Ritsumeikan University
Source: https://employability.uq.edu.au/host/ritsumeikan-university Parent: https://employability.uq.edu.au/exchange-funding
Kyoto, Shiga, Osaka
Japan
Ritsumeikan University exchange website
Language of instruction
English
Japanese
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 “peace and democracy”.
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 – 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–July |
| Semester 2 | Autumn Semester | September–January |
View the RU academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
RU has online resources to help get more from your exchange:
Campuses
RU has multiple campuses in different cities:
- Kyoto
- Kinugasa campus
- Suzaku campus
- Shiga
- Biwako-Kusatsu campus
- Osaka
- Osaka Ibaraki campus
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:\ Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)\ Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:\ Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Last Chance Apps Close: 31 January 2026 for Sem 2, 2026 exchange
Book your Global Experiences Appointment
Report any problems with this web page
Student testimonials
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’ve learnt, the people I’ve met, and I honestly feel like it’s 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. Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.
Other Requirements
- Continuous enrolment at UQ before starting the exchange semester at RU is required.
- Students cannot change their track/study option and exchange period after their applications have been received by RU.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
- Search RU Campus-Specific Courses
- Search the RU Syllabus. Please click on "For Public", and then "English" to access.
Please refer to the "Additional academic information" section for RU program options.
Crosscheck the courses you found in the host course catalogue with the Credit Precedent Database 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
Study Load Restrictions
Students are unable to enrol in a full-time study load in the following disciplines, however, enrolment in one or two courses may be possible:
- Political Science
Additional academic information
Study Option Details
RU Study in Kansai Program (PDF, 1 MB) offers the following track options:
- Intensive Japanese Language(IJL): This track 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’s 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. Students can also study courses taught in English from the RCE track subject to availability.
- Regular Courses in English (RCE): 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. RCE students with a background in Japanese are eligible for taking an optional Japanese language course.
- Regular Courses in Japanese (RJC) 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. 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 track/study option and exchange period after their applications have been received by RU.
Additional Academic Resources\ RU has online resources to help navigate its academic policies:
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:\ Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)\ Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:\ Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Last Chance Apps Close: 31 January 2026 for Sem 2, 2026 exchange
Book your Global Experiences Appointment
Report any problems with this web page
Accommodation
Ritsumeikan manages 3 International Houses suitable for exchange students. 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 approximate cost of living 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 scholarships available to students applying to RU. 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’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (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 the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:\ Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)\ Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:\ Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Last Chance Apps Close: 31 January 2026 for Sem 2, 2026 exchange
Book your Global Experiences Appointment
Report any problems with this web page
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 Consulate General of Japan for visa and immigration information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (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 Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:\ Open: 24 April (for Semester 1 of the following year)\ Close: 31 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:\ Open: 24 September (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Close: 31 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)\ Last Chance Apps Close: 31 January 2026 for Sem 2, 2026 exchange