G r a d u a te Pr o s p e c tu s

RITSUMEIKANASIAPACIFICUNIVERSITY
Graduate School Prospectus

APU GRADUATE SCHOOLS
FACTS AND FIGURES
Placed among the

TOP 30 UNIVERSITIESThird Japanese
university to becomein the 2022 Japan
University Rankingsby Times Higher Education

Selected by theGovernment of Japan in 2014
as one of the country’s

TOP GLOBALUNIVERSITIES

1 Facts and Figures

Second university in Japan
to become71
Countries and Regions
Represented by Students

31

AGE

Average Age

16
Countries and Regions
Represented by Faculty

161

Countries and regions
represented by APU alumni

94%
Scholarship Recipients85%

Faculty holding a degree
for an overseas university

International Students

95%
Job Placement Rate

50%
International Faculty
All data and figures are current
as of the 2022 academic year.

Facts and Figures 2

Shape Your World
With over 100 years of tradition and history, the Ritsumeikan
Academy opened Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in
2000 as Japan’s first genuinely international university. APU’s
graduate schools, fully accredited by the Japanese Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT),
welcome students into an entirely English-based curriculum withina unique multicultural environment. Since the opening of our
graduate schools in 2003, efforts have been made to further
education and research initiatives as well as expand ourcontributions to the Asia Pacific region. The graduate schools at
APU focus on Asia Pacific studies, with study options geared
towards tackling the complex issues facing the societies andenvironments of the Asia Pacific region, as well as management,with a focus on the Japanese business style and the dynamic
world of international business.

Contents
4

Programs

5

Graduate School of Management (GSM)
7 GSM Specializations
11 GSM Curriculum

13

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (GSA)
15 GSA Divisions
22 GSA Curriculum
23 Ph.D. in Asia Pacific Studies

3 Shape Your World

25

Research

26

Career Pathways

27

Student Life and Facilities

28

Beppu City

29

How to Apply

30

Cost & Scholarships

PROGRAMSSCHOOL

Graduate
School ofManagement(GSM)

PROGRAM

Master’s Program

DEGREE AWARDED

Master ofBusiness
Administration

Master of Science inAsia Pacific Studies

Graduate
School of Asia
Pacific Studies(GSA)

Master’s Program
Master of Science inInternational
Cooperation Policy

Doctoral Program

Doctor of Philosophy in
Asia Pacific Studies

SPECIALIZATION / DIVISION

PAGEJapanese Management (JM)

7

Accounting and Finance (AF)8Marketing and Management (MM)9

Entrepreneurship, Innovation andOperations Management (EIM)10International Relations (IR)15

Society and Culture (SC)16International Public
Administration (IPA)

17

Development Economics (DE)18

Sustainability Science (SS)19

Includes the Dual Degree
International Material Flow
Management (IMAT) Program

20

Tourism and Hospitality (TH)21

Asia Pacific Studies (APS)

23

Apply Online

admissions.apu.ac.jp/graduate
For more information, please refer to page 29.
Programs 4

GSM Graduate School of Management

Lailani Laynesa Alcantara, Ph.D.
(the Philippines)
Professor and Dean of the Graduate Schoolof Management
Degree:Ph.D. in Management (University of Tsukuba, Japan)
MBA (University of Tsukuba, Japan)
Research Fields:
Management

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)Program Structure

The MBA Program at APU prepares graduate students

with advanced knowledge in international business andJapanese management techniques. Conducted entirely inEnglish and in a culturally diverse learning environment,

this both AACSB and AMBA accredited program opens up
global career options for graduates looking to enter thefield of international management.

With the reformed curriculum from April 2023, students areprovided opportunities to engage in their chosen industry
through in-class activities, field studies, internships, andbusiness case competitions in Japan and overseas. The
flexibility of the programs allows students to pursue a
broad range of interests, including the ability to takeGraduate School of Asia Pacific Studies and Japanese
language courses to fulfill credit requirements.

5 Graduate School of Management

Subject Category

Minimum Required Credits

MBA Essentials

Pass

Required Subjects

26

Elective Subjects

8 or more

Seminars

6

Experiential LearningCore Related Subjects
Total

44 or more

Students can choose from four types of final research
projects to match their interests and career goals: abusiness plan, internship-based case study, independent
report, or master’s thesis.

The mission of the Graduate School of Management (GSM) is to cultivate creative, well-rounded
professionals and leaders who will play a central role in resolving management issues at
globalizing enterprises and organizations. It is the only institution in the world where students canstudy Japanese management practices in an all-English curriculum while being immersed in a
culturally diverse learning environment. In addition to advanced management skills, the students
are to build innovative and global mindset, deep understanding of business ethics, andappreciation for diversity.
The Graduate School of Management has maintained an excellent reputation since its
establishment. In 2009, GSM was awarded a Palmes of Excellence rating of ‘3’ in the Eduniversal
Business Schools Ranking due to its status as an excellent business school with strong
international influence. In 2016, GSM earned AACSB International accreditation, widely regarded
as the highest level of accreditation for business schools internationally, and in 2020, it became
the second business school in Japan to earn accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA),
granted to only 2% of business schools around the world. Such recognition demonstrates thealignment of APU’s education and research with international standards as well as the university’scommitment to perpetual improvement.

Learning Objectives

Lead withpurposeRedefinebusinessThinkglobally

Program OVERVIEW

Leveragediversity

Dare to create
a better future

Student Demographics

Master of Business Administration
Degree:Master of Business Administration (MBA)Specializations:

Accounting and Finance (AF)Marketing and Management (MM)
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Operations Management (EIM)
Japanese Management (JM)

74 Students

519 Alumni

Enrollment Semesters: April, September
Program Duration: 2 years*
Yearly Intake:40 students

Total Tuition:

3,800,000 JPY (subject to change)*Accelerated completion in 1.5 years may be possible upon further examination after enrollment. The total
tuition for the program will not change even if you complete your degree before the standard period of completion.

33 Countries andRegions Represented
by GSM Students

International Accreditation

Graduate School of Management 6

Japanese Management (JM)
Master of Business Administration

Geunhee Lee, Ph.D., Professor (Korea)
Research Fields: Business Administration“The MBA program at APU prepares you to engage with Japanese corporations

around the world. It opens the door to a managerial career in Japanese companies aswell as companies that seek to enter or expand in the Japanese market. APU stands
for the global integration of Japan, and it is the place you must be to explore yourpotential and establish your legacy in the international business world.”

SPECIALIZATION OVERVIEWThe Japanese Management specialization focuses on the philosophy and practices of Japanese corporations, which helped

Japan to successfully industrialize. Japanese corporations, with their emphases on quality, innovation and customer service,
as well as their unique style of human resource management and governance, provide an alternative to corporations that

follow the Western business model. In this specialization, students will be able to assess both the successes and failures ofJapanese management practices to gain a foundation for new models of corporate management in the Asia Pacific region.

SPECIALIZATION SUBJECTS
Sustainable Business in Asia PacificJapanese Corporations and Asia PacificJapanese Management and Entrepreneurship
Quality and Operations Management
In December 2019, four APU MBA students participated in aninternational business case competition at McGill University in
Quebec, Canada. These competitions afford students the chance
to gain real-world business analytical skills, showcase their own
ideas, and network with other universities and industry-leading
brands around the world.

