English, but can I take classes in Japanese?: Yes. You can take up to half of the required credits in Japanese if your Japanese level is satisfactory.
What are my prospects after graduation?: The Global Studies major is designed to cultivate professionals in the field of International Relations, such as journalists, U.N. officials, diplomats, researchers, Asia experts, politicians, international business persons, and NGO employees, to name a few, as well as students who move on to Master’s courses. Students will find employment prospects in various areas since the students in the program approach broad fields, such as Economics, Politics, Sociology and Law. International Relations Major students have also found employment in major corporations in Japan.
Are the Japanese classes mandatory for all international students? What if I already know some Japanese?: International students of the Global Studies Major take a Japanese language placement test during orientation at the beginning of their first semester. The language classes you have to take will be based upon the result of this test. There are 6 different classes (level A to F) for international students.

･ International students have to take 6 credits of Japanese as a Foreign Language

･ If your Japanese is at a native Japanese speaker’s level, you must choose a language other than Japanese and take 6 credits in the chosen foreign language. You may choose from 5 foreign languages; French, Chinese, Spanish, German, and Korean.
I’m interested in the Graduate School of International Relations. Where can I find information?: Please refer to here.
Where can I find information about the other English-based courses?: Please refer to here.

Can I transfer from another school?

Global Studies Major does not accept transfer credits at the moment. If you wish to enroll at Global Studies Major, you will have to start from the first year.

I have dual nationality. Which admission system should I apply to, International or Japanese?

You are able to apply to either admission system. Please note that some of the scholarships are awarded to international students with the ‘College Student’ visa only.

Can I apply more than once?

Yes. Students may apply in more than one application period. However, students must submit a new set of application documents and pay a separate application fee for each application

Can I apply to both the Global Studies Major and the Community and Regional Policy Studies Major?

Yes, you may apply for both programs. However, students must submit a set of application documents and pay a separate application fee for each application

How many letters of reference do I need to submit?

One letter of reference is required. The letter should be written by a teacher (or member of staff in a similarly responsible position) who knows you well. The letter must be signed by the person who writes it and sealed in an envelope. The original must be submitted (copies are not allowed).

I have only one set of the certificates and I don't want to give up my original.

As a rule, we can accept only the original documents. However, when it is not possible for a certificate to be re-issued, a certified copy of the original will be accepted. An official organization (i.e., the school you graduated from, consulate, embassy, etc) must certify the copy as identical to the original by placing an official seal. If you are submitting the original documents and you would like them to be returned, please attach a request letter with the details of the addressee and the date you would like them to be returned by.

Is the application fee refundable?

No, the application is non-refundable. It is a mandatory fee to be considered for admission and required for all applicants.

Is there any scholarship that covers the application fee?

No. Currently, there is no scholarship that covers the application fee. The application fee is required for all applicants.

Can I pay the application fee online?

Yes, students living outside of Japan can pay the application fee online at this site.

Can I send the application via email? Where do I send my application?

We cannot accept applications via email or fax.
Please send all application documents by registered mail, registered airmail or courier (DHL, FedEx, OCS, EMS, etc.) to the address below. The package must be postmarked by the application deadline.

Ritsumeikan University
International Center at Kinugasa
56-1 Toji-in Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8577
JAPAN

If one of our Admissions Officers is visiting your area during the application period, you may choose to hand your application in to the officer. Check out when we will be traveling overseas at this site.

Can I apply now and hold off the enrollment for a year?

When you make an application to Ritsumeikan University, you have to apply in the application period for the intended enrollment dates. If you decide after being accepted that you wish to change your enrollment date, you will not be able to defer your enrollment but must cancel your acceptance and reapply.

What is the minimum grade I should have to be accepted?

The admissions committee considers a candidate’s entire application—academic records, essays, letter of reference, and official test scores. There are no minimum grades set for the applicants.

How many applicants do you expect to receive?

We cannot tell how many people will apply this year. However, as of last year (2011 admissions), the following number of international students applied and got accepted.

2011 enrollment	Number of position announced	Number of people applied	Number of people accepted
April	5	9	8
September	10	29	25

*Please note that as 2012 entry is the first time that the Admissions for Students with Japanese Nationality <Admissions Office System> [English Basis] has been available, there are no figures for 2011.The above chart includes only the data for international students.

Where can I find scholarship information?: Please refer to here.
How do I apply for scholarships?: There is no seperate scholarship application when applying for admission, but you should indicate on the application form that you wish to to be considered for the scholarship. Scholarships awarded ahead of admission to RU are awarded based on application documents and the interview.
There are also scholarships which students can apply for after they are enrolled at RU.
When will I know if I get the scholarships?: You will know the scholarship results when you receive the acceptance results.
Is there any scholarship that covers my application fee?: No. The application fee is mandatory for all applicants with no exceptions; even students who get a full scholarship still must pay the non-refundable application fee.

What is the relationship between Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)?: RU and APU are separate universities but both are part of the Ritsumeikan Academy. RU and APU offer different programs and the enrolment procedure for the two universities are completely separate. However, as part of the same academy, the two universities have a close relationship.
How can I find out more about the Ritsumeikan Academy?: Please refer to here.
How many international students are at Ritsumeikan university?: Please refer to here.

Campus and Daily Life FAQ
Is it possible to find accommodation on my own?: The University arranges accommodation for all international students on the GS Major who want it. If students wish to look for accommodation on their own, they may certainly do this. Please be aware, however, that many letting agents may not speak much English and all documents and contracts will be in Japanese, so unless your Japanese is quite good, it may be difficult to arrange things. Also, if you rent accommodation in the private sector, you should expect to pay the equivalent of a few months' rent in key money, deposit etc.