FAQ about university life

AP House / Living alone

  • Can I rent an apartment by myself if I live outside the student dormitory?
    Yes, you can. Many students from their second year onwards live in apartments or student dormitories in Beppu City. To keep costs down, many students rent apartments with friends and share rooms. APU also provides services for introducing and arranging rental apartments and student dormitories. Creotech Co., Ltd. (a company 100% owned by the Ritsumeikan Trust) will arrange properties. Some of the properties arranged are 100% occupied by APU students, so you can use them with confidence.Many students in their second year and above live in apartments or student dormitories in Beppu City.
  • Can I request a shared type or a single type for AP House? How are rooms decided?
    The university handles room assignments for shared or single types, so we do not accept requests.　
  • Can I apply to enter AP House 5?
    At the time of application, we recruit applicants for move-in and assign rooms by lottery, so we do not accept requests for specific buildings.
  • Are the dormitory fees for AP House 1, 2, and 5 the same?
    No. The dormitory fees are different. Please refer to the relevant page for information on AP House facilities and dormitory fees.
  • I’m worried about living alone.
    If you cannot imagine what it is like to live alone, you will inevitably feel anxious. Ask your seniors and friends who are already living on their own about their experiences; there are events and archives online where you can listen to the stories of APU seniors for reference.
    Event List

    You may feel anxious on the day you move in and when you first start living on your own, but this will naturally dissipate as you make friends in class and in the dorms. Also, when you start living on your own, it is the perfect time to try things you have wanted to do but could not before. You can focus on language study by gathering information for overseas travel and study abroad, or you can try on a new style of hair or a new genre of clothing that you have never worn before. We recommend that you start extracurricular activities and part-time jobs after you get used to your new lifestyle.
    Life in Beppu
  • How much does it cost for living expenses?
    The average monthly rent for a one-room apartment in Beppu ranges from approximately 30,000 yen to 60,000 yen. In addition to rent, many students spend around 20,000 yen–30,000 yen per month on food. For transportation, Oita Kotsu and Kamenoi Bus offer discounted one-year commuter bus passes for students twice a year (in spring and autumn). The average transportation cost is approximately 10,000 yen per month.
  • Can everyone enter the AP House dormitory if they wish?
    If you register your desire to enter the dormitory at the time of application, all applicants can move in.
  • What are the characteristics of AP House 1, 2, and 5?
    AP House is an international educational dormitory for first-year students, where students from around the world live together in an environment that fosters intercultural exchange and mutual learning. Living at AP House provides opportunities to develop an international mindset through everyday life. Each year, over 90% of newly enrolled students move into AP House.
  • I would like to know about dormitories, school facilities, and dormitory fees.
    You can find detailed information about AP House facilities, dormitory fees, and APU facilities through the links on the official website.
    Outline of AP House >>
    Facilities and Equipment
  • I think it is important for students to acquire social skills as well as academic skills. I think it would be good if students could also have part-time jobs, but I wonder how many current students have part-time jobs.
    Many students at APU have part-time jobs. Some work at convenience stores and other general part-time jobs, while others work at hotels and other places due to the location of Beppu. Some work at convenience stores and other general part-time jobs, while others work at hotels and other places due to the location of Beppu, the onsen town. APU's classes include a lot of homework and assignments, so students are asked to work as much as possible without interfering with their studies.
  • Please tell me about public transportation around the university.
    The main transportation to and from APU is the local bus service operated by Oita Kotsu and Kamenoi Bus. Bus routes connect the APU campus with Beppu Station, Kamegawa Station, and downtown Beppu, with frequent services available during peak commuting hours. Many students use discounted commuter bus passes or prepaid bus tickets for their daily commute.

