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2023 Application for International Students Residing Outside Japan | APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University International Undergraduate Admissions
APU Campus

First Year Applicants Residing Outside Japan 2023

This page will help you know what you will need to apply and how to apply to APU as a first year student residing outside Japan.

1. Number of Students Accepted

      April 2023 Enrollment September 2023 Enrollment
    College of Asia Pacific Studies 70 140
    College of International Management 100 255
    College of Sustainability and Tourism 32 95

2. Application Eligibility

You must fulfill both Requirement 1 and Requirement 2:

Requirement 1: Educational Qualifications

    If after reading through the criteria list, you are still unsure if you are eligible to apply to APU, please click here and answer the questions in our YES/NO chart for more clarity.

    You must have graduated or be scheduled to graduate from a high school (or secondary school) designated by the Japanese School Education Act or have an academic background equivalent to one of the educational criteria listed below by the time of enrollment* to APU. For most applicants, this means you must have:


    • 1. Completed a 12-year standard education curriculum at an educational institution. If this applies to you, proceed to Requirement 2: Language Proficiency below.

    • If you will not complete a 12-year standard education curriculum, you must have an academic background equivalent to one of the following educational criteria by the time of enrollment* to APU:

    • 2. Completed a standard overseas education curriculum at an educational institution in Japan designated by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
    • 3. Completed an upper secondary course at a special training college designated by MEXT.
    • 4. Completed a standard education curriculum in less than 12 years at an overseas institution and have completed a curriculum at a preparatory educational institution designated by MEXT or at an educational center designated by MEXT.
    • 5. Received an International Baccalaureate Diploma, Abitur, Baccalaureate Diploma, or GCE A Level results.
    • 6. Completed a 12-year standard education curriculum accredited by an international evaluation group (WASC, CIS, ACSI).
    • 7. Be at least 18 years of age and have passed an official examination that shows academic background equivalent or superior to that obtained from a 12-year standard education curriculum.
    • 8. Be at least 18 years of age and have been recognized through an individual screening by APU as having an academic background equivalent to or higher than a high school graduate.
    • 9. Completed an 11-year standard education curriculum at an educational institution in Belarus, Myanmar, Peru, Russia, Sudan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, or at an educational institution designated by MEXT (as of May 13, 2022). For more details, contact the Admissions Office before applying. At the time of application, you must submit documents online proving that you will meet one of the above educational criteria by the time of enrollment to APU. After receiving your final results, you must submit further documentation by post proving that you have successfully met the required educational criteria in order to enroll at APU. Failure to submit such documentation in a timely manner may result in your acceptance to APU being revoked.

    Other Educational Qualifications
    If you left high school before graduating, or completed a 12-year standard elementary and secondary school education curriculum in less than 12 years as a result of grade skipping or early graduation and will be younger than 18 years of age by the time of enrollment*, you may confirm further details via our Inquiry Form before applying.

    *The date of enrollment is April 1 for spring enrollment and September 21 for fall enrollment.

Requirement 2: Language Proficiency

    You must meet one of the following English or Japanese language proficiency requirements. Certain applicants may be exempt from having to submit a language proficiency test score. Refer to D. Language Requirements in 5. Online Application and Required Documents for more details.

    Minimum English Proficiency Requirements
    IELTS IELTS Indicator TOEFL iBT® Test TOEFL iBT® Home Edition TOEIC® L&R Test Cambridge English Language Assessment PTE Academic EIKEN
    6.0* 75 750 169 50 Grade Pre-1

    * A minimum of 5.5 is required for each section

    Minimum Japanese Proficiency Requirements
    JLPT N1 JLPT N2 EJU Japanese*
    100 120 Listening and Listening-Reading and Reading: 250
    Writing: 30

    *Both minimum scores must be met.

    Refer to D. Language Requirements in 5. Online Application and Required Documents for additional details on the required language proficiency certifications.

    Note
    • 1.Only scores of examinations taken on or after June 1, 2020 (for April 2023 enrollment) and September 1, 2020 (for September 2023 enrollment) will be accepted. Examinations taken after the application deadline will not be accepted. For the EJU, only scores that are released online by the Stage 1 Result date of your application period will be accepted. Refer to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) website to confirm the announcement dates of score reports.
    • 2.TOEFL® ITP Test, IELTS (General Training Module), TOEIC® L&R Test (IP), and PTE General are not accepted.

3. Application Process and Online Assessment

Our application process is divided into two stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2. However, your application process and online assessment will slightly differ depending on whether or not you apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship.

Applicants who DO apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship

    Stage 1: Online Application and Online Assessment

    In Stage 1, you will be evaluated using the documents you submit with your online application as well as through an online assessment. For further details about the required documents, refer to 5. Online Application and Required Documents.

