WAGING PEACE
School of International Service,
American University
Joint Degree Program
2024

American University – Ritsumeikan University
Joint Degree ProgramPEACE

AND DEMOCRACY
Ritsumeikan University

School of International Service
American University
College of International Relations
Ritsumeikan University56-1 Toji-in Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8577 JAPANT +81-75-465-1211 F +81-75-465-1214
sakurasc@st.ritsumei.ac.jp www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ir/jdp

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20016, USAsisabroad@american.edu

www.american.edu/sis/undergrad/sakura/BE A PEACE BRIDGE
BETWEEN THE US AND JAPANAmerican University-Ritsumeikan University
Joint Degree Program
A joint degree program is a combined program of study oﬀered by two diﬀerent universities which jointly
organize a single curriculum and confer a single degree on students who complete the program.
Ritsumeikan University (RU) and American University (AU) have been close partners for the past 25 years.
The joint degree is a unique program built on the basis of this longstanding partnership, it aims to develop
human resources who have a global outlook with the ability to critically examine IR from multiple
theoretical, historical, cultural, and ethnic perspectives. They will also possess a deep understanding of
global issues, especially those related to East Asia and the United States. Through their studies at AU and
RU, students will gain the ability to become leaders within the international community, in ﬁelds such as
international organizations, government, global business, and media and non-governmental organizations,as well as serving as a bridge between Japan and the US.

Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Global International Relations*A single degree jointly awarded by AU and RU

Diploma Policy (Educational Goal)

Students should, by the time of graduation:
Have the ability to critically examine IR from multiple theoretical, historical,
cultural, and national perspectives and standpoints
Possess a deep understanding of global and regional challenges, especiallythose related to East Asia and the United States
Have the ability to lead within the international community
Are able to design and conduct research questions and research projects
For non-native Japanese speakers, demonstrate at least intermediate
proﬁciency in Japanese.

Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan University
Ritsumeikan
University
Ritsumeikan University (RU) is a private university with 16 Colleges and 22 Graduate
Schools, accommodating a total of approximately 36,000 students. It has four
campuses across Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka. The university was established in thespirit of “freedom and innovation” and has taken “peace and democracy” as its core
educational philosophy. It has worked consistently to develop individual talent inorder to nurture just and ethical global citizens. As part of its educational
globalization, RU has exchange agreements with 463 universities and institutions, in
68 countries and regions. More than 2,700 international students are currently
studying on campus (as of AY 2022). The launch of the first dual undergraduate
degree program in Japan is an RU’s initiatives aimed at contributing to theglobalization of the Japanese education system. As a recognition of its advanced
efforts, RU was selected for the "Global 30 (G30) Project" in 2009 and the “TopGlobal University Project” in 2014 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT), these are both initiatives encouraging thenurturing of internationally competent individuals.

国際関係学部

College ofInternational
Relations

RUʼs College of International Relations was established in 1988 in Kyoto, it was theﬁrst college of IR in Western Japan. Since its establishment, it has maintained a ﬁrm
position as a pioneer constantly embarking on new challenges to further
internationalize itself. In 1994, upon concluding an agreement with AU, RU became
the ﬁrst university to oﬀer a dual undergraduate degree program in IR. In 2011, theCollege launched the Global Studies Major, this is an undergraduate major teachinga complete IR curriculum entirely in English. In 2018 this was followed by theestablishment of the American University-Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree
Program, which was the ﬁrst joint undergraduate degree to be oﬀered in Japan.
These international programs attract students from all over the world, representing
30 diﬀerent countries and regions (as of AY2022). Another distinguishing feature of
the College is the diversity of its teaching staﬀ; in terms of countries of origin, ﬁeldsof specialization and approaches to education. This is a major attraction of studying
IR at RU. In the 30 years since its establishment, the College has fostered more than
8,000 graduates, who are now working across the world, and within Japan, as key
staﬀ in companies, governmental agencies, international organizations, educationaland research institutions, non-proﬁt organizations, and in other settings.

