Quick Summary
Based in Kyoto, Japan, Ritsumeikan University is a private with roots dating back to 1900. Ranked #631-640 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 36123 students including 7.8% from outside Japan. Known for strengths in Modern Languages, Business & Management Studies, Social Sciences and Management, it maintains an acceptance rate of 28%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of Japan's most internationalized private universities, offering top-tier programs in International Relations and a vibrant campus life in the heart of Japanese culture.
Subject Strengths
Modern LanguagesBusiness & Management StudiesSocial Sciences and ManagementArts and Humanities
Founded1900
TypePrivate
Total Students36123
Intl Students7.8%
Faculty Ratio23.5
CampusMulti-campus (Kinugasa, Biwako-Kusatsu, Osaka Ibaraki)
Campus Size250 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationJapan University Accreditation Association (JUAA), AACSB
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#631-640
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201–1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Professional Degrees
Programs
Graduate School of Law,Graduate School of Economics,Graduate School of International Relations,Graduate School of Science and Engineering
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Art Research Center,Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization,Research Center for Disaster Mitigation of Urban Cultural Heritage
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA), AACSB
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate28%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATOptional but recommended for international applicants
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 20
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight cross-cultural experiences and specific interest in Japanese industry or language. Strong performance in English proficiency tests is essential for English-medium programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Japanese Yen
UG Tuition
¥1,280,000/yr
per year · JPY
Living Cost
¥1,650,000/yr
per year · JPY
PG Tuition
¥1,080,000/yr
per year · JPY
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥2,935,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · JPY
Scholarships AvailableMEXT Scholarship,Ritsumeikan University Tuition Reduction Scheme,JEES Scholarship,JASSO
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Professional Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Global Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Policy Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Information Science and Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
96.2%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Kansai-region corporations and global Japanese brands.
Industry Connections
PanasonicNintendoKyoceraSonyToyota
Notable Alumni
Momofuku Ando,Koushun Takami,Shigeo Nagashima
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Baseball stadium,Gymnasiums,Martial Arts Dojos,Swimming Pools,Track and Field
Student Clubs
450
Library Resources
Over 3.4 million books and extensive digital archive collections across 3 main libraries.
Exchange Programs
Over 460 partner universities in 68 countries.
Summer Programs
Japanese Language & Culture Program (RSJP), Kyoto Summer Program