English-medium Undergraduate Programs
Admissions in 2024
Kyoto, OsakaJAPANWhy Choose Ritsumeikan?

as of May 2022

as of AY2020

as of May 2022

as of 2023

as of AY2021

as of FY2021

English-medium Undergraduate Programs (4-year full time)
Programs

Degree Offered

Location

Enrollment

Yearly Intake*

Dual /Joint Degrees

GLA

College of Global Liberal Arts
Dual degree program with
the Australian National University

Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts+
Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Affairs

Osaka+
Canberra

April
September

100**

JDP

College of International Relations
American University-Ritsumeikan University
Joint Degree Program

Bachelor of Arts in
Global International Relations

Kyoto+
Washington D.C.

April

25***

Single Degrees

GS

College of International Relations
Global Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts inInternational Relations

Kyoto

April
September

100

CRPS

College of Policy Science
Community and Regional Policy
Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in
Policy Science

Osaka

September

40

ISSE

College of Information Science and Engineering
Information Systems Science andEngineering Course

Bachelor of Engineering

Osaka

April

50

*Subject to change. Includes all admissions methods. Consult each Application Handbook for details.
**The intake includes 10 students enrolling into ANU.
***The intake includes 5 students enrolling into AU.

KYOTO | Kinugasa Campus

OSAKA | Osaka Ibaraki Campus

Life at Ritsumeikan
Academic Calendar

Housing forInternational Students

3 March- Accommodation in a furnished apartment- Student dormitory

4 April

Housing Options
Off-campus apartments and student dormitories areavailable for international students.

7 JulyKyoto - International House (Taishogun, Tokiwa, Utano)
Osaka - OIC International House- OIC Global House (On-campus, available tointernational and Japanese students in theCollege of Global Liberal Arts)
Learn
More

8 August

New Student Orientation(April Enrollment)

Start of Spring Semester
Entrance Ceremony (April Enrollment)
End of Spring Semester
Final Exams (Spring Semester)Summer BreakStart of Fall Semester

en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/student_life/

9 September

New Student Orientation(September Enrollment)

Entrance Ceremony(September Enrollment)

Beyond Borders
Plaza
Global Commons Focused on International
Exchange and Language Learning

11 November Ritsumeikan Festival
12 December Winter Break
1 January
2 February

Learn
More

End of Fall Semester
Final Exams (Fall Semester)Spring Breakwww.ritsumei.ac.jp/bbp/

Student Services

Study Abroad Opportunities
Exchange partners with:
National University of Singapore
Yonsei University
King's College London
Peking University
University of Hong Kong
University of British Columbia
And many more…

146

Partner Institutions in

32

countries

As of May 2022

Students have a wide range of opportunities to go on exchange
and explore the world through study abroad programs.
Ritsumeikan provides students with an array of programs from
1 semester to full 1-year exchanges to meet their study needs.

- Career Planning- Academic Guidance- Visa Application- Housing and Accommodation Support- Study Abroad Support- On-Campus Medical Support
Each college also offers students withguidance and support from higheryear students through Orientation
Coordinators (Oritors).
Students are encouraged to engage
in the hundreds of student sport andcultural organizations and clubs.

Learn
More

en.ritsumei.ac.jp/lifecareer/Student Voices
Visit lp.ritsumei.ac.jp/en/students_voice
to read more Student Voices

01

I think this dual degree program will impact massively in mylife. This program offers me the experience of studying in Japanand also Australia. Aside from experiencing two different new
cultures, we can make a lot of new friends. Studying abroadmust have looked scary at first. You maybe have a lot of doubts
and concerns. However, once you are there and experiencing it,
all of those doubts will be gone.
Clara
Indonesia, College of Global Liberal Arts

02

I chose Ritsumeikan University because I like the academic
atmosphere and the free environment in RU. Ritsumeikan is a very
global university in Japan, which provides many opportunities,
whether academic exchanges with other universities or
employment assistance, which were very attractive to me.
In addition, the ISSE Course offers excellent professional
education and a high degree of compatibility for the future market.
It has an international perspective, and I can communicate andlearn with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Ruihao (Ben)China, Information Systems Science and Engineering Course

