Information for Incoming Students

September Enrollment

Congratulations! Admitted, now what?

This page is for the successful applicants. Once you are admitted to RU, you must complete the necessary procedures following the instruction below.

Important Notes Regarding Enrollment Procedures
  • The University will contact successful applicants by e-mail. It is your responsibility to regularly check e-mail communication and respond in a timely manner.  Please check your e-mail filters and enable setting so that you can receive e-mail from “@st.ritsumei.ac.jp”.
  • All times indicated on this page refer to Japan Standard Time (UTC+09).
  • Acceptance into the University will be revoked if any false information or forgeries are found in submitted documents.

Payment of Admission Fee and Tuition Document Submission 1 Application for COE & Visa Online Enrollment Procedures Document Submission 2 Coming to Campus
All Students

1. Payment of Admission Fee and Tuition

Important Notes Regarding Payment

  • Successful applicants must pay the Admission Fee and Tuition Fee(s) during the specified period. The University will not accept any remittance after the period in any circumstances. Make sure to check your payment deadline in the following section.
  • If payments are not completed within the designated periods, your acceptance into the University will be cancelled. 
  • For bank transfers, please pay all necessary fees in Japanese yen. We cannot accept any payments in foreign currency. Please refer to the following instructions and make necessary bank transfers.
  • We only accept payments by bank transfer or Convera. Credit card payments are not accepted.
  • Miscellaneous Membership Fees are collected along with Tuition Fees. Details can be found on the Application Handbook.

Tuition Reduction Details

Please check TAO for the percentage of Ritsumeikan University Tuition Reduction Scholarship for International Students you have been awarded.

Details
  1. Period of Award
    1 year from initial enrollment
  2. Amount of Tuition Reduction
    The amount of reduction will be notified with admission results. Fees that are not included in "tuition," (admission fee and miscellaneous membership fees) are not covered by tuition reduction, so please be certain to pay these fees during the appropriate payment periods.
  3. Procedures
    After carefully reading through this notice, and the regulations and pledge which are to be delivered to you at a later date, please complete the appropriate procedures.
Remarks
  1. The RU Tuition Reduction Scheme is offered initially for one year, based on students’ admission evaluation. In second and subsequent years, the students must apply for the scheme during designated application period.  The tuition reduction is awarded based on students’ grades during the previous year of study.
  2. Tuition reduction will be administered to persons who have indicated agreement to the contents of the "Ritsumeikan University Tuition Reduction Scholarship for International Students Regulations” (hereinafter, "regulations") through their submission of the pledge form by the designated deadline, by way of offsetting tuition by the amount of scholarship at the time of each semester's tuition payment.
  3. In the event that recipients meet the criteria for Revocation of Receipt of their Tuition Reduction Scholarship as described in the regulations, this scholarship will be revoked and an amount of tuition equal to the amount reduced for the appropriate semester must be paid in a single transfer within two weeks, calculated from the date of receipt of the Notification of Scholarship Revocation.

When & How Much to Pay

Click on the relevant link below for the tuition reduction percentage you are honored. Consult the PDF document for details of the actual amount you need to pay, payment methods, and payment deadlines.
You do not need to inform the University of your Payment Option. Follow the instructions of the payment option you have chosen and complete the payment by the deadline.

September Enrollment
Tuition fee reduction: Payment Information
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Tuition fee reduction: Payment Information
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Tuition fee reduction: Payment Information
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Payment Options

International Payment (Convera GlobalPay for Students)

If you reside outside Japan, please use Convera GlobalPay for Students to pay by local bank transfer or various online payment methods. For more information about Convera GlobalPay for Students and the payment procedure, please refer to this PDF file.

Start your payment by clicking the logo below

Note: You should check the status of your payment via TRACK YOUR PAYMENT until your payment is successfully settled to the university.

If you DO NOT wish to use Convera GlobalPay for Students, we also accept international remittances directly from financial institutions to the University's bank account. Please check the Bank Information and make your payment.

  • Make sure to pay all necessary fees in Japanese yen. We do not accept any payments in foreign currencies.
  • Please add 10,000 JPY to the payment amount, as the banks in both countries will deduct a handling fee.
Domestic Payment (Bank Transfer)

Incoming students residing in Japan must make payments via bank transfer.

  • Payments can only be made by bank transfer. Payments by credit cards are not accepted. Please check the Bank Information below and make your payment.
  • Make sure to pay all necessary fees in Japanese yen. We do not accept any payments in foreign currencies.

