Financial Support
Ritsumeikan University offers a variety of scholarships and research grants to support the research activities of graduate students.
Internal Financial Support
We introduce scholarships and research grants that can be utilized for various purposes.
In addition to tuition fee reduction scholarships, we offer numerous grant programs that provide financial assistance for research activities.
M Master's Program
D Doctoral Program
Reduction or Exemption of Tuition Fees
SEISEKI-YUSHUSHA Scholarship (For 1st Year of Enrollment)
A scholarship at Ritsumeikan University for students with outstanding entrance examination results entering the Master’s Program, Integrated Doctoral Program (first-year), or Professional Degree Program (Graduate School of Professional Teacher Education only). Each graduate school selects recipients based on exam performance, and they are now notified before enrollment.
SEISEKI-YUSHUSHA Scholarship (For 2nd Year Students)
SEISEKI-YUSHUSHA (Academic Excellence) Scholarship (For 2nd Year Students) is a scholarship awarded to graduate students during the 2nd year (3rd and 4th semester) of their Master’s Program, the Integrated Doctoral Program (for students who enrolled from the first year), or the Professional Degree Program (Graduate School of Professional Teacher Education only).
KENKYU-SHOREI Scholarship (Prize Fellowship for Doctoral Degree Students）
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage the research activities in the eligible programs by supporting the tuition of graduate students who have achieved excellence in their field of research. There are three types of scholarships (KENKYU-SHOREI S, A, B).
Scholarships Available for International Students
For more information about scholarships available for international students, please refer to the International Student Handbook distributed to new students, or the Online Support Desk of International Center. If you have inquiries about scholarships available for international students, please contact the International Center on your campus.
Support for Research Activities
GAKKAI Scholarship (Academic Conference Scholarship)
This scholarship assits with part of expenses for participation and presentations at academic conferences.
Program to Support the Submission to High-Impact Journals
This program provides article processing charge (APC) and proofreading fees for researchers aiming to publish their papers in high-impact journals designated by the University.
KENKYUKAI-KATSUDO Grant (Grant for Student Research Societies)
The purpose of this grant is to encourage graduate students to organize a student society together with students from different graduate schools of Ritsumeikan University and to promote independent research activities of the student society.
Research Grant for Doctoral Students
The purpose of this grant is to reduce the financial burden for the realization of outstanding research plans by outstanding students in the doctoral programs (Doctoral Program, Year 3 or above of an Integrated Doctoral Program, 4-Year Doctoral Program), and to promote research activities that contribute to the completion of their doctoral dissertations as early as possible, thereby supporting the completion of their doctoral dissertations within the standard period of study.
Program to Support the Submission of Academic Papers in Foreign Languages
The purpose of this program is to encourage and prompt graduate students to internationally disseminate their research results through research article publication in foreign languages.
KYOTEI RYUGAKU Scholarship (Scholarship for Study Abroad Exchange Programs)
This scholorship is designated to support a part of tuition that graduate students pay while they participate in study abroad exchange programs under an exchange agreement such as Dual Master’s Degree Program (DMDP).
Grant for Publication of Doctoral Dissertation
The purpose of this program is to encourage and prompt graduate students to publish their dissertation. This program will provide financial assistance to support those who earned a doctoral degree from Ritsumeikan University to publish their doctoral dissertation.
Support for Language Learning
Other Grant Programs
Scholarships and loans are also provided by public institutions and private organizations outside of our university. Some organizations do not operate through our university's offices, so please contact the respective offices directly in such cases.
M Master's Program
D Doctoral Program
Japan Student Service Organization JASSO
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides support for students in Japan and those who want to study in Japan. It offers scholarships, student loans, and information on studying abroad. JASSO also supports international students with guidance, housing, and language education.
Scholarships offered by Private and Public Foundations, in Japanese only
Private Foundation and Local Public Organization Scholarships are scholarships offered by outside organizations. There are two types of scholarships: the “School Recommendation Group,” which requires a recommendation from the university, and the “General Application Group,” which allows students to apply freely to the foundation of their choice. The “School Recommendation Group” is primarily grant-based, while the “General Application Group” offers both grant and loan-based scholarships. Eligibility, amount of scholarship, and application period differ depending on the organization.
Japan Foundation Center
Japan Science & Technology Agency (JST)
JST is a national agency that promotes science and technology in Japan through research funding, innovation, and international cooperation.
Foundation Grants
Securing external funding, such as foundation grants, not only showcases a significant level of research proficiency but also broadens career path opportunities and enhances employability.
M Master's Program
D Doctoral Program