03

As the course is about Policy Science, we learn a lot aboutproblems around the world, our different perspectives as
students from different countries, and which kinds of policies
should be applied to solve them. I am also a member of the
Kansai Wall Street Dance Club (277 members), with students
from not only the Osaka Ibaraki Campus, but also othercampuses and universities.
Tran Khanh Linh
Vietnam, Community and Regional Policy Studies Major

04

JDP students learn about Japan’s perspectives over the world
at Ritsumeikan. At American University, they can experience hot
issues on world politics in DC. After finishing my first semesterat AU, I was a little worried about upper level courses coming up
in the next semester, but I was determined to continue my hard
work. Both colleges (AU and RU) are definitely challenging, but it
will help us in the future if we successfully complete the courses.
BrencisSouth Korea, College of International Relations AU- RU Joint Degree Program
Learn
More

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ir/eng/jdp/newslist2018/detail/?news_id=67

Dual degree program with
the Australian National University

College of
Global Liberal
Arts［GLA］

Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts (RU) & Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Affairs (ANU)
The College of Global Liberal Arts (GLA) is the first in Japan to provide a college-wide dual degree program
in collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU).
PROGRAM DESIGNGLA has partnered with the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) to offer
a dual degree program. All students enrolled in this program will have theopportunity to graduate with two degrees—a Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts from
RU, and a Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Affairs from ANU. GLA offers a liberal arts
program with a wide variety of course choices for students to explore, including
Business, Economics, History, Information Science, International Relations,Management, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Biology,
Literature, Physics, Theology, and Journalism. At ANU, students will experience
the dynamism of globalization firsthand and deepen their studies of the AsiaPacific region. GLA also offers Japanese Language Courses for students toobtain high levels of Japanese proficiency by the time they graduate, as well as
individualized career support to assist them to achieve their professional andacademic goals. Let us help you make your dream a reality.

Learning Schedule

at RU ■

1st year

April
Enrollment

Spring 1

September
Enrollment

Fall 1

Fall 2

2nd year

Spring 3

RU Courses

Spring 2

RU Courses

RU+ANU
Courses

Fall 33rd year

Fall 4

Spring 5

Fall 6

Spring 4

Fall 5

Spring 7

Fall 8Learn
More

RU+ANU Courses

ANU Courses

RU+ANU Courses

at ANU ■4th year

Spring 6

ANU Courses

Fall 7

Spring 8

RU+ANU Courses

How toApply

Subject Groups and Course Examples

GLA
[RU]

Foundation Courses

College Writing, Critical Thinking, Foundations in Research Skills

Introductory Courses

Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Historical Sociology,
Introduction to Algorithms and Programming

Intermediate Courses

Japanese Philosophy, Global Historical Sociology, Applied Data Curation

Advanced Courses

Research Seminar and Thesis

Electives

Special Lectures, Japanese Language Course, Career Design

Politics and Government

The Politics of China, Indonesia: Politics, Society, and Development

CAP

International Relations and Security (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula, Politics of Nuclear Weapons[ANU]

Conflict and Peace-building

Leadership and Diplomacy, Environment and Development in the PacificHistory and Cultural Identity

Economies of Emerging Asia, Islam in Southeast Asia

Why GLA?

1

3

World-Class Education that Supports
Carving out Future Careers
Be a part of a world-class education and learn from someof the best academics in the Asia-Pacific region. Graduate
with two bachelor’s degrees from leading universities inAustralia and Japan. The exciting experience of learning inboth environments will expand students’ possibilities andhelp them carve out future careers.

Liberal Arts Education to Nurture Global Citizens
GLA provides students with a flexible yet rigorous
interdisciplinary education through systematic exposure
to fundamental knowledge from diverse disciplines. Upon
successful completion of the program, students willbe trained to apply their acquired knowledge for social
development and problem-solving.

