2016 RU-AU DUAL UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM
ADMISSION GUIDELINES
(Third Year Incoming September Transfer Students)
1.
Admissions Policy
Admissions Policy
College
College of
International
Relations
The College of International Relations seeks students who have demonstrated leadership skills during their time as a
student and who have a strong desire to embrace an international outlook with respect to administration, economics,
culture, etc., in their future line of work.
College of
Policy
Science
The College of Policy Science seeks students with a desire to take on the challenge of studying at a unique and
global university with ambitions to better society, and where policy issues in need of resolution are addressed on a
practical level. We have high hopes that our graduates will play an active role on the global stage.
2. Admission Examination Objective
The goal is to admit to American University (AU), in accordance with the agreement between AU and Ritsumeikan University (RU)
pertaining to the implementation of the dual undergraduate degree program, who possess superior language proficiency and advanced
general academic abilities and have a desire to acquire an undergraduate degree from each of AU and RU.
3. Recruiting Colleges and Numbers
Please select your desired College, Department, Major, and Program from the list below. Admitted students will enter RU as
third-year, first-semester students. All classes in the Global Studies Major in the College of International Relations and in the
Community and Regional Policy Studies Major in the College of Policy Science are presented in English.
College
Department/Major/Program
Recruited Number
Governance and Peace Program
Department of
Global Studies
International
Development and Sustainability Program
Major
Relations
Culture and Society Program
Department of
Policy Science
Community and Regional Policy Studies Major
Policy Science
*Applicants will be limited to the colleges, departments, majors, and courses above.
International
Relations
Few
4. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must
(1) Have studied for at least 2 years at AU, having passed the AU evaluation and having earned a recommendation from AU.
(2) Hold a GPA greater than 3.0 on AU’s 4.0 GPA scale, and have earned at least 60 credits by the time of transfer.
(3) Meet one of the following criteria
①Applicants must have completed a complete course of 12 years of conventional education outside Japan before admitted to AU.
(*)
②Applicants must have completed a program of education determined by the Minister of Education Culture, Sports, Science,
and Technology such as International Baccalaureate Diploma, Abitur, or Baccalaureate.
③Applicants must have equivalent or greater academic ability to the qualifications named above.
(*) If the applicant has completed a 12 year curriculum in less than 12 years with appropriate reasons such as grade skipping,
they will be regarded as having met the requirement. The applicant is required to submit an official document issued from their
school to verify the skipped grade and reasons.
If applicants have not yet met the necessary conditions, they must completely fulfill the requirements no later than September 25, 2016
or they will not be permitted to enroll at RU.
5. Application Documents
All submitted application documents must be originals, except where it is specifically noted that copies may be accepted. Documents
that do not appear on the list below will not be accepted.
① Application Form (prescribed form)
② Evaluation Form（prescribed form）
③ Personal Statement (prescribed form)
④ Letter of Recommendation from AU Faculty Member (prescribed form)
⑤ Official Transcript from AU
⑥ Certificate of Enrollment from AU
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⑦ Photocopy of Passport
*Submit a photocopy of the page containing your name, date of birth, nationality, sex, and photo. If you possess
more than one nationality, submit photocopies of all passports.
*If you do not have a passport, please submit a copy of an official certificate of yours, such as your birth
certificate or certificate of residence, as we need to certify your nationality and full name. We can only accept
official certificates written in English. Where the official certificates are issued in any language other than
English, an official translation certified by official organizations such as an embassy or consulate must be
submitted along with the original.
⑧ Application Checklist (prescribed form)
Important Points Regarding the Application Documents
(1) In the event that you possess only one copy of a required original document and cannot submit it for the application process, a
copy will be accepted if it is certified by the original issuing school as a “Certified True Copy.”
(2) In general, we do not return submitted certificates. However, in cases where you only have one copy of a high school,
university, or specialist school certificate, and it is problematic for you to submit the document, and you are not able to receive
an original copy from the respective school, we ask that you submit the original document to us for confirmation. We will
return the certificate at a later date once confirmation is complete. If you would like us to return any submitted documents,
please make an inquiry.
(3) In the event that required documents from any school or organization outside of Japan are written in any language other than
Japanese or English, a Japanese or English translation certified by the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country must be
submitted along with the original document.
6. Application Fee
Based on the DUDP Agreement, applicants are exempt from paying an application fee for this program.
7. Application Instructions
(1) Please submit all documents to American University. Your documents will be forwarded to RU from AU. For the deadline by
which you need to submit documentation to AU, please confirm the date with AU.
(2) Application Deadline: Thursday, May 12, 2016
All application documents must arrive by the deadline.
(3) Application Mailing Address
Division of Admissions
Ritsumeikan University
56-1 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita-ku,
Kyoto, 603-8577 (603-8346), JAPAN
(4) Important Points
① Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants who receive any communication from the university regarding their
application documents should follow the received instructions as quickly as possible.