    You can apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship through the online application. Note that there is a limit to the amount of APU Scholarships available. While the date you apply to APU will not have an impact on your admission results, applicants who apply earlier will have a greater chance at receiving a scholarship.

    An online assessment will be administered to ensure the fair evaluation of the academic ability of all international applicants. After you submit the online application and pay the application fee, you will see instructions for how to complete the online assessment within the APU Online Application System. You must use a computer to complete the online assessment, and you must submit the online assessment by the application deadline.


    English-basis applicants:

    Before You Start

    The online assessment consists of a recorded video interview, the Core Abilities Assessment test (CORE), and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal III test. The entire online assessment will last approximately 50 - 60 minutes.

    You must have Safe Exam Browser (SEB) installed on your computer in order to take the CORE test and the WGIII test. This is necessary for reasons of fraud prevention. SEB is a locked-down browser that will restrict your access to other websites and applications while you take the assessment tests. You can view the system requirements and technical details for SEB on their website. Refer to the video on the Application Status Page within the APU Online Application System for a detailed walkthrough of the assessment.


    Video-recorded Assessment (5 minutes) For the video interview, you will not be speaking with a person. Instead, through a video interview platform you will see a number of questions on your screen, and you will record your answers to them. Each question will have a set time limit for responding.
    Core Abilities Assessment (20 minutes) The Core Abilities Assessment (CORE) consists of verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning items and measures an individual’s capacity to learn concepts and tasks, apply sound reasoning, and draw conclusions from information.

    Core Abilities Assessment Sample Questions
    Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal (30 minutes) The Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGIII) measures a person’s ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as seek and evaluate relevant information to reach an appropriate and logical conclusion. The assessment reports on three aspects of verbal critical reasoning, specifically the ability to 1) recognize assumptions, 2) evaluate arguments, and 3) draw conclusions, as well as providing an overall measure of critical thinking proficiency.

    Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal Demo Test and Explanation of the Appraisal document

    Japanese-basis applicants:

    The online assessment consists of two sections of a video-recorded assessment to measure your logical and critical thinking skills. The online assessment will be conducted through a video-recorded assessment platform, and you will not be speaking with a person. Instead, you will see a number of questions on your screen, and you will record your answers to them. Each question will have a set time limit for responding. The online assessment takes a total of 15 minutes for applicants who apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship.

    Stage 1 Results

    Stage 1 Results are based on your online application and the results of the assessment tests you take during the online assessment.

    If you pass Stage 1, you will be contacted by email with more information regarding how to proceed to Stage 2. If you do not pass Stage 1, you will be notified by email on the corresponding Stage 1 result notification date listed here. (In some cases, applicants who pass Stage 1 may be contacted regarding how to proceed to stage 2 before the stage 1 result notification date.)

    Stage 2: Interview

    The Stage 2 interview will be conducted at a date and time set by APU, after taking your schedule into consideration. Please be aware that APU may take longer to contact you regarding the interview when the university’s summer and winter breaks overlap with the application schedule.


    • Applicants residing in China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, or Viet Nam:
      Details regarding the date and venue for the interview will be designated by APU and announced to applicants following the Stage 1 result notification date. Note that interview dates and locations may be subject to change. In addition, there may be cases where the interview is conducted online at a location designated by APU.
    • All other applicants:
      The online interview will take place after the announcement of your Stage 1 results. Applicants who pass Stage 1 will receive an email with information on how to schedule your online interview. Please schedule your interview before the deadline stated in that email.
    Interview Questions

    We do not share detailed information about the interview process. However, we advise that you keep the mission of APU in mind: to contribute to freedom, peace, humanity, international mutual understanding, and the future shape of the Asia Pacific region. With this as our base, we are working towards our 2030 vision to provide an education to those who want to change the world. We at APU are looking for students who embody these ideas and can inspire those around them to grow as well.

    It is not necessary to travel to Japan for stage 2 of the application process. For interviews, the date and time will be set by APU. Please be aware that APU may take longer to contact you regarding how to proceed to Stage 2 when the university’s summer and winter breaks overlap with the application schedule.

    Final Results

    The final results will be based on your interview and your application overall.

    The final results will be posted on the admissions website on the final result notification date listed here. Information regarding how to view the final results will be sent to you by email. Please note that inquiries regarding final results will not be accepted.

    Admitted applicants will not be allowed to reapply to the same college for the same enrollment period (the April 2023 or September 2023 enrollment period). If an admitted applicant does reapply, a new interview or online assessment will not be performed and new results will not be given. The application fee will also not be returned.

