Ritsumeikan University

Quick Facts about Ritsumeikan University

• Type: Private
• Students: 36,825
• International: 10%
• Campus: Multiple Campuses
• Tuition: $13,000 – $18,000/year
• Language: English, Japanese, German, French, Chinese, Spanish, Korean
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Intakes: Spring, Fall

About Ritsumeikan University

Academics

Ritsumeikan University offers a wide array of academic programs across 16 colleges and 21 graduate schools. Notable English-taught undergraduate programs include the Global Studies Major in the College of International Relations, the Community and Regional Policy Studies Major in the College of Policy Science, and the Information Systems Science and Engineering Course. The university also provides unique dual degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts with The Australian National University and a Joint Degree Program in Global International Relations with American University. Ritsumeikan is particularly strong in Social Sciences, especially International Relations, and its Science & Engineering departments.

International Students

Ritsumeikan University is dedicated to supporting its international student body, which includes over 3,200 students from around the world. The International Center provides comprehensive assistance for visa issues, accommodation, health, and daily life, including orientations for new arrivals. The university offers various English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. International student support coordinators are available for consultations on adapting to a new environment, academic challenges, and personal well-being.

Campus & Location

Ritsumeikan University boasts multiple campuses, each offering a distinct experience. The Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto is situated near iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji Temple, providing a blend of traditional and modern surroundings. The Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC), located between Osaka and Kyoto, offers easy access to both major cities. Kyoto itself is a historic city with over 2,000 shrines and temples, offering a rich cultural experience and convenient access to other Japanese cities like Osaka and Kobe.

Career Outcomes

Ritsumeikan University's Career Center provides extensive support for students, including international students, to achieve their career goals. This includes career planning events, placement services, individual counseling, resume guidance, and mock interviews. Graduates from English-based programs have secured positions at major companies such as Amazon Japan, Hitachi, IBM Japan, Nissan Motor Co., and Panasonic Corporation. The university also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, ranking 10th in Japan for university-originated venture companies in fiscal year 2023, and offers platforms like RIMIX to support student startups.

Information for International Students at Ritsumeikan University

Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan welcomes international students, with 10% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 10% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available (~$49000/month)
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English, Japanese, German, French, Chinese, Spanish, Korean

Admissions Requirements for Ritsumeikan University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Ritsumeikan University:

• IELTS minimum: 5.5
• TOEFL minimum: 71
• Duolingo minimum: 95
• GPA minimum: 3
• Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)

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Programs at Ritsumeikan University (26 programs)

Ritsumeikan University offers 26 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (11)

• Media Technology (BSc) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,550,000/yr · STEM
  This program explores the intersection of technology and media, covering areas like digital content creation, interactive media, and media systems, preparing students for careers in the creative tech industry.
  Field: Media Studies
  Career outcomes: Game Developer, UX/UI Designer, Digital Content Creator, Media System Engineer
• Sports and Health Science (BSc) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,350,000/yr · STEM
  This program combines scientific knowledge of the human body with practical applications in sports, exercise, and health promotion, preparing students for careers in sports science, fitness, and public health.
  Field: Sports Science
  Career outcomes: Sports Scientist, Fitness Trainer, Physical Therapist, Health Educator
• Literature and Culture (BA) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,150,000/yr
  Students explore diverse literary traditions, cultural theories, and artistic expressions, fostering critical thinking and a deep appreciation for humanistic inquiry.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Librarian, Archivist, Educator
• Global Studies Major (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,300,000/yr
  This program fosters global citizens with a deep understanding of international issues, cultural diversity, and social justice, preparing them for careers in international organizations and multinational corporations.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Aid Worker, Journalist, Business Consultant
• Biomedical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,650,000/yr · STEM
  Students learn to apply engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine, focusing on medical device development, bio-instrumentation, and healthcare technology.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Developer, Clinical Engineer, Researcher
• Architecture (BA) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,400,000/yr · STEM
  This program provides a comprehensive education in architectural design, history, theory, and technology, preparing students for professional practice and advanced studies in architecture.
  Field: Architecture
  Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Construction Manager
• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,200,000/yr
  Students explore human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry, covering areas like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology, preparing for diverse careers or graduate studies.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Market Researcher, HR Specialist, Academic Researcher
• Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,600,000/yr · STEM
  Students learn the fundamentals of mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science, with applications in robotics, automotive, and aerospace industries.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, R&D Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer
• International Business (BA) — 48 months · English · $1,300,000/yr
  This program focuses on global business strategies, cross-cultural management, and international trade, preparing students for careers in multinational corporations.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: International Business Manager, Export/Import Specialist, Global Marketing Analyst, Business Development Manager
• Business Administration (BA) — 48 months · Japanese · $1,250,000/yr
  This program equips students with essential business knowledge and management skills, covering areas like marketing, finance, and human resources, to succeed in diverse business environments.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Financial Manager, HR Specialist, Entrepreneur
• Information Science and Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $1,600,000/yr · STEM
  Students gain expertise in cutting-edge information technology, including AI, data science, and software development, preparing them for roles in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Researcher, Network Administrator

