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
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (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
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at RU.
Study Options
You must choose one of the program 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 the RU course catalogue. Please click on "For Public", and then "English" to access.
Please refer to the "Additional academic information" section for RU program options.
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.
You must still check the host university course catalogue to see if courses from the Credit Precedent Database are still on offer and in the correct semester of your exchange.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1:
Open: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (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 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: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (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, 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: 17 May (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Close: 22 June (for Semester 1 of the following year)
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2:
Open: 18 October (for Semester 2 of the following year)
Close: 23 November (for Semester 2 of the following year)