Applicants who DO NOT apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship

    Stage 1: Online Application and Online Assessment

    In Stage 1, you will be evaluated using the documents you submit with your online application as well as through an online assessment. For further details about the required documents, refer to 5. Online Application and Required Documents.

    An online assessment will be administered to ensure the fair evaluation of the academic ability of all international applicants. After you submit the online application and pay the application fee, you will see instructions for how to complete the online assessment within the APU Online Application System. You must use a computer to complete the online assessment, and you must submit the online assessment by the application deadline.


    English-basis applicants:

    Before You Start

    The online assessment consists of a recorded video interview, the Core Abilities Assessment test (CORE), and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal III test. The entire online assessment will last approximately 60 - 70 minutes.

    You must have Safe Exam Browser (SEB) installed on your computer in order to take the CORE test and the WGIII test. This is necessary for reasons of fraud prevention. SEB is a locked-down browser that will restrict your access to other websites and applications while you take the assessment tests. You can view the system requirements and technical details for SEB on their website. Refer to the video on the Application Status Page within the APU Online Application System for a detailed walkthrough of the assessment.


    Video-recorded Assessment (20 minutes) For the video interview, you will not be speaking with a person. Instead, through a video interview platform you will see a number of questions on your screen, and you will record your answers to them. Each question will have a set time limit for responding.
    Core Abilities Assessment (20 minutes) The Core Abilities Assessment (CORE) consists of verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning items and measures an individual’s capacity to learn concepts and tasks, apply sound reasoning, and draw conclusions from information.

    Core Abilities Assessment Sample Questions
    Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal (30 minutes) The Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGIII) measures a person’s ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as seek and evaluate relevant information to reach an appropriate and logical conclusion. The assessment reports on three aspects of verbal critical reasoning, specifically the ability to 1) recognize assumptions, 2) evaluate arguments, and 3) draw conclusions, as well as providing an overall measure of critical thinking proficiency.

    Watson-Glaser III Critical Thinking Appraisal Demo Test and Explanation of the Appraisal document

    Japanese-basis applicants:

    The online assessment consists of two sections of a video-recorded assessment to measure your logical and critical thinking skills. The online assessment will be conducted through a video-recorded assessment platform, and you will not be speaking with a person. Instead, you will see a number of questions on your screen, and you will record your answers to them. Each question will have a set time limit for responding. The online assessment takes a total of 30 minutes for applicants who do not apply for the APU Tuition Scholarship.

    Stage 1 Results

    Stage 1 Results are based on your online application and the results of the assessment tests you take during the online assessment.

    At this stage, there are no further steps for applicants. You will receive your Stage 1 results by email, however you must pass Stage 1 in order to receive your final application results.

    Stage 2: Interview

    Stage 2 is the evaluation of your recorded video interview taken during your online assessment.

    Final Results

    The final results will be based on your recorded video interview and your application overall.

    The final results will be posted on the admissions website on the final result notification date listed here. Information regarding how to view the final results will be sent to you by email. Please note that inquiries regarding final results will not be accepted.

    Admitted applicants will not be allowed to reapply to the same college for the same enrollment period (the April 2023 or September 2023 enrollment period). If an admitted applicant does reapply, a new interview or online assessment will not be performed and new results will not be given. The application fee will also not be returned.

4. Application Schedule

    The application schedule varies depending of your country of residence. For each enrollment semester, there are multiple application periods you can apply to.

    For the full application schedule, please click here and check your corresponding chart.

5. Online Application and Required Documents

Please submit your application through the APU Online Application System. In order to apply, you must first create an account within the system. Details regarding the required information and documents in order to complete your application can be found below.

Applications are considered complete only when the online application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid. Followed by completing the online assessment by 23:59 (Japan time) on the day of the application deadline.

In addition to the information below, you can review our online application guidelines in the online application system.

Important Notes for the Online Application
  • 1. Your application may be rejected if it or any accompanying documents contain forgery, false information, and/or plagiarism, or you were found to be cheating in either stage 1 (including the online assessment) or stage 2 of the application process. Additionally, your admission to APU will be revoked even if evidence of such acts is found after your acceptance or enrollment. You may also be prevented from reapplying to APU in the future. You can find further information about our forgery policy here.
  • 2. Admitted applicants will not be allowed to reapply to the same college for the same enrollment semester (April 2023 / September 2023). If an admitted applicant does reapply, a new interview and online assessment will not be performed and new results will not be given. The application fee will also not be returned.
  • 3. If accepted, you must submit original documents or certified documents* for your uploaded application documents to APU by post. Your acceptance to APU will be revoked if your original or certified documents* submitted after acceptance differ from those uploaded with the online application, or if you are not able to submit original or certified documents*. Be sure to keep the original versions of the documents you upload with your online application.