② If the contents of any application forms or other submitted documents are determined to be false or erroneous, the applicant's
application and enrollment eligibility will be revoked.
③ Application documents will not be returned for any reason, unless the applicant fails to meet the eligibility requirements
stated above. Additionally, once applications are submitted, no changes to the contents will be permitted.
④ Applicants with any disabilities (such as sight, hearing, speech, language issues, physical impairment, etc) are asked to
inform RU as early as possible if they have any need for university assistance related to their impairments during the
examinations and after enrollment.
8. Screening Process
Candidates recommended by AU will have their application documentation screened.
9. Notification Date of Results
Notification Date of Results: Friday, June 17, 2016
RU will send the results to AU in the afternoon on the above mentioned date. The results will not be published on a noticeboard
or on a webpage. Furthermore, we will under no circumstances accept any inquiries regarding results over the phone or by any
other means.
*RU will bear no responsibility for any accidents resulting in the loss or leak of personal information that can occur in the
middle of sending out results.
10. Admission Procedures
Please be certain to complete all admission procedures during the designated period. In the event that candidates fail to complete all
required payments and document submissions by the designated deadline, they will not be able to enter RU. Further details on the
procedures will be provided to successful applicants when results are released.
*Applicants who must apply for a visa also must complete the appropriate application procedures during this time. Information about
the application processes as well as the admission procedures will be provided to successful applicants when results are announced.
(1) Payment of Admission Procedure Fees
“Admission Procedure Fees” include Academic Fees (including the Admission Fee and Tuition) and Association Fees
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(Academic Association Fees, Student Government Board Fees, and the Parents Association of Student Education fee). Please
pay the Admission Procedures Fees as follows.
*Payments from overseas banks incur processing fees from banks in both countries, so applicants who pay from oversees must
include an additional 10,000 Japanese Yen to cover the processing fee. If any of that processing fee remains upon arrival, the
remainder will be credited against future payments. However, applicants who have paid tuition for the entire year at once will
have the overpayment refunded to them, if applicable.
①
First Admission Procedure
The Admission Fee of 300,000 Japanese Yen must be paid during this period. Once paid, this Admission Fee may not be
refunded for any reason.
First Admission Procedure Period:
Saturday, June 18 – Tuesday, July 5, 2016. Fees must be transferred by the deadline.
② Second Admission Procedure
The remaining Academic Fees as well as the Association Fees must be paid during this period.
Second Admission Procedures Period:
Wednesday, July 6 – Friday, July 15, 2016. Fees must be transferred by the deadline.
*In order to acquire a Status of Residence (Visa), it may be necessary to pay fees earlier than the period stated above.
*Please refer to "13. For Students who do not have a Status of Residence" below.
(2) Admission Procedures Documents
Admission Procedures Documents must be submitted during the period below. (These documents will be sent to AU in early
August)
Document Submission Period：Friday, August 26 – Wednesday, September 7, 2016.
Documents must be postmarked by the deadline
(3) Refund of Admission Procedure Fees (excluding the Entrance Fee) in the Event of Withdrawal
In the event that a student withdraws from the program before Sunday, September 25, 2016 and submits a “Cancellation of
Enrollment and Request Form for Refund of Fees Paid at Enrollment" (RU-designated form) by that date, all academic and
association fees, with the exception of the Admission Fee, may be refunded. Applications received on or after Monday,
September 26, 2016 will not be honored. In the event that the withdrawing candidate requests transfer of the refund to an
overseas bank or institution, all transfer and processing fees will be deducted from the refund amount. Please note that the
Admission Fee is not refundable.
11. Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the Third Year Tuition and Association Fees information found on the following pages.
12. DUDP Scholarship
During the first two semesters in the program, students will receive the DUDP Admission Scholarship, as outlined in the chart below.
This amount will automatically be reduced from each semester's tuition.
In order to receive the scholarship from the third semester onwards, students must maintain a GPA greater than 3.0 on RU’s 5.0 GPA
scale each semester.
Unit: Yen
College / Department
International Relations
Amount of Scholarship (per semester)
142,800
Policy Science
131,700
*The DUDP scholarship award is limited to two years.
*In addition to the scholarships listed above, DUDP scholars are eligible to apply for other scholarships awarded or
recommended by Ritsumeikan University.
13 For Students who do not have a Status of Residence
Since it is difficult for those residing outside Japan to complete the procedures to apply for a “Student” Status of Residence, RU will
apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence (COE) on behalf of students living outside Japan after they have
successfully completed the Second Admission Procedure.
The application procedures for the COE usually take approximately one month after confirmation of the receipt of all required
documents and fees. Applicants who need the university to apply for a COE on their behalf must complete all admission procedures
during the beginning of July, regardless of the Second Admission Procedures Period written under “10. Admission Procedures”, on
Page 3.
