Language of instruction
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
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Student testimonials
- B International StudiesSemester 1, 2019
- B Economics/ArtsSemester 1, 2019
On the path of becoming more independent and improving my Japanese, I'm thankful for this memorable experience.
- B ArtsSemester 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.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at RU.
Find courses
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Search the RU course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database. Please click on "For Public", and then "English" to access.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Undergraduate exchange only.
Additional academic information
RU Study in Kyoto Program offers the following program options:
- Intensive Japanese Language Track (IJL) is offered in Kyoto Kinugasa Campus. Japanese Language courses available from Introductory to Upper Advanced (7 levels, 90 minutes X at least 7 classes per week). Students can also study courses taught in English from the OSE or BT subject to availability.
- Open Study in English (OSE) is offered in Kyoto Kinugasa Campus. Courses are taught in English and worth 2 credits each. OSE student with background in Japanese are eligible for taking optional Japanese language course at introductory level ONLY (worth 3 credits), may also take BT courses depends on availablity.
- Business Track (BT) has courses taught entirely in English; student enrolled in this track may take OSE Track courses. Japanese language courses (Listening and Speaking - 2 credits, 3 contact hours/week, Comprehensive Japanese - 3 credits in total, 4.5 contact hours/week) available at Introductory and Elementary level.
Students cannot change their track/study option and exchange period after their applications have been received by RU.
RU has online resources to help navigate their academic policies:
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
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 the Student Exchange Program 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
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
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, Global Experience programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.