2
4

3 Years at RU in Japan + 1 Year at ANU in Australia
In this 4-year program, students will spend 3 years in total at
RU and 1 year at the ANU Campus in Canberra. They can build
a foundation with ANU faculty members based at RU’s Osaka
Ibaraki Campus (OIC) during their first years in Japan, before
they travel to Australia to study. Upon their return to Japan,
students will continue taking ANU courses, as a culmination of
their studies of Global Liberal Arts and Asia Pacific Affairs.

Truly International Learning Environment
This program effectively engages students in active learningin small classes of 25 students or fewer. Outside of theclassroom, both domestic and international students live
in an on-campus dormitory newly built for GLA students.
This interactive and international learning environment helps
students develop cross-cultural communication skills.

American University - Ritsumeikan University
Joint Degree Program [JDP]

College ofInternational
Relations

Bachelor of Arts in Global International Relations
This program was launched in 2018, the 30th anniversary year of the establishment of the College of International
Relations. This course is the first joint undergraduate degree program between Japan and the United States.
PROGRAM DESIGN
Joint degree programs are collaborative degrees offered by two different
universities with educational and student support systems designed todevelop graduates whose skills and knowledge are in demand. This exciting
program offers students a chance to fully immerse themselves in the culturesand learning environments of Japan and the US. Students at both Ritsumeikan
University (RU) and American University (AU) will form a cohort within andacross academic years, enabling them to learn about each other's culturesand develop their cross cultural communication skills in an interactive learning
environment.

Learning Schedule

at RU ■

1st year

Ritsumeikan
University
HOME

2nd year

3rd yearat AU ■

4th year

Spring 1

Fall 2Spring 3

Fall 4

Spring 5

Fall 6

Spring 7

Fall 8

RU

RU

RU

AU

AU

AU

AU

RU
How toApplyCurriculum
Course Category

Core Courses, Foundation Courses, Research Methodology, Foreign Language
Courses, Thematic Area Courses, Regional Focus, Capstone, Elective

Thematic Areas

In order to learn specialized topics within Global IR systematically, students will
choose their primary and secondary areas of focus from:
Global and Comparative Governance (GCG)
Identity, Race, Gender and Culture (IRGC)
Peace, Global Security and Conflict Resolution (PGSCR)

Why JDP?

1
3

Learn
More

Joint Degree from the Leading IR
Faculties in the US and JapanThe College of International Relations (RU) is recognized
as one of the top institutions in Japan in the field ofinternational relations. The School of International
Services (AU) is a top-10 school of international affairs in
the US. On completion, students will be jointly conferreda Bachelor of Arts degree in Global International Relations
from RU and AU.

Jointly Designed Curriculum
The curriculum is designed jointly by RU and AU.
Students will study in a coherent academic curriculum inEnglish which enables them to earn a joint degree froma Japanese and a US institution. This is the first programof its kind in Japan. Students will acquire a degree that is
unique, distinctive, and highly desirable.

2
4

2 Years in Kyoto and 2 Years inWashington D.C.
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and home to 17
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a famous international
city that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Washington D.C., the center of international politics, isan ideal place to study international relations. Students
will have first-hand experiences through active learning inthese two cities, exchanging ideas with students comingfrom all over the world.

Career Opportunities
The degree provides the chance to pursue career
opportunities in Japan and the US. Alumni of the Collegeof International Relations have found employment
in a wide variety of companies (trading companies,
manufacturing companies, major airlines), institutions(such as embassies, governments), as well as further
studies at graduate schools like Oxford, LSE, UBC,
University of Tokyo, etc. RU and AU will offer joint careeradvice in each country to all JDP students.

College ofInternational
RelationsGlobal Studies Major [GS]Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

The College of International Relations was established in 1988. With more than 30 years of history, theGlobal Studies Major (GS) started its innovative challenge in 2011. GS offers English curriculums andwelcomes students from overseas which add value to our unique and diverse learning environment.
PROGRAM DESIGN
The program is designed to be flexible, with students able to design theirlearning programs based on their interests and career goals. In the first year,
students take a range of introductory and academic skills courses, whichdevelop a foundation for their studies. From the second year, students start
their study of core and area studies courses from the list detailed below.
Second year students also take part in the hands-on Global Simulation
Gaming, a class taken together with Japanese-based students. They
continue to deepen their studies in the third year, particularly through theresearch focused Advanced Seminar, before writing their graduation thesis in
their fourth year.

