Rikkyo University
Tokyo, Japan • Founded 1874 • World Rank #2362
Updated May 2026
Overview
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
Below are Rikkyo University's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Rikkyo University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
Below is the academic-unit breakdown for Rikkyo University. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.
Unit 12 items
- 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
Degrees
Rikkyo University's qualifications are listed below by level, so you can quickly find the route that matches your study stage. Some levels feed naturally into the next, while others stand alone.
Other 19 programs
- Artificial Intelligence
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Religious Studies
- Business Administration
- Christian Religious Studies
- Economics
- International Business
- Law
- Natural Sciences
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
- Social Welfare
- Sociology
- Sports
- Theology
- Tourism
- Welfare and Protective Services
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
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Intercultural Communication (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- English
- French
- German
- Koran
- Spanish
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Politics (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- International Law
- Law
- Political Sciences
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sociology (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Tourism (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Tour Operator
- Hospitality Manager
- Travel Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Christian Education (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Church Music (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Religious Music
English Language Education (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Tour Operator
- Hospitality Manager
- Travel Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
The programme finder below covers every degree Rikkyo University currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.
28 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Bachelor's Degree 13 programmes
Showing 10 of 13.
Master's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
How to apply to Rikkyo University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Rikkyo University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Rikkyo University, drawn directly from institutional records.
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 #2362 globally and #109 in Japan.
Does Rikkyo University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Rikkyo University is affiliated with Christian.
How many faculties does Rikkyo University have?
The institution comprises 12 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.
Top-Ranked Universities in Japan
Japan's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Rikkyo University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Christian
Religious leadership opportunities (chaplaincy student programmes, community-led initiatives) are commonly available at Christian universities. Worth investigating at the peers below if leadership development matters.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Rikkyo University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Humanities & Cultural Studies programmes vary across Japan. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Compared with Rikkyo University
Students applying to Rikkyo University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Rikkyo University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
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