American University

Joint Degree Program

KYOTO

American
University
American University (AU) a private university, which was chartered by Congress in1893 after the first US President, George Washington, had called for a "great
university" in the nation's capital. It has always been defined by its core values ofsocial responsibility, practical idealism and a commitment to international
diversity. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the nation’s epicenter of global
policymaking, AU accommodates a total of more than 14,000 students on campus.
Its rich culture of diversity and openness attracts international students fromabout 130 countries and regions. More than 40 percent of AU faculty is made up of
former policy-makers, diplomats and business managers. The university is known
as the place where President John Kennedy and Barack Obama delivered speeches
calling for international peace. One of the greatest advantages to studying inWashington, DC. is the unparalleled access to internships and opportunities forfield work. More than 90 percent of AU students intern prior to completing theirdegree programs.

School ofInternational
ServiceWASHINGTON, DC

The first joint degree
undergraduate program
between the United States
and Japan

Since its founding in 1957, AU’s School of International Service (SIS) has beenrenowned as one of the nation’s largest schools of international affairs with global
academic reputation, preparing more than 3,000 graduate and undergraduate
students to “wage peace”. In Foreign Policy Magazine (2018), SIS ranks #9 among Top
U.S. Undergraduate Institutions to Study International Relations, as well as #8
among Top Master's Programs for Policy Careers in International Relations. In 2021,
AU SIS’s Model UN team was ranked fourth in North America. SIS’s active
international network includes more than 25,000 alumni with global careers ingovernment, nonprofits, and business.

Top U.S. Undergraduate
Institutions to Study
International Relations(Foreign Policy Magazine(2018): The top 25 IR
programs for undergraduates, masterʼs, andPh.D.s.)1

Harvard University

9

American University2

Princeton University

10

University of California̶Berkeley

3

Stanford University

11

University of California̶San Diego

4

Georgetown University

12

Dartmouth College

5

Columbia University

13

Tufts University

6

Yale University

14

University of Michigan

7

University of Chicago

15

Johns Hopkins University

8

George Washington University

FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM
A single degree jointly awarded
by AU and RU

1Upon completion of the program, students are conferred one
diploma endorsed by both AU and RU, and become a degree holder
of both institutions. For future career planning, students can makeuse of both AU and RU career recourses.

degree4
years

Fulﬁlling four years of study
Under dual undergraduate degree programs, students study for two years
each at two different institutions and are required to earn more than 160
credits to complete two different degrees*. The JDP offers a single
curriculum and students are required to earn 124 credits for a joint diploma
conferred by the two institutions. This allows students to experience
extra-curricular activities both on and off campus.
*Based on the RU-AU Dual Undergraduate Degree Program（DUDP）requirements

Spending two years in Washington, DC
and two years in Kyoto

2Students will study for two years each at AU and RU. Both institutions
collaborate closely to support students and ensure that they aretaught in a consistent manner through their studies in the program.

countries

2
universities

Cultivating globally minded leaders
The program will deliver active learning in Washington, DC, the centerof international politics, and Kyoto, the center of Japanese culture.
Students can expand their network and cultivate a global mindset
through such environments.

Jointly enrolled at both AU and RU

Students will be jointly enrolled at both AU and RU and have access to theresources and support programs of both institutions, ranging from use of
databases to career consultation, for the duration of the program. The
admission selection process will be conducted jointly by both institutions.

The cherry blossom or “sakura” is an iconic image of Japan andWashington, DC celebrates the gift of cherry blossom trees fromJapan over 100 years ago, a symbol of the lasting friendship andexchange between the two countries. Sakura Scholars will
represent a unique community of learners, with ties to theUnited States, Japan and beyond. As they complete the joint
degree, the Sakura Scholars will have multiple opportunities tomeet their fellow classmates through online orientations,in-person cohort classes, and other on-going activities.