Bank Information

Important Note

  • When making a transfer at a bank, an ATM or Internet Banking, make sure to put your Application Number (8 digits) and full name (Last Name, First Name in English alphabet) in the comment field, often called "Payer Information" or "Message to Payee".
  • The University does not provide a remittance request form (振込用紙). Please use a form provided at a bank counter.
  • Please keep the copy of remittance request form /remittance receipt, as the University may request for submission of receipt.
  • Payments cannot be made at the Ritsumeikan University Office of Finance and Accounting.
Payee's Bank Information

Bank Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
三井住友銀行
Branch Kyoto Branch
京都支店
Branch Number 496
Bank Address 8 Naginatabokocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8008 JAPAN
600-8008 京都府京都市下京区四条通烏丸東入長刀鉾町8
Bank Telephone +81 75-211-4131
Swift Code SMBCJPJT
Payee’s Account Information
Account Name Ritsumeikan University
立命館大学
Address 8 Nishinokyo-Higashi-Toganoocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8520 JAPAN
604-8520 京都府京都市中京区西ノ京東栂尾町8番地
Account Type Savings Account
普通口座
Account Number 5411707

Refund Policy

Refund of Tuition Fee When a Student Cancels Enrollment

Students can request a refund of fees paid for enrollment to English-medium undergraduate programs only if they submit the required documents to Ritsumeikan University.

Details of refundable fees:

  • Tuition Fee/s for the 2025 Academic Year
    •
  • Miscellaneous Membership Fees for the 2025 Academic Year
    •

    *The admission fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Important Note

  • If the procedures are completed by the deadline, the University will process the remittance refund to the account specified on the request form between the end of November and the end of December 2025 for September Enrollment.
  • Any incomplete documents may delay or prevent the refund.
  • No changes can be made after the submission of the request to refund.
  • The refund amount will be sent and processed by bank remittance only. Please note that any bank commission for overseas remittance will be deducted from the remitted amount.
  • If you have been selected as a recipient of Ritsumeikan University Tuition Reduction Scholarship for International Students, the status will be cancelled once you complete the refund procedure.
Deadline of completion for the procedure

Enrollment Deadline
September Enrollment September 25, 2025       

*Make sure to complete the procedure before the deadline. The University will not accept requests after the deadline in any circumstances.

Procedures to Request for Refund
  • Once you fill out the form, please double check it especially the bank account information. After completing your signature, you will not be able to make any changes.
  • A copy of the bank remittance receipt for your payment of the fees paid at enrollment.
  • A copy of the Result Notification from Ritsumeikan University.
  • If you wish to get a refund to your Japanese bank account, attach a copy of your bankbook page with all the following information: Name of the bank and its branch, Account No., Name of the bank account holder (in katakana).
  • After entering your digital signature, a button to sign the form will appear at the bottom of the page. Click it and enter your Parent/Guardian’s name, e-mail address and your e-mail address. Then a final confirmation e-mail will be sent to you. Please click the confirmation button in the e-mail. Once you complete it, another confirmation e-mail will be sent to your Parent/Guardian.
  • Once your Parent/Guardian clicks the confirmation button in the e-mail and completes the signature, your form will be submitted to Ritsumeikan University.

*To submit this form, your Parent’s/Guardian’s signature is necessary. Make sure that they complete this procedure.

  • We will review your form and send you a confirmation e-mail once we receive it.

Appropriation of Paid Enrollment Fees
All Students

2. Document Submission 1


Students that pass screening and accept the offer, will be required to submit the following documents by the deadline:

Enrollment Document (All Students)
  • Original or the Certified True Copy(ies) of Academic Transcripts
  • Official English Language Test score report
  • Original or the Certified True Copy of documents proving University Entrance Eligibility (For those who have already graduated)
  • Standardized Tests / National University Entrance Exams (Only for those who have submitted in the application)
Student Visa & Status of Residence (International Students)
  • This part applies to international students only.
  • Follow instructions on this page 

Documents Submission 1 Deadlines

September Enrollment
Final Result Date When to submit
2024/12/5 Thu
2025/4/4 Fri - 2025/4/24 Thu
2025/3/6 Thu
2025/4/24 Thu 2025/5/23 Fri - 2025/6/5 Thu
Final Result Date When to submit
2024/12/26 Thu
2025/4/4 Fri - 2025/4/24 Thu
2025/3/6 Thu
2025/4/3 Thu
2025/4/24 Thu 2025/5/23 Fri - 2025/6/5 Thu
2025/5/22 Thu
Final Result Date When to submit
2024/12/26 Thu
2025/4/4 Fri - 2025/4/24 Thu
2025/4/3 Thu
2025/5/22 Thu 2025/5/23 Fri - 2025/6/5 Thu

Mailing Address to Submit

International Admissions Office at Kinugasa Campus
Ritsumeikan University
56-1 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto
603-8577 (or 603-8346), Japan
TEL: +81-75-466-3775
  • DO NOT USE REGULAR MAIL.
  • From outside Japan：Use traceable EMS or a courier service (DHL, FedEx, OCS, etc.).
  • From Japan：Use registered express mail (簡易書留速達郵便, Kanikakitome Sokutatsu Yubin).
  • The documents must be postmarked or collected by the courier service on or before the deadline. (Postmark valid).

