Ritsumeikan University

Kyoto, Shiga, Osaka

Japan

Language of instruction

English

Japanese

听听Generally available as a second or third preference.

Ritsumeikan University enjoys a rich and prominent history and is considered one of the most distinguished institutions of higher learning and research in Japan. Following the end of World War II, RU adopted the educational philosophy of 鈥減eace and democracy鈥�.

Kyoto is the heart of culture in Japan, with over 2000 shrines and temples, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. RU has two campuses in Kyoto 鈥� Kinugasa campus, close to Kinkaku-ji temple and Suzaku campus, close to Nijo Castle.

Semester dates

UQ Semester	Host Semester	Dates
Semester 1	Spring Semester	Late March鈥揓uly
Semester 2	Autumn Semester	厂别辫迟别尘产别谤鈥揓补苍耻补谤测

View the .

Guides and additional information

RU has online resources to help get more from your exchange:

Study in Kansai (SKP) Ritsumeikan University Guideline 2025-2026

Campuses

RU has multiple campuses in different cities:

Kyoto
- Kinugasa campus
- Suzaku campus
Shiga
- Biwako-Kusatsu campus
Osaka
- Osaka Ibaraki campus

Exchange deadlines

The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2026.

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October

Go back to search

How to apply

Tara-Mae - Ritsumeikan University

B Arts
Semester 2, 2022
Selina - Ritsumeikan University

B Economics/Arts
Semester 1, 2019

On the path of becoming more independent and improving my Japanese, I'm thankful for this memorable experience.
Karla - Ritsumeikan University

B Arts
Semester 1, 2019

My student exchange was truly life-changing, the skills I鈥檝e learnt, the people I鈥檝e met, and I honestly feel like it鈥檚 done wonders to improve my character too

Full-time study load

14 credits per semester at RU is equivalent to 8 UQ units.

Host university requirements

GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at RU.

Study Options
You must choose one of the program track options outlined below.听Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.

Other Requirements

Continuous enrolment at 51吃瓜网 before starting the exchange semester at RU is required.
Students cannot change their听track/study option and exchange period after their applications have been received by RU.听

Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice. 听

Find courses

Search
Search the click on "For Public", and then "English" to access.听

Please refer to the "Additional academic information" section for RU program options.

Crosscheck the courses you found in the host course catalogue with the to see if UQ credit has previously been granted. The database should be used as a general guide only. Few courses from each host will be in the database and many course precedents in the database may have expired. Note, the credit precedent database does not replace the host course catalogue. If a course is not listed in the CPD, you can still ask for it to be assessed on your study plan.

Study areas taught in English

Undergraduate

Economics

International relations

Japanese

Political science

Academic restrictions

Additional academic information

Study Option Details

RU Study in Kansai Program听offers the following track听options:

(IJL): This track听is offered at Kyoto Kinugasa Campus. The IJL track allows students to study the Japanese language intensively at a level appropriate to their skills. The IJL track鈥檚 Japanese language courses provide a well-balanced approach to improving reading, writing, listening, and writing skills from the beginner level all the way to the advanced level of practical academic Japanese skills required for taking university courses.听Students can also study courses taught in English听from the RCE听track subject to availability.听
(RCE):听This Track is Offered At Kinugasa (Kyoto), Osaka Ibaraki (Osaka) and Biwako-Kusatsu (Shiga) campuses. Courses are taught in English and are worth 2 credits each.听RCE students with a background in Japanese are eligible for taking an optional Japanese language course.
听(RJC)听 This Track is Offered At Kinugasa (Kyoto), Osaka Ibaraki (Osaka) and Biwako-Kusatsu (Shiga) campuses. The RCJ track can take both liberal arts and specialized courses in Japanese offered by 16 Ritsumeikan University colleges. 听In addition, depending on the college, students may be able to participate in seminars, laboratory courses, etc., allowing them to deepen their experience studying alongside regular RU students.

IMPORTANT: Students cannot change their听track/study option and exchange period after their applications have been received by RU.听

Additional Academic Resources
RU has online resources to help navigate its academic policies:

Exchange deadlines

The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2026.

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October

Go back to search

How to apply

Accommodation

Ritsumeikan manages .听I-House TOKIWA, UTANO and TAISHOGUN are all equipped with fully furnished rooms, laundry facilities, lounges, kitchens, free internet access, and computer rooms. Housing application information will be distributed after admission.

Cost of living

Living expenses will vary depending on your individual lifestyle, but the University has compiled 听to help you prepare for your exchange.

Financial support

A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.

There are multiple . Students should explore potential scholarships and financial support systems to determine their eligibility.

Insurance

Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ鈥檚 Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.

For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on (login required).

If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.

International students who reside in Japan for more than 3 months must register for听the听.听

Exchange deadlines

The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2026.

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October

Go back to search

How to apply

Organise your visa

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.

Contact the听听for visa and immigration information.

Travel risk levels

51吃瓜网 cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.

If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.

Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the .

Exchange deadlines

The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ鈥檚 Semester 1, 2026.

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May

Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October

Go back to search

How to apply

51吃瓜网