Student’s Voice
Learning International Relations in two diﬀerent countries reallyappealed to me. During my years of high school, I joined training courses
as well as foreign exchange programs and often noticed that people see
things diﬀerently. After that experience, I got to know the importanceand joy of broadening my perspective. I chose the JDP because both AU
and RU bring students from diﬀerent backgrounds together andstudying in such diverse academic places will be a great experience.
KAIBORI Ami (RU Home Student third cohort)

Ritsumeikan University

A great program thatbrings students fromdifferent backgrounds
together

An ideal program forstudents who want tostudy abroad

Compared with study abroad programs typically running for a few
weeks to one year, the JDP gives us more learning opportunities with a
two-year study abroad experience in Washington D.C., the capital of theUnited States. For a returnee like myself, the JDP would be a great
option to learn values through the perspectives of both Japan and the
U.S. I have interest in politics and security studies, and look forward to
studying these areas from my second year!
IKEDA Eiki (RU Home Student ﬁfth cohort)

American University

WHAT IS GLOBAL IR?

LEARNING SCHEDULE

In the program, students will acquire a “BA in Global International Relations” thatstretches beyond West-centric models of International Relations (IR). IR wasdeveloped, in terms of its view of history, by and for the core countries, especially
the U.S. and U.K. In a more diversifying global society, there has been an increasingneed to include non-Western perspectives into IR’s disciplinary theory. In Japan, a
non-Western country that carried out its rapid modernization modeled after theWest, it is becoming more and more crucial to learn a new IR theory that transcends
the divide between the West and the non-West. The program is a new attempt by
two different universities, in the U.S. and Japan, to explore IR from multiple
perspectives.

Truly global degree in International Relations
taught from both US and Japanese perspectives
The study of International Relations was written and taught in the dominant centers ofknowledge in the West. Today we are witnessing a shift from Eurocentric international
order. The aim of the Global International Relations is to advance a new discipline thatbrings in experiences of both Western and non-Western societies. Learning GIR will
equip you with a broader perspective to make a diﬀerence in our global society.
ATAKA Hiroaki, Associate Professor, College of International Relations

The best environment for studying IR with people withdiverse backgrounds and cultures
I chose the Joint Degree Program because I really wanted to meet people from
diﬀerent backgrounds and learn about international relations from a variety ofperspectives. Global IR is a very interesting ﬁeld of study that exposes you to allkinds of themes in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences beyond
disciplinary boundaries. The program also allows you to explore yourself deeply
while learning new values from your fellow students' multiple perspectives. I ﬁndthese learning environments very stimulating and attractive.
SUGIMOTO Taira (RU Home Student third cohort)

All courses are taught in English / Prospective AU Home Students begin their application process to AU/RU does not have September
entry admissions for RU Home Students

Students beginning their studies at RU and AU are referred to as RU and AU Home Students
respectively. They will form a cohort within and across academic years and learn together on both
campuses through the four years of study.
RU Home Students will spend their ﬁrst 1.5 years at RU, and take classes completely in English. Classes aretaken with students in RUʼs Global Studies Major*, as well as with second and their year AU Home Students
who are studying at RU. They will spend their next two years at AU. After returning from AU in their 4th year,
they will spend their ﬁnal semester at RU and carry out their Capstone Project, as a culmination of their four
years of learning. AU and RU collaborate continuously to provide students with academic support during theirfour years in the program. Academic advisors from both AU and RU collaborate and update each otherregularly on the academic situation of each individual student. A unique advantage of this program is thatstudents are able to continue their studies in a coherent manner at both their home and host institutions.
* The Global Studies Major is an English-medium degree program that accommodates approximately a total of 100 students per year andhalf of them are international students.

I enjoy taking discussion-based classes at RU
What ﬁrst surprised me at RU was that the atmosphere at RU is very similar to AU. The
way students work is very diﬀerent. I do more homework at RU than at AU. At AU, we
mainly work in classes and have a lot of study sessions with professors. Like RU,
classes at AU are oriented for lectures, introducing new information and practicing
outside. I like discussion aspects at both schools.
VOGEL Spencer, JDP alumnus (AU Home Student ﬁrst cohort)

AP/IB Credits for JDP

In the American University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program, it is possible forstudents to receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)examinations taken prior to enrollment. For details, please see the Joint Degree Program
homepage.

① In the JDP curriculum, it is possible to receive
credit for the following three courses.

