History
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.
Education
The Graduate Schools’ aim is to nurture students who will take the initiative backed by a profound knowledge and keen intelligence as they identify and resolve problems that stand in the way of human and social development. The Graduate Schools are committed to, in the words of the great Ritsumeikan postwar chancellor Hiroshi Suekawa, encourage their students to “believe in the future, live for the future.”
Research
Ritsumeikan University issues the research brochures so as to introduce the research activities at Ritsumeikan as well as to share the research outcome with society.
Career
Ritsumeikan University Career Center offers a variety of career planning events and placement support services for students. Career Center aims to help students achieve their individual career goals.International students are also welcome to attend the events and services. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to plan your future and find employment.
Ritsumeikan University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Ritsumeikan University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
ServiceScape Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
25 Aug 2025
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Essay Writing Contest from EduLegit
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
90000 AUD
Deadline
Not specified
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2025
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2026
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
$1,500 Annual Essay Writing Contest Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
19 Feb 2026
JFUNU Scholarships for PhD in Sustainability Science
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Type Rating Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Conference Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2025
641 -10
2024
631 70
2023
701
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
-
2024
1201
2023
1201
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
1618 -180
2023
1438
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
At International Center, students can receive assistance with visa issues, accommodation, health, and day to day life. When new international students arrive at Ritsumeikan University, International Center organizes thorough orientations that include sessions outlining the procedures for obtaining their alien registration card, health insurance, and bank account.
Housing services
Ritsumeikan University has several international dormitories called “International Houses” near each campus. Japanese students (bilingual Resident Mentors) also live in the dormitory and help international student transition to living in Japan.
Library services
You can locate books and journals at Ritsumeikan University or Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
Campus life
Ritsumeikan University offers a wide variety of facilities to meet the various needs of its students. These include libraries and peer learning rooms named "PIARA", as well as gyms and other facilties for students to work off the everyday stresses of university life. Other facilities include seminar houses, bookstores, bike parking and international exchange lounges.
Student clubs
Ritsumeikan University has a long tradition of sport and other extracurricular activities for both native Japanese and international students alike. With over 450 teams, clubs, and circles, students are bound to find extra curricular activities that will not only help round out their academic experience at Ritsumeikan University, but also allow for them to make connections with other students while enjoying an old or new hobby.
Accreditation
Being an AACSB-accredited business school means being part of a network of 775 institutions spanning 52 countries and territories* across the globe who have successfully met the standards set forth by the association, and who have committed to maintaining these standards.