ENTRY

For students of Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Ritsumeikan Space Management Program
Application Guidelines 2026

1.Program Overview

This program is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Aerospace Human Resource Development Program: “Cross-Disciplinary Human Resource Creation Program in the Space × Humanities and Social Sciences Field.” Aimed at preparing for the future expansion and globalization of the space market, this program seeks to develop human resources equipped with foundational technical knowledge necessary for space development and business. By acquiring a systematic understanding of how research, development, business, and exploration missions in space are conducted, participants will gain management skills to lead multinational, interdisciplinary projects to success. The program is an in-person space human resource development program centered on three core components: the Fundamentals of Space Management Course (Kinugasa, BKC, and OIC), the International Project Management Course (APU), and the Space System Operations Course (Lake Biwa).

2.Format

In-Person
Language of Instruction: Japanese
Note. Some lectures in International Project Management will be conducted in English.

3.Eligibility and Participation Requirements

Eligibility:

Applicants must be students currently enrolled at Ritsumeikan University or Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). Applications are open to students from all faculties and all years, including graduate and international students. However, if the number of applicants exceeds the available places, priority will be given to students in their third year or below during the selection process.

Language Requirements

International students at Ritsumeikan University are required to meet at least one of the following criteria.

• a.
  Have obtained JLPT N2
• b.
  Have scored 250 points or above on the Japanese section of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
• c.
  Have completed “Japanese VI” or “Japanese VII”

International students (English-based) at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) are required to meet at least one of the following criteria.

• a.
  Have obtained JLPT N2
• b.
  Have scored 250 points or above on the Japanese section of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
• c.
  Have completed “Intermediate Japanese”

Applicants must not have taken the same session in AY2025.

Applicants may not apply for sessions they have already completed in AY2025. Applicants who participated in both the Fundamentals of Space Management (BKC) and the Space System Operations in AY2025 are not eligible to apply for these sessions, which will be offered as an integrated program in AY2026.

If a student has taken Fundamentals of Space Management (Kinugasa) and Fundamentals of Space Management (OIC) in AY2025:

Eligible to apply:

• ●
  Fundamentals of Space Management (BKC)
• ●
  International Project Management
• ●
  Space System Operations

Not eligible to apply:

• ●
  Fundamentals of Space Management (Kinugasa),
• ●
  Fundamentals of Space Management (OIC)

Participation Requirements:

After their participation is confirmed, participants will be required to complete designated sessions from the on-demand Fundamentals of Space Management course as a pre-assignment. (It is not necessary to complete them before applying)

4. Schedule and Locations (Tentative)

• Note:
  This course includes an overnight stay. Participants in the Fundamentals of Space Management and the International Project Management will stay at the seminar-house on each campus, while participants in the Space System Operations are scheduled to stay at a lodging facility in Shiga Prefecture.
  This year, the Space System Operations and the Fundamentals of Space Management (BKC) will be held as a single integrated program. The program will run from September 9 to 13 (4 nights, 5 days). Please note that joining late or leaving early is not permitted.

5.Number of Participants

40 participants per session (approx.30 RU students and 10 APU students).

Master Course(Early Application)

Students who wish to participate in all sessions

Flex Course

Students who wish to participate in selected sessions

• Note:
  Fundamentals of Space Management (BKC) and Space System Operations must be applied together.

If the number of applications exceeds the course capacity, participants will be selected through document screening. For details, see Section 9.
As applications for the Master Course will be accepted first, applications for the Flex Course will not be accepted if the Master Course reaches capacity.

Student Testimonials

In AY2025, 13 participants completed all sessions (8 from Ritsumeikan University and 5 from APU).

Participant A 2nd Year / Life Sciences

The field training, where we rotated roles, was especially memorable.Working together as a team to complete all the missions gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

Participant B 1st Year / Science and Engineering

Being with others who share the same aspirations helped me recognize my strengths and areas for growth.I will continue striving to contribute to the space field.

Participant C 4th Year / Information Science and Engineering

It was a valuable experience to learn the latest knowledge and technologies in space exploration.The combination of lectures and practical exercises helped deepen my understanding.I especially enjoyed the mission design exercise, where we worked together and shared ideas.

Participant D 3rd Year / Asia Pacific Studies (APS)

I found it especially appealing that the program was open to students not specializing in science or engineering, allowing collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds. The lectures taught me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in space development, which deepened my interest in the field.

Participant E 1st Year / Graduate School of Economics

The lunar exploration project was especially memorable to me.Working with team members from different academic backgrounds and interests was a very stimulating experience.

Participant F 3rd Year / Gastronomy Management

Through the fieldwork, I realized that role assignment greatly affects team efficiency.I also felt that, for personal growth, it is valuable to take on less familiar roles with the support of others.

6. Application Schedule and Timeline

Application Period

Master Course

April 6 (Mon), 2026 – April 20 (Mon), 5:00 PM

Flex Course

See below.

Results Announcement

Master Course

April 24 (Fri), 2026, 5:00 PM (Tentative)

Flex Course

See below.

7.How to Apply

Master Course

Flex Course

The application form will be released at a later date.

8. Information Session

In-person at each campus

Oneline(Zoom)

If you wish to participate, please apply here. For in-person attendance, on-the-day participation is also possible, but we kindly ask for your cooperation with advance registration to help us manage the number of attendees.
If you wish to participate online, advance registration is required. Participation is not mandatory, but it is recommended for those who wish to learn more about the program. A recording will be available on the website.

9.Selection

(1) Selection Criteria

• a.
  Interest in and enthusiasm for space
• b.
  Motivation to contribute to the future space industry or engage in space-related business
• c.
  Willingness to actively communicate with other participants and instructors
• d.
  Fulfillment of the language requirements

• Note:
  This requirement applies to international students only. Applicants may be requested to submit supporting documents, such as proof of language proficiency, during the selection process.

(2) Selection Method

Applicants will be evaluated according to the selection criteria, and a comprehensive decision will be made considering factors such as faculty, year (priority is given to 3rd-year students and below), and overall balance. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent via email.

10.Cost

There is no participation fee for this program. In principle, the university will cover transportation and accommodation costs related to the program; however, participants will be required to bear some expenses. Details of the costs covered by the university are as follows.

11. Certificate of Completion

Certificates of Achievement will be issued for each session.
Participants who attend all sessions may also receive a Certificate of Completion for the entire program.

12.Important Notes

This is an extracurricular program and does not offer academic credit.
In principle, withdrawal after the announcement of the results is not permitted. Please check your schedule carefully before applying to ensure there are no conflicts with classes, job search activities, or club activities.

13.Contact

Ritsumeikan Space Management Program Secretariat
Office of General Planning and Development
Email：spacemp@st.ritsumei.ac.jp
TEL：075-813-8130