Financial Institutions and Markets
Hospitality Management
Special Studies“Despite coming from a mechanical engineering background, I was provided with a pool ofopportunities at APU—from exposure to diverse cultures and learning from faculty with world-classexpertise to gaining an entrepreneurial mindset. Thanks to APU’s unique programs, such as short internships at
family-run businesses and meeting with exchange students like those from Norway who shared theirknowledge of fast-paced technological growth in Scandinavia, my time at APU also enabled me toexpand my network within Japan and worldwide. Thanks to these experiences and the inspiring professorsthat supported me, I gained the practical knowledge needed to help me follow my passions and dreams.”
Anty Kannampilly Joseph (India, Graduated 2019)
Co-founder of JIITAK, Japan

7 Japanese Management

Accounting and Finance (AF)
Master of Business Administration

Phillip Dean Pardo, MBA, Professor (Canada)
Research Fields: Business Analytics, Hospitality Management

Accounting, Sentiment Mining, CRM, Valuation, Taxation, Auditing,
Virtuous Management, Natural Capital Accounting“With ninety-eight percent of students originating from outside Japan, our

AACSB-accredited MBA program is truly international, with a diverse mixture oflanguages, cultures, and perspectives. Our business school meets the highest

international standards, and our students, faculty, and alumni are all actively engaged
and contribute to the global community.”

SPECIALIZATION OVERVIEWThe Accounting and Finance (AF) specialization discusses theories and concepts of corporate finance, financial engineering,financial institutions, financial accounting, and managerial accounting, providing students with the skills to understand andinterpret financial and accounting information. The aim of the specialization is to provide students with tools in the areas ofaccounting and finance to formulate strategies, design control systems, and evaluate the impact of corporate strategies on
various stakeholders.

SPECIALIZATION SUBJECTS
Corporate Finance

Financial Engineering and Risk Management
Financial Institutions and Markets
Managerial Accounting

Project Analysis and Financing

Quantitative Analysis and Statistics
GSM professors and students attending a Beta Gamma Sigma
Induction Ceremony. Beta Gamma Sigma is an international honorsociety serving business programs accredited by AACSB worldwide.

Special Studies“I traveled halfway across the world to study at APU, and it turned out to be an amazing journey.
While studying for my MBA, I learned about organizational structures, business strategies,
ethics, innovation, and operations management, but at the same time I learned how to interact
with people from other cultures. At APU, I had the liberty to focus on subjects I am interested in,such as how companies stay innovative and motivate employees to create through goal setting.
The knowledge and experience I gained helped prepare me to take on leadership positions in
global, innovative companies.”
Marita Myren (Norway, Graduated in 2019)
Operations Officer, Danske Bank, Norway
Accounting and Finance 8

Marketing and Management (MM)Master of Business Administration

Lailani Laynesa Alcantara, Ph.D., Professor and Dean of
the Graduate School of Management (the Philippines)
Research Fields: Management“At APU, we bring the world to our classroom. Our MBA students and faculty comefrom different parts of the world with diverse professional backgrounds. Being part ofour program means that you are not just achieving your potential—you are building a
network of professionals who will make a difference in the world.”

SPECIALIZATION OVERVIEW
The Management and Marketing specialization focuses on understanding and managing the human dimensions oforganizations and markets. In business organizations, some of the most important actors are managers, employees andcustomers, whose decisions and actions are guided by a whole range of factors, from very ‘rational’ aspects to subjective
perceptions such as emotion and moral values. The constant flux of market conditions requires adaptation as well as
provides opportunities for creating new market and social values. This specialization prepares students to develop

multi-dimensional strategies and sustainable capabilities for organizations in order to cope with the changing businessenvironment.

SPECIALIZATION SUBJECTSHuman Resource Management

Japanese Management and Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Business in Asia PacificMarketing Strategy in Emerging Economies with
Simulation
Marketing Research
The Marketing course gives an overview of the concepts andtools necessary within organizations that create customer value.
In addition, students are able to learn from one another about
how business standards vary around the world.

Agile Product Development and Design Thinking
Hospitality Management
Special Studies“The exceptional academic resources and conducive learning environment at APU helped me tostrike a balance between theoretical study and practical application in real-life situations. The
managerial prowess, analytical thinking, and research skills I developed fully prepared me for a
Doctoral Program in Economics, which I now currently pursue at another outstanding university
in Japan.”
Joseph Junior Aduba (Nigeria, Graduated in 2017)
JSPS Fellow and Ph.D. Student, Ritsumeikan University, Japan

9 Marketing and Management

Entrepreneurship, Innovation
and Operations Management (EIM)
Master of Business Administration
Rian Beise-Zee, Dr., Professor (Germany)
Research Fields: Business Administration, Economic Statistics, Commerce“Today’s industries and industry leaders are always in need of innovative ideas,
products, and business models. Equally important is a sustainable means offacilitating the implementation and organization of these elements through an equally
innovative operations strategy. The courses in our Entrepreneurship, Innovation andOperations Management specialization provide students with the intellectual andpractical tools to master both of these and to link them to their own future businessgoals.”

SPECIALIZATION OVERVIEWThe Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Operations Management specialization focuses on how businesses and product ideas
emerge, develop and realize through entrepreneurship and innovation. This specialization also puts emphasis on the needfor effective management of technology, production planning, operations management, supply chain management andcreation and operation of new business models. It highlights the importance of innovation and creativity in launching andrunning a business. This specialization also addresses the issues that might arise when managing a venture through theperiods of its life cycle, such as pre-establishment period, start-up period, growth period, and business expansion period.

SPECIALIZATION SUBJECTS
Quality and Operations Management
Digital Business Strategy

Supply Chain Management

Innovation Systems and Entrepreneurship
Project Management

Startups and Business Development
Special Studies
Numerous business competitions during the program give students the
chance to put theory into practice. APU has been participating the CFA
Institute Research challenge since 2013 and has been part of the finals
every year from 2018.

“APU’s multicultural environment provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the businessstandards of other countries, as well as multiple opportunities for collaboration and discussion
with classmates through small class sizes. This has given me new insights and knowledge fromdifferent cultural perspectives while also allowing me to share my own point of view. At APU, I wasconstantly being challenged to be a better version of myself all while preparing to become aleader with global values.”
Kezia Stephanie Natania (Indonesia, Graduated in 2018)
Management Consultant, Skylight Consulting Inc., Japan
Innovation and Operations Management 10

CUrriculum

Master of Business Administration

A minimum of 44 credits is required for program completion. All subjects in the chart below are awarded two credits upon successful
completion.
MBA Essentials
MBA Essentials is a non-credit program that all MBA students must attend before their first semester at APU. This program includes online
training and in-person workshops for essential MBA skills and values, including presentation, writing, teamwork, case analysis, creative
thinking, and appreciation for diversity and inclusion.

