On October 21, 2025, Ritsumeikan Academy (Ritsumeikan University and five affiliated schools: Ritsumeikan Junior and Senior High School, Ritsumeikan Uji Junior and Senior High School, Ritsumeikan Keisho Junior and Senior High School, Ritsumeikan Moriyama Junior and Senior High School, and Ritsumeikan Primary School) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Education New Zealand (ENZ), an independent government agency of the New Zealand government (Head Office: Wellington, New Zealand).

Background of the Agreement

Ritsumeikan Uji Junior and Senior High School has a long history of international exchange with Macleans College, a prestigious school in New Zealand, through programs such as the Real Exchange Program and year-long study abroad opportunities.

In addition, with the support of ENZ, the school has participated in study abroad fairs, developed host schools for term study abroad programs, and dispatched faculty for site visits to local educational institutions, among other collaborative efforts.

Based on this history, Ritsumeikan Uji took the lead in realizing a comprehensive agreement to strengthen ties across the entire Ritsumeikan Academy, including both the university and affiliated schools.

ENZ is an independent agency of the New Zealand government responsible for promoting exchange between New Zealand’s educational institutions and those of other countries.

In Japan, ENZ operates a local office within the New Zealand Embassy in Shibuya, Tokyo, and supports study abroad fairs as well as the dispatch and hosting of educational institutions and personnel.

ENZ has previously signed similar agreements with Waseda University and its affiliated schools, and this new partnership with Ritsumeikan Academy is attracting attention as a new model for international educational collaboration in Japan.

This agreement aims to promote the following collaborations:

This collaboration with ENZ allows for coordination and recommendations to local schools via the New Zealand government, enabling a higher quality of educational exchange. Additionally, when New Zealand schools seek to conduct educational activities in Japan, Ritsumeikan Academy will be introduced as a trusted educational partner, creating a mutually beneficial framework.

Ritsumeikan Uji Junior and Senior High School will continue to leverage its experience in international education to deepen collaboration with ENZ throughout the entire Academy. Through educational exchange between the two countries, the school aims to cultivate students capable of thriving in the global community.