Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Japan Founded 2000 World Rank #4512

Overview

English Name: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Acronyms: APU
Founded: 2000
Control Type: Private
World Rank: #4512
Rank in Japan: #171

Operating from Beppu-shi, Japan, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University delivers higher education as a private university established in 2000. It serves as a higher-education provider within Japan.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's academic profile spans multiple qualification levels, organised across multiple faculties. The institution maintains a catalogue of active programmes for enrolled students.

Globally, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University sits at #4512 globally and #171 within Japan. The institution participates in Japan's academic ecosystem alongside other higher-education providers.

Location & Contact

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

Address: Academic Outreach Office 1-1 Jumonjibaru
Postal Code: 874-8577
Map:
Social Media:

Academic Details

These figures give a quick read on Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.

Academic Year: Spring semester, April-July; Fall semester, October-January
Accrediting Agency: Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA)
Admission Requirements: Has completed a standard 12-years of education outside Japan or be at least 18 years of age and hold an International Baccalaureate Diploma or other qualification (course completion certificate) recognized by APU. Japanese basis applicants: A score of 240 points or more for level 1, or 280 points or more for level 2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). English basis applicants: A score of 500 points or more of the paper-based TOEFL (or 173 and 61 for computer-based and internet-based respectively), or a score of 5.5 or higher on the IELTS (Academic).

Degrees

The degree levels available at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University — bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and others — are organised below. Each tier signals a different depth of specialisation and minimum study duration.

Other 6 programs
  • Asian Studies
  • Business Administration
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Management
  • Pacific Area Studies
  • Social Sciences

Faculties & Divisions

Each faculty at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University covers specific subject clusters. Cross-faculty supervision arrangements at the postgraduate level are sometimes available for students whose research spans disciplines.

Asia Pacific Studies (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Comparative Sociology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Management
  • International Studies
International Management (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Sustainability and Tourism (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Management
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Tour Operator
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Travel Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Asia Pacific Studies (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Environmental Management
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Pacific Area Studies
  • Tourism
Management (Graduate School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Studies
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Pacific Area Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

Bachelor's Degree

3 programmes

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University runs 3 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.

Asia Pacific Studies アジア太平洋学部
International Management 国際経営学部 Business & Management
Sustainability Tourism サステイナビリティ観光学部 Tourism & Leisure

Master's Degree

3 programmes

These 3 programmes form Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.

Asia Pacific Studies (Master) アジア太平洋学
International Cooperation Policy (Master) 国際協力政策 Public Policy
Master of Business Administration (MBA) 経営管理研究科 Business & Management

Doctorate

1 programme

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University lists 1 programme awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.

Asia Pacific Studies (Doctor) アジア太平洋学

How to apply to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Practical steps to apply to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

    Use the programme finder to browse Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's 7 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University processes applications through www.apu.ac.jp. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

In what year was Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University established?

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University was founded in 2000 (approximately 26 years ago).

In which city is Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University?

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is based in Beppu-shi, Japan.

Is Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University a public or private institution?

It is a private higher-education institution.

What is Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's ranking?

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University holds rank #4512 globally and #171 in Japan.

Is Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University officially recognised?

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is accredited by Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).

How do I find Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University online?

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's official website is www.apu.ac.jp.

Top-Ranked Universities in Japan

The leading universities in Japan are listed below — useful for sizing Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in Japan typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.

Where Else to Study Business & Management

Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Business & Management programmes in Japan. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.

Universities Often Compared with Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.

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