②

Although these credits will not count towards the minimum number ofcredits which must be earned at each university, by receiving these
credits, RU Home Students can elect to have some of their ﬁrst- andsecond-year introductory courses waived, allowing them to choose froma wide range of courses to take instead.

③

For details on credit articulation criteria and process, please see the
Joint Degree Program homepage.

「WRT-100」（WRT-IB/ WRT-AP）「ECON-100」「ECON-200」

CURRICULUM
Thematic Areas

Core CoursesCore Courses enable students to gain the broad range of liberal arts backgroundknowledge needed to take an active role in global society. The curriculum is designed
to prepare students to acquire the basic knowledge and critical intellectual
disposition to learn about Global IR from multiple perspectives.

Gateways are the introductory classes students take in their ﬁrst two years to explore theirinterest in the various diﬀerent ﬁelds of Global IR in the JDP. From the three Gateways students
choose a primary and secondary Thematic Area focus, which leads into their thematic classes.

Foundation Courses

Course Example

The program will oﬀer foundation courses that consist of Basic Economics, World
Politics, and International Economics. There are also ʻCohort Coursesʼ speciﬁcallydesigned for JDP students. These studies are considered to be the fundamental
elements comprising the foundation of Global IR.

Research Methodology

Global and Comparative Governance (GCG)

1

Basic research methodology courses will allow students to obtain the appropriate
research methodology skills needed for the study of Global IR. The courses include
training in data collection, research design, and statistical analysis, as well as
advanced and subject-speciﬁc research methodologies.

The Global and Comparative Governance Thematic Area is designed forstudents who are interested in how a range of actors̶local, national,
global̶seek to understand and solve the compelling security,
development, environmental, and economic problems of our time. Thisthematic area focuses on the role that states, regional and global
institutions (the United Nations, EU, World Bank, etc.), civil society, andthe private sector play in addressing regional and global problems.
Students also have the option of specializing in a geographical region.
Students will take a multidisciplinary approach and will acquire the skills
to empirically evaluate phenomena, anticipate emerging trends, andinterpret data through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes theory
and applied knowledge.

Thematic Area Courses

RUIR-2412
Comparative and Global Governance

Thematic Area Courses
RUIR-2511
International Human Rights
SISU-393
International Relations Theory
SISU-329
Global Economic Governance

Course Example

A systematic approach to studying topics in Global IR is important and in order topromote this the program oﬀers courses in three thematic areas: “Global andComparative Governance (GCG),” “Identity, Race, Gender and Culture (IRGC),” and“Peace, Global Security and Conﬂict Resolution (PGSCR).”

Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture (IRGC)

2

Regional Focus

Gateway Courses
RUIR-1411
Introduction to the United Nations

Students will deepen their understanding of global and regional issues throughdiverse area studies courses. These courses cover a broad selection of regions,focusing particularly on East Asia and the Paciﬁc.

Issues of identity, whether avowed or ascribed and socially constructed
or naturally derived, fundamentally shape people's lives and society. In
particular, race, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, and nationality
are determinate identities for many, though in reality, everyone holds
multiple identities at the same time. Although these identities often
appear to be static and ﬁxed from the outside, they are dynamic andever-changing, driven by the broader cultural and social inﬂuences inwhich they arise and exist. Courses in this Thematic Area examine thenature of these identities in a world in transition. Our courses, embodying
both theoretical and grounded approaches, explore each of theseidentities in their own right, as well as in a historical and an intersectionalmanner that explores the relationship between them.

Gateway Courses
RUIR-1421
Introduction to Gender Studies
RUIR-2422
Race and Ethnicity in the Modern
World

Thematic Area Courses
RUIR-3521
Media and Society
SISU-360
Topics in Identity, Race, Gender, andCultureSISU-369
Topics in Public Diplomacy

Capstone Project

All students will complete a capstone project in their ﬁnal year in the program as theculmination of their four years of learning. Students will design and conduct
research under the guidance of faculty members from both institutions.