Tuition / scholarships

  • What kind of scholarships can I apply for after admission?
    In addition to scholarships offered by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), including both grant type and student loan type, APU students may apply for external scholarships provided by private organizations and local governments. APU also offers its own scholarships, including merit-based scholarships for students with outstanding academic performance and financial aid scholarships for students with financial need.
  • If I am awarded a scholarship, may I also be exempted while studying abroad?
    It depends on the study abroad program you are going to participate in, so please make sure to check when you apply for the program.
  • Will scholarships be renewed annually? It is not a four-year continuance, is it?
    Both for the "Domestic Students Academic Excellence Scholarship" and “Domestic Students Tuition Reduction”, eligibility screenings are carried out each year to check your eligibility.
  • Is it possible to pay tuition in installments or change the payment method?
    Tuition fees are paid twice a year, once for the Spring Semester and once for the Fall Semester, by direct debit (automatic withdrawal) from a bank account designated by the university or by another payment method specified by the university. Payment in installments is not available.

Study abroad

  • Is there a compulsory curriculum for studying abroad?
    APU does not require students to study abroad for any of its undergraduate programs. We have prepared a variety of overseas programs (short to long term) to suit various purposes and destinations, so students can choose the program that best suits their own learning needs.
  • I would like to know about the Double Degree Program.
    Host universities, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria differ depending on the college. Please check the page below for more information.
    College of Asia Pacific Studies: St. Edward's University
    College of Asia Pacific Management: NEOMA Business School
    College of Sustainability and Tourism: Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
  • How many study abroad programs are available?
    They are very abundant. Starting with exchange study abroad to many partner universities around the world, various long-term and short-term overseas training programs are prepared. The door is widely open to all students, and many students can experience learning overseas during their enrollment if they meet the criteria.
  • Please tell me the participation criteria for study abroad programs (exchange study abroad, etc.). Also, what happens to tuition and living expenses during study abroad?
    Selection criteria differ for each program, but mainly two points are emphasized: "cumulative GPA (university grades)" and "language criteria (scores such as TOEFL®or IELTS)." Regarding tuition, if it is the university's "exchange study abroad," tuition at the host university is waived by paying tuition to APU even during study abroad (excluding some private study abroad, etc.). Living expenses and travel expenses are borne by the student, but it is also possible to apply for the university's study abroad scholarship system for support.
  • Is it possible to graduate in 4 years if I study abroad during enrollment?
    Yes, it is fully possible. When using APU's exchange study abroad program, there is a system (credit transfer system) to approve credits obtained at the host university as graduation requirement credits at APU, so you can graduate in 4 years without taking a leave of absence if you obtain credits systematically.
  • I believe that Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan APU are completely different universities, but I heard that if you enroll in Ritsumeikan University, you can have the chance to study in the domestic exchange program in Japan for a year at Ritsumeikan APU, could you let me know more details?
    It is possible to study in domestic exchange program at Ritsumeikan University or Akita International University for six months or one year. An application is required. For details, please click here.
    Domestic Exchange Program