Course Names and Semester Distribution
Lecture Subjects
Elective
Subjects

2nd Semester

First Year

1st Semester

Required
Subjects(26 credits)(8 credits or more)

Advanced Research
Methods
Accounting
Data Analytics
Leadership andOrganization Behavior
Legal Strategy andCorporate GovernanceManagerial Economics
Marketing
Political Economies ofInstitutions

Japanese
Corporations and Asia
Pacific
Financial Engineeringand Risk Management
Human Resource
Management
Agile ProductDevelopment and
Design Thinking
Startups and Business
Development

Business Ethics andCorporate Social
Responsibility

JapaneseManagement andEntrepreneurship

FinanceFinancial Institutions
and Markets

Technology
Management

Sustainable Businessin Asia PacificCore Related
Subjects

Experiential
Learning

Decision Making
Under Uncertainty

Seminars(6 credits)

Selection ofseminar advisor

Database
Management
Management
Information
Systems
Negotiation for
Value Creation
Japanese forCommunication I*
Japanese forCommunication II
Japanese forCommunication III

GlocalImmersion

MBA Research
Seminar I

InternshipJapanese forCommunication IV

Hospitality
Management

Strategic
Management
Global Strategy for
ImpactQuality and Operations
Management
Managerial Accounting
Marketing Strategy inEmerging Economies
with Simulation

MBA Research
Seminar II
Research progresspresentation

Digital Business
StrategyInnovation Systems
and Entrepreneurship

4th Semester

Second Year

3rd Semester

Project Management

Corporate Finance
Project Analysis andFinancingMarketing Research
Supply Chain
Management

MBA Research
Seminar III
Submission andexamination of
the final research
project

Special Studies* Students must complete or test out of Survival Japanese (1 and 2) in order to enroll in this course.
11 GSM Curriculum

The following list is composed of companies and organizations where MBA students have interned*,in some cases for the fulfillment of their graduate thesis requirement (per the internship-based case study option).

Internships
Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.

INTAGE Inc.

Shochu Shiratsuyu

Asian Development Bank, the Philippines

Kyosan Electric

3Any Inc.

Arcterus Co., Ltd.

British American Tobacco Japan, Ltd.
Catalyst K.K.

Convention Linkage, Inc.
Fisco Japan Co., Ltd.

Japan Tourism Marketing Co.
Lenovo, China

Oita Transportation Co., Ltd.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers Co., Ltd.
7-Eleven Malaysia

Tech Health Solutions LLC
United Nations ESCAP, Thailand
United Nations University
VINAFCO, Vietnam

Voith Fuji Hydro K.K.

*Please note that APU does not guarantee internships to students. Students must seek them independently.

“My top three reasons for choosing APU’s MBA program were the active learning curriculum, themulticultural environment, and the ability to learn foundation Japanese at the same time. With
enough determination to make the most of the two-year program, you can graduate from APU
with a very strong profile: a global-minded MBA holder who can speak multiple languages.”

Avila Carlo Irawan (Indonesia, Graduated in 2017)
Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting, Indonesia
Graduate School of Management 12

GSA Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies

Yoichiro Sato, Ph.D. (Japan)
Professor and Dean of the Graduate School ofAsia Pacific Studies
Degree:Ph.D. in Political Science (University of Hawaii, USA)
M.A. in International Studies (University of South Carolina, USA)
M.Sc. in Politics (University of Oregon, USA)
Research Fields:
Politics, International Relations

MASTER’S PROGRAMS
Master’s Program in Asia Pacific Studies
The Master’s Program in Asia Pacific Studies aims to

educate and transform students into competent leaders

ready to handle challenges facing the Asia Pacific region.
Individuals embarking on this program should possess ahigh-level interest in research pertaining to one of two
specializations: International Relations or Society andCulture. The broad range of issues addressed in these

specializations are supported by four pillars: analyticalfoundation courses, core courses on the Asia Pacificregion, division-specific courses, and research-oriented

intensive seminar courses. Under the supervision of theirchosen faculty advisors, students will formulate andconduct research that systematically reflects knowledge

gained through coursework as well as fieldwork in the Asia
Pacific region.

Master’s Program in International
Cooperation Policy
The Master’s Program in International Cooperation Policy

aims to cultivate human resources who will contribute to apeaceful and mutually beneficial coexistence in the Asia
Pacific region. Individuals entering this program should

possess the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives intheir research and will frame their studies around one offour specializations: International Public Administration,
Sustainability Science, Tourism and Hospitality, andDevelopment Economics. Students can further build upon
their current knowledge and cultivate their research skills
through a variety of workshops and seminars offeredthroughout the year where they can exchange ideas withleaders within their respective fields. By graduation, they
will develop the practical problem-solving skills andcreativity required for sustainable development within the
Asia Pacific region.
13 Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies

The Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies aims to shape a better world
by cultivating individuals with broad knowledge across the social sciences.
GSA students develop the practical problem-solving skills required tocontribute to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific region.
The interdisciplinary programs, conducted fully in English and led byfaculty with experience in distinguished organizations around the world,
challenge students’ critical thinking, creativity, and passion for action andchange. The GSA community—vibrant, stimulating, diverse, andmulticultural—supports learners in the pursuit of excellence, mutual
respect, understanding, and cooperation in a globalizing world. Alumni,
now spread across the globe and well-positioned in their respective fields,
broaden the vast network available to GSA students as they pursue theiracademic and career goals.

OVERVIEW

Student Demographics

Asia Pacific Studies (APS)
Degree:Divisions:

Master of Science in Asia Pacific Studies
International Relations (IR)Society and Culture (SC)
Enrollment Semesters: April, September
Program Duration:
2 years*
Yearly Intake:15 students
Total Tuition:
2,800,000 JPY (subject to change)

146 Students

1025 Alumni

International Cooperation Policy (ICP)
Degree:Divisions:

Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy
International Public Administration (IPA)
Development Economics (DE)
Sustainability Science (SS) (includes IMAT)
Tourism and Hospitality (TH)Enrollment Semesters: April, September
Program Duration:
2 years*
Yearly Intake:45 students
Total Tuition:
2,800,000 JPY (subject to change)

63 Countries andRegions Represented
by GSA Students*Accelerated completion in 1 or 1.5 years may be possible upon further examination after enrollment. The
total tuition for the programs will not change even if you complete your degree before the standard periodof completion.

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies 14

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (IR)Master of Science in Asia Pacific Studies

Hidetaka Yoshimatsu, Ph.D., Professor andDivision Head (Japan)
Degree: Ph.D. in International Relations (Australian National University, Australia),
M.Sc. in International Relations (Warwick University, UK)
Research Fields: International Relations, International Political Economy, Regional
Studies (East Asia)“The International Relations division at APU provides a range of opportunities for students todeepen their knowledge of current international issues and develop the research skills
necessary to have a strong impact on the global stage. Students who take advantage of theopportunities available here will find that careers in international organizations, academia,
diplomacy, corporate leadership, government services, media, and many other fields will
become open to them.”

DIVISION OVERVIEWThe International Relations division is aimed at expanding
students’ empirical knowledge base and sharpening theiranalytical and theoretical thinking skills regarding social,political, economic, and security phenomena in the

globalizing world. The courses in this division provide a

useful knowledge base for both academic-bound students
and practitioner-bound students with intended careers insecurity, diplomacy, and media. While taking subjects suchas international security, international law, and conflict
resolution, students also focus on writing a thesis or
research report.

MAJOR SUBJECTSRegionalism and Globalization
International Law

International Political Economy

Comparative Politics and Government
Conflict Resolution

International Security
Special Studies

Seminars, conferences, and symposiums heldby APU invite speakers from outside theuniversity to enhance network building andinformation sharing. Dr. Michael Reiterer(pictured above), a distinguished professor
and retired EU ambassador, was welcomed inJune 2022 to speak at a seminar held by the
Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies(RCAPS) titled “The EU’s strategy in the
Indo-Pacific region”.