Other Unique Courses

In addition to a variety of Elective courses oﬀered by the program, students can takeclasses outside the program while studying at AU. Students will be oﬀered theopportunity to take internships courses at AU, gaining valuable applied experience inWashington, DC.*
*Students must consult with their academic advisors and obtain their permission when taking these courses.

Peace, Global Security, and Conﬂict Resolution(PGSCR)

3

The Peace, Global Security, and Conﬂict Resolution Thematic Area
explores the causes and consequences of war as they relate tocompeting understandings of peace and security. Courses in this area
help students assess the choices as well as challenges involved inpreventing, resolving, and managing conﬂict. Students engage theories
and historical cases from international security, strategic studies, humansecurity, peace studies, and conﬂict resolution to conceptualize war andinsecurity. The Gateway course begins this journey by establishing thebroader philosophical traditions associated with competing schools ofthought. Students examine the diﬀerent deﬁnitions of peace, security,and conﬂict as well as general patterns of violence and insecurity in theworld. The course builds on this foundation by introducing students tothe dynamics of political violence and diﬀerent peacebuilding and conﬂict
resolution mechanisms.

Course Example

Gateway Courses
RUIR-1431
Introduction to Peace Studies
RUIR-2432
Security Studies

Thematic Area Courses
RUIR-2548
Global Simulation Gaming (PGSCR)
SISU-312
Governance,Development,
and Security in Asia
SISU-359
Environment,Conﬂict,and PeaceACADEMIC SUPPORTCAREER SUPPORTSpecialized support for job-hunting in Japan, attending graduate school in Japan or abroad, andstudentsʼ post-graduation career will be provided to meet the unique needs of JDP students, who willbe spending two years in the U.S. In the Spring Semester of the studentsʼ 2nd year, a career guidance
session (to help students start preparing early) and a get-together with internationally active alumni(including those attending graduate school) will be held, increasing career awareness even before
leaving Japan. Students can receive online career support from RU through Skype even while
studying in the U.S, this ensures a smooth transition back to Japan, when they will begin job-hunting
or applying to graduate schools. Of course, students are more than welcome to receive additional
advice on careers and internships from AUʼs Career Center, as well as attend job fairs in the U.S.**Students cannot work in the U.S. on OPT (Optional Practical Training) visa.

In order to plan for four years of study and graduation, each student is provided
with an academic advisor who they meet individually each semester. Advisors will
support and advise students on everything from selecting and registering forcourses, to how to improve academically (for example, on their English language
skills), on health management, working towards a career, internships, tuition, andscholarships. Advisors from both universities will work closely together and update
each other on the academic situation of each student. After a student moves to the
U.S. they will receive support from their advisor at AU.

Strong support system for classroom successand English language acquisition
Having never lived in foreign countries, I am appreciative of the fact that many
faculties and advisors are highly experienced in English as a second language.
They always give me advise on how to upgrade my English during their oﬃce
hours and through email. In addition to academic support for classroom success,the JDP has a variety of life support resources provided to students. One of thegreat things is that you can learn diﬀerent perspectives through diﬀerent
learning styles of the Japanese and U.S. universities. In the classes of JDP
students, I spend a lot of time discussing Japanese and U.S. societies with my AU
Home peers. With these experiences as a Sakura Scholar, I want to develop
objective viewpoints and serve as a bridge between Japan and the U.S.
ANDO Jin (RU Home Student fourth cohort)

ENGLISH LEARNING SUPPORTRU Home Students must meet the English proﬁciency level required to study at AUby the end of their ﬁrst year at RU. The JDP oﬀers courses such as Academic Skills
and Introductory Seminar that help familiarize students with how to learn in English
while obtaining knowledge of basic research methodology skills such as data
gathering. Students who do not meet the English proﬁciency level must take
Intensive English courses in order to reach the required score for TOEFL iBT ® or
IELTS tests. Writing tutorial support, to help develop English writing skills, will also
be available in the library. Thus, non-native English speakers will be given suﬃcientlanguage support to begin their studies at AU from their fall semester in theirsecond year.

