Ryukoku University
Kyoto, Japan • Founded 1639 • World Rank #3071
Updated May 2026
Overview
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.
Unit 19 items
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of International Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Letters
- Faculty of Policy Science
- Faculty of Sociology
- Graduate School of Agriculture
- Graduate School of Business Administration
- Graduate School of Economics
- Graduate School of Intercultural Communication
- Graduate School of Law
- Graduate School of Letters
- Graduate School of Policy Science
- Graduate School of Science and Technology
- Graduate School of Shin Buddhist Studies
- Graduate School of Sociology
Degrees
Ryukoku University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Other 20 programs
- African Studies
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Religious Studies
- Asian Studies
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- International Studies
- Journalism
- Law
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Welfare
- Sociology
- Technology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.
Advanced Science and Engineering (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Systems Analysis
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agriculture (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Studies (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Cultural Studies
- English
- French
- International Studies
- Korean
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Religious Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Education
- English
- History
- Japanese
- Literature
- Philosophy
Political Sciences (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Faculty) 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.
Sociology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Master"s and Doctor's Degree Program (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Studies
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Religious Studies
- Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Engineering
- International Studies
- Law
- Oriental Studies
- Political Sciences
- Technology
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Ryukoku University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
33 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Japan
Bachelor's Degree 10 programmes
Master's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Doctorate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Associate's Degree 1 programme
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.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Ryukoku University offers 33 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
When was Ryukoku University founded?
Ryukoku University was established in 1639 (approximately 387 years ago).
What city is Ryukoku University in?
Ryukoku University operates from Kyoto, Japan.
Is Ryukoku University a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How big is Ryukoku University's student body?
Ryukoku University serves approximately 15,000-19,999 students.
What is Ryukoku University's ranking?
Ryukoku University is ranked #3071 globally and #147 in Japan.
Does Ryukoku University have a religious affiliation?
Ryukoku University is associated with Buddhism.
How is Ryukoku University organised academically?
The institution comprises 19 academic units.
Who recognises Ryukoku University?
The institution holds recognition from Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).
How do I find Ryukoku University online?
The institution's website is www.ryukoku.ac.jp.
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.
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.
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.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Programme-led research opportunities for General Engineering students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities 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.
Studying in Japan: guides and resources
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