Cluster Courses
Governance andPeace cluster

International Law, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, International
Human Rights, International Organizations, Global Political Economy,
Comparative and Global Governance

Development andSustainability cluster

Global Environmental Issues, Development Studies, Microeconomics,
International Finance, International Trade and Investment, Global Civil Society
and Development

Culture andSociety cluster

Cultural Awareness and Communication, Media and Society, Topics in
Identity, International Migration, Race and Ethnicity and Modern World, Global
Sociology

Learn
More

How toApply

Area Studies Courses
Japanese Politics, Japanese Society, Japanese Culture, Japanese Economy, Japan-United States
Relations, Special Lecture (Area Studies Courses), Modern Japanese History, Introduction to Area
Studies, Advanced Topics in Area Studies, Foreign Relations of Japan, Business Administration in
Japan, Korean Studies, Contemporary China, United States Politics and Foreign Policy, Southeast AsianStudies

Why GS?

1
3

One of Japan's Leading International
Relations Faculties
The Graduate School of IR is the only full Japanese
member of APSIA (Association of Professional Schoolsof International Affairs). APSIA includes highly advanced
universities in 10 countries, such as Harvard University,
Yale University, National University of Singapore, andothers.

Japanese Language Studies and CrossEnrollment between the English-medium
and the Japanese-medium Majors
International Students take 6 credits of Japanese
language courses in the first year and can take further
Japanese courses in the following years. GS students
with a high level of Japanese language proficiency cantake Japanese IR courses.

2
4

Faculty and Student Diversity
We have faculty members from various countries andregions such as Asia, North America and Europe. In
addition, several professors have experience working at
the UNHCR, the World Bank, as international journalists,
and in a range of other international careers providing
guidance to students from approximately 30 countries
around the world.

Career Opportunities
Graduates have found success in many careers withpositions as diplomats, NGO employees, media
professionals and also employed in international businessfields. GS alumni often pursue further study to deepen
their knowledge at its graduate school but also at otherfamous schools such as Oxford University, Johns Hopkins
University, London School of Economics, University of
British Columbia and others.

Community and Regional Policy
Studies Major [CRPS]

College of
PolicyScience

Bachelor of Arts in Policy Science
Since its launch in 1994, the College of Policy Science has grown considerably and it is now a representativeof Japan's research in this academic field. The Community and Regional Policy Studies Major started in
September 2013.
PROGRAM DESIGNIn the first and second year, students acquire academic and critical thinking
skills, as well as basic knowledge needed to study in the core discipline areasof our program. Several of our courses involve field research with our flagshipOn-site-Research Project program offering exciting opportunities for researchcollaboration with other students either in Japan or abroad. As students
progress through the program, they continually focus on their studies, gaining
more in-depth knowledge and advanced thinking skills in order to prepare for
their advanced Policy Seminar and Case Study Seminar courses in their thirdand fourth year in which students produce a final graduation thesis based on
their original research.

Core Programs
Sustainable Urban Policy

Urban Planning for Sustainable Cities,
Community Safety, Housing and Policy, Disaster Mitigation,
Systems Analysis

Regional Economy and Development

Development Economics, Regional Development,
Economic Institutions, Public Economics,
International Trade and Finance

Multi-level GovernanceInter-Government Relations and Cooperation,
Global Public Policies, Public Management,
Constitutional Law, Social Welfare Policies

Why CRPS?

1
3

Faculty Members from a Variety of
Backgrounds
We have faculty members who specialize in naturalsciences as well as social scientists. The diversityof teaching staff allows students to not only learn
specialized knowledge in various fields, but also how
to analyze issues from a variety of perspectives. Small
classes enable students to receive detailed instruction
from the faculty members.