“Not only did the courses challenge me to think in depth and analytically about international
affairs, the multicultural environment allowed me to do so with a worldwide network of friends
and classmates whose different perspectives acted as precious learning resources duringclassroom discussions. Additionally, the ample opportunities for research funding andassistance gave me the invaluable experience of presenting my research at reputableinternational conferences around the world.”
Dinar Swastiningtyas Theosa (Indonesia, Graduated in 2017)
Consultant, MUFG Bank Group, Indonesia

15 International Relations

Society and Culture (SC)Master of Science in Asia Pacific Studies

Kaori Yoshida, Ph.D., Professor and Division Head (Japan)
Degree: Ph.D. in Asian Studies (University of British Columbia, Canada), M.A. in
Communication Studies (University of Calgary, Canada), M.Ed. in Language Education(Fukuoka University of Education, Japan)
Research Fields: Media and Cultural Studies, Gender and Ethnicity in Media, Media andPolitics, Popular Culture, Dark Tourism“In the Society and Culture division, students deepen their knowledge of the rapid transformations
taking place in the age of globalization through the lens of media, society, and culture. Students
also gain practical knowledge through courses on theory and research methodologies in thesocial sciences. Placed in the unique multicultural environment at APU, the division trains our
graduate students to become specialists on the sociopolitical issues that characterize our time,
while acquiring the cosmopolitan dispositions required to excel on the global stage.”

DIVISION OVERVIEWThe Asia Pacific is one of the most rapidly developing regions inrecent decades. To capture the patterns of social and culturalchanges occurring, the Society and Culture division is devoted

to promoting comparative academic research on the region.
Students acquire practical skills in formulating andconducting research using theories and methods

developed in sociology, cultural anthropology, media, andcommunication studies. With knowledge concerning the socialand cultural backgrounds of the countries and regions of the

Asia Pacific, graduates of the program have greater access toemployment opportunities in government, industry,

commerce, and academia.

MAJOR SUBJECTS
Changing Social Landscapes
Media and Communication

Numerous conferences and workshops give
students opportunities to present theirresearch progress, receive feedback, and gain
experience giving academic presentations.

Migration and Trans-Nationalism

Social Organizations and Institutions
Sociology and Everyday Life
Cultural Change
Special Studies“Due to my desire to pursue a career in academic work related to the field of Japanese popular
culture, I was motivated to join the Society and Culture division. The professors in this division
specialize in a broad range of topics and encourage their students to analyze their lectures
critically. By interacting and discussing directly with these professors and my classmates, I havebroadened my perspectives both academically and professionally as a global-minded citizen.”
Alisha Rabuepin (Thailand, Graduated in 2018)
Sales Support Representative, Farm Frites International B.V., Thailand

Society and Culture 16

International Public Administration (IPA)
Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy

Yoichiro Sato, Ph.D., Professor, Dean andDivision Head (Japan)
Degree: Ph.D. in Political Science (University of Hawaii, USA), M.A. in International
Studies (University of South Carolina, USA)
Research Fields: Politics, International Relations“Our global society is changing rapidly and drastically. While conflict and friction are bound tooccur, we are living in a mutually-dependent society where people, goods, money, andinformation move freely beyond borders. We must tackle global issues to achieve sustainable
development. Under such circumstances, domestic public policy may affect and/or be affectedby the public policies of other countries. In this sense, collaborative action among the various
societies is a key to solving issues. The International Public Administration division addresses
these topics and explores various solutions and measures to improve our society and future.”

DIVISION OVERVIEWThe International Public Administration division is aimed atproviding knowledge and skills to those who are interested
in pursuing an advanced career in national andinternational governmental organizations. This divisionenables students to improve professional and practical skills
to manage and evaluate administrative operations andpolicies in national, regional, and global settings. The

subjects in this division relate to international organizations,international cooperation policy, and public administrationand form the foundation on which each student can further
build a more focused study depending on their intended
policy field.

MAJOR SUBJECTS

To graduate, all students must submit a final project, either in theform of master’s thesis or a research report. Seminar subjects aredesigned to support students as they begin preliminary reading
and research, determine a research topic, and start systematic
research and data collection.

Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation

International Public Administration
International Organizations
Project Management

Planning and Evaluation

Community Development
Special Studies“Becoming a graduate student at APU has been one of my best life decisions so far. Supportive
faculty and in-depth academics provide me with knowledge and skills necessary for my future
career in international public administration. With students from all over the world, the lecturesand discussions involve interesting, real-world applications of theoretical knowledge. In addition
to studying, APU’s international cultural events, field trips, and social events bring me a sense ofcommunity and understanding that makes me more confident to pursue my dreams.”
Nguyen Quynh Hoa (Viet Nam, Graduated in 2020)
Lecturer, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Viet Nam

17 International Public Administration

DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS (DE)Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy

Koichi Yamaura, Ph.D., Associate Professor andDivision Head (Japan)
Degree: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics (Kansas State University, USA), M.A. in
Agricultural Economics (Kansas State University, USA)
Research Fields: Food and Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics“Our faculty members have experience working with various international organizations such as
the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and Asian
Productivity Organization. Many of our students represent various developing regions and areworking on different issues of development economics in their own countries. As a student, youwill interact with other students who have a range of job experiences in their home countries
alongside whom you can prepare yourself for a career in international development on theworld stage.”

DIVISION OVERVIEWThe Development Economics division is aimed at those who areinterested in the socio-economic issues of the developing world.
Study in this division enables students to improve their critical andanalytical skills in many areas of development economics,
including industrial development, social development, politicaldevelopment, rural development, and poverty alleviation. Students
are also able to enhance their professional, practical, and researchskills related to international development. This division also aims
to enhance the development of research skills in this field for
those wishing to pursue further study. The knowledge and skills
obtained will provide a wide variety of employment opportunities
in international organizations, national and local governments,
international development agencies, NGOs, and development
consultancy firms.

APU alumni shape the world daily through their work acrossvarious fields, industries, and sectors. One such GSA graduate,
Shirin Amonzoda (pictured above), was appointed Tajikistan’s
Minister of Labor in November 2020.

MAJOR SUBJECTSDevelopment Economics
Macroeconomics
Development Finance
Comparative Economic Development
Microeconomics
Community Development
Special Studies“At APU I was given the opportunity to experience the intricacies of enriching cultures withunique people from all parts of the world. The knowledge and skills I gained from interacting withmany different people allowed me to expand my own range of thought. As a result, I was I able towork more effectively as I organized and implemented social programs, workshops, andawareness campaigns through my local government after graduating.”
Mirna G. De La Portilla F. (Mexico, Graduated in 2013)
Consultant at Servicios, Productos Industriales y Construcción, Mexico

Development Economics 18

Sustainability Science (SS)
Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy

Hiromi Yamashita, Ph.D., Professor andDivision Head (Japan)
Degree: Ph.D. (University of Birmingham, UK)
Research Fields: Environmental Sociology, Environmental Communication, Public
Participation in Decision Making, Coastal Wetlands Restoration Projects, Ramsar
Convention and Local Implementation“Due to climate change and other threats to the planetary boundaries, we must accelerate thetransitions to sustainable development, which will bring both challenges and chances to all ourenvironmental, social, and economic systems. Our experienced faculty members in the
Sustainability Science division are fully committed to helping students develop outstanding
research and problem-solving skills that will contribute to their future careers involving
transitions towards sustainability.”

DIVISION OVERVIEWThe Sustainability Science division focuses on the application ofscience for achieving the goals of sustainable development. Thisdivision analyzes the planning and implementation of policies andactions that deal with the relationship between society and nature
with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable future for all.

