Overview

Ryukoku University originated as the educational institution “Gakuryo” on the grounds of Nishi Hongwanji Temple, and has grown into a comprehensive university educating approximately 20,000 students in the fields of Humanities, Sociology, and Natural Sciences. With a network of partner institutions in 59 countries and regions throughout the world, approximately 600 of our students study abroad each year. We have established General Memorandums of Understanding with a total of 205 universities, and Student Exchange Agreements with 131 universities in 41 countries and regions.

Our Omiya Campus (“Origin Campus”) houses our Faculty of Letters (Third and Fourth Year Students) and the Graduate Schools of Letters and Practical Shin Buddhist Studies. Our new Faculty of Psychology will open in the 2023 Academic Year; Third and Fourth Year classes will be held on Omiya Campus in the future. The Main Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property, to this day maintains its dignified appearance. An abundance of rare documents invaluable for both education and research are stored within the library.

Our Fukakusa Campus houses seven Faculties: Letters (First and Second Year Students), Economics, Business Administration, Law, Policy Science,  International Studies, and our new Faculty of Psychology（1st Year Students from the 2023 Academic Year), as well as a Junior College and five Graduate Schools.

Our Seta Campus, surrounded by nature, houses three Faculties: Advanced Science and Technology, Sociology, and Agriculture, as well as three Graduate Schools. The campus is also utilized for various continuing education programs open to the public and industry-academic cooperation projects.
Ryukoku University is steeped in history and tradition. At the same time, all members are consistently making great strides toward our even greater development, in a combined effort to make our institution one that is “open to the world and reaching to the future”.

Conditions

Number of Scholarships Offered in Spring 2025
3

Status of Admitted Student
Students will be admitted as non-degree-seeking students in the Japanese Culture and Language Program (JCLP).
After being admitted, they will have a chance to take the entrance exam to become degree-seeking students. Students can apply as first-year or transfer students. Students may apply for bachelor's, master's or doctorate degrees.

Description of the Program

The Japanese Culture and Language Program (JCLP) is a one-year (or six-month) program to study Japanese language and culture, and offers a wide range of courses related to the Japanese language and Japanese society. It is an ideal preparatory course for students who wish to enter university or graduate school in Japan.
・Students are evaluated on their Japanese language proficiency every semester and then placed into a suitable Japanese Language class based on their proficiency.
・There are various elective subjects in the afternoon such as Japanese culture, society, etc.
・Students can learn about Kyoto’s traditional culture and entertainment through activities outside the classroom.
・Students have access to all facilities available to regular Ryukoku students, such as the library and IT centers.
・Recommendation for acceptance into the Ryukoku graduate schools, faculties and the Junior College is specially available for students of strong merit in the JCLP program.

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Eligibility 

• Must currently reside in Japan

• Must be a citizen of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria or Ukraine

• Must meet one of the criteria below:

  • Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in universities outside Japan (including those taking a leave of absence or taking courses online)

  • Those who have graduated or dropped out from a university outside Japan and currently not enrolled in higher education

  • Those attending short-term programs in Japanese universities

  • Those attending or have graduated Japanese language schools in Japan

  • Those who have graduated from high school in Japan or other countries in 2024

• Must have taken the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students) or will take it within six months of matriculation at Ryukoku University

• As of October 11, 20224, 26 years old or younger if planning to apply for an undergraduate degree program, and 28 years old or younger if planning to apply for a graduate degree program.

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Language of Instruction
Japanese

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Faculties Open to Enrollment as Degree-Seeking Students

All faculties provided that students pass the entrance exam

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Japanese Language Requirement
JLPT level N3 and above
Note: Must have JLPT N2 level to become a degree-seeking student

Accommodation
Dormitory provided at no cost
 

Stipend
None. To assist students with living expenses, the university will introduce them to part-time jobs.

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Additional Information
Students will initially be admitted to the JCLP, but will have the opportunity to enter the university or graduate school (both master's and doctorate courses) by taking the entrance exam. Students may also take the transfer exam. If students are admitted, they will receive the same support as in the JCLP (tuition waiver and free accommodation). Some faculties and graduate schools offer instruction in English or in both English and Japanese.

Students who apply for university through the English-based application system must score at least 5.0 in IELTS, and those who apply for graduate school must score at least 6.0 in IELTS. 

The eligibility of students who are currently attending a Japanese high school will be determined separately.

Inquiries

If you have questions about the university, please inquire with the university directly.