    *You can use either of the following Digital Credential Services.
    ・Parchment
    ・National Student Clearinghouse
    ・DiplomaSender.com
    ・Student Transcripts Service(STS) - Province of British Columbia, Canada
    <E-mail address to submit> ru-iao2(at)st.ritsumei.ac.jp
    Please replace (at) with @ in the e-mail address.

2-1. Enrollment Documents 1 Details


Original or the Certified True Copy(ies) of Academic Transcripts

  • The transcripts must state the same contents as the transcripts uploaded at the time of application. However, if the transcript has been updated due to the completion of the most recent semester, transcripts reflecting the latest academic records are acceptable.
  • The Academic Transcripts must include a school stamp or school official's signature.
  • Applicants who submitted explanatory letter(s) about their transcripts during the application period must submit the original(s) along with academic transcripts.
  • Submit academic transcripts of tertiary education institutions (university, college, etc.) if you uploaded any to TAO during the application period.

English Test Score / Score Waiver Proof

English Test Score

Submit the English Score you submitted at the time of application.

Test Certificate
How to submit
TOEFL iBT® Institutional Score Report
 Request ETS to send an Institutional Score Report (Official Score Report) to the University. Institution Code: 0659
IELTS (Academic Module) Test Report Form
 A) Submit the original Test Report Form.
or
B) If you do not have one or want to keep it yourself, request the institute which organizes IELTS in your area to have a score sent directly to the University.
See below for delivery details
Delivery Method: e-delivery
Institution Name: Ritsumeikan University Office of Admissions
Institution Address: 56-1 Toji-in Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8346, Japan
TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test

 Official Score Certificate
 Submit the original Official Score Certificate.
[Test takers in Japan]
Digital Official Score Certificate		 Submission is not required.
PTE Academic Test Taker Score Report
 Request PTE Academic to send the Test Taker Score Report to the University.
Cambridge English Qualifications
 Statement of Results
 Submission is not required.
SAT
SAT Score Report
 Request College Board to send the official score report to the University.
College Code: 5766
ACT ACT College Report
 Submission is not required.
Duolingo English Test Duoligo English Test score certificate
 Submission is not required.
Score Waiver Proof
Test Proof
How to submit
English Test Score Waiver
(GS/CRPS/ISSE)

 English Language Test Score Waiver Request Form Submit the original English Language Test Score Waiver Request Form submitted at the time of application.
Letter that states the medium of instruction
 Submit the original letter submitted at the time of application.
English Test Score Waiver
(GLA)
 IB Diploma Candidates  at the time of application
1. IB Transcripts of Grades
2. English Language Test Score Waiver Request Form
3. IB Predicted Grades
 1. Register the University to view your final IB results through IBIS (International Baccalaureate Information System）.
2. Submit the original English Language Test Score Waiver Request Form.
3. Submit the original IB Predicted Grades.
IB Diploma Holders at the time of application
1. IB Transcripts of Grades
2. English Language Test Score Waiver Request Form		 1. Register the University to review your final IB result through IBIS (International Baccalaureate Information System）.
2. Submit the original English Language Test Score Waiver Request Form.

Original or the Certified True Copy of documents proving University Entrance Eligibility (For those who have already graduated)

Submit the documents below based on the university entrance eligibility criteria that you meet.

Criteria
   What and How to submit                                        
 A,B,C
D,E,F,I
 Submit the original documents that prove completion of a standard high school / senior secondary school curriculum (e.g., Certificate of High School Graduation, High School Diploma)
 The unified certificate/diploma/qualification for completion of secondary education, issued by the country or state/province, etc., where applicable.  (Examples of countries/regions that have such certificates: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam)　
Graduated from a high school in ChinaSubmitted "Verification Report of China Secondary Education Qualification Certificate" at the time of application.Submission is not required.
Submitted High School Diploma (毕业证书) issued by the local education bureau in China at the time of application.Request CSSD（学信⽹）to send your "Verification Report of China Secondary Education Qualification Certificate", issued in English, directly to the University via e-mail.
Send to: ru-iao2(at)st.ritsumei.ac.jp
*Please replace (at) with @ in the e-mail address.      
 Others
 Submit the original documents.                
Applicants who fall within the specified categories below must submit the following documents, in addition to the documents mentioned above.

