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Rikkyo University brand identity

Rikkyo University

Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1874 • QS 2026 #1401-1501

Updated May 2026 · Source: rikkyo.ac.jp

Overview

English Name: Rikkyo University
Local Name: 立教大学
Founded: 1874
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2026 #1401-1501 Times Higher Education 2026 #1501-2191 SCImago 2026 #2362
Motto: Pro Deo et Patria
Rikkyo University institutional building
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Established in 1922, the Rikkyo University (Rikkyo Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Tokyo (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Rikkyo University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Rikkyo University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 102-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Japanese higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Rikkyo University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Rikkyo University is listed below.

Address: 3-34-1 Nishi Ikebukuro Toshima-ku
Postal Code: 171-8501
Phone: +81 (3) 3985 2752
Fax: +81 (3) 3985 2826
Social Media:

Academic Details

Rikkyo University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Academic Year: April to March (April-September; October-January)
Recognition: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
Accrediting Agency: Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school or equivalent, and entrance examination
Student Enrollment: 15,000-19,999
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Urban

Academic Structures

The academic units of Rikkyo University are listed below.

Unit 25 items
  • College of Arts
  • College of Business
  • College of Community and Human Services
  • College of Contemporary Psychology
  • College of Economics
  • College of Environmental Studies
  • College of Intercultural Communication
  • College of Law and Politics
  • College of Science
  • College of Sociology
  • College of Sport and Wellness
  • College of Tourism
  • Global Liberal Arts Program
  • Graduate School of Arts
  • Graduate School of Business
  • Graduate School of Business Administration
  • Graduate School of Christian Studies
  • Graduate School of Community and Human Services
  • Graduate School of Contemporary Psychology
  • Graduate School of Economics
  • Graduate School of Law and Politics
  • Graduate School of Science
  • Graduate School of Social Design Studies
  • Graduate School of Sociology
  • Graduate School of Tourism

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Arts (College) 18 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Christian Religious Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Research
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Literature
  • Primary Education
  • Psychology
  • Special Education
  • Theology
  • Writing
Business (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • International Business
Community and Human Services (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social and Community Services
  • Social Work
  • Sports
Contemporary Psychology (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Psychology
Economics (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Economic and Finance Policy
  • Economics
  • Finance
Intercultural Communication (College) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chinese
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Koran
  • Spanish
Law and Politics (College) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Commercial Law
  • International Law
  • Law
  • Political Sciences
  • Private Law
  • Public Law
Science (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physics
Sociology (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Media Studies
  • Sociology
Tourism (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Tourism
Graduate Studies (Graduate School) 21 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Christian Religious Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • English
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Tourism
  • Translation and Interpretation
Atomic Energy (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
Business Law Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Commercial Law
Christian Education (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Christian Religious Studies
Church Music (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Religious Music
English Language Education (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • English
Global Urban Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Urban Studies
Japanese Studies (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Japanese
Latin American Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Latin American Studies
Leadership Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Leadership
Legal Practice Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Peace and Community Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Peace and Disarmament
  • Urban Studies
Social Welfare (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Social Welfare
Tourism (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Tourism

Programs Offered

Rikkyo University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

28 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan

Scholarships in Japan

Scholarships open to students attending universities in Japan are listed below.

Rikkyo Exceptional Student Scholarship (RESS)
International students · 800,000 JPY per year
Provides 800,000 JPY per year to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo Promising Future Scholarship
International students · 600,000 JPY per year
Provides 600,000 JPY per year to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University Alumni Association Scholarship for International Students
International students · 50,000 JPY per monthly
Provides 50,000 JPY per month to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University Emergency Scholarship for International Students
International students · 200,000 JPY per year
Provides 200,000 JPY per year to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University International Student Scholarship
International students · 200,000 JPY per year
Provides 200,000 JPY per year to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University Scholarship for International Students with Outstanding Academic Achievements
International students · 70,000 JPY per monthly
Provides 70,000 JPY per month to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
International students · 60,000 JPY per monthly
Provides 60,000 JPY per month to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club Scholarship
International students · 300,000 JPY per year
Provides 300,000 JPY per year to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.
Rikkyo University Yoon Dong-joo International Student Scholarship
International students · 50,000 JPY per monthly
Provides 50,000 JPY per month to eligible international students at Rikkyo University.

How to apply to Rikkyo University

Five steps that capture how applications to Rikkyo University flow.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Rikkyo University

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Rikkyo University runs 28 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Rikkyo University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Japan.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Rikkyo University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.rikkyo.ac.jp). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (3) 3985 2752. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rikkyo University

Frequently asked questions about Rikkyo University.

When was Rikkyo University founded?

Rikkyo University was established in 1874 (approximately 152 years ago).

What city is Rikkyo University in?

Rikkyo University operates from Tokyo, Japan.

What is Rikkyo University's control type?

Rikkyo University operates as a private institution.

How big is Rikkyo University's student body?

Rikkyo University serves approximately 15,000-19,999 students.

What is Rikkyo University's ranking?

Rikkyo University is ranked QS 2026 #1401-1501.

Does Rikkyo University have a religious affiliation?

Yes, Rikkyo University is affiliated with Christian.

How many faculties does Rikkyo University have?

The institution comprises 25 academic units.

Is Rikkyo University officially recognised?

Rikkyo University is accredited by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).

What is Rikkyo University's official website?

You can find Rikkyo University online at www.rikkyo.ac.jp.

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