Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

About Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, is a vibrant international university established in 2000. Renowned in Japan for its commitment to globalization and multicultural coexistence, APU is distinguished by its student body, with approximately half of the students coming from overseas. The campus fosters an environment where students from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds learn together, encouraging mutual growth. This dynamic setting enables students from Japan and abroad to develop both a global perspective and specialized expertise.

Research Environment and Features

APU primarily focuses on the College of International Relations and the College of Business Administration, covering a wide range of research fields. Active research areas include international relations, environmental issues, regional development, tourism studies, language communication, and data science. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, supporting high-quality field research and internship programs. Moreover, with guidance from multinational faculty and numerous collaborative research projects with partner universities overseas, students gain valuable global research experience.

Support for Students Pursuing Academic Careers

For students aspiring to academic careers, APU offers comprehensive support including assistance with advancing to master’s and doctoral programs, support for presenting at domestic and international conferences, and guidance in academic writing. Leveraging its global network, APU actively promotes overseas study and joint research projects, providing an invaluable environment for emerging researchers. The close-knit faculty-student relationships allow for personalized mentoring and easy consultation on research topics, creating an ideal setting for deepening expertise in specialized fields.

International Campus Life and Exchange

One of the greatest attractions of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is its realization of an “international community on campus,” where multinational students and faculty live and learn together. Classes are conducted in both Japanese and English, enabling students to enhance their language skills while acquiring specialized knowledge. This environment supports not only academic career development but also the improvement of international communication abilities. Student organizations, cultural exchange events, and international symposiums are actively held, providing numerous opportunities to build networks both on and off campus.
Overall, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is an ideal place for students who wish to broaden their horizons as future researchers by studying diverse fields in a truly international environment. It is highly recommended for those considering an academic path.