Pursuing graduate studies
in International Relations at AU
I chose to go to graduate school because I wanted to continue mystudies in the ﬁeld of international relations, especially in the global
security area. Studying back in D.C. will also give me an opportunity
to work full-time or intern while continuing my studies which
beneﬁts me in reaching my full potential after graduation. This
program is a unique program that provides multiple opportunities
to study and absorb diverse perspectives from various professors
who are very qualiﬁed in the area of international relations. I gainedinterest in human rights and transnational crime by taking various
courses throughout my 4 years of studying with the JDP. This
program will not only help you ﬁnd your spark and passion but also
develop you into a global leader. Letʼs lead the world together.
KIM Brencis, JDP alumnus (RU Home Student ﬁrst cohort)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
In addition to the regular curriculum, a variety of extra-curricular activities and programs areprovided. These include a special lecture given by AUʼs senior professors, a seminar given by aWashington DC-based renowned entrepreneur. In 2020, AU and RU co-hosted an event for JDP
students at both schools to discuss what might change in international relations after the presidential
election in the U.S. Other interesting programs will be oﬀered to promote cultural exchange andmutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.

I learnt so much from my internship experience
I interned with the KYOTOGRAPHIE, Kyoto's annual photography festival
and my experience was outstanding. It was a very unique opportunity to
see how an international photography festival was being organized. All
the staﬀ were very welcoming and helped me to complete the internship.
I donʼt have an arts background but was able to gain much knowledge inthis ﬁeld thanks to this internship experience. Experiencing work at aJapanese organization was also interesting and will beneﬁt my future
career as well.
SEKINE Minori (AU Home Student second cohort)

TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIPRU Home Students

Admission Policy

RU Home Students will pay the tuition fee for RU during their studies at RU and for AU during their studies at AU.
Tuition reduction oﬀered by RU while studying at RU.
International students (who hold the visa status of residence of ʻStudentʼ while studying at RU) are guaranteed at least
a 20% reduction, with 50% and 100% reductions oﬀered to the most outstanding applicants. The RU Tuition Reduction
Scheme is oﬀered initially for one year, based on the studentsʼ admission evaluation. For 2nd and subsequent years,
the tuition reduction will be awarded based on studentsʼ grades during the previous year of study.
Tuition (AY2023)
3rd year

The cost of tuition may change from AY
2024 onwards. The tuition for AY 2024
onwards will be posted on RUʼs International
Admissions website once ﬁnalized. Pleasecheck the site.

4th year

AdmissionFee¥200,000¥633,800¥633,800¥633,800$26,535$26,535

RU$26,535$26,535¥633,800

AURU

The cost of tuition listed for AU is the cost
per semester for registering 12-17.5 credits.
The cost of tuition will be higher if registering
for 18 or more credits.

The cost of tuition, cost of housing, etc., at AU
is subject to change annually. Please check
the AU website for the latest information.

ADMISSIONRU Home Students

American University-Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program is looking for globallyminded students who can be eﬀective leaders both on and oﬀ campuses. We expect our
graduates to take an active role in their professional ﬁelds and contribute directly andindirectly to the deepening of mutually beneﬁcial relations between the U.S., Japan andthe rest of East Asia, as well as to the peace and prosperity of the international
community.

Admission Process
Both RU and AU will select applicants jointly for the JDP.
Applicants need to be prepared for admission to a US
university.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

A ﬁrst screening, consisting of a review of the application
documents will be conducted and followed by a second
screening, consisting of an interview held in English.

Scholarship
RU Home Students who meet the conditions described later may use Ritsumeikan University Study Abroad Challenge
Scholarship. It is a grant-type scholarship that does not need to be repaid, aimed at assisting students while they study
at AU.
* Any information provided below is for students enrolled in April 2024. For students enrolled in the academic year 2025 and thereafter, RUʼs scholarshipsystem may be subject to change.

Ritsumeikan University Study Abroad Challenge ScholarshipAward amount and period

Note: Some types of admission only require a review of theapplication documents.

Academic Transcripts

The JDP places great importance on the grades from thethree years of high school. GPA information of students
who have been admitted to AU can be found on the AU
homepage.