Study involves the scientific understanding of society-natureinteractions; linking research with policy and actions; generating
new knowledge, tools and techniques; and enhancing scientificand institutional capability for promoting sustainability andresilience. Students are expected to gain a holistic perspective,

integrative skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge as they engage

APU offers a wide range of clubs and circles for students whowish to connect with peers, the local community, and nature.
Environmental Community for Sustainability (ECOS) (pictured
above) is a student organization that has collaborated with thelocal community to bring fireflies back to Beppu City’s urban area.

in analyzing and managing particular problems and issues of
population-resource-technology-institution interactions.

MAJOR SUBJECTS
Environment and Natural Resources Conservation
Advanced Environmental Geosciences

Environmental Policy, Law and Administration
Environmental Economics
Urban Sustainability
Industrial Ecology
Special Studies“During the master’s program at APU, I met students from dozens of different countries withdifferent religions, cultures, and perspectives. We all dreamed of fulfilling our personal goals andmaking a difference in our home countries. My professors helped me to comprehensively
understand Japan’s urban management policies, and as a result I am optimistic and firmly
believe that I can make a great contribution to the improvement of Shanghai’s environment.”
Limin Qiu (China, Graduated in 2014)
Principal Staff Member, Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau, China

19 Sustainability ScienceINTERNATIONAL MATERIALFLOW MANAGEMENT (IMAT)
Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy (APU)
Master of Engineering in International Material Flow Management(Trier University of Applied Sciences)
Faezeh Mahichi, Ph.D., Associate Professor
and IMAT Program Coordinator (Iran)
Degree: Ph.D. in Life Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan)
Research Fields: Social-Ecological Systems

Peter Heck, Dr., Professor
and IMAT Program Director (Germany)
Degree: Ph.D. in Geography (Saarland University, Germany)
Research Fields: Regional Material Flow Management, Zero
Emission and Circular Economy, Green Technology, Green Financeand Regional Added Value, Bio-Economy, Green Growth, Climate
Protection and Biodiversity

PROGRAM OVERVIEWIMAT is a dual-degree program managed jointly by APU and the Institute of Applied Material Flow Management (IFaS), an

innovative research institute of the Trier University of Applied Sciences. Students spend their first year studying at APU andtheir second year at the Zero-Emission Campus Birkenfeld in Germany.

The program offers integrated knowledge in engineering, economics, and law, as well as in the natural and social sciences.
In addition to the learning goals of the Sustainability Science division, the program’s multidisciplinary courses and intensive
modules prepare students to become young professional in zero emission systems design with profound knowledge inrenewable energy, integrated water resource management and other sustainable community development areas. Students will
also have the opportunity to conduct field work in Japan and participate in an internship in Germany.

MAJOR SUBJECTSGreenhouse Gas Abatement Strategies and Carbon Trading
Zero Emission, Circular Economy and Regional Material
Flow Management
Principles of Industrial Material Flow Management
Regional Material Flow Management“Studying in IMAT has allowed me to discover, develop, and enhance my own potential. Due tothe variety of lecturers from academic, governmental, and business backgrounds as well as the
cross-cultural experiences that APU in Japan and IfaS in Germany offer, I have gained
confidence in international cooperation, broadened my horizons, and nurtured my passion in thisinnovative and emerging field of study.”
Ulrike Kirschnick (Germany, Graduated in 2018)
Project Manager, IfaS (Trier University of Applied Sciences), Germany

International Material Flow Management 20

Tourism and Hospitality (TH)Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy

Thanh Huong Bui, Ph.D., Professor
and Division Head (Viet Nam)
Degree: Ph.D. in Tourism Management (Griffith University, Australia), M.B.A.
(Waseda University, Japan), M.A. in Tourism Management (Griffith University,
Australia)
Research Fields: Tourism Resource Management, Tourism Economics, Business andCommerce“Tourism is the interdisciplinary crossing and integration of knowledge in geography, sociology,
anthropology, development, governance, environment, economics, and management. Being
one of the world’s largest industries, tourism has contributed significantly to the global
economy, along with considerable environmental and socio-cultural impacts on local
communities. Comprehensive understanding of the discipline from both theoretical andpractical perspectives, from global to local scales, thus demands a holistic approach tolearning and research.”

DIVISION OVERVIEW
Tourism is a fast growing economic sector that transforms

societies and communities in the Asia Pacific region. The Tourism
and Hospitality division looks at various aspects of mass andalternative tourism and the economic, social, cultural, andenvironmental impacts on societies and communities. The divisionalso studies the theory and practice of hospitality management as
it relates to the tourism, service, health, and welfare industries.
The knowledge and academic/professional skills that students

obtain are useful for a wide variety of employment opportunities ingovernment service, international organizations, and private
corporations, as well as for further study.

DIVISION SUBJECTSTaking advantage of APU’s location in Beppu city, the hot spring
capital of Japan, the Tourism and Hospitality division and its
faculty have actively contributed to the local revitalization throughtourism.

Tourism Economics

Cultural and Heritage Tourism
Environmental Tourism

Community Based Tourism

Health and Wellness Tourism
Tourism Policy and Planning
Special Studies“Joining the Tourism and Hospitality division at APU was a significant milestone in my career which
created immense opportunities to learn and interact with different cultures and environments, whiledeveloping social interaction and international communication skills. The courses, field studies, andinternships the program provided enhanced my knowledge and skills in developing policy, and helped
me gain the abilities that I know I’ll need to contribute to developing sustainable tourism in my country.”
Ella Lynthia Simata (Solomon Islands, Graduated 2019)
Deputy Provincial Secretary (Isabel Province), Ministry of Provincial Government andInstitutional Strengthening, Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Islands

21 Tourism and Hospitalitycurriculum

Graduate school of asia pacific studies

A minimum of 32 credits is required for program completion. All subjects in the chart below are awarded two credits upon successful
completion. Basic Japanese language subjects are available for those who are interested in studying Japanese but do not fulfill any credit
requirements.

Course Names and Semester Distribution
First Year
1st Semester
Analytical
Foundation
Subjects(4 credits)

2nd Semester

Second Year
3rd Semester

4th Semester

Research Methods
and Academic Writing
Information
Resources andData Analysis
Public Health in the Asia PacificCore Subjects
on the Asia
Pacific Region(4 credits or more)IR

Tourism in the Asia Pacific
Politics and Economics in the Asia PacificSocial and Cultural Processes
in the Asia Pacific
Environment and Sustainable
Development in the Asia PacificRegionalism and Globalization

Comparative Politics and Government

International Law

International Security

International Political Economy

Special Studies

Lecture Subjects

Conflict Resolution

SC

Changing Social Landscapes

Social Organizations and Institutions

Media and Communication

Sociology of Everyday Life

Migration and Trans-nationalism

Special Studies

Cultural Change

Major
Subjects(10 credits
or more)DE

Development Economics

Microeconomics

Macroeconomics

Community Development

Development FinanceSpecial Studies

Comparative Economic Development

IPA

Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation

International Public Administration

Project Management

Community Development

International Organizations

Special Studies

Planning and Evaluation

SS

Environment andNatural Resources Conservation
Urban Sustainability

Advanced Environmental Geosciences
Environmental Policy, Law and Administration

Industrial Ecology

TH

Environmental Economics

Special Studies

Tourism Economics

Health and Wellness Tourism

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Tourism Policy and Planning

Environmental Tourism

Special Studies

Community Based Tourism

Core Related
Subjects

Seminars(4 credits or more)

Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Marketing Strategy

Hospitality Management

Marketing ResearchInformation Technology
and Operations Management

Management Information Systems

Product Development Strategy

Advanced Data Analysis and Statistics

Research Project I

Database Management

Research Project II

Research Project III

Final Research Project

Research proposal
submission

Research progresspresentation

Submission andexamination of the
final research project
GSA Curriculum 22

Ph.D. Asia Pacific Studies
Doctoral Program

DOCTORAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The developing world is in great need of internationallyminded individuals who possess specialized knowledge andskills. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly common forinternational aid organizations to enlist the professional
guidance of doctoral graduates. The Graduate School of Asia
Pacific Studies doctoral program at APU aims to produce
independent individuals capable of conducting high-levelresearch. This involves gaining expertise in theoretical andempirical approaches for investigation, acquiring in-depth
knowledge of the Asia Pacific region, collecting and analyzing
data, and drawing practical solutions for complicated issues
in a comprehensive and integrative manner. Alumni of thisprogram become distinguished leaders and take on
prominent roles in advanced institutions for research andhigher education around the world.