*A certified document is one that has been marked as being equivalent to the original with a stamp or seal by the issuing institution (preferred) or a notary public.


Documents and Information for the Online Application

Sections A-O listed below correspond to the Online Application System. Within section A. General Information, the following pages of the application are explained: Application Information, Personal Background, Emergency Contact and Financial Sponsor, and APU Representative or Agent.


A. General Information

    Complete the information as designated in the application system. Make sure that the country or region and city that you input is where you will be residing up until the time of your desired enrollment at APU. Input your personal information (name, date of birth, sex*, citizenship, etc.) as shown on your passport. If you are applying through an APU representative or agent, confirm the office name, staff member, and contact information with them beforehand. Our representatives’ information is listed on contact page.

    Notes on sex as shown on your passport:

    Information regarding sex will be used for university registration. As the university application system only provides two options (male or female) at this time, choose one of the two as shown on or will be shown on your passport. If your passport indicates a third option or if you would like to share more about your gender identity, contact the Office of International Admissions via the link listed on the back cover of this handbook. Refer to APU’s Policy Statement on Sexual and Gender Diversity.

B. Academic History

    Complete the details of all educational institutions you have attended from elementary school to the last or current school you are attending by clicking “Add New.” Make sure to include undergraduate programs, language schools in Japan, and any other level of study.

    First year applicants must have completed or be scheduled to complete either 12 years of education according to the standard curriculum established under the Japanese School Education Act or an equivalent school education. However, applicants who have completed an 11-year standard education curriculum at an educational institution in Belarus, Myanmar, Peru, Russia, Sudan, or Uzbekistan also meet the education criteria. Consult with the Admissions Office before applying if you are from a country or region other than the previous listed where the standard length of education is 11 years.

    If you are currently employed (excluding part-time work), provide information about your current occupation.

C. Academic Documents

    Academic Transcripts

    If you have Academic Transcripts and Standardized Test results, submit both. When you submit an academic transcript, be sure to include information about the grading scale (maximum grade) and method of evaluation. Transcripts should be marked as being equivalent to the original with a signature, stamp, or seal by the issuing institution. You do not need to submit academic transcripts from language schools.

    • If you have already graduated from high school, upload the last three years of your most recent academic transcripts. If you have been enrolled in university or another higher education institution for over one year at the time of application, also upload the academic transcripts from your study at that institution. If you have already graduated from university, upload your university transcript only.
    • If you have not yet graduated from high school, upload your most recent academic transcripts covering a period of at least two years. The transcripts must be issued within two months of the date of your application submission.

    Graduation Certificate or Expected Graduation Certificate

    • If you have graduated from high school, upload a digital copy of your high school graduation certificate (required).
    • If you have not yet graduated from high school, upload a document that states the details of your expected graduation date. (It is not required to upload this document, but APU may contact applicants regarding their education history in order to confirm that they will complete the equivalent of 12 years of standard education.)
    • If you have graduated from a higher education institution other than a university, upload a digital copy of your graduation certificate from the institution in addition to your high school graduation certificate.
    • If you have already graduated from a university or another higher education institution at the time of application, upload a digital copy of your graduation certificate from the school. If you are submitting a university graduation certificate, you do not have to submit your high school graduation certificate.

    Home School Curriculum

    We strongly recommend submitting an SAT, ACT, or GED score report if you are undergoing a home school curriculum. You may be required to submit one of these score reports if deemed necessary during the evaluation of your application.

D. Language Requirements

    Provide proof of language proficiency by selecting how you will meet the language proficiency requirement as listed below in E. Test Scores, Test Information, and Documents.

    Period of Validity:

    April 2023 enrollment: Only scores of examinations taken on or after June 1, 2020 will be accepted.
    Examinations taken after the application deadline will not be accepted.

    September 2023 enrollment: Only scores of examinations taken on or after September 1, 2020 will be accepted.
    Examinations taken after the application deadline will not be accepted.

    English-Basis Applicants

    Before You Submit

    English-basis applicants are not required to submit an English proficiency test score if:

    • You have completed or will complete your 12th year of formal education in Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (excluding Quebec), Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, or USA.
    • You have taken or will have taken your most recent three years of formal education before enrolling at APU in the English language in a country other than these listed above and submit either academic transcripts stating the language of instruction, a link and screenshot of your school’s official website stating the language of instruction, or a letter from your school stating that you have taken all of your subjects in English for the past three years.
    • You have received or will receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma with English as the language of instruction.
    • You have graduated from a bachelor’s degree program or master’s degree program that was conducted entirely in English.
    • You have received one of the following standardized test scores: Old SAT (Critical Reading and Writing): 1,100 or above New SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing): 590 and above ACT: 25 and above (the average of English and Reading must be 25 or above.)