The Maximum Number ofFirst-year Students to be Admitted
25 (totaling both AU and RU Home Students)

Main Application Documents
Academic transcripts for the three years of highschool or equivalent.
English language proﬁciency test score
One essay on your reasons for applying and one
essay on a topic pertaining to global international
relations (both essays must be in English)
Letter of reference (in English)
Criteria for selecting applicants and ﬁndings frompast admission screening can be found on the JDP
homepage.

JPY 1,000,000 per year, for the 2 year period during which the student studies at AU
Scholarship Requirements

Required English Score to attend American University(2) The student must achieve the English test score stipulated by AU (equivalent to 85 or higher for TOEFL® iBT) .

RU Home Students must meet one of the English proﬁciency requirements
described below by the end of the second semester at RU prior to thestudentsʼ start of the programs at AU.

(1) After enrollment, the students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 up to the end of the second semester andearn a minimum of 32 credits for graduation by the end of the second semester.

Tuition reduction offered by AU while studying at AU
RU Home Students will be guaranteed a scholarship of 30% of their AU tuition fee for the ﬁrst two semesters at AU and must
maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on the AU grading scale*, assessed initially after the ﬁrst twosemesters at AU, and then each semester thereafter, to maintain the award.
* RUʼs scale is 5 point scale (A+ to F) and AUʼs scale is 4 point scale (A to F).

TuitionScholarships&Tuition Reduction
Ritsumeikan University Study Abroad Challenge Scholarship: ¥2,000,000
American University Tuition Reduction: Approx. ¥4,140,000

Housing

RU (2years): Approx. ¥1,950,000*
AU (2years): Approx. ¥2,600,000

Total

Approx. ¥14,940,000

Note:•The conversion rate used in the estimated costs to study in the U.S. is 1 USD = 130 JPY.
•In order to receive the scholarship or tuition reduction, students must meet the academic
requirements.
*Estimated cost of living oﬀ-campus (single occupancy) near RU Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto(Approx. ¥70,000 per month for rent)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Academic Module:
An Overall Band-score of 6.5 or higher. Sub-scores for eachsection of the IELTS must be 6.0 or higher.

■ Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 60 or higher.
■ SAT Reading Test: Sub-score of 30 or higher.
■ ACT English Test: Score of 25 or higher.
■ Duolingo English Test: Score of 115 or higher.
■ Cambridge Assessment English: Score of 176 or higher.

Estimated Cost of Tuition and Housing
RU (2years): Approx. ¥2,730,000
AU (2years): Approx. ¥13,800,000

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet
based test (iBT): score of 85 or higher. Sub-scores foreach section of the TOEFL must be 20 or higher.

Certiﬁcation of Finances
for International Students：CFISRU Home Students will need to be able to submit a
CFIS in order to meet the visa requirements to enterthe United States and enroll at AU.
The process will require ﬁnancial documents todemonstrate the ability to meet ﬁnancial obligations
for the ﬁrst year of their program of study(including tuition, fees, and living expenses).

Sub-scores for each section of the Cambridge Assessment
English must be 169 or higher.

The English language requirements to apply for the program diﬀer
depending on the types of admissions options. Please review the
instructions and requirements of your admissions option.

*The requirements below are updated andaccurate for all applicants seeking admission
to enter the JDP in 2023 and beyond.

Some admissions options may not require the English
language proﬁciency needed to study at AU. However, allapplicants are expected to attain the English language
proﬁciency described below at a time of admissions.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet
based test (iBT): score of 76 or higher.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Academic Module: An Overall Band-score of 5.5 or higher.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 51 or higher.
SAT Reading Test: Sub-score of 30 or higher.
ACT English Test: Score of 25 or higher.
Duolingo English Test: Score of 115 or higher.
Cambridge Assessment English: Score of 162 or higher.
The required test scores described above are reviewed annually
and are subject to change.

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Please visit our website for more information for RU Home Students.
If you would like to apply the program starting from American
University (AU Home Students), please visit AU website

Ritsumeikan University

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ir/jdp
American University

www.american.edu/sis/undergrad/sakura/