Ritsumeikan University

Founded in 1869, Ritsumeikan University is one of the oldest and most prestigious private universities in Japan. RU accommodates approximately 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including over 700 international students, and is comprised of nine colleges, 13 graduate schools and a law school, as well as various research centers. Two main campuses, Kinugasa Campus located in northwestern Kyoto and surrounded by historic temples and shrines, and Biwako-Kusatsu Campus in Shiga Prefecture, which overlooks Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, provide an excellent environment for studies of the humanities, social sciences and advanced technology fields.

Among Japanese universities, RU is particularly distinguished by its enthusiastic student body, which in addition to a commitment to academics and research, is also highly active in community service and international volunteer projects as wells as athletics and extra-curricular activities. With support from its satellite offices in South Korea, Indonesia, China and Canada and its vast global network of nearly 200 partner institutions worldwide, RU has emerged as a top destination for international students and a center for international research collaboration. Drawing on its founding spirit of Freedom and Innovation, Ritsumeikan University will continue to evolve as an international institution of higher learning.

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  Kinugasa Campus

  Kyoto, Japan

  20,000+ on Campus

  250,000+ residents in Kyoto

  Language(s) spoken on campus: Japanese

  Study in Kyoto Program Buddies work to assist international students as they first arrive and get used to life in Japan and at Ritsumeikan. Buddy friendships last throughout the program and often wind up being highlights of the program for many participants.

  SKP Buddies and on-campus student organizations host various events for international students throughout the year, including parties, hiking and field trips. In addition, the yearly school festival offers a unique glimpse of Japanese college life. Participation fees vary depending on the event, but many are free or of little cost to international students.

  There are also over 700 student-run clubs at RU, providing diverse options for interaction with Japanese students and pursuit of personal interests.