Overview

Ryukoku University originated as the educational institution “Gakuryo,” established in 1639 on the grounds of Nishi Hongwanji Temple. It has since developed into a comprehensive university with approximately 20,000 students across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

The university has established international exchange agreements with 244 universities in 66 countries and regions, as well as student exchange agreements with 134 universities in 44 countries and regions. Approximately 650 students study abroad each year.

Omiya Campus, the birthplace of Ryukoku University, is home to the Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Psychology, the Graduate School of Letters, the Graduate School of Psychology, and the Graduate School of Practical Shin Buddhist Studies. The Main Hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, retains its dignified presence, and the library houses numerous valuable historical materials for education and research.

Fukakusa Campus, located in Fushimi, Kyoto, serves as the university’s central campus. It accommodates eight faculties: Letters (1st and 2nd year students), Psychology (1st and 2nd year students), Economics, Business Administration, Law, Policy Science, International Studies, and Sociology, along with six graduate schools and the university headquarters. It also offers extensive facilities to support student learning.

Seta Campus, surrounded by rich natural environments, houses the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology*1  and the Faculty of Agriculture, along with two graduate schools. It also functions as a hub for community engagement through public lectures and industry-academia collaboration. In April 2027, the Faculty of Environmental Studies and Sustainability*2 and the Faculty of Informatics*2 are scheduled to be newly established (tentative, subject to change).

Ryukoku University continues to build upon its history and tradition while striving for further development as a university that is “open to the world and reaching toward the future.”

*1: To be renamed the ‘Faculty of Science and Engineering’ in April 2027.

*2: Provisional name; currently in the planning stage. Scheduled to be established in April 2027. The establishment plan is provisional and subject to change.

Conditions

Number of Scholarships Offered in Spring 2027
2

Status of Admitted Student
Students will be admitted as degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students.

Description of the Program

Students will apply first to the Japan Education Pathways, and selected finalists will apply to Ryukoku University during the application periods mentioned in the admissions guides below. If accepted, the finalists will attend Ryukoku University.

The University will cover all academic fees required for enrollment, including the admission fee, tuition, and practicum/laboratory fees. All miscellaneous fees, such as student association fees, will be fully waived.

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Faculties Open to Enrollment as Degree-Seeking Students

All faculties and graduate schools are open, except for the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Law.

Each faculty/graduate school accepts a maximum of one student.

The entrance exam requirements differ depending on the faculty or graduate school. Please check below.

Please refer to the attached document, ‘Participating Faculties and Graduate Schools and Reference Application Guidelines’.

Admission Guidelines

- Admission Guidelines for International Students (April Intake)

- Graduate School Entrance Examination Guidelines (April Intake)

- Economics Master Program（English-based Degree Program)

Eligibility

• Must currently reside in Japan

• Must be a citizen of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria or Ukraine

• Must meet one of the criteria below:

  • Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in universities outside Japan (including those taking a leave of absence or taking courses online)

  • Those who have graduated or dropped out from a university outside Japan and currently not enrolled in higher education

  • Those attending short-term programs in Japanese universities

  • Those attending or have graduated Japanese language schools in Japan

  • Those who have graduated or will graduate from high school in Japan or other countries by March 2027

• There is no age limit.

In addition, applicants must meet the entry requirements set by Ryukoku University and Ryukoku University Graduate School. Please refer to the entrance examination guidelines for further details.

Inquiries

If you have questions about the university, please inquire with the university directly.