Thinking about studying in Japan? Rikkyo University (also known as Saint Paul’s University) is a classic Tokyo choice that blends historic liberal arts with modern, globally oriented programs. This guide gives you a clear, no-fluff overview of Rikkyo’s strengths—from English-medium options like GLAP and the PEACE Program to student support, housing, scholarships, and career outcomes. We’ve linked to official pages throughout so you can verify details and plan next steps with confidence.
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Quick-Facts Table
| Type | Private University Official “At a Glance” |
| Total Students | Undergraduate 20,186 + Graduate 146 = 20,332 (as of May 1, 2025). Sources: Undergrad PDF, Graduate PDF |
| Campuses | Ikebukuro (Tokyo), Niiza (Saitama). Campus Overview |
| Faculties/Schools | Arts; Intercultural Communication (CIC); Economics; Business; Science; Sociology; Law & Politics; Tourism; Community & Human Services; Contemporary Psychology; Sport & Wellness; plus GLAP (program). All Colleges / Programs in English |
| 学费 | Application/Admission/Tuition details: Fees (Admissions); full academic fee tables: Academic Fees 2025 (PDF) |
| Gender Ratio | See detailed breakdowns in the official enrollment PDFs above. |
| Intl-Student % | Reference figures published by Rikkyo; see At a Glance 和 International Students (PDF) |
| Students per Staff | Use faculty counts in At a Glance together with the latest enrollment PDFs to estimate. |
Campus Maps
Rikkyo University — Ikebukuro Campus (Tokyo)
Address: 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
Rikkyo University — Niiza Campus (Saitama)
Address: 1-2-26 Kitano, Niiza-shi, Saitama 352-8558, Japan
Mission, History & Founding Story
Rikkyo University traces its roots to 1874, when Bishop Channing Moore Williams of the American Episcopal Church founded a small school in Tokyo’s Tsukiji foreign settlement to teach English and the Bible. That seed grew into a full-fledged liberal-arts university known today for combining Christian values with a broad, human-centered education. Over nearly 150 years, Rikkyo has emphasized language learning, the humanities, and global citizenship, while steadily expanding into sciences, business, law, tourism, sociology, and contemporary psychology. In recent decades, the institution has doubled down on global engagement—building international offices, exchange agreements, and English-medium programs—so students can study alongside peers from around the world and prepare for transnational careers. See the official overview pages for the university’s self-description and internationalization strategy: Rikkyo at a Glance 和 Rikkyo Global 24.
The “Global 24” agenda (set around the 150th anniversary in 2024) outlined projects to internationalize the curriculum, promote leadership education, and widen overseas study opportunities. It also accelerated English-medium offerings—culminating in the Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP) and, more recently, the PEACE Program pathways. These efforts are not just branding; they’re backed by concrete measures like small-class English courses, double-degree collaborations, and a university-wide liberal-arts core. For specifics and program-by-program details, browse the admissions guide: Rikkyo International Admission.
Key Strengths & Unique Features
Global Liberal-Arts Core
Rikkyo’s academic DNA is liberal arts: students learn to think broadly across fields, communicate across cultures, and connect theory with practice. The University-wide Liberal Arts Courses (ULAC) structure adds breadth to specialized study, encouraging “cultivated individuals with specialized knowledge.” Details here: ULAC (University-wide Liberal Arts). The academic calendar and year-round rhythm are published officially for planning: Academic Calendar (PDF).
Signature English-Taught Options (PEACE Program)
Rikkyo’s English-medium tracks are concentrated in three areas under the PEACE Program: GLAP (Global Liberal Arts Program), CIC (Intercultural Communication for Global Leadership), and the Global Program in the College of Law and Politics. Start with the English program hub: Programs in English and the International Admission site: International Admission.
GLAP — Global Liberal Arts Program
GLAP is a four-year BA taught entirely in English, with small classes and a required long-term study abroad (except in certain PEACE contexts). Learn more on the university page and program site: GLAP (University page) / GLAP official site.
CIC — Intercultural Communication for Global Leadership
CIC builds multilingual and multicultural competencies for leadership in diverse societies. See the admissions track page and the college page: CIC (International Admission) / CIC (College page).
Internationalization: Partnerships & Exchange
Rikkyo maintains broad exchange and partnership networks that support both inbound and outbound mobility. Explore the current partnerships and exchange information here: Partnerships 和 Student Exchange Program (Inbound). The Global 24 initiative provides the broader context and targets for overseas experience: Rikkyo Global 24.
Student Support & Affordability
- Fees and payments: Admissions Fees page; detailed university-wide fee tables: Academic Fees 2025 (PDF)
- Scholarships: Scholarships for International Students and campus-wide financial aid info: Financial Aid (Campus Life)
- Guided “stage” navigation for applicants: Stage Guide
Student Life for Internationals
Clubs & Circles Welcoming Overseas Students
Rikkyo’s extracurricular culture is vibrant—there are many clubs/circles that help you practice languages, play sports, perform music, or volunteer. Overview: Extracurricular Activities.
Dedicated Support Offices (Visa, Housing, Counseling)
The International Office assists with admissions procedures, immigration, dorms, scholarships, and health insurance; the Student Counseling Center and Career Center support well-being and job search. See: Campus Life Support 和 Support for International Students.
Language-Exchange & Global Lounge
The on-campus Global Lounge hosts ~100 events annually—language meetups, culture workshops, study-abroad info sessions, and test guidance (IELTS/TOEFL). Check the university page: International Exchange on Campus (Global Lounge).
Partner Institutions & Exchange Options
Rikkyo maintains an extensive list of partner universities and offers both one- and two-semester exchanges (with host tuition typically exempted). See the current outlines and destinations here: Partnerships / Overseas Experience / Inbound Exchange (Special International Students).
Local Climate & Lifestyle
Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s most connected hubs—JR Yamanote Line + multiple private rail/subway lines. Daily life is convenient and multicultural (including halal options on campus). For a feel of costs and commuting, see: Living in Tokyo and monthly estimates under Plan Your Budget. For housing pathways (international dorms/private rentals via the university’s contractor), start here: Housing.
International Student Statistics
Rikkyo publishes annual enrollment snapshots. For the latest counts (by college/program and by graduate school) and a separate dataset on international students, consult the official disclosures: Undergraduate Enrollment (PDF) / Graduate Enrollment (PDF) / International Students (PDF).
Career & Graduate Prospects
Rikkyo’s Career Center runs targeted seminars for international students and partners with employers across sectors. Explore career statistics, hiring support, and alumni stories here: Career Information, Careers for International Students, Career Support (International Admission), and campus-wide Career Support (Campus Life).
How to Explore Next
- Programs in English (GLAP, CIC, Law/Politics): Overview
- GLAP details: Official GLAP Site
- CIC details: CIC (Admissions) / CIC (College)
- Support & student life: Campus Life Support, Global Lounge
- Partnerships & exchanges: Partnerships
- Budget & housing: Plan Your Budget, Housing
- Application steps: How to Apply, Application Schedule, Fees
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