Instruction in Research Methods
A prime feature of our program is our focus on building
research methods—statistical analysis, as well as
quantitative and qualitative research skills. We believethese skills are critical for analyzing policies and practices
and to be able to develop effective policy solutions to
issues.

2
4

Learn
More

How toApplyPractical Experience Conducting Social
Surveys and Fieldwork
There are many opportunities in our program to do active
field research either in Japan or also abroad. We place
great emphasis on practical training, for example incarrying out social surveys and field research. Studentcentered classes encourage active participation, lively
discussions and dynamic presentations.

Intensive Japanese Language Studies
and Exchange with Japanese Students
We offer Japanese language instruction for beginners up
to advanced level. Learning Japanese will give students
greater opportunities to: study policy science subjects
in Japanese, participate in field research in Japan, join
extracurricular activities, do an internship, and perhaps
get a part-time job. Learning Japanese to an advanced
level could potentially lead to a career within Japan.

Information Systems Scienceand Engineering Course [ISSE]

College ofInformation
Science andEngineering

Bachelor of Engineering
The College of Information Science and Engineering was established in 2004. It is the largest ICT college inJapan that provides education in the main academic fields of computer science.
PROGRAM DESIGN
Students in the Information Systems Science and Engineering Course develop
the information systems engineering skills necessary to work anywhere in
the world and bring imagination and technical competence to every kind of
project and organization, while also maintaining the powerful benefits of theirown unique personalities and cultures. The program lays a foundation in thebasics of engineering and the technical competency to work flexibly with
continually evolving hardware, software, and user needs.

Class Examples

Laboratories

Interactive Systems

Human Interface, Systems Ergonomics

Systems Engineering

Computer Architecture, Databases, Operating
Systems, Computer Networks, Computer
Security

Graphics andVisualization

Computer Graphics, Image Processing,
Data Visualization

Distributed andEmbedded Systems

Network Systems, Distributed Systems,
Introduction to Robotic Systems,
Imperative Programming, Web Information
Engineering

Why ISSE?

1
3

Practice-Oriented
The Information Systems Science and Engineering
Course is project-based learning at its best - offering
practical, hands-on engineering experience to match thedemands of industry leaders in Japan and worldwide. This
practice-oriented education is centered around projectwork throughout the program.

Project-Based Learning
Students join engineering projects from their first yearof study while education is centered around projectwork throughout the program. During the first two years,
students learn various processes of the engineering
product life cycle and teamwork. During the third year,
they are ready to launch their own projects that will lead
into graduation theses.

Visual Information Engineering
Laboratory

Learn
More

e-Society Laboratory
Affective Engineering andComputer Arts Laboratory

How toApplyIntelligent Robotic Systems
Laboratory
Advanced Computer Graphics
and Digital Human Laboratory

2
4

Customizable Education
The Course offers flexible study plans to complement
and foster individual abilities in the best possible way. A
combination of fundamental classic science courses andinterdisciplinary engineering practice disciplines allows
students to learn both for and from doing. The learning
environment as a whole is designed to develop distinctive
talents, embracing diverse personalities who will work
together to innovate the future world.

Global Opportunities
A range of extracurricular programs and internships
provides students with opportunities to test themselvesin the larger world through academic mobility andinteractions with top-level researchers. Graduation
launches students into a new world where they
can continue to work as researchers, product andsystem developers, international project managers,
entrepreneurs, and more.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees (2023 Enrollees)
Program

Admission Fee

Annual Tuition Fee

Dual /Joint Degrees

College of Global Liberal Arts
Dual degree program with
the Australian National University
College of International Relations
American University-Ritsumeikan University
Joint Degree Program

2,300,000 JPY (Approx. 17,037 USD)
200,000 JPY(Approx. 1,481 USD)

Study at RU

Study at AU

1,267,600 JPY

53,070 USD*

(Approx. 9,390 USD)

(12-17.5 Credit hours)

Single Degrees

College of International Relations
Global Studies Major
College of Policy Science
Community and Regional Policy
Studies Major

1,267,600 JPY (Approx. 9,390 USD)

200,000 JPY

1,169,400 JPY (Approx. 8,662 USD)

(Approx. 1,481 USD)

College of Information Science and Engineering
Information Systems Science andEngineering Course

1,570,800 JPY (Approx. 11,636 USD)
* Tuition may change from AY 2023 onwards.