 D IB Diploma Programme
Diploma Holders at the time of application
Request for Ritsumeikan University to receive your final IB results via IBIS (International Baccalaureate Information System).
Diploma Candidates at the time of application1. Request for Ritsumeikan University to receive your final IB results via IBIS (International Baccalaureate Information System).
2. Submit the original IB Predicted Grades.
 GCE A-Level
GCE A-Level Holders at the time of application ■ Cambridge Assessment International Education: Submit the original General Certificate of Education issued by the Examination Board
■ Other Examinations (Pearson Edexcel, AQA, etc.): Request the Examination Board to send the Certificate to the University.
GCE A-Level Candidates at the time of application1. ■ Cambridge Assessment International Education: Submit the original General Certificate of Education issued by the Examination Board
■ Other Examinations (Pearson Edexcel, AQA, etc.): Request the Examination Board to send the Certificate to the University.
2. Submit the original Predicted GCE A-Level Grades.
 FJapanese pre-university preparatory course accredited by MEXT
Have graduated from the course at the time of application
Submit the original Certificate of Graduation of Japanese Pre-university Preparatory Course.
Enrolled in the course at the time of application
1. Submit the original Certificate of Graduation of Japanese Pre-university Preparatory Course.
2. Submit the original Certificate of Scheduled Graduation of Japanese Pre-university Preparatory Course.
 G Submit the original Pass Certificate and grades.
 H Submit the original Pass Certificate of High School Equivalency Exam (高等学校卒業程度認定試験) / the University Entrance Qualification Exam (大学入学資格検定).

Standardized Tests / National University Entrance Exams (Only if submitted at time of application)

Test How to submit
SAT
 Request College Board to send the official score report to the University. College Code: 5766
ACT Submission is not required.
AP Exam
 Request College Board to send the official score report to the University. College Code: 5766
China Gaokao
 Request CSSD（学信⽹）to send your "Verification Report of China College Admission Examination Scores", issued in English, directly to the University via e-mail.
Send to: ru-iao2(at)st.ritsumei.ac.jp
*Please replace (at) with @ in the e-mail address.
 Others
 Submit the original documents.

NOTE

  • If you have already submitted an original/certified true copy of the document at the time of application, the submission of the document is not necessary.
  • If the documents issued by schools and other organizations outside Japan are written in a language other than Japanese or English, an official translation into Japanese or English is required. Translations certified by an embassy/consulate or an appropriate private office will be accepted.
  • Applicants who submitted official document(s) issued by the school explaining the reason for the early completion and details such as the skipped grade and date must submit the original(s).
  • As a rule, submitted documents will not be returned. The University returns submitted documents only in cases where you have only one copy of the original, the document cannot be reissued or the certified true copy cannot be issued, and it is problematic if the document is not returned to the applicant. If you wish your document to be returned, please check the box on the Document Submission 1 Checklist.
  • If your name on the certificates and current name are not the same, please obtain a document (such as an extract from the family register or similar) that proves both names belong to the same person. Submit this document with the certificate. You should also include a note explaining the situation as well.
To Document Submission 1 Checklist Download


International Students

2-2. Student Visa & Status of Residence

All non-Japanese students are basically required to have the “Student (留学)” visa, or status of residence that allows the individual to attend university. Select the category that applies to you and proceed with the steps indicated.

Do you currently possess Status of Residence (在留資格 / ざいりゅうしかく) in Japan?

Students who do not have Status of Residence


For the successful applicants from the Nationals of Philippines, Nepal and Vietnam.
In addition to the "Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)" listed below,
please check the following information and related website to complete the necessary procedures.
Information will be updated regularly. Be sure to check the latest information.

Website: https://great-jumpsuit-e6b.notion.site/Announcement-on-Japan-Pre-Entry-Tuberculosis-Screening-JPETS-1b941d30547480a281ccc3c74cae11cd

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

A COE (在留資格認定証明書) is a document issued by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), an agency under jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice of Japan, prior to a visa application as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.

*The ISA takes one to three months to review COE applications. If you do not submit your application by the specified deadline, there is an increased risk that your COE will not be issued by the time you move into your dormitory, or worse, by the start of the new semester.

