The history of Ritsumeikan dates back to 1869 when Prince Kinmochi Saionji, an eminent international statesman of modern Japan, founded "Ritsumeikan" as a private academy on the site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. In 1900, Kojuro Nakagawa, former secretary of Prince Saionji, established Kyoto Hosei School, an evening law school that was open to working people. This school formally adopted the name Ritsumeikan in 1913 and was finally given the status of a university in 1922.
Today, Ritsumeikan University offers a wide range of courses in advanced studies at its Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto, Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC) in Shiga and Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC) in Osaka. The colleges and graduate schools of Ritsumeikan University are home to approximately 36,000 students, which constitutes the third largest student body in Japan and the largest in the Kansai region.
By admitting highly goal-oriented students with a wide range of mindsets, Ritsumeikan affords students the opportunity to expand their learning through exposure to new and different values.
The Ritsumeikan University Tuition Reduction Scheme
International students (students who will hold the status of residence of “student” while studying at Ritsumeikan University) will receive a fee reduction through the RU Tuition Reduction Scheme.
International students are offered at least a 20% tuition reduction, with 50% and 100% fee reductions offered to the most outstanding applicants. The amount of reduction will be notified to the applicants with admission results.
The RU Tuition Reduction Scheme is offered initially for one year, based on students’ admission evaluation. In second and subsequent years, the tuition reduction is awarded based on students’ grades during the previous year of study.
Scholarships available for international students after enrollment
JASSO scholarship: 48,000 yen/month
International Students Assistance Scholarship by RU Faculty/Staff: 250,000yen/year
Application for the above scholarships can be made after enrollment. Details will be explained at the information sessions each semester.