Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

Video

Interview

VOL.3

New APU college aims for sustainable future

The official motto of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, popularly known as APU, is “Shape Your World,” an axiom that is set to take on a whole new meaning with the establishment of APU’s College of Sustainability and Tourism in April.

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VOL.2

Educational excellence in a diverse setting

It’s human nature to seek out people who share our values and ideas, but only through proactively interacting with people from other countries and cultures can we broaden our worldviews. For third-year student Airu Ito, stepping out of his comfort zone was a key factor...

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VOL.1

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University lets international students shape their world

Established in 2000, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, popularly known as APU, is a higher education facility in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. It boasts an enrollment of over 5,500, split ...

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Introduction

'Shape Your World' at one of the most diverse and internationally accredited universities in the country

Under the ideals of freedom, peace, humanity and international mutual understanding, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's founders established an international university in Beppu, Oita, to cultivate global leaders across all fields and industries who would solve our world's most pressing problems and shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

Since its founding, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University remains one of the most diverse campuses in all of Japan. Its student body is about 50% international, with students currently representing 103 countries and regions. More than 90% of international undergraduates receive APU scholarships that can reduce tuition by up to 100%. Furthermore, its diverse faculty provides students with an education that meets global standards, making APU one of the few Japanese universities to earn international accreditation. For these factors, APU ranked No. 1 for its environment in the Times Higher Education Japan University Rankings 2022.

And it is in this uniquely multicultural learning environment in the highly homogenous nation of Japan where students learn intercultural coexistence, responsible business leadership and sustainable development. However, learning in a multicultural environment extends well beyond the classroom. First-year international students live in on-campus housing, where they can form a diverse group of friends, learn about each other's customs, and overcome cultural and language barriers. Throughout the school year, APU hosts an array of cultural activities and events, including several Multicultural Weeks. Many students choose to study abroad at one of our 150 partner universities.

APU's tagline, "Shape Your World," embodies our solution-seeking spirit. This is a call to action. If you are passionate about making positive change in the world, we invite you to take the first step by joining APU's community of like-minded individuals.

Departments and faculties

College of Asia Pacific Studies

Students acquire a comprehensive understanding of the diverse political conditions, economies, societies and cultures of the world, master basic and advanced knowledge of the humanities and social sciences, and develop their language, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• ・International relations
• ・Culture, society, and media
• ・Global economy

Website: http://r.apu.jp/asiapacificapu

College of International Management

The college provides world-class business education, evidenced by its international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Association of MBAs. Through implementing multicultural collaborative learning, classes emphasize diversity and inclusion, as well as entrepreneurship, developing leaders who create new ideas and values based on social responsibility.

• ・Strategic management and leadership
• ・Accounting and finance
• ・Marketing
• ・Entrepreneurship and operations management

Website: http://r.apu.jp/intlmanagement

The College of Sustainability and Tourism

While focusing on a sustainable society and sustainable tourism, the college covers recycling-oriented communities, climate change and the value of local culture, history and environment. Education is focused on three areas: interdisciplinary major subjects; lectures and seminars, practical learning in the field and research and analytical skills; and off-campus study.

• ・Tourism industry operations
• ・Tourism studies
• ・Hospitality operation
• ・Environmental studies
• ・Resource management
• ・International development
• ・Regional development
• ・Social entrepreneurship
• ・Data science and information system

Website: http://r.apu.jp/sustainabilitytourism

Facilities and support programs

Scholarship opportunities for all students

APU offers tuition reductions of 30% to 100% to exceptional students. As a result, more than 20,000 students from 195 countries and regions have completed their studies at APU.

【For Domestic】https://www.apumate.net/campuslife/expenses.html

【For International】https://admissions.apu.ac.jp/campaign/

Student on-campus housing AP House

While living at our on-campus housing AP House, students from different countries and backgrounds can share their cultures, experience diversity and create lifelong friends.

Website: https://www.apumate.net/campuslife/ap_house.html

Multicultural Weeks

Every year during the spring and fall semesters, the languages and cultures of different countries and regions are showcased in their own weeklong events. These events are planned and run entirely by students.

Website: https://en.apu.ac.jp/home/life/content25/

Truly welcoming to international students

We have both English- and Japanese-based programs in each college and 98% of our classes are offered in both.

Website: https://en.apu.ac.jp/home/newapu/?tab=newCollege

Best environment in Japan

In 2022, the Times Higher Education University Ranking rated APU as the No. 1 private university in western Japan, and described it as having the best environment in the nation.

Website: https://en.apu.ac.jp/home/news/article/?storyid=3329