Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University: Japan’s Pioneer in Truly International Education

Nestled in the bayside city of Beppu on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) stands as one of Japan’s most distinctive and pioneering institutions of higher education. Founded in April 2000 through a landmark collaboration between the Ritsumeikan Trust, Oita Prefecture, and Beppu City, APU was established as the first genuine international university in Japan. Built on the grassy hills of Jumonjibaru—a site where no one had ever lived before—the university was born from a vision of “Freedom, Peace and Humanity,” “International Mutual Understanding,” and “Creating the Future Shape of the Asia Pacific region”. In 2025, APU proudly celebrated its silver jubilee, marking twenty-five years of transformative education.

A Microcosm of the World

What truly sets APU apart is its remarkable student body. The university maintains a nearly one-to-one ratio of domestic Japanese students to international students, with approximately 50% of the student population coming from abroad. As of May 2025, APU hosts 6,541 students representing 110 countries and regions. Since its inception, the university has welcomed students from a total of 169 countries and regions, creating an unparalleled multicultural environment that embraces an extraordinary array of cultural and social backgrounds. This diversity extends to the faculty as well—46% of full-time faculty members are foreign nationals, hailing from 27 different countries. The campus itself is a truly multilingual space where English and Japanese serve as the official languages, and all campus announcements and orientations are conducted in both. Buy fake diploma online.

Dual Language Education and Academic Excellence

APU’s pioneering bilingual education system is one of its defining features. Approximately 90% of all undergraduate courses are offered in both English and Japanese, allowing students to pursue their studies in either language. This unique system removes language barriers and enables outstanding young people from around the world to earn a degree in Japan while developing high levels of Japanese language proficiency. English-basis students undergo intensive Japanese language classes as part of their regular curriculum. Beyond English and Japanese, APU offers courses in six additional Asia Pacific languages—Chinese, Korean, Malay/Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Spanish—providing students with unparalleled linguistic opportunities.

The Recognition of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Diploma Worldwide

The university offers three distinctive undergraduate colleges: the College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS), which cultivates individuals who can contribute to sustainable development and coexistence in the Asia-Pacific region through the study of Political Science, Sociology, and Economics; the College of International Management (APM), which develops global business leaders with expertise in strategic management, marketing, accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship; and the College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST)—the only college in Japan offering dedicated Sustainability and Tourism Studies, featuring nine concentrations including Environmental Studies, International Development, and Tourism Studies. All graduate programmes are conducted entirely in English.

Recognition and Rankings

APU’s innovative approach has earned it widespread recognition. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Japan University Rankings 2025, APU ranked 4th among all private universities nationwide and secured the top position among private universities in Western Japan for the seventh consecutive year. The university placed 2nd nationwide in the Environment category—which evaluates international student and faculty proportions and foreign language course offerings—and 3rd in Engagement, reflecting exceptional student satisfaction. APU has also been selected by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the Top Global University Project, which provides priority assistance to universities committed to uncompromising internationalisation.

A Global Community and Future Vision

Beyond the classroom, APU fosters a vibrant community through its Multicultural Cooperative Workshop—a required first-year course where students are divided into small multinational groups to develop cross-cultural understanding and communication skills. The university’s 507 partner institutions worldwide facilitate extensive study abroad and exchange opportunities. APU graduates—now numbering over 25,000 worldwide—have gone on to leadership roles in government, international organisations, and multinational corporations across the globe. Looking toward 2030, APU has articulated a bold vision under the slogan “APU Graduates Possess the Power to Change the World,” reaffirming its commitment to cultivating individuals who will collaborate across borders to create new value and lead the transformation toward a better, more sustainable society.