Master Programs (9)

• Law (MA) — 24 months · Japanese · $800,000/yr
  Students delve into specialized areas of law, conducting in-depth research and developing expertise for careers in legal practice, academia, or public policy.
  Field: Law
  Career outcomes: Legal Counsel, Judge, Legal Scholar, Government Advisor
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,100,000/yr · STEM
  Advanced study in areas such as power electronics, communication systems, integrated circuits, and control systems, preparing students for research and development roles.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, R&D Engineer, System Designer
• Economics (MA) — 24 months · Japanese · $850,000/yr
  This program provides rigorous training in economic theory and empirical methods, preparing students for advanced research, policy analysis, and roles in financial institutions.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Economic Consultant, Central Bank Analyst, Academic Researcher, International Organization Specialist
• Urban Management (MA) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr
  This program addresses challenges in urban development, planning, and policy, focusing on sustainable and resilient cities.
  Field: Urban Planning
  Career outcomes: Urban Planner, Policy Analyst, Community Development Manager, Environmental Consultant
• Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $1,500,000/yr
  This MBA program focuses on developing strategic leadership and management skills for a global business environment, with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: CEO, Management Consultant, Director of Operations, Global Business Leader
• International Relations (MA) — 24 months · English · $900,000/yr
  This program offers advanced study in global politics, international security, and diplomacy, preparing students for leadership roles in international organizations, government, and academia.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Diplomat, Researcher, NGO Program Manager
• Applied Chemistry (MSc) — 24 months · Japanese · $1,050,000/yr · STEM
  Focuses on advanced chemical principles and their applications in materials science, environmental science, and biotechnology, preparing students for industrial or research careers.
  Field: Chemistry
  Career outcomes: Chemist, Materials Scientist, R&D Scientist, Quality Control Specialist
• Computer Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,000,000/yr · STEM
  Students engage in advanced research and development in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, contributing to cutting-edge technological advancements.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Software Architect, Research Scientist
• Global MBA (Global Business Leader Program) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $1,500,000/yr
  An intensive MBA program designed to cultivate global business leaders with a strong understanding of Asian business practices and a focus on innovation and sustainability.
  Field: Business Administration
  Career outcomes: Global Business Manager, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Executive Leader

PhD Programs (6)

• Social Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · $800,000/yr
  A research-intensive program exploring complex social phenomena, theories, and methodologies across disciplines like sociology, political science, and anthropology.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Social Researcher, Policy Advisor, NGO Director
• Frontier Biosciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · $800,000/yr · STEM
  An interdisciplinary doctoral program focusing on advanced research in molecular biology, cell biology, neuroscience, and bioinformatics, pushing the boundaries of life sciences.
  Field: Biology
  Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biotechnology Specialist, Pharmaceutical Researcher
• Doctoral Program in Economics (PhD) — 36 months · Japanese · $650,000/yr
  This program provides advanced training in economic theory and econometrics, enabling students to conduct original research and contribute to economic knowledge and policy-making.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Economist (Government/Private Sector), Research Director, International Monetary Fund Specialist
• Doctoral Program in International Relations (PhD) — 36 months · English · $700,000/yr
  This program offers advanced doctoral research opportunities in various subfields of international relations, fostering original contributions to the academic discourse and preparing scholars for research and teaching careers.
  Field: International Relations
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Fellow, Policy Advisor, International Organization Specialist
• Doctoral Program in Information Science and Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · $750,000/yr · STEM
  This program focuses on cutting-edge research in information science and engineering, including AI, data science, and advanced computing, leading to significant contributions to the field.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Research Scientist, Lead AI Engineer, Technology Innovator
• Doctoral Program in Law (PhD) — 36 months · Japanese · $600,000/yr
  This program supports in-depth legal research across various specializations, preparing candidates for academic careers, high-level legal practice, or roles in international legal institutions.
  Field: Law
  Career outcomes: Legal Scholar, University Professor, Senior Legal Advisor, International Court Judge

Scholarships & Tuition at Ritsumeikan University

Annual tuition for international students: $13,000 – $18,000/year

✅ Ritsumeikan University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Ritsumeikan University

• National Ranking: #28 in Japan
• QS World University Ranking: #680
• Times Higher Education (THE): #1501
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #901
• Ranking tier: Top 500
• Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Ritsumeikan University

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• No disability support info
• Campus type: Multiple Campuses
• Housing cost: ~$49000/month

Key Highlights

• Leading Western Japan university
• Strong in Social Sciences, IR
• Diverse English-taught programs
• Significant international student body
• Multiple campuses, including Kyoto

Accreditation

• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Fields of Study at Ritsumeikan University

• International Relations
• Policy Science
• Information Science
• Economics
• Law

Notable Alumni

• Momofuku Ando
• Mai Kuraki
• Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Princess Raiyah of Jordan
• Tsutomu Minakami

Frequently Asked Questions about Ritsumeikan University

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