Beppu, JAPAN, is located in southwestern Japan, near Nagasaki. Beppu City’s beautiful natural surroundings and reputation as an international tourist destination make it an ideal setting for a multicultural university.

Learn more about Beppu

Ritsumeikan APU Campus Map (includes many photos of the beautiful campus)

Map of all MIX partner universities in Japan

Undergraduate students in any major may study on exchange at Ritsumeikan APU. The program is open to all levels of Japanese speakers, including students with absolutely no prior knowledge of Japanese language.

All courses except for 'Major Seminars', 'Research Seminars', and 'Thesis' are open to exchange students. Exchange students may also take Japanese language classes for credit; all levels are offered.

There are two colleges at Ritsumeikan APU:

• College of Asia Pacific Studies - Environment and Development; Culture, Socieity and Media; Hospitality and Tourism; International Relations and Peace Studies

• College of International Management - Strategic Management and Organization; Innovation and Economics; Marketing; Accounting and Finance

Exchange students register for their courses online after attending orientation at Ritsumeikan APU.

Learn more about Curriculum at Ritsumeikan APU

Ritsumeikan APU Undergraduate Academic Handbook

Course Syllabi Search Engine

Yes - Ritsumeikan APU offers dual language education. Many, but not all, courses are taught in English.

Exchange students may take chosen subjects in English, plus intensive Japanese language courses.

Students who have advanced proficiency in Japanese may take courses taught in Japanese.

The language of instruction is noted on the syllabus - the course title ends with a code indicating English (E) or Japanese (J). Courses not marked with E or J may be graduate level courses.

Fall Semester (quarters FA1 & FA2): mid September - early February

Spring Semester (quarters SP1 & SP2): late March - early August

Note: Because the Ritsumeikan APU academic calendar does not match UHM's, exchange students may only study at Ritsumeikan APU for the entire academic year (mid-September to early August), or for the Spring Semester.

Several housing options are available, including on-campus dormitories ("AP House"), off-campus independent student dormitories, and private off-campus apartments. Single or shared rooms, with communal kitchens, are available in the AP House. All exchange students who wish to live on-campus are guaranteed a place in AP House.

More information on housing options at Ritsumeikan

There is an on-campus cafeteria, plus an on-campus Cafe. No meal plan is available, but students are free to use the communal kitchens in the AP House.

There is also a weekend homestay options for students who want interaction with a Japanese family. Students may apply for a weekend family upon arrival to APU through the Student Office.

MIX students register as full-time students at UH Manoa and pay regular UHM tuition. They do not pay overseas tuition. 

- Students who normally pay in-state UHM tuition continue to do while on MIX. 
- Students who normally pay out-of-state UHM tuition continue to do so while on MIX.
- Students who normally pay WUE tuition continue to do so while on MIX. 

View UHM tuition & fees online

In addition to UHM tuition, MIX students are responsible for all of their living expenses, including health insurance, books/supplies, room & meals, personal expenses, airfare, local transportation, and any costs associated with obtaining a visa (if applicable). It is recommended that you research online to get an idea of how much these expenses will be.    

Since you are still a registered UHM student while on MIX, you continue to be eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. If you submit a ‘MIX Student Budget for Financial Aid Purposes’ form, UHM financial aid will take into consideration your overseas living and travel expenses when awarding your grants/loans.  

National Health Insurance Program - International students residing in Japan for one semester or one year may be required to enroll in this program through their host university in Japan. Costs vary by region, but may be approximately $18.00/month. Japanese National Health Insurance may not be required if students purchase adequate health insurance in their home country.

Ritsumeikan APU Cost Estimates - Exchange students will have to demonstrate proof of funds prior to departure for Japan: 500,000 yen for semester students, 1,000,000 yen for year students. On-campus housing is about 40,000 yen per month, plus a non-refundable move-in fee of about 32,000 yen. You may also find helpful information on Money Matters on the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University website.

On-Campus Support - There are many offices on campus that offer various types of support to exchange students: Student Support Center, Academic Office, Career Office, and Health Clinic & Counseling Room.

Get Involved - Additionally, there are over 200 student clubs, in the areas of Sports, Music & Dance, Art & Culture, Volunteer, and Business & Study.

Visa Information - The requirements for visas vary depending upon nationality (citizenship), purpose of trip, and length of stay. As a rule, applications must be submitted in person to the Japanese Consulate. The Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu has a jurisdiction covering the State of Hawaii and American Samoa. If visa applicants reside outside State of Hawaii or American Samoa, please contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate that handles visas for your area.

Once you have a valid passport and the other required documents, you will need to visit the Consulate General of Japan at Honolulu and apply for a VISA. The Consulate General of Japan is located at 1742 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817 USA. Tel: 808-543-3111.

If you are studying abroad for a semester or year, please be sure to apply for a “College Student” status VISA. It is a very difficult and sometimes impossible to get your status changed later.

You will need at least the following documents when applying for your College Student status VISA:

1. Visa application form with passport photos attached (download from Consulate General website).

2. Copy of Certificate of Admission to your host university in Japan. (This is a formal letter that will be sent directly to the MIX Office. You will receive an email when it is available for pick-up.)

3. Certificate of Eligibility (Issued about two months before your departure for Japan)

4. Your valid passport

Upon Arrival in Japan - When you arrive at the airport in Japan, you will go through an Immigration Inspection. Your passport and Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence will be checked, and your residence status and your formal period of stay will be decided.

Part-time work while studying in Japan - Exchange students who are granted the 'Student' status of residence may be permitted to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) while in Japan, as long as it does not affect their studies. To apply for permission, please fill out an "Application for Permission to Engage in Activities other than that Permitted under Status of Residence Previously Granted" when you apply for your visa. More information is available at the Immigration Bureau in Japan website.