To apply for a COE, download the COE Application Handbook and required documents.
COE Documents Download

2. Application for Student Visa

A visa (査証) is an official document that allows the bearer to legally enter a foreign country. Japanese visas are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Once a COE is issued, we will send it to you by e-mail. Please follow the instructions and apply for a visa at your local Embassy/Consulate General.

*Please book your airline tickets only after your visa has been issued. The University will not be held responsible for any reason if you book your airline ticket before your visa is issued, but are unable to obtain your visa by the scheduled departure date.

3. Receiving Status of Residence (在留資格) and Residence Card (在留カード)

Status of Residence （在留資格）is a legal status of residence that allows foreign residents to engage in specified activities during their stay in Japan.

A Residence Card (在留カード) is issued to mid- to long-term residents who have been granted permission to stay in Japan.

When a foreigner enters Japan, he or she must present the COE, visa, and undergo an immigration inspection. Once permitted to enter Japan, a resident status and resident card will be issued.


Students who already have Status of Residence

Please select the category that applies to you.

Those whose Status of Residence expires on or before June 30, 2025

Consult with your current organization about renewing your status of residence. If you are told that it is not possible, please consult with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA)  (https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html). Let us know the result as soon as your current organization and/or the ISA gives you an answer. We will give you instructions according to the answer.
Please be aware that you may be asked to leave Japan once and apply for a COE and visa again.

Those who plan to change their status of residence to "Student" before enrollment, and whose status of residence "Student" will expire between July 1 and October 31, 2025

Submit the following documents via Ritsu-Mate

  • Download a designated form from here.
  • The form must be filled out by the applicant AND financial supporter.

  • Download a designated form from here.
  • Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment will be sent by e-mail along with the forms completed by the university to change your status of residence or extend your period of stay.
    Once you have received them, prepare the necessary documents and apply to the ISA in your residence area to change your status of residence or extend your period of stay.

Copy of the page with photograph and personal information.

Submit a copy of both sides of your Japanese Residence Card.

Those whose current status of residence "Student" expires on or after November 1, 2025, or current status of residence is a type other than "Student" which allows attendance to a university

Submit the following documents via Ritsu-Mate

Copy of the page with photograph and personal information.

Submit a copy of both sides of your Japanese Residence Card


WHERE APPLICABLE

  • In case where a student is applying for external scholarships, or securing rented accommodations in Japan, Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment can be issued upon request. Submit the following documents via Ritsu-Mate.

    • ・Statement of Financial Support
    ・Request Form for Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment

  • Download a designated form from here.
  • Certificate of Scheduled Enrollment will be sent by e-mail.

ONLY FOR THOSE with status of residence "Student": 
After enrollment to Ritsumeikan University, complete  procedures for notification concerning an organization for the activity  by following instructions on the Immigration Service Agency's website.
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00014.html

All Students

3. Online Enrollment Procedures

Details will be announced in early August, 2025.


All Students

4. Document Submission 2

Details will be announced in early August, 2025.



All Students

5. Coming to Campus

International Houses

The information about the dormitory will be announced by e-mail around June.

Webpages for each of the dormitories

Housing

If you look for housing by yourself, you can find the agencies as below.

University Co-op Sumai Sagashi Center (Housing Center)
  • Kinugasa Campus TEL: 0120-606-315
  • Biwako-Kusatsu Campus TEL: 0120-077-390
  • Osaka Ibaraki Campus TEL: 0120-283-481

URL: https://www.ritsco-op.jp/shopinformation/sumai.html

*Please choose a language from TRANSLATE


Creotech Co., Ltd

URL: https://www.creotech.co.jp/apart/ (Only Available in Japanese)
*Creotech Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ritsumeikan Trust.

When you sign a housing contract, make sure you understand the contract, including the payment of key money, deposit, renewal fee and other fees, and follow the necessary procedures. You must keep documents such as receipts and contracts in a safe place until you move out. Be careful with bait-and-switch advertising (advertising for products that are not actually available).

In an effort to help students smoothly complete their housing rental contracts, we recommend using the services of the Guarantor Company described below.

When you sign a contract and move into a new apartment, please utilize this Guarantor Company to serve as your co-signer. If you are an international student of our university (regardless of visa status), you are eligible to utilize the Guarantor Company’s housing co-sign guarantee at a specially discounted rate.

  • Global Trust Networks (GTN)

URL: http://www.gtn.co.jp/  (Please choose Japanese or English at the page top)



Contact / Submit Documents to:

Ritsumeikan University, International Admissions Office
Address: 56-1 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8577 (or 603-8346), Japan
Tel: +81-75-466-3775 (Monday-Friday/ 9:00-17:30 Japan Standard Time)
E-Mail: ru-iao2@st.ritsumei.ac.jp