In the event that students are not able to receive their COEs by mid-August, they will be unable to enter Japan in time to begin
courses. Further details about the application schedule and procedures will be sent to successful applicants when results are released.
14 Use of Personal Data
Please refer to page 6.
15 Point of Contact for Inquiries
Division of Admissions
Ritsumeikan University
56-1 Toji-in Kitamachi, Kita-ku,
Kyoto 603-8577(603-8346) JAPAN
Tel: 075-465-8351 (Hours: 09:00 - 17:30, Mon-Fri. Closed on Holidays)
Fax: 075-465-8210
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Third Year Student Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
1. Academic Fees for 2016 Third Year Transfer Students
The fees for 2016 are to be finalized in mid-October 2015. The fees below are those for the 2015 academic year and are given for
reference. Academic fees at Ritsumeikan University consist of Admission Fees and Tuition, as outlined in the chart below.
<For reference> Tuition and Fees for 2015, Third Year Transfer Students
3rd Year
Department,
First
Second
College
Admission
Annual
Etc.
Semester Semester
Fee
Total
Tuition
Tuition
International Relations
300,000
612,500
612,500 1,525,000
Policy Science
300,000
565,000
565,000 1,430,000
Unit: Yen
4th Year and onwards
First
Second
Annual
Semester Semester
Total
Tuition
Tuition
612,500
612,500 1,225,000
565,000
565,000 1,130,000
Notes:
1) The Admission Fee is only required for the year that the student enters RU
2) Specific colleges and majors may require additional laboratory fees for specialized courses.
3) In the event of circumstance beyond the university's control, such as sudden changes in social conditions, it may become necessary
to revise the tuition and fees listed above.
4) The Association Fees outlined in section 2 are also due along with Academic Fees.
2. Association Fees
RU has been approved by various organizations to collect fees on their behalf and requires payment of these fees during the Second
Admission Procedure Fee Payment Period.
<For reference> Summary of 2015 Association Fees
College
Student Government
Board
Initial Fee
International Relations
Policy Science
Unit: Yen
3,000
3,000
Academic Association Fee
Yearly
Dues
5,000
5,000
Annual Fee
8,000
8,000
(By
Semester)
(4,000)
(4,000)
Parents Association of
Student Education
Assistance
Yearly
Initial Fee
Dues
5,000
10,000
5,000
10,000
Total
(Per Year)
27,000
27,000
Notes:
1) The Initial Fees for the Student Government Board and Parents Association of Student Education Assistance are only required in the
student’s first year at RU.
2) The Student Government Board (Initial Fee plus Yearly Dues) and Parents Association of Student Education Assistance (Initial Fee
plus Yearly Dues) are paid in a lump sum.
3) Half of the Academic Association Fee is due each semester. However, students who elect to pay both semesters' tuition as a lump
sum will also pay Academic Association Fees as a lump sum at the same time.
Explanation of organizations:
(1) Student Government Board
The RU Student Government Board is a self-governed organization made up of RU students with the aim of contributing to the
improvement and expansion of both academic and extra-curricular activities, as well as the development of the academy as a
whole. The Student Government Board is involved in conducting scholastic, athletic, and volunteer extracurricular activities,
such as welcome events for new students and the yearly school festival, as well as contributing to the improvement of the
overall learning environment and quality of student life. These activities are conducted by way of various grants and subsidies
from the university as well as member dues.
(2) Academic Associations
The Academic Associations of the Colleges of Law, Social Sciences, International Relations, Policy Science, Letters, Image
Arts & Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, and Sport & Health Sciences are made up of undergraduate students,
graduate students, and faculty members from each respective faculty for the purpose of promoting and advancing research.
Each association edits and publishes association materials, hosts conferences and lectures, and conducts gatherings and
excursions using member dues and other income, such as donations.
(3) Parents Association of Student Education Assistance
The Parents Association of Student Education Assistance supports educational activities and increases communication with
parents in accordance with the educational policies of RU while also promoting friendship between its members. Their
activities include supporting student life through social activities and scholarships as well as conducting activities to support
students in their search for post-graduate employment.
3. Admission Procedure Fees Payment Schedule and Totals
<For reference> Amount for 2015 First and Second Admission Procedure Fees are as follows.
1) For the First Admission Procedure Fee, enrollees should pay the Admission Fee [C] only.
2) For the Second Admission Procedure Fees, enrollees should pay the first semester's Tuition and Association Fees (the first
semester's portion of the Academic Association Fee and a lump sum payment of all other Association Fees) [C-1].
Students will receive an invoice for the second semester tuition payment and academic association fee in early April. These fees
must be paid by April 30. (In the event that April 30 is a bank holiday, payment must be received by the next business day)
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College
First
Admission
Procedure
Fee [C]
Department, Etc.
