Ritsumeikan University - Summer Program

City: Kyoto Country: Japan

Overview

Ritsumeikan University offers summer and winter programs for undergraduate and graduate students with minimal Japanese language knowledge, focusing on both language and culture.
The Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program (RSJP) and Winter Japanese Program (RWJP) are five-week programs, while the RSJP Express and RWJP (Winter) Express are intensive two-week programs.
All programs include an intensive Japanese language course and Japan Studies classes, along with fieldwork excursions to explore Japan's culture firsthand.

When Can I Go?

Terms Offered: Summer/Winter

Program Dates: LINK

- 2027 RWJP (WINTER), 5-week January 12, 2027 - Feb. 11, 2027
- 2027 RWJP Express (WINTER), 2-week, February 16, 2027 - February 26, 2027
- 2027 RSJP (SUMMER) Express: TBD
- 2027 RSJP (SUMMER): TBD

U of A Application Status: Open (please contact goabroad@ualberta.ca directly for the winter program registration)
Deadline: Feb. 1

Partner Application Status: Closed
Deadline: TBD

*Nomination to this program is required. Nominated students (up to 10) are guaranteed a spot. Do NOT apply to the partner before nomination.

1st nomination round: January 15, 2027

2nd nomination round: Feb. 1, 2027

** Check below for 3 scholarship spaces from the PTJC to be assessed after the 2nd nomination round.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to: Check with partner university for prerequisite requirements.

Level: Undergraduate

GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the terms with your 24 most recently completed credits, faculty-specific requirements, or partner university requirements, whichever is highest. As well as:

Undergraduate student enrolled in a post-secondary institution at the time of application.
Some Japanese language proficiency (completion of JAPAN 101 and working towards JAPAN 102, or completion of JAPAN 150 (PTJC criteria)).
Must not have JLPT N1 status.

See Eligibility.

Ideal for Students In:

East Asian Studies, Japanese language and literature
History, Anthropology
International Studies

Fees & Costs

Nomination Fee: $250

PROGRAM TOTAL: LINK

Fees to be updated for 2027.

Scholarship Opportunity

Prince Takamado Japan Canada Memorial Fund Summer Travel Award

With support from the Prince Takamado Japan Centre, up to 3 students participating in the Ritsumeikan Summer Japanese Program (RSJP) will be awarded scholarships. The scholarship amount will be announced at a later date.

When you apply to the RSJP through Education Abroad, your letter of intent (statement of purpose) will also be used to consider you for this scholarship. Please take care in your application to reflect on how your participation in the program supports your future growth, success, and career path. You can email your statement of purpose typed in a 12-point Times New Roman font of no more than 500 words to goabroad@ualberta.ca. No separate scholarship application is required.

*Fees are subject to change without notice. Students are responsible for their own travel, visa fees, insurance, books and supplies, food, entertainment, and incidental expenses. International students need to contact Student Services for more information about fees.

Program Information

Language of Instruction: English and Japanese

Program Details:
- Ritsumeikan Summer/Winter Japanese Program (RSJP/RWJP): A five-week program providing a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language and culture.
- Ritsumeikan Summer/Winter Japanese Program Express (RSJP/RWJP Express): A two-week intensive program offering a more focused introduction to the language and culture.
- Course Components: The programs consist of two major subjects:
  - Intensive Japanese language classes
  - Japan Studies classes, where students can learn about Japanese culture and take part in fieldwork excursions to cultural spots in Kyoto.