Faculty / Department

  • Is there a difference in the way students learn at APU compared with other universities?
    APU offers a learning experience that is even more immersive than studying abroad. For example, while International Relations can be studied at many universities, discussing global issues solely from a Japanese perspective can limit students’ understanding of those issues. Perspectives that may seem reasonable in Japan may be viewed very differently by people from other countries and regions.
    At APU, students have the opportunity to learn alongside peers from more than 100 countries and regions. Approximately 3,000 of these students are international students who are enrolled in a degree program spend four years studying and living on campus. This means that students are constantly exposed to diverse perspectives and can hear firsthand how people from different cultural, social, and political backgrounds understand and approach global issues.
    Through these discussions and interactions, students learn to consider multiple perspectives and explore the most appropriate solutions. This reflects the way globally operating companies approach real-world challenges, where they need to consider different perspectives and identify the best possible course of action. At APU, students can gain this kind of practical global experience while they are still at university.
    In addition, APU offers a learning style similar to that of universities overseas, with frequent opportunities for group work, discussions, and presentations in class. This interactive learning environment encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    This is the kind of unique, immersive educational experience that APU offers.
  • What is the most distinctive feature of the College of Asia Pacific Studies?
    One of the key features of the College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) is that students study across three fields, International Relations, Culture, Society and Media, and Global Economy, during their first and second years before choosing a specialization. This allows students to explore a wide range of subjects, discover their areas of interest, and then deepen their knowledge in the field that best suits their academic and career goals.
    Another distinctive feature of APU is its focus on the Asia-Pacific region. While many international universities primarily study cases from North America and Europe, APU emphasizes learning through case studies and issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. As this region is expected to continue experiencing significant economic growth, students gain valuable insights into one of the world's most dynamic areas. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to learn alongside classmates from across the Asia-Pacific region, enriching their understanding through diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • What kind of students would you recommend the College of Asia Pacific Studies to?
    As students typically choose their area of specialization around their third year, APS is recommended for students who have not yet decided what they would like to study in depth and want to explore International Relations, Culture, Society and Media, and Global Economy within APU’s multicultural environment.
    APS is also a great choice for students who want to focus deeply on a specific field. Small-group seminars are a compulsory part of the curriculum, providing opportunities to learn closely with professors who have diverse international experiences and academic expertise. Through these seminars, students can deepen their understanding of their chosen field while learning from professors with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
  • What is the most distinctive feature of the College of International Management?
    Students can study a wide range of fields, including Accounting and Finance, Marketing, Management Strategy and Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, while receiving world-class education through APU’s AACSB-accredited program.
    As the culmination of four years of study, students take a capstone course in which international and domestic students work together in teams to identify challenges faced by companies and propose solutions. When developing marketing strategies and addressing business challenges, students can incorporate perspectives from peers from diverse countries and regions, rather than viewing issues solely from a Japanese perspective. This collaborative, global approach to problem-solving is one of the distinctive learning opportunities that APU offers.
  • What kind of students would you recommend the College of International Management to?
    Students can learn alongside peers from more than 100 countries and regions, as well as faculty members with extensive professional experience and international careers. This makes APM an ideal choice for students who want to approach business from a global perspective, taking into account diverse ideas and viewpoints, and for those who aspire to become global leaders in the future.
  • What level of mathematics is required in the College of International Management?
    The level of mathematics required can be handled by students who have studied Mathematics I and Mathematics A in high school. APU also has a Math & Analytics Center on campus, where students can receive support from APU students who help others with statistics and mathematics. Students can make use of this support center whenever they need additional assistance with their studies.
  • What is the most distinctive feature of the College of Sustainability and Tourism?
    It is the only college in Japan where students can study Sustainability and Tourism together. With a strong emphasis on fieldwork, students can deepen their learning by putting what they learn into practice and reflecting on their experiences. This continuous process of learning and applying knowledge is one of the distinctive features of the college.
  • What kind of students would you recommend the College of Sustainability and Tourism to?
    With a strong emphasis on fieldwork, the college is recommended for students who want to gain not only academic knowledge but also practical, hands-on learning experiences. Students can choose from nine study fields: Environmental Studies, Resource Management, and International Development in Sustainability; Tourism Studies, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management in Tourism; and Community Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and Data Science and Information Systems as interdisciplinary fields. This wide range of study options makes the college a great choice for students with diverse academic interests and for those who are passionate about building a sustainable society, including through the achievement of the SDGs.
  • I would like to make a lot of international friends. Which college offers more opportunities to interact with international students?
    While the College of International Management (APM) has a higher proportion of international students, APU offers many opportunities for students from different colleges to interact through classes, projects, and life at AP House. As a result, students do not often feel strong boundaries between colleges. When it comes to making friends, taking the initiative to actively engage with others is more important than which college a student belongs to.
  • I’m considering the College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) and the College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST). What type of student is each college best suited for?
    Both colleges are recommended for students who want to work for international organizations or global companies in the future, as they provide opportunities to learn in a highly international environment.
    The College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS) is well suited for students who: Want to study economic growth and poverty issues in developing countries. Want to gain a broad understanding of the politics, economy, and society of the Asia-Pacific region.
    The College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST) is well suited for students who: Want to promote sustainable development in local communities through tourism, Want to develop communities while preserving their natural environment and cultural heritage, Want to gain practical, hands-on experience in addition to academic knowledge.
    In short, APS is ideal for students interested in international affairs, development, and the Asia-Pacific region, while ST is ideal for those who want to address sustainability and regional challenges through practical and field-based approaches.