    If you are exempt from submitting a proficiency test score, make sure to select the option that best applies to your situation. If you do not meet any of the exemptions listed above, you will have to submit results from one of the official English proficiency tests listed in Requirement 2: Language Proficiency in 2. Application Eligibility or submit the APU English Proficiency Evaluation form.

    Japanese-Basis Applicants

    Before You Submit

    Japanese-basis applicants are not required to submit a Japanese proficiency test score if:

    • You have undertaken your formal education in the Japanese language within Japan for the most recent three years.
    • You have taken or will have taken your most recent three years of formal education before enrolling at APU in the Japanese language in a country other than these listed above and submit either academic transcripts stating the language of instruction, a link and screenshot of your school’s official website stating the language of instruction, or a letter from your school stating that you have taken all of your subjects in Japanese for the past three years.

    If you are exempt from submitting a proficiency test score, make sure to select the option that best applies to your situation. If you do not meet any of the exemptions listed above, you will have to submit results from one of the official Japanese proficiency tests listed in Requirement 2: Language Proficiency in 2. Application Eligibility or submit the APU Japanese Proficiency Evaluation form.

    APU’s English/Japanese Proficiency Evaluation Forms

    If you cannot submit language proficiency test scores, submit the APU English Proficiency Evaluation form (http://r.apu.jp/EnglishPE) or the APU Japanese Proficiency Evaluation form (http://r.apu.jp/JapanesePE). The APU English/Japanese Proficiency Evaluation form is also available from within the APU Online Application System. Provide the direct link to this form and your online application reference number to one of your language instructors, then have them complete this form online in English or Japanese. By completing the necessary information online and including their digital signature, your instructor will be able to submit their completed form directly to APU.

    Submission of just the English/Japanese Proficiency Evaluation form is accepted but it is highly recommended that you also submit results from the Duolingo English Test (for English-basis applicants) or take the J-CAT Test (for Japanese-basis applicants) for a greater chance at receiving the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship.

    You will not be able to see the form your instructor submits. In addition, we will not be able to accept this form completed in any language other than English or Japanese.

    If You Can’t Submit a Test Score Due to COVID-19

    If you are unable to submit an English language proficiency test score:

    • We recommend you take the Duolingo English Test and ask your English teacher to fill out the Language Proficiency Evaluation form before the application deadline. The Duolingo English Test results will usually be available a few days following the completion of the test.

    If you are unable to submit a Japanese language proficiency test score:

    • We recommend you choose the option within the online application to take the J-CAT test. After the application deadline, we will contact you with further information on how to take the test.
    • If you have a JPT score, upload the score report.

E. Test Scores, Test Information, and Documents

    Click “Add Test” to select the language proficiency test or standardized test scores you would like to submit, then upload a digital copy of the original results. The accepted tests are listed below.

    Accepted English Language Proficiency Test Scores

    Standardized Test Submission Method
    Cambridge English Language Assessment
    • Input the ID Number and Secret Number within the online application.
    • Upload a digital copy of the result statement within the online application.
    Duolingo English Test Enter your score within the online application and request to have your score sent directly to APU from the test provider. Note that submission will only be accepted if you also submit the APU English Proficiency Evaluation form found in the online application system.
    EIKEN Upload a digital copy of the original test result within the online application.
    IELTS/IELTS Indicator Upload a digital copy of the Test Report Form within the online application.
    PTE Academic Upload a digital copy of the score report within the online application.
    TOEFL iBT® Test
    TOEFL iBT® Home Edition
    Upload a digital copy of the score report within the online application. MyBest scores are accepted.
    TOEIC® L&R Test Upload a digital copy of the original score report within the online application.

    TOEFL® ITP Test, IELTS (General Training Module), TOEIC® L&R Test (IP), and PTE General are not accepted.



    Accepted Japanese Language Proficiency Test Scores

    Standardized Test Submission Method
    EJU Japanese Upload a digital copy of the original test result within the online application.
    Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Upload a digital copy of the original test result within the online application.

