Ryukoku University

Overview

English Name: Ryukoku University

Local Name: 龍谷大学

Founded: 1639

Control Type: Private

Religious Affiliation: Buddhism

World Rank: #3071

Rank in Japan: #146

Established in 1639, the Ryukoku University (Ryukoku Daigaku) is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Kyoto (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

This institution also has a branch campus in Otsu. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Ryukoku University is a large-sized coeducational Japanese higher education institution formally affiliated with the Buddhist religion.

Ryukoku 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 385-year-old Japanese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this Japanese higher education organization a very selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Ryukoku 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

Ryukoku University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.

Academic Details

The numbers behind Ryukoku University: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.

Academic Structures

The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Ryukoku University's academic architecture are listed below. Knowing which unit hosts your subject helps locate the relevant admissions team.

Degrees

Ryukoku University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.

Faculties & Divisions

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

How to apply to Ryukoku University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Ryukoku University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Begin by checking which programmes are available at Ryukoku University. Match the level to your prior education, then confirm the subject area you want to study.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Each programme at Ryukoku University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Apply directly via Ryukoku University's online portal at www.ryukoku.ac.jp. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +81 (75) 642 1111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ryukoku University

The questions below summarise Ryukoku University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

Top-Ranked Universities in Japan

Top Japan universities often run international branch campuses. Ryukoku University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.

Kyoto University

Kyoto · Public · Rank #149

Osaka University

Suita · Public · Rank #209

Tohoku University

Sendai · Public · Rank #252

Kyushu University

Fukuoka · Public · Rank #328

Keio University

Tokyo · Private · Rank #358

Other Japanese Universities Affiliated with Buddhism

Interfaith dialogue programmes exist at many Buddhism universities and signal openness alongside tradition. The peers below often run such programmes at varying levels of depth.

Aichi Gakuin University

Nisshin-shi · Private · Rank #1942

Shukutoku University

Chiba · Private · Est. 1965

Tokai Gakuin University

Kakamigahara-shi · Private · Est. 1981

Soai University

Osaka · Private · Est. 1888

Taisho University

Tokyo · Private · Est. 1926

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities close to Ryukoku University typically fall within the same regional student-transit zones, where transit discounts and shared passes reduce living costs across the cluster.

KY

Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine

Kyoto · Public · Rank #1122

Ritsumeikan University

Kyoto · Private · Rank #1198

Doshisha University

Kyoto · Private · Rank #2025

KY

Kyoto Prefectural University

Kyoto · Public · Rank #2894

KY

Kyoto College of Arts and Crafts

Kyoto · Private · Est. 2012

Universities Often Compared with Ryukoku University

Faculty mobility between Ryukoku University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.