Frequently Asked Questions from International Students

💡Quick Guides

• Is there a page where I can find all the necessary information for international students?

🔰Information for Incoming Students

• For AY2026 April, New International Students

🎫Status of Residence

• Must Read! Status of Residence Information
• How do I extend my status of residence?
• What should I do if my status of residence or re-entry permit expires while I am away from Japan?
• Reporting change of your host organization
• How can I get the latest information on immigration procedures/policies/regulations?

📝Confirming Student Enrollment

• Residence Status & Residence Card Confirmation Survey(Annual April Survey – All International Students Required)
• At what times do I have to submit a copy of my Residence Card to the university?
• Why do International Students need to have their attendance confirmed every month?

📝Public Systems and Living Guidelines

• Understanding National Health Insurance and National Pension
• Guide to Medical Facilities and Services
• My Number System: Essential Information for Residents in Japan
• Things that require special attention when living in Japan (updated on Jan. 9, 2026)
• I heard that international students are considered “non-residents” for their first 6 months in Japan, and that they need to be careful with money transfers at the bank. Could you please explain?

🛬Procedure before coming to Japan

• How can I apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to enter Japan?
• 【Spring Semester 2024】 International Students at Kinugasa Campus

📝Procedures after Arriving in Japan

• I would like to know about opening a Japan Post Bank（Yuucho Bank）account.
• What procedures should I follow after arriving in Japan?

🛫Procedure when leaving Japan/re-entering Japan

• If I do plan to leave Japan temporarily, do I need to notify the university?
• If I do plan to leave temporarily Japan, how do I get a Special Re-entry Permission/Re-entry Permission to return to Japan?
• While I am in my home country temporarily, is it okay NOT to pay for my rent and other fees?

💴Financial Support Options Through University

• [Tuition Reduction] Am I eligible to apply? (Application in Spring Semester)
• ★★★Application Guidelines for Ritsumeikan University Tuition Reduction and Scholarships★★★　Updated on April 2, 2026
• [Scholarships] Financial Emergency Scholarship (new) Updated May 29
• [Tuition Reduction/Scholarships] How to check application results
• [Tuition Reduction] Tuition fee payment period and refund in the event of overpayment
• [Tuition Reduction] Mailing address/delivery period/reissuance of tuition invoice

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💴Individual Application Based Scholarships

• List of External Scholarships
• What is the difference between Tuition Reduction and University Recommended Scholarships?
• [Updated as needed] Application Guidelines of External Scholarships （Updated on 2026/4/3）

💡Useful Information for Daily Life

• I would like to know events and discounted tickets information for International Students and places to learn Japanese. <Updated on Jan.30>
• I heard that I can talk to the international student support coordinator to talk about my student life. Should I go to the service window?
• Where can I collect information on living in Japan?
• I am feeling uneasy since I am unaccustomed to living in Japan. Are there any help-desks that I can consult?

🏠Housing

• Essential Guidelines for Renting and Moving In/Out
• Rental Apartment and Guarantor Services
• How do I look for housing in Japan?
• Can I live in a university dorm?
• What procedures are required if I move during my studies?

👨‍🔧Part-time Jobs (ARUBAITO)

• What kind of procedure do I have to do in order to do a part-time job?
• Are there restrictions on when I am allowed to do a part-time job?
• Does the university issue a certificate to confirm the long break period?

⚠️In the Event of an Emergency

• In Case of a Natural Disaster
• Traffic Accidents
• Serious Illness or Injury
• Theft, Violence or Assault

👩‍🎓For Alumni/Graduated students

• Important Procedures When Leaving Japan
• I want to continue job hunting in Japan after graduation. Is it possible to stay in Japan with a “Student” status of residence? (Updated 2026.2.24)
• After graduating, I plan to enter graduate school, but there will be a gap between graduation and entrance. Can I stay in Japan during this period?
• I have received a job offer, but there is a period of time before I start working. What should I do about my status of residence?
• I want to start a business after graduating. What kinds of status of residence are there in this case?
• I would like to issue a certificates of graduation. However, I'm no longer in Japan, how should I apply?

🏫About the International Center

• Mandatory University Procedures for Students
• Overview of the Online Support Desk
• About the International Center

🔰Information for SKP students

• Application Guidelines FAQ
• FAQ on Pre-Arrival Procedures for SKP Students
• Course Registration FAQ
• Pre-Departure FAQ ✈🌎

🗾Information for MEXT Scholars

• Important Notification for Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Sponsored International Students (AY2026)
• MEXT Scholarship-related communications between you and the University
• Residence Status
• Scholarship and Proof-of-Enrollment Signature
• About Receiving Other Scholarships
• Keeping Track of Your GPA to Maintain Your MEXT Scholarship

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