    Accepted Standardized Tests

    Standardized Test Submission Method
    Abitur Upload your final result sheet (Abiturzeugnis).
    ACT Request to send your score report to APU directly using the institution code 5475 and upload a digital copy of the score report within the online application.
    Baccalaureate Upload your transcript. Note that your enrollment eligibility may be revoked if you are not able to successfully receive a Diploma.
    BTEC Upload your scores from the following tests:
    • Level 3 Diploma/National Diploma
    • Level 3 Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma
    • Tests of Level 4 and above
    Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) Upload your scores from the following two subjects:
    Japan and the World + Mathematics (Course 1 or Course 2)
    GCE A Level*1 Upload results from two subjects, or at least four subjects for AS Level.
    GCE A Level (Singapore) Upload results from three subjects.
    GCE A Level (Sri Lanka) Upload a digital copy of the score report with results from three subjects and enter your reference number.
    Pearson/Edexcel International A Levels (IAL)*2 Upload results from at least two subjects, or at least four subjects for AS Level.
    General Education Development (GED) Upload your Official GED Transcript.
    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Upload your results from 4 core subjects and at least 1 elective subject. Predicted scores are accepted.
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Upload your results. Predicted scores are accepted. Note that your enrollment eligibility may be revoked if you are not able to successfully receive an IB Diploma.
    SAT (New) (Reading & Writing + Mathematics) Request to send your score report to APU directly using the institution code 2791 and upload a digital copy of the score report within the online application.
    SAT (Old) (Critical Reading + Mathematics + Writing) Request to send your score report to APU directly using the institution code 2791 and upload a digital copy of the score report within the online application.
    Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination Results Upload your test results.

    *1 Submitting AS Level results alone is not sufficient and does not fulfill the required educational qualifications. We strongly recommend you submit three or more A Level subjects.
    *2 Submitting these results alone is not sufficient and does not fulfill the minimum educational qualifications. We strongly recommend you submit three or more A Level subjects.

    Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

    Provide information on the exam subject and score and upload a digital copy of your results.

    Other Standardized Tests

    Upload the results of up to two other standardized tests not listed in the charts above in the online application system on the Test Information and Documents page.

F. Application Essays

    Follow the application essay guidelines within the online application. You must complete the essays by yourself. Note the strict word limit for each essay.

    Strong emphasis is placed on academic honesty at APU, and acts of academic dishonesty are treated every severely. As one measure to review for academic dishonesty, we will compare the essays you submit in this application with past essays submitted to APU. Any evidence of copied work will be considered academic dishonesty and result in the failure of your application. If it is discovered that copied work was submitted with your application after you have been accepted to APU, your acceptance will be revoked.

    For applicants who are reapplying to APU, you will need to submit a Reapplication Statement, which can be found within this section of the APU Online Application System.

G. Letter of Recommendation

    Ask an instructor from the education institution you attended most recently to complete the Letter of Recommendation form. The recommender must have known you for at least half a year. If you are currently enrolled at an educational institution, ask an instructor from that institution. If you have already graduated, you may ask a language school instructor or a supervisor at a place of employment or internship (not including parttime jobs). You may also ask an APU graduate specified by the university*.

    Input the necessary information about your recommender into the related sections in the online application. The Letter of Recommendation form will be automatically sent to your recommender by email. Make sure to confirm with your recommender that it has been delivered successfully. Upon completing the necessary information online in English or Japanese and including a digital signature, your recommender will be able to submit the completed form directly to APU. You will not be able to see the submitted form, but you will be able to check the submission status of the form within the APU Online Application System.

    We will not accept the form if it is completed in any language other than English or Japanese.

    *Information regarding APU graduates specified by the university can be found on the Alumni Ambassadors page.

H. Extracurricular Activities

    Applicants will be evaluated on their participation in the A-M categories of extracurricular activities listed below. Only activities from high school grade 10 (or equivalent) and above will be considered.

    For each category, you can provide the details for one activity in which you participated within the online application. If you have participated in more than one activity that falls under the same category, provide the information of the activity in which you put in the most time and effort. You can add information regarding activities that are not included on this page on the “Other Extracurricular Activities” page.

    Extracurricular activities that are inputted without accompanying proof/evidence will not be evaluated, except for extracurricular activities in category A. All accompanying proof/evidence must be in English or Japanese or be translated into English or Japanese. Anything uploaded in another language without a translation will not be evaluated. The translation must include the name, address, contact details, and signature or an official seal of the translator. APU will only accept translations created by the original document’s issuing institution, a translation company, or a licensed translator. Translations alone will not be evaluated. Make sure to upload the original document with the translation.


