The Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) is a private university in Japan. It is located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. The university was established in 2000 and has since welcomed both domestic and international students. Currently, over 50% of its students are international students, representing more than 100 countries and regions.
Graduate programs at the university are offered across two graduate schools: the Graduate School of Management (GSM) and the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (GSAPS). Currently, the university offers thirteen graduate programs. The courses are flexible and designed to accommodate students’ schedules. All programs within APU’s graduate schools are conducted in English and are full-time, on-campus programs.
As English is the language of instruction in all graduate classes at APU, applicants must possess the ability to comprehend lectures, undertake independent research, and produce well-written reports in English.
The university also offers scholarships to international applicants. One of them is the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship, through which international applicants can receive a tuition reduction ranging from 30% to 100%. Other scholarships available to international applicants include the MEXT Scholarship, the Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program, and the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund.
According to the university’s website, it does not offer an application fee waiver. The application fee varies by graduate school. The GSM application fee is 7,000 Japanese yen for international applicants, payable by credit card or bank transfer where credit card payment is unavailable. The GSAPS application fee is 5,000 Japanese yen for international applicants. Doctoral applicants applying directly to the doctoral program after completing a master’s degree at APU are not required to pay the application fee.
The university has multiple application windows. However, the September intake is the most common for international students. For the 2027 graduate admission cycle, the application system opens on September 1, 2026.
To apply for admission, you need the following documents:
Transcripts: An unofficial transcript from a recognized university attended by the applicant must be uploaded as a PDF through the application portal. On its website, the university provides a list of countries whose transcript formats it accepts. Visit the website to confirm whether your country is listed.
English Language Proficiency: One of APU’s biggest advantages is that many graduate programs are taught entirely in English. Japanese language proficiency is not always required for international graduate applicants, although learning Japanese can improve daily life and career opportunities in Japan. The university states that applicants who are not from English-speaking countries and who did not complete their undergraduate studies at an institution where English was the language of instruction must submit proof of English language proficiency. The acceptable test scores are as follows:
- TOEFL iBT: 85
- IELTS/IELTS Online: 6.5
- TOEIC L&R: 800
- PTE Academic: 58
- Cambridge English Language Assessment/Linguaskill: 176
Statement of Purpose: This is the document in which you outline your research goals, explain how you intend to achieve them, and identify the research supervisor you wish to work with. The required length and structure vary by department. Visit your department’s webpage for specific instructions.
CV/Resume: Previous work experience is important for admission into the university. MBA applicants must have at least three years of professional work experience in an organization, company, or NGO. Where this requirement is not met, a GRE or GMAT score may be submitted as an alternative.
Reference Letters: All applicants are required to submit two recommendation letters as part of their online application. One recommendation letter should be written by someone who knows the applicant academically. The second may be written by another instructor, an employer, or another non-relative who knows the applicant in a professional or academic capacity.
Supervisor: For PhD applicants, it is mandatory to contact a faculty member who is willing to supervise your research before applying.
University website link. Note that the default language is Japanese. Switch to English or any language of choice. https://en.apu.ac.jp/home
University application handbook. https://en.apu.ac.jp/home/4_Graduate_School_Application_Handbook_for_AY2023_E.pdf
