Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program
The Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program (RWJP) is designed for undergraduate or graduate students with minimal knowledge of the Japanese language, providing a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture. Participants are enrolled in an intensive Japanese language class which provides a thorough introduction to the language.
Students will have opportunities to feel and understand the Japanese culture by joining fieldwork excursions to various cultural spots such as World Heritage sites or a tea ceremony in Kyoto, the centre of Japanese culture. Why don’t you join students from all over the world to experience Japan?
Fields of study
UQ students are able to participate in the Ritsumeikan Winter Japanese Program (RWJP). The following field of study is available:
- Japanese Language & Culture
More information regarding specific courses available can be found on the host university website or by contacting the host.
Credit equivalent
RWJP = 2 UQ Units. Maximum of 2 UQ Units upon successful completion of the RWJP (pending UQ faculty approval).
Visa Information
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.
Please review Ritsumeikan University for visa and immigration information.
Eligibility and application
All applicants must meet the standard Global Experiences Student Eligibility Criteria and any additional eligibility criteria set by Ritsumeikan University.
If you are intending to undertake your experience for-credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to the Global Experiences team at least 4 weeks before applying to the host to allow sufficient time for Faculty to complete the credit assessment. Please note that it is your responsibility to meet the host application deadline.
Costs
The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad, meaning you will pay tuition fees directly to the host.
The program fee is approximately $3,250 AUD.
Detailed information regarding program fees and inclusions can be found on the host university website.
Accommodation
Limited shared dormitory-style accommodation located close to campus is available at an additional cost. For more information regarding accommodation, please see the host university website.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are automatically considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
OS-HELP Loan
You may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2026
Host: 14 October 2026
Program Dates
Start: 12 January 2027
End: 11 February 2027
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Study Abroad
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Credit: For-credit or Not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.
Application Deadlines
OS-HELP loan applications can’t be accepted:
- any earlier than 6 months before the official start date of your overseas study
- any later than 3 months before the official end date of your overseas study.
*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.
Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.