DOCTORAL SUPERVISORS
Thanh Huong Bui, Ph.D., Professor
Human Geography, Social Psychology, Tourism Management andDevelopment, Sustainability and Resilience
Nader Ghotbi, Ph.D., Professor
Public Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics,
Environmental Economics, Ethics and Philosophy, Bioethics

Student Demographics

24 Students

109 Alumni

15 Countries andRegions Represented
by Ph.D. Students

Yoichiro Sato, Ph.D., Professor
Politics, International Realations
Yasushi Suzuki, Ph.D., Professor
Fiscal Studies/Finance Theory, Theoretical Economics,
Institutional Economics, Political Economy
Hiroshi Todoroki, Ph.D., Professor
Geography, Area Studies, Human Geography

Ji Han, Ph.D., Professor
Urban Ecology, Material Metabolism, Low-carbon City/Transport, Livable
City, Circular Economy, Ecosystem Services, GIS and Remote Sensing

M. Kazem Vafadari, Ph.D., Professor
Cultural Heritage Management, Ecotourism, Agriculture Heritage
Tourism, Community Based Tourism and Rural Tourism

Thomas E. Jones, Ph.D., Professor
Environmental Policy, Nature-Based Tourism, Protected Areas,
Regional Development

Tatsufumi Yamagata, Ph.D., Professor
Development Economics, Textile Industry, Bangladeshi Economy,
Health and Development, Disability and Development

Yoshinori Kaseda, Ph.D., Professor
Politics, International Relations
Takuro Kikkawa, Ph.D., Professor
Politics, Area Studies, International Relations

Hiromi Yamashita, Ph.D., Professor
Environmental Sociology, Environmental Communication, Public
Participation in Decision Making, Coastal Wetlands Restoration
Projects, Ramsar Convention and Local Implementation

Yan Li, Ph.D., Professor
Environmental Policy, City Planning, Regional Planning, Traffic
Engineering, Social System Engineering

Hidetaka Yoshimatsu, Ph.D., Professor
International Relations, International Political Economy, Regional
Studies (East Asia)

Peter Mantello, Ph.D., Professor
Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots, Human-Machine Relations,
Emotional AI, Malicious AI, Surveillance Systems, Predictive
Policing, Videogame Theory, Conflict Media

Yukio Yotsumoro, Ph.D., Professor
Sociology, Tourism

Serik Meirmanov, Ph.D., Professor
General Life Science, Social Psychology, Human Genetics, Human
Pathology, Public Hygiene Studies/Health Science
Kaoru Natsuda, Ph.D., Professor
International Development Studies, International Political
Economy, Economic Policy, Industrial Development, Rural andCommunity Development, Automotive Industry, Apparel Industry
Davar Pishva, Ph.D., Professor
Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), Simulation andModeling (SaM), Decision Science (DS)23 Ph.D. Asia Pacific Studies

Yiyang Sun, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Information Network, Web Informatics, Service Informatics,
Management, Commerce
Utpal Vyas, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Area Studies (East Asia), Politics, International Relations, Area
Studies (European Union), Political Economy
Koichi Yamaura, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Food and Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics
Seung Ho Youn, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Tourism Management, Tourism Behavior and Psychology,
Tourism/Destination Marketing, Cultural Tourism

Asia Pacific Studies
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Asia Pacific Studies
Enrollment Semesters: April, September
Program Duration: 3 years*
Yearly Intake: 10 students
Total Tuition: 4,300,000 JPY (subject to change)*Accelerated completion in 2 years may be possible upon further examination
after enrollment. The total tuition for the program will not change even if you
complete your degree before the standard period of completion.

PH.D. CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
Subjects

1st Year

Lecture Subjects, Seminars,
Research Paper

2nd YearSeminars, Research Paper,
Tutorials, Presentations

3rd YearSeminars, Tutorials

Completion of the doctoral program requires fulfillment of doctoral coursework inaddition to submission and approval of a final dissertation.

“Getting my doctorate at APU allowed me to conduct field work both within Japan and throughout Southeast Asia. This
research that culminated in my dissertation also lead to additional peer-reviewed publications and my own book. I wasfortunate to also work with my supervisor on JICA international development projects, which gave me practical skills intraining, evaluation, and program design needed for my career. This experience helped me learn about emergent leadershipand gain the global perspective necessary to start my own evaluation and organization development consultancy andcontribute to the global community as the representative to the UN for the International Association for Community Development.”
Dr. Cindy Lyn Banyai (USA, Graduated in 2010)
US Congressional Candidate, Founder and Principal of Banyai Evaluation & Consulting, LLC, andAdjunct Faculty, Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Florida Gulf Coast University, USA
Ph.D. Asia Pacific Studies 24

RESEARCH

APU is involved in a range of research projects in accordance with the needs of international society and the Japanesenational research policy.

Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies (RCAPS)

Support for Graduate School Students

RCAPS was established in 1996 with a mission to promote andfoster research into the multi-faceted developments andchallenges that face the Asia Pacific region in the 21st century. It
provides valuable opportunities for research activities bysponsoring annual conferences and coordinating seminars
throughout the year.

RCAPS provides financial subsidies for graduate school students
to support them in their research endeavors.

Asia Pacific Conference (AP Conference)
The AP Conference is an international academic conference held
once a year at APU. Researchers and students from around theworld participate to present their research and academic
perspectives. In 2019, approximately 200 presenters and 350
participants from 20 countries gathered on APU’s campus for the
conference.

Academic Journals· The RCAPS Journal is a non-refereed academic journal. The
editorial board conducts screening of all submissions. It is open
to graduate school students.
· RCAPS Working Paper Series/DOJO is an online series in which
students/young researchers can publish their papers withcomments by senior researchers for free.

Master’s Field Research Support Subsidy

Master’s students may receive up to 75,000 JPY once in either
their second or third semester for travel expenses (transportation
and accommodation fees) incurred while undertaking fieldresearch or presenting a paper at academic conferences.

Ph.D. Research Support Subsidy

Ph.D. students may receive this subsidy for various research
activities such as participating in conference presentations, fieldresearch, academic programs or publishing papers in an
academic journal. They may receive up to 100,000 JPY a year.

