Double Your Horizons: English-Taught Dual-Degree at Ritsumeikan GLA (Kyoto & Canberra)

Kyoto is not just temples and bamboo groves—it is also the launch pad for Ritsumeikan University, a top-ranking private institution with a century-long track record of innovation. Its Cao đẳng Nghệ thuật Tự do Toàn cầu (GLA) breaks new ground by awarding a dual bachelor’s degree with The Australian National University (ANU). If you want a truly international education without sacrificing small-class mentorship, read on—this deep dive explains why Ritsumeikan GLA should headline your shortlist.

1. Why Choose Ritsumeikan University GLA?

Dual-Degree Advantage

Finish four years and receive two diplomas: a B.A. in Global Liberal Arts from Ritsumeikan and a B.A. in Asia-Pacific Affairs from ANU. This partnership catapults you into the top 1 % of graduates holding qualifications on two continents—no extra semesters required.

Strategic Campuses in Japan & Australia

Your first two years unfold in the vibrant Osaka Ibaraki Campus—20 minutes to downtown Osaka and 35 to Kyoto—followed by two years in Canberra, a safe, student-centric capital city. Graduates rave that this “double immersion” jump-starts cultural intelligence and global networks.

Global Ranking & Reputation

Ritsumeikan places in the QS World University Rankings 2026 top-700 and ranks 201-300^th worldwide in the 2025 THE Impact Ranking—third among Japanese private universities for sustainability action.

2. Curriculum & Learning Experience

Interdisciplinary Core

Year 1 builds writing, critical thinking, and data-literacy foundations. From Year 2 you choose themed clusters—Culture & Civilization, Business & Innovation, or Global Security—mixing liberal-arts breadth with Asia-Pacific specialization.

Active-Learning Seminars

Classes cap at ≈25 students. Professors mentor you through debates, fieldwork, and a senior thesis—so you graduate with a portfolio, not just transcripts. Field courses have sent teams to Okinawa, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Seamless Transition to ANU

Maintain GPA 2.0 / 4.0 and an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, and your spot in Canberra is guaranteed—no separate application. ANU modules in Pacific Security and Asian Economies add regional depth employers value.

3. Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships

Application Timeline & Tests

Intakes open every April and September. Submit the online application, essays, and a 5,000 JPY screening fee, plus SAT, ACT, IB, or A-Level scores. Decisions arrive within six weeks—plenty of time for visa paperwork.

Costs & Financial Aid

*Source: Waseda SILS 2025 tuition page.

Expense Item (Year 1)	GLA (RU + ANU)	Waseda SILS*
Entrance Fee	200,000 JPY	200,000 JPY
Tuition	2,400,000 JPY	1,330,000 JPY
Other Fees	0 JPY	60,000 JPY
Total	2,600,000 JPY	1,590,000 JPY

Merit-based tuition-reduction scholarships cover 20-100 % of fees, while every student heading to ANU receives a 700,000 JPY Study-Abroad Grant.

4. Campus Life & Career Outcomes

Global Community

About 70 % of classmates completed high school outside Japan, so dorm life feels like a daily model UN. Over 300 clubs—robot-soccer, kyudo, anime research—ensure you never eat lunch alone.

Internships & Jobs

The GLA Career Office connects students to Amazon Japan, Dentsu, and JICA. Within a year of graduation, 96 % secure employment or graduate-school places; 15 % head straight into master’s programs overseas.

Support Services

Advisers, peer tutors, and the International Center assist with visas, housing, and part-time jobs. On-site counselors and bilingual doctors keep well-being on track.

5. Living in Kyoto & Canberra on a Student Budget

Shared-house rent near Osaka Ibaraki Campus averages 45,000 – 65,000 JPY per month; a commuter pass is under 7,000 JPY. Canberra dorms run about 200 AUD per week (¥19k). Part-time jobs in Japan pay 1,200 – 1,600 JPY / hour, while Australian student visas allow 48 hours of work every fortnight.

Ready to level up? Download the full Application Handbook (PDF), pick your intake, and start crafting that personal statement today.