    List of Extracurricular Activities

    Activities Standard Proving Participation/Achievements
    A Student Council Participation Participation for one school year or more
    B Volunteer and Community Exchange Activities Volunteer or other related activity that has received public recognition through the media (publication in a newspaper, etc.)
    C Arts, Culture, Academic, and Sports Competitions Award from a regional or national level competition or achievement that has received public recognition through the media (publication in a newspaper, etc.)
    D Model United Nations Participation
    E Scholarship Awards No requirement for the length of time or amount of the scholarship
    F Educational Program Participation National-scale educational or exchange projects conducted by public organizations
    G Internship Experience Employment experience as a trainee at a company
    H Japanese Language Proficiency No minimum score required. JLPT, EJU, etc.
    I Other Language Proficiency No minimum score required. Proficiency tests for languages as Chinese, French, German, Korean, French, Spanish, etc. (We recommend submitting results from a test that uses CEFR proficiency levels.)
    J Experience Living or Studying Abroad Study at a school overseas (including long-term study abroad), language-study program, or overseas summer school program
    K Other Qualifications and Certifications Kumon High School Foundation Course Test results, Kumon Final Course Completion Test results, CU-TEP scores, Other academic qualifications, Technical skills qualifications etc.
    L APU-Related Activities Participation in the Academic and Cultural Experience (ACE) Program or the Virtual Mini University Program (VMUP)
    M National Team

I. APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship

    You can apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship through the online application system. Applicants who apply earlier have a greater chance at receiving the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship.

    Applicants who will obtain a Japanese status of residence (visa status) of “student” before enrolling at APU are eligible to apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship at the time of application to APU. The APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship will be revoked if you are not able to receive a status of residence of “student” by the time of enrollment to APU. The scholarship will also be revoked if you change to a status of residence other than “student” while studying at APU.

    This scholarship is made possible by the financial contributions of domestic and international companies and individuals, together with the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology that support the ideals of APU. Its purpose is to help reduce the financial burden for outstanding international students. Students awarded this scholarship are expected to maintain a good academic record and serve as role models for other students.

    A review of academic performance and other criteria will be conducted each semester to determine whether or not recipients qualify for the renewal of the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship. The scholarship will remain valid until the standard number of credits required to graduate has been reached, provided that the recipient maintains a good academic record, completes tasks assigned to them on time, and avoid any misconduct unbefitting of a scholarship recipient. In the case of inappropriate behavior or conduct that tarnishes the reputation of APU, the scholarship will be revoked. Interested applicants should apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship within their online application upon understanding all of the above. An overall evaluation of all submitted documents, interview performance, and the online assessment will be conducted for both the undergraduate application and scholarship application. The scholarship results will be released together with the final application results.

    Tuition Reduction Annual Scholarship Amount First Year Tuition Fee
    30% approx. 390,000 JPY approx. 910,000 JPY
    50% approx. 650,000 JPY approx. 650,000 JPY
    65% approx. 845,000 JPY approx. 455,000 JPY
    80% approx. 1,040,000 JPY approx. 260,000 JPY
    100% approx. 1,300,000 JPY 0 JPY

    Note
    The tuition amount may be subject to change. In addition, the tuition for the first year of study is different from the tuition for the second through fourth years of study.

J. Other Expected Scholarships

    If you will receive scholarship awards from organizations other than APU before or after enrollment, upload proof of the scholarship award in the Other Expected Scholarships page.

K. Housing Selection (AP House)

    All new international students are guaranteed on-campus housing during their first year to allow for a period of acclimation to the culture and rules of Japan.

    There is a limited number of rooms in the new AP House. Refer to pages 8–11 to see the application deadlines and the housing selection deadline to submit your preference of housing. You can only select to live in the new building if you apply before the housing selection deadline. If you apply after this date, you will not be able to select your housing but instead will be assigned to AP House 1 or 2 by the university. You will be notified of your housing with the final application results.


    Monthly Rent

    Building Rent Further Information
    New AP House 52,000 JPY/month More Details
    AP House 1 & 2 50,000 JPY/month More Details

    There are additional fees associated with housing such as the moving-in fee and a security deposit. Refer to the Housing page for more information. Under certain circumstances, you can choose to decline residence at AP House. Refer to the above link for further information.

L. Previous Entry to Japan

    Provide information on whether you have previously entered Japan and/or applied for a Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence (COE). If you have previously applied for a COE and your application has been denied, or if you have previously submitted an Application for Extension of Period of Stay in Japan and were denied the extension, also explain when and why it occurred.

M. Other Required Documents

    Photograph

    Upload a photograph of yourself taken within the past three months, showing a front view above chest level with a plain background. Caps and hats are not allowed. Photographs may be in color or black and white.

    Passport

    If you have a valid passport, upload a digital copy of the information page showing your name, photograph, and passport number. If you have previously entered Japan, also submit a copy of your passport pages with the immigration stamps showing your most recent arrival to and departure from Japan. You are still eligible to apply if you do not have a valid passport.

