Rikkyo University was established in 1874 as Rikkyo School, a small private school teaching English and Bible studies in the foreign settlement in Tsukiji, Tokyo. The School was founded by Bishop Channing Moore Williams, a missionary dispatched from the American Episcopal Church. Today, Rikkyo University have two campuses both in Tokyo, Ikebukuro and Niiza campus. 

The student population is small compared to other major private universities, and there is an active interaction among faculty, staff, and students. Rikkyo values personal care and support and is known for its affluent academic resources and student support. The University has been ranked 14th amongst Japanese universities in the 2019 World University Rankings compiled by Times Higher Education (THE). 

Rikkyo University organises various kinds of events throughout the year for international students and have established the Global Lounge at both campuses to foster intercultural friendship between international students and local Japanese students. The University has been selected for “Top Global University Project (Global Traction Type)” by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) which initiated in 2014 to strengthen the international competitiveness of universities in Japan. To this end, the project is providing priority support to universities dedicated to thorough internationalization and university reforms. The university is making further improvements and advances in unique initiatives, such as the liberal arts education it has been providing for 140 years and its pioneering leadership education and working to create a world-class educational system by engaging in dialogue with liberal arts universities in Europe and America. 

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the most populous city in the world with 37.4 million inhabitants. Even though it is the most densely populated city in the world, CNN Travel ranks Tokyo as the safest city in the world. It is also widely considered to be one of the world’s most important and powerful global cities. Tokyo boasts many notable attractions making it a popular tourist destination. Here, you will find alternative street fashion, beautiful cherry blossom and Michelin star eateries to name a few.

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of the Asian continent. It is a member of the ASEAN Plus mechanism, UN, OECD, G7, G8 and G20.

Approximately 97% of Japan's 126 million people live on the four largest islands and the capital city of Tokyo is the largest city in the world at 37 million people – a third of Japan's total population. More than 99% of the population speaks Japanese as their first language, but younger Japanese are usually familiar with English, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as Tokyo.

Japan has a very high standard of living, with the population enjoying one of the highest life expectancies in the world. It has the third-largest economy in the world and is the world's fourth-largest exporter and importer. It’s little surprise that Japan is very popular with tourists. The country is very safe, clean, beautiful, modern and easy to navigate. You're likely already aware of some of the more popular attractions such as Mt. Fuji, bamboo forests, cherry blossom season, as well as the cuisine that includes favourites such as ramen, sushi and tempura.

Japan seems to have a reputation for being expensive, however it's more budget friendly for tourists than many think. Despite having the largest city in the world, two thirds of Japan is actually covered by forests and mountains. You could visit various animal islands and parks to get up close with deer, foxes, and cats. During the winter season, try skiing in the mountains, with the enticing option of a hot spring to relax in after a day on the slopes. If you're into anime, J-pop, gaming, or fashion, Japan is a must-visit location to see the cutting edge of these trends. Alternatively, you could visit a traditional shrine, participate in an ancient festival, stop by a country town or wander through old castles and estates, and get a taste for the other side of Japan.

Did you know?

Japanese trains are among the world’s most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds! There is even a train that “floats” above the tracks by magnetism. In 2015, this train hit a record-breaking top speed of 603 kph (374mph) on an experimental track. Geisha means “person of the arts” and the first geisha, who appeared around the year 1730, were actually male!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Most of the regular academic courses conducted in Japanese except those that are listed above. 
 
Courses in from the following disciplines at Rikkyo are not available to exchange students:

• Graduate School of Business Administration/Business Design 
• Law School 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable) 
• Certificate of Finance with attached bank statement 
• Certificate of Health completed my medical practitioner including chest x-ray 
• Letter of recommendation by academic 
• On-campus accommodation form (RUID) 
• 2x passport sized photos 
• Scholarships application form – RUI and JASSO (if applicable) 
• Evidence of Japanese language proficiency (if applicable) 

Courses at Rikkyo range between 1 to 4 credits, however, most courses are 2 credits each.

14 credits at Rikkyo = 13.5 at UniSA

16 to 18 credits at Rikyyo = 18 units at UniSA

Non-native speakers of English will require a level equivalent to TOEIC 700 for advanced level classes, and a level equivalent to TOEIC 550 for intermediate level classes in order to register for courses of Japanese Studies in Foreign Language Program. 

In order to take regular academic courses offered in Japanese, it is recommended that the students pass J6 level or above in the Japanese placement exam, which students need to take after their arrival at Rikkyo 

If students wish to take part in the Japanese language courses of J1 level or higher, they are expected to have mastered hiragana and katakana prior to their arrival at Rikkyo 

Rikkyo has two campuses Ikebukuro (Tokyo) and Niiza (Saitama) campus. Although you can take courses at either campus, ensure that when you are choosing your courses you note the campus location

Find courses at Rikkyo

Rikkyo University does not offer airport pick up. You will need to make your own way to the campus from Haneda International Airport or Narita International Airport. 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

Rikkyo University currently operates four international dormitories; RUID Asakadai and RUID Shiki (Saitama), Rikkyo Global House in Shiki (Saitama), and Rikkyo International Residence (RIR) in Shiinamachi (Tokyo). All the rooms are for single private rooms that are fully furnished. A meal plan and bed linen rental service are available with additional fees.   

Alternatively, if you are looking to live off-campus, Rikkyo University can help you look for an apartment through their corporate housing company.  

More information on accommodation can be found here.  

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Rikkyo University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 

As an exchange student at Rikkyo University, you must purchase compulsory additional health insurance. See here for more information.