Seminars
There are many seminars to support students and researchers at
APU.
· RCAPS Onigiri Seminars invite speakers from outside APU toenhance network building and information sharing in Asia
Pacific Studies.
· Current Research Seminars enable APU faculty members topresent their latest research.
For more information, please refer to the website below:

www.apu.ac.jp/rcaps

25 Research

CAREER PATHWAYS
Global Opportunities
Students have access to and support from a worldwide network which consists of international heads of state,ambassadors, and industry leaders (APU Advisory Committee), distinguished researchers from around the world (Academic
Advisors), and institutions associated with APU’s faculty members. This network also includes APU alumni who work in anarray of fields and industries across the globe. Utilizing this network is indispensable for our students’ careers.

Numerous seminars, workshops, and presentations by professionals working in the field today give students a clear pictureof the kind of career options available to them, the current skills being sought by employers, and the type of work that suits

them best. In addition, both our faculty and students also provide various consultation services to local industries and haveopportunities to interact with executives at the front lines of change in their respective industries.
Proficiency in Japanese language is often a prerequisite for those seeking employment in Japan.

EXAMPLE ALUMNI CAREER PATHS
Graduate School of Management
Companies

BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc., Japan
Bloomberg, Japan
Creed Group, Indonesia
ESD Technology Co., Ltd., Thailand
Ecopetrol S. A., Colombia
ExxonMobil Corporation, Thailand
GUCCI Group, Japan
Hikari Kikai Seisakusho Co., Ltd.,Japan
KPMG, Japan
Kyosan Electric Manufacturing Co.
Ltd., Japan
LEOC Co. Ltd., JapanLa Casa Del Jade, Guatemala
Lenovo Group, Ltd., China
Marsh Japan, Inc., Japan

Michael Page, Japan
NCH Corporation, USA
NTT Docomo, Inc., Japan
National Bank of Ethiopia
Nippon Steel and Sumikin Bussan India
Pvt. Ltd., India
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Japan
Oita Bank, JapanPOSCO-America, Mexico
Procter and Gamble Co., Poland
Siam Cement Group, Thailand
Skylight Consulting, Inc., Japan
Tata Consultancy Services Japan
Unilever, Indonesia
Voyagin, Japan

Government Offices

Andhra Pradesh State Department,
India
Consulate General of the Socialist
Republic of Viet Nam in Fukuoka,
Japan
Ministry of Finance, Indonesia
Ministry of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam
Ministry of Mines and Petroleum,
Afghanistan
Ministry of Transport, Kenya
State Customs Service, Kyrgyz Republic

Organizations

Fobang Foundation, Cameroon
World Wide Fund for Nature, Zimbabwe

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
Companies

Bosch Corporation, Japan
Cotopaxi Energy Limited, India
Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC,Japan
EATALY Asia Pacific, Japan
Fraunhofer IGB, Germany
Fujitsu Marketing Ltd., Japan
General Motors Powertrain, Uzbekistan
H.I.S. Co., Ltd., Japan
Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan
K.K., Japan
Industrial Decisions Inc., JapanJTB Pte Ltd., Singapore, JapanKT Accounting Co., Ltd., Viet Nam
KTC Holdings, JapanNEC Corporation, Japan
National Park Resorts of Japan,
KYUKAMURA, JapanTSUBASA Corporation, Japan

Government Offices

Chinese Academy of Sciences
Department of Foreign Affairs,
the Philippines
Korea Development Institute, Korea
Ministry of Economic Development,
Tajikistan
Ministry of Education, Myanmar
Ministry of Energy and Water,
Afghanistan
Ministry of Finance and Planning,
Sri Lanka
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
Ministry of Industry and Commerce,
Laos
National Tourism Administration, China
The Embassy of Angola, JapanThe Embassy of Israel, JapanThe Embassy of Mexico, Japan

Organizations

Asian Development Bank, the Philippines
Medecins Sans Frontieres, Hong Kong
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation),Japan
National Medical Research Institute,
Mongolia
The Sino-Japan Friendship Center for
Environmental Protection, China
UNICEF Cambodia Office
Uganda Network of AIDS Service
Organizations

Academic Careers

Health Sciences University of Mongolia
Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh
Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan
National College of Tourism, Tanzania
National Taiwan University
University of Queensland, Australia

Career Pathways 26

Student life AND Facilities

Facilities

Living Costs

APU’s classrooms are equipped with audiovisual and

The average monthly living expenses for students at APU

conferences and seminars occurring in other parts of theto 100,000 JPY including accommodation. Students cancomputer technology, enabling our students to take part inworld in real time. The APU library, part of the Ritsumeikan
Network, allows students to access over 2.3 million books
and publications. Graduate students have their own

vary depending on lifestyle but usually range from 70,000
purchase reasonably priced meals at our cafeteria, which
offers an array of Japanese and international cuisine.

lounge, lockers, and computer rooms in the Faculty Office

Events on Campus

supervisors during office hours.

The campus becomes very lively during events such as

Building where they can easily consult with their

Multicultural Weeks and the annual cultural festival

Tenkusai. These events are organized to showcase theStudent Life
Student life at APU is an international experience like noother. The multicultural diversity of campus provides amultitude of languages, cultures, and talents of our student
body through food, dance, film, music, and various
performances.

unique environment for students to improve their

Accommodation

Student Office at APU provides a range of services for

All graduate students are entitled to a room in one ofhomestay programs, accommodations, and visa renewal.

4, which helps them adapt to their new life in Japan andshould students encounter any problems or need advice.

month, all rooms are equipped with basic facilities,

all over the world, with countless small comforts foundcampus. If students wish to live in different off-campus

meant for meditation, prayer, and other forms of calm

find other affordable options, as Beppu is considerably

APU Cafeteria's halal-friendly favorites such as Thai curryand shared housing. Students can also get assistance incommunication skills and expand their networks. The
students in terms of club activities, local exchange,

APU’s student housing facilities, AP House 3 or AP House

A health clinic and counseling rooms are also available

concentrate on their studies. At 33,000–49,000 JPY per

APU makes efforts to cater to the needs of students from

including internet access. Both housings are located off

throughout campus—from areas like the Quiet Space,housing or if they are coming with their family, they canreflection, to a wide variety of foods available, including

less expensive than other Japanese cities for both private

and Japanese fried eggplant.

locating and renting accommodations from Creotech, a

27 Student Life and Facilities

university-affiliated company.

Beppu CityAPU is located in Beppu, a small city of 120,000 inhabitants located on the coast of Kyushu, the southernmost major islandin the Japanese archipelago. The city is famous for its abundance of onsen (hot spring baths), and 140,000 tons of watergush daily from over 2,000 sources, second only to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Enclosed by beautiful
mountains and the sparkling Beppu Bay, the city’s historic backstreets and billowing steam clouds give it a peaceful

old-town charm, and it remains a popular tourist destination for Japanese and international tourists alike. Beppu is also amere ten minute train ride from Oita City, a vibrant city of 480,000, which served as a host for the 2002 FIFA© World Cup
Korea/Japan™ and the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019™.