    Residence Card

    This is only for applicants who already have a valid Japanese status of residence. Upload a digital copy of both sides of your Residence Card.

    Letter of Intent to Change to Student Residency Status

    If you currently have a status of residence (visa status) in Japan other than “student” and wish to apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship, you will need to change your status of residence to “student” before enrolling in APU.

    If you choose to change your status of residence to “student”, upload the Letter of Intent to Change to Student Residency Status to the Other Required Documents page. You can download this letter from from our downloads page, sign it, and upload a digital copy within the online application. You will not be eligible to apply for the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship if you do not submit this confirmation letter. Your APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship will be revoked if you do not change your status of residence to “student” by the day before enrollment to APU (March 31 for spring enrollment, September 20 for fall enrollment).

N. Digital Signature, External Scholarships, and Overall Application Survey

    Before submitting your application, you will be asked to agree with the Application and Admissions Agreement. In addition, you will be provided with information about external scholarships and will need to complete the Overall Application Survey. Information about external scholarships can be found on here and within the APU Online Application System.

O. Application Fee Payment

    See 6. Application Fee below for payment details.

    Payment by Credit Card

    Complete the payment online through the APU Online Application System before submitting your application. You do not need to submit a digital copy of the payment receipt.

    Payment by Bank Transfer

    Upload a digital copy of your payment receipt within the online application.

    After the Application Fee Payment

    After completing the application fee payment, make sure to submit your application from the Review and Submit Online Application page. After submitting your application, you will also have to complete the online assessment. Details regarding the online assessment can be found in 3. Application Process and Online Assessment.

6. Application Fee

    Pay the application fee by credit card before you submit the online application. We will accept payment by bank transfer (international or domestic) only if you cannot pay by credit card. Applications are considered complete only when the application fee has been paid and the online application has been submitted.

    Regarding Payments

    • Applications will not be processed until the application fee is paid. Be sure to complete the payment before the application deadline. Note that credit card payments will not be possible after 23:59 (Japan time) on the day of the deadline.
    • The payment must be made in Japanese yen (JPY). Submit a copy of the payment receipt with your application if you pay by bank transfer (international or domestic).
    • Cash or postal money orders will not be accepted.
    • Domestic use-only credit cards and prepaid credit cards cannot be used.
    • In general, the application fee is not refundable. However, a partial refund (after administrative fees are deducted) or a full refund may be possible in the following cases.
      • When the application fee has been paid multiple times, or in cases in when it is clear that the amount paid exceeds the amount for the application fee and administrative fees set by APU.
      • When your application is deemed inadmissible and is not screened.
      • Further information about our refund policy for the application fee can be found on the Refund Policy page. The application fee cannot be waived.

    Payment by Credit Card

    Fee Amount: 5,500 JPY (The fee consists of 5,000 JPY for evaluation and 500 JPY for administrative purposes.)

    Payment Method: You will be able to pay within the APU Online Application System.

    Payment by Bank Transfer (Only if You Cannot Pay by Credit Card)

    Fee Amount: 7,000 JPY (The fee consists of 5,000 JPY for evaluation and 2,000 JPY for administrative purposes.)

    Bank transfer fees vary from bank to bank. All bank transfer fees must be covered by the payer. We will bill you for the remaining amount if you pay the application fee by bank transfer and the amount we receive does not cover the entire application fee.

    Payment Method:
    Applicants who pay by bank transfer must upload a copy of their bank transfer payment receipt together with the rest of their application documents.


    Payment Purpose Application Fee
    Contact Details Applicant’s Name, Phone Number
    Bank Name Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Oita Branch
    Branch Address 1-3-22 Chuo-machi, Oita-city, Oita-Prefecture, 870-0035 JAPAN Tel: +81-97-532-5161
    Account Number 1001673 (Ordinary Deposit Account)
    Account Name RITSUMEIKAN ASIA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
    Swift Code SMBCJPJT
    IBAN Code
    (if necessary)
    JP28 SMBC 0721 XXX2 4029 0868
    Bank Transfer Fee Borne by remitter

    If the application fee is paid in Japan, even if it is paid by a friend or relative in Japan, write the applicant’s name and phone number in the contact details when the payment is made and upload a digital copy of the payment receipt within the online application.

7. Evaluation Method

    You do not need to come to Japan for the evaluation process. Application evaluation is conducted based on all documents and information submitted with your online application, the online assessment, and the stage 2 interview (if applicable). If required, your school or the author of your Letter of recommendation may be contacted for further information. APU may also contact you for more details regarding the information and documents submitted within the online application.

    Depending on the future situation related to COVID-19, the evaluation method may change. Any changes made to the evaluation method will be announced on the homepage of this admissions website.

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