We are excited to announce that Ritsumeikan University’s non-degree study abroad program “SKP” will be reorganized and updated for the 2022 Spring Semester onwards. The SKP website has also been overhauled to reflect the reorganization of the program.

The following is a summary of changes to the program and information.

< Program Changes >

1. Expansion of the program to three campuses (in Kyoto, Osaka, and Shiga Prefectures)

In addition to the Kyoto and Osaka campuses, students can now participate in the program at the Biwako-Kusatsu Campus in Shiga Prefecture. As the program has expanded to cities in the Kansai region, the name has been changed to the “Study in Kansai Program” (SKP).

< New Campuses >

1. 01.Kinugasa Campus (Kyoto Prefecture)
2. 02.Osaka Ibaraki Campus (Osaka Prefecture)
3. 03.Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (Shiga Prefecture) [NEW]
4. Students can travel between each campus in about 1.5 hours by public transportation.

< New Program Name >

Study in Kyoto Program
→ SKP (Study in Kansai Program)

2. Some study track names have been changed, and new tracks have been added

The elements of OSE (Open Study in English track) and BT (Business Track) have been retained, but the track names have been changed. In addition, students can now choose not only their track but also their campus should they meet the specified requirements, giving them more options to choose from.

< New Tracks >

• Intensive Japanese Language Track (IJL)
  *No changes
  In the IJL track, studies are centered on Japanese language studies. The track provides a well-balanced approach to improving reading, writing, listening, and writing skills from the beginner level all the way to the advanced level of practical academic Japanese skills required for taking university courses. Students are placed in Japanese language classes according to their proficiency level and given class schedules accordingly. They can choose other subjects they wish to study during their remaining periods.
• Regular Courses in English Track (RCE)
  The RCE track allows students to take classes in English in a wide range of fields, from classes in various humanities and social science disciplines, to those in the newly available information science and engineering (computer science) and natural science disciplines.
• Regular Courses in Japanese Track (RCJ) [NEW]
  In the RCJ track, students who have JLPT N1 or an equivalent Japanese language proficiency test score at the time of application are given the opportunity to take liberal arts courses and specialized courses in Japanese offered by 13 Ritsumeikan faculties. There are also many opportunities to study together with Japanese students.

< New Track & Campus Reference Table >

	IJL	RCE	RCJ
Kinugasa Campus (Kyoto)	○	○ (formerly OSE)	○
Osaka Ibaraki Campus (Osaka)	×	○ (formerly BT)	○
Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (Shiga)	×	○	○

3. More campuses to choose from and more courses offered

Students can now choose their campus, and the number of undergraduate and graduate courses available to SKP students has increased. For example, at Biwako-Kusatsu Campus in Shiga Prefecture, students in the RCE track can take Economics and Information Science and Engineering courses in English, whereas students in the RCJ track can take select courses offered in Japanese from a total of six colleges and graduate schools on campus. More information can be found in the Track Comparison.

• Please note that SKP students are not eligible for research supervision.

< Important Points >

In the updated program, students will be able to choose their track and campus depending on whether they want to take courses in Japanese or English, and the courses they wish to take. The choice of campus is a very important factor as the courses offered differ depending on the campus. It is also crucial that students check the course lists from previous semesters for each campus before choosing a campus. You can check the course lists from previous semesters for each track here.

• The course list for the 2022 Spring Semester will be finalized in March 2022 and distributed to students during orientation.

Use the chart below to see what track/campus choices the best suit for you will be.

• Chart

Please feel free to contact us through our contact form with any questions you may have.
We look forward to welcoming many more students all over the world to our updated Study in Kansai Program starting in the 2022 Spring Semester!

SKP Staff