PLACES OF INTEREST

JR Beppu Station

Beppu Hot Spring SteamObservation Deck

Beppu Beach Sand BathB-con Plaza

Beppu ParkUmi Jigoku (Sea Hell)Natural Blue Hot SpringOniishi Bozu Jigoku
Suginoi Palace
Minamitateishi
Park

Shiraike Jigoku

B-con Plaza

Kyus
h

u-od

an R

oad

Kannawa

Beppu City
Traditional Bamboo
Crafts Center

Beppu Art Museum
Beppu
Park

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)Natural Blue Hot Spring

Jigoku Mushi Kobo
(Hot Spring Steamed Dish Cuisine)
Chi-no-ike Jigoku
Netsu-no-yu
Tatsumaki jigoku
Beppu Hot Spring SteamObservation Deck

Beppu Medical Center

Oita Fragrance
MuseumAP House 3

Beppu City Hall

Beppu Police
Stationri
Nagarekawa-do

oriNageshi-d

Akiba-doriKaimonji Onsen
TOKIWA
Department Store

Spa Beach

Beppu Tower

JR Kamegawa Station

JR Beppu Daigaku Station

Mochigahama
Seaside Park
AP House 4

N
JR

ain

oM

ipp

JR Beppu
StationAPU

Yama Jigoku
Kamado Jigoku
Oniyama JigokueLin

Hamada Onsen

Shoningahama Park

Beppu International Port

Beppu Bay

Beppu Beach
Sand BathBeppu Onsen (Hot Springs)

Beppu City 28

HOW TO APPLY
Application 100% Online
Application
Form

ApplicationFee

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
1. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent

OnlineAssessment

Document
Screening

Results

Minimum English Proficiency Requirement

2. English language proficiency test score*

IELTS

3. (MBA applicants only) At least three years offull-time work experience

TOEFL iBT®

TOEIC® L&R

85

800

Test**

6.5

Test**

Cambridge
EnglishLanguage
Assessment

PTE
Academic

176

58*Applicants that have completed a university degree for which the medium of instruction was
English are exempt from submitting an English proficiency test score** TOEIC®, TOEFL® are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS). Thispublication is not endorsed or approved by ETS.

DOCTORAL PROGRAM APPLICATIONSApplicants for the doctoral program must receive a signed Supervisor Confirmation Letter from their desired APU faculty
advisor before submitting their application. The request can be submitted via the APU Admissions website:
http://r.apu.jp/grad

Application Period
Multiple application periods are available for each enrollment semester depending on the applicant's desired program,scholarships, and country or region of residence at the time of application. Visit the APU Admissions website for the latest
application schedule and scholarship-specific deadlines.

April Enrollment

September Enrollment

Applicants outside Japan

September – Mid-October

Applicants outside Japan

September – Late March

Applicants in Japan

September – Early December

Applicants in Japan

September – Late May

Document

Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
Master’s

IMAT

DoctoralGraduate School ofManagement

Personal Statement
Research Proposal/Study Plan
University Graduation Certificate(s) /Certificate of Scheduled Graduation
Curriculum Vitae
English Language Proficiency Documents
Sample Work / List of Research Achievements
Two Letters of Recommendation
Passport Scan
Photographs
Supervisor Confirmation Letter
GMAT® Results, GRE® Results
Certificate of Employment
29 How to Apply

Recommended Recommended

Recommended

Recommended

Cost & Scholarships
COST

SCHOLARSHIPS

Total tuition

GSA (two years)
2,800,000 JPY (25,455 USD*)
GSM (two years)
3,800,000 JPY (34,545 USD*)
Ph.D. (three years) 4,300,000 JPY (39,091 USD*)APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship
The APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship covers 30%, 50%,
65%, 80%, or 100% of your tuition until graduation. Allapplicants are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

One-time fees for enrollment
Admission fee
200,000 JPY (1,818 USD*)

External scholarships
Applicants can apply for various external scholarships at
the time of application:

Comprehensive Renters’ Insurance
Master’s Programs
9,250 JPY
(84 USD*)IMAT Program
5,120 JPY
(47 USD*)
Doctoral Program
13,400 JPY(121 USD*)
AP House Entrance Fee
AP House 3 148,500 – 165,000 JPY (1,350 – 1,500 USD*)
AP House 4 204,500 – 229,000 JPY (1,859 – 2,082 USD*)
Living costs and other fees

Approx. 1,000,000 JPY (9,100 USD*) per year
This includes 49,000 JPY per month for housing,
additional fees, and a typical amount spent on living
costs such as food, books, transportation, etc.
*US dollar amounts are for your reference only and are based on the exchange
rate of $1=110 Japanese yen. All fees must be paid in Japanese yen and are
subject to change. See our website for a detailed breakdown of fees.

MEXT University Recommendation Scholarship
Asian Development Bank - Japan Scholarship Program(ADB-JSP)
African Development Bank - Japan Africa Dream
Scholarship (AfDB-JADS)
Please visit our website for more information concerning
all available scholarships, including their eligibility andapplication requirements: http://r.apu.jp/external

Unsure where to start?
Join our Graduate School
Admissions Webinars

Academic Calendar
April Semester
Entrance Ceremony
first week of April

Entrance Ceremony
fourth week of September
Start of Classes,
First Quartersecond week of April

Start of Classes,
Second Quarter
fourth week of November

Start of Classes,
Second Quartersecond week of June

Start of Summer Breaksecond week of August

September Semester

Summer Session Classes
first week of August

Graduation Ceremony
third week of September

Winter Session Classes
second week of February

Start of Classes,
First Quarterfirst week of October

Winter Break
Fourth week of Dec –first week of January

Start of Spring Breakthird week of February

Graduation Ceremony
third week of March

Cost & Scholarships 30

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Office of International Admissions
1-1 Jumonjibaru, Beppu, Oita, 874-8577 Japan
Tel: +81-977-78-1119
admissions.apu.ac.jp/graduate
Kyoto

APU

Tokyo

FukuokaOsaka

Ritsumeikan.APU
APUAdmissionsOfficeritsumeikanapu
ritsumeikanapu
ritsumeikanapu

Beppu

APU OVERSEAS OFFICESAPU OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVES

CHINA

Hong Kong and Macau

Ritsumeikan Liaison OfficeTel: +86-21-6283-5104
Fax: +86-21-6283-5247
Email: apuchina@apu.ac.jp

INDONESIAAPU Indonesia Information Center
Tel: +62-21-5289-7328/7392
Email: apu-ina@apu.ac.jp
apuindonesiaoffice

KOREA

APU Korea OfficeTel: +82-2-564-3425/3426
Fax: +82-2-564-3427
www.ritsapu-kr.com
Email: hello@ritsapu-kr.com

TAIWANAPU Taiwan OfficeTel: +886-2-7718-8685
Email: taipei@apu.ac.jp
APUTW

THAILANDAPU Thailand OfficeTel/Fax: +66-2-665-7145
Email: thailand@apu.ac.jp
APUThailand

Mr. Daniel Smiley
Tel: +852-6858-5902
E-mail: smileyd@apu.ac.jp

INDIA (North and East)

Ms. Deepti Singh
Ritsumeikan APU Delhi OfficeTel: +91-73037-86004
Email: d-india@apu.ac.jp

INDIA (Central, West and South)
Ms. Ishana Malkani &Ms. Pallavi Pillai
Tel: +91-98-2187-4565 /+91-97690-81898
Email: m-india@apu.ac.jp

Malaysia

Ms. Sookfan Ho
Tel: +6012-219-3312
E-mail: sookfan@apu.ac.jp
Mr. Alex Long
Tel: +60-111-068-0111
E-mail: alexlong@apu.ac.jp

SRI LANKA

Dr. Harin Gunawardena
Tel: +94-714251314

VIET NAM

APU Viet Nam OfficeTel: +84-24-3203-2063
Hotline: +84-981-32-6432
Email: vietnam@apu.ac.jp
apuvietnam

Printed in March 2023

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