Classes

  • Are classes mainly taught in English?
    About 98% of courses at APU are offered in both Japanese and English, and students can choose their preferred language of instruction when registering for classes. For courses taught in English, lectures, examinations, and assignments are all conducted in English. Even students who are admitted through the English-based admission process can take courses offered in Japanese.
  • When can I start taking major courses taught in English?
    If you are admitted through the English-based admission process, or if you enter through the Japanese-based admission process and are placed at the Upper-Intermediate level or above on the placement test, you can start taking courses taught in English from your first semester.
    For students admitted through the Japanese-based admission process whose placement test results are Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, or Intermediate, it is recommended that they first take English language courses. Once they complete the Intermediate level, they can begin taking courses offered in English.
  • Can I take courses offered by other colleges?
    As long as you have completed the required courses and meet the prerequisites, you can freely take courses offered by other colleges starting from your second year. Compared with many other universities, APU provides a highly flexible curriculum that allows students to choose from a wide range of subjects beyond their own college. By taking courses from other colleges, students can broaden their perspectives and develop interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.
  • Can I obtain a teaching license?
    It is not possible to obtain a teaching license through APU's curriculum.
  • Are there any classes that involve debates or fieldwork?
    APU follows a learning style similar to that of many overseas universities, with discussions and presentations incorporated into a large number of classes. APU also offers a wide range of field studies that take students beyond the campus, including opportunities to conduct field research not only in Japan but also overseas.
  • What level of English proficiency is required when entering APU?
    For students admitted through the Japanese-based admission process, APU recommends achieving an EIKEN CSE score of 1,980 (equivalent to EIKEN Grade 2) before graduating from high school. However, even if you do not have EIKEN Grade 2, there is no need to worry, as APU provides English language courses after enrollment to help students develop their proficiency.
    In addition, about 10% of students enter APU with an English proficiency level equivalent to EIKEN Grade Pre-1 or higher. Students with a strong English background can begin taking major courses taught in English from the start of their studies and may even complete almost their entire degree program in English.

Finding employment

  • Is it a disadvantage for job hunting that APU is located in a regional area?
    In terms of physical distance, studying at a regional university can be less convenient for job hunting than attending a university in the Tokyo or Kansai areas. However, in recent years, many companies have adopted online interviews and AI-based screening, allowing students to complete much of the recruitment process remotely, except for some final interviews. As a result, the disadvantages of being located in a regional area have become much less significant.
    Moreover, the experience students gain at APU can be a significant advantage in the job market. Employers highly value graduates who have studied in APU’s exceptionally multicultural environment. Many APU graduates go on to work in the international divisions of major companies or take on positions that involve working overseas.
    Ultimately, students should consider which path is more beneficial for them: starting internships and job hunting early, potentially before they have fully developed their career goals and identified what they want to achieve, or taking the time to build their skills and strengths, increase their value in the job market, and establish a clear career direction before beginning their job search. We encourage students to consider these advantages and disadvantages when deciding whether APU is the right choice for them.
  • Does APU have a strong brand reputation?
    APU's general public recognition may not be as high as that of some well-known universities. However, its recognition and reputation among employers are very strong. With more than 25,000 graduates around the world, APU’s reputation and global recognition continue to grow as more and more alumni achieve success in their respective fields.
  • Do some students go on to pursue graduate studies at universities overseas?
    Yes. Every year, approximately 100 students, or about 8% of the student body, go on to pursue graduate studies overseas. About half of these students are admitted to universities and graduate schools ranked within the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings. Students can pursue graduate studies to further deepen their expertise through the multicultural collaborative learning experience they gain at APU.
  • Does APU offer any unique career support services or advantages for job hunting?
    APU provides a wide range of career support from the first year, including career education, support for finding internships, and interview preparation. In addition to these general career support services, students can benefit from APU’s global alumni network of more than 25,000 graduates around the world. Alumni associations have been established in various regions, providing opportunities for students and alumni to connect, exchange information, and build professional networks.
    APU also regularly offers internship opportunities through its alumni network, as well as Global Career Seminars and other events that help students explore career opportunities around the world.
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