International Relations
Policy Science
300,000
300,000
5
Second Admission
Procedure Fees
First Semester's
Tuition + Association
Fees [C-1]
639,500
592,000
Guide to Study at Ritsumeikan University in Japan
1. Status of Residence of Foreign Students
An international student refers to a foreign student who entered Japan with the intent to receive education at an educational
institution in Japan and then has entered such an educational institution. In other words, it means a person who entered Japan with
the status of residence specified as [Student *] by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act or a person who entered
Japan with a certain status of residence and can change to the status specified above after the prescribed procedure.
* Student: Activities to receive an education at a university, college of technology (kotosenmongakko), senior high school (including
a course of study in the latter part of secondary educational school (chutokyoikugakko)), senior high school course of
school for special needs education (tokubetsushiengakko), vocational school (senshugakko), miscellaneous educational
institution (kakusyugakko) or an equivalent educational institution in terms of facilities and organization in Japan.
2. Recognition of Transferred Credits
Up to 62 credits, related to a student’s course of study, earned at American University will be approved as credits countable toward a
degree from Ritsumeikan University.
Please note that credits earned prior to transfer which do not conform to the curriculum of the corresponding department may not
always be approved, even if the maximum is not exceeded.
3. Assistance for International Students
(1) Housing
For students who need help in finding apartments, the Ritsumeikan Co-operative or our designated real-estate company can search
for apartments after being admitted by the university. When renting an apartment, there are some practices unique to Japan, such
as "Rei-kin (honorarium)" and "Shiki-kin (security deposit)". If you have any questions, please go to the International Center at
Kinugasa/OIC/BKC as early as possible. Students who will enter a College at BKC can enter the International House
(international dormitory), depending on availability. If you wish to enter the dormitory, please contact the International Center at
BKC.
(2) Healthcare Administration
Students should take good care of their health during school life in Japan. However, if they get sick or injured, they will be able to
receive first-aid or treatment at the Medical Service Center of each campus. The Medical Service Center always provides health
or mental care consultations. In addition, Ritsumeikan University periodically carries out medical checkups on all students. If
international students receive medical treatment in Japanese medical institutions without health insurance coverage, expensive
treatment costs will be required and the students will be left with a heavy economic burden. In order to prevent such situations,
under Japanese law, all international students who will stay in Japan for more than three months are required to enlist in national
health insurance. There is also a system to subsidize the national health insurance fees. We will explain the details at an
orientation held at the end of March for new international students.
(3) Career after Graduating from Ritsumeikan University
For international students who wish to work in Japan, the Office of Career Services provides various types of assistance including
guidance sessions, company recruitment information, and job interview coaching. Students who wish to work in Japan are
recommended to go to the Office of Career Services early.
(4) Consultation Services
At Ritsumeikan University, TISA (Tutors for International Students Assembly) have been assigned to support international
students and strengthen social interaction. There are also staff members in charge of international students at the administrative
offices of each college, the International Center at Kinugasa/OIC/BKC, Office of Student Affairs, and Office of Career Services
to provide consultations for all of international students.
(5) Contact
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International Center at Kinugasa Campus, Ritsumeikan University
Phone: +81-75-465-8230
International Center at Osaka Ibaraki Campus, Ritsumeikan University
Phone: +81-72-665-2070
* Open: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. JST (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)
* August 10 to 14, 2015 and December 28, 2015 to January 5, 2016 are holiday periods and the International Centers above will be
closed.
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Personal Information Policy
Personal information collected from individuals during the admissions process will be handled in accordance with the following.
1.
Purpose of Use of Personal Information
① To carry out the admissions process, such as screening, mailing interview information sheets, holding interviews, etc.
② To notify results
③ To send various questionnaires after admission
④ To send enrollment-related documents
⑤ To send information regarding student life, such as housing, insurance, National Federation of University Co-operative
Associations, etc.
⑥ To send information regarding orientation sessions for international students
⑦ To make documents relating to the Certificate of Eligibility
⑧ To manage student records after their enrollment
2. Management of Personal Information
Ritsumeikan University will manage the personal information of applicants in compliance with relevant Japanese laws and regulations.
Information will be managed securely to prevent loss, destruction or divulgence.
3. Outsourcing of the Handling of Personal Information
Ritsumeikan University may outsource part of the handling of the personal information of applicants when necessary, such as the
receipt of applications or the data entry of personal details. In such cases, Ritsumeikan University and the external organization will
sign a contract regarding the appropriate management of personal information.
4. Statistical Use of Personal Information
Ritsumeikan University may use data extracted from applicants’ personal information to conduct various statistical analyses to be used
for surveys and research relating to the admission process. This data may also be provided to students interested in applying to
Ritsumeikan University. However, the University shall ensure that any information made public cannot be used to identify specific
individuals.
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