Scholarships and Stipends
Tuition Reduction Scheme
International students (who hold the visa status of residence of [Student] while
studying at RU) are awarded at least a 20% reduction, with 50% and 100% reduction
offered to the most outstanding applicants.

100%• The amount of reduction will be notified with admission results.
• The RU Tuition Reduction Scheme is offered initially for one year, based on students’admission evaluation. For the 2nd and subsequent years, the tuition reduction will beawarded based on students’ grades during the previous year of study.

tuitionwaiver50%
tuitionwaiver*The Tuition Reduction Scheme is confirmed up to 2024 and is subject to change in subsequent years.

Post-Admissions Scholarships Available to International Students

20%

There are a variety of scholarships that students can apply for after the admissions
process. Students are encouraged to research other scholarships and their details.
Examples of scholarships available as of 2022

tuitionwaiver• JASSO Scholarship: 48,000 JPY (356 USD) per month• International Students Assistance Scholarship by RU Faculty/staff: 250,000 JPY(1,852 USD) per year.
• And many more throughout your study, please consult our Scholarships page.
en.ritsumei.ac.jp/current-students/financial-aid/

Program Specific Scholarships and Stipends for
Dual/Joint Degree Programs
For GLA Students

Learn
More

en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/financial_
info/scholarships.html/

Monthly Living Costs in Japan
Accommodation by
University

34,000-60,000 JPY (252-444 USD)

Food

24,680 JPY (183 USD)

Telecommunication

3,110 JPY (23 USD)

Transportations

3,850 JPY (29 USD)

specified in university policies.

Books & Supplies

3,600 JPY (27 USD)

For JDP Students

Entertainment

11,760 JPY (87 USD)

RU Study Abroad Challenge Scholarship

Utilities

7,520 JPY (56 USD)

• 1,000,000 JPY per year for the 2 year period at AU• Awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements

Miscellaneous Expenses

2,310 JPY (17 USD)

TOTAL

90,830-116,830 JPY (673-865 USD)

1. RU Study Abroad Challenge Scholarship*• 300,000 JPY for the 1 year period at ANU
2. College of Global Liberal Arts Scholarship for Study Abroad*• 700,000 JPY for the 1 year period at ANU*Although students can receive both 1 and 2, students may not combine these with other scholarships

The above information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change.
Visit en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/financial_info/scholarships.html/ for details and the latest information.

* Data from University Students’ Life Survey, conducted in 2021 by
National Federation of University Co-operative Association.
* Living costs vary depending on student lifestyle.
*Amounts in USD are for reference only.
(1 USD = 135 JPY, as of Dec. 2022)

Locations

How to Applyen.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/why_rueug/
great_locations.html/

en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/apply/
howto.html/

SAPPORO

KYOTO

1.
TOKYO

2.

Download and Consult
Application Handbook

FUKUOKA

Create your Online
Application System Account

3.

OSAKA

4.

Upload Documents

Pay Application Fee*Please visit our website for details.

Any Questions?
en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/faq_contact/ritsumei

Connect with Us@ritsumeikaniao

For more information

International Admissions Official Website

en.ritsumei.ac.jp/e-ug/

International Admissions Office
Office Hours: 9:00am-5:30pm(JST) Monday to Friday
E-mail: hello@st.ritsumei.ac.jp

Publication Version [March, 2023]
Information in this document is correct and valid as of publication date.
Interviews and opinions expressed are each individual’s and separate of Ritsumeikan University.
Students’ degree major, portrait and report on all pages are correct as of date when interviewed.
Visit the International Admissions Office website for the latest information.