Ryukoku University English-Based Master’s Degree in Economics 2026
Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan offers an English-based Master’s Degree Program in Economics for international students seeking postgraduate study in economics. The programme is taught entirely in English and provides admission routes for self-financed international students as well as students supported through scholarship routes such as MEXT and JICA.
Programme Overview
The programme is offered through the Graduate School of Economics at Ryukoku University.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Ryukoku University |
| Location | Kyoto, Japan |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Field | Economics |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Self-financed applicants | Accepted from 2026 |
| Scholarship routes | MEXT and JICA |
One of the programme’s main attractions is that the master’s degree is entirely taught in English, making it an option for international students who want to study economics in Japan without relying on Japanese-language instruction.
Who Can Apply?
Ryukoku University provides different admission routes for international students.
Self-Financed International Students
From 2026, the English-based Economics master’s programme was opened to self-financed international students.
Applicants in this category are required to prepare the documents specified by the university, which include:
- Application Form
- Application Sheet
- Research Proposal
- Letter of Recommendation
This means applicants do not necessarily need to hold a MEXT or JICA scholarship before applying through the self-financed route.
JICA Scholarship Students
The programme also has an admission route for international students who receive a JICA scholarship.
A separate set of application guidelines and documents applies to this route.
MEXT Scholarship Students
Applicants receiving the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship can also pursue an admission route associated with the programme. MEXT applicants should follow the university’s instructions regarding admission information and contact Ryukoku University where required.
Research Proposal
The research proposal is an important part of the application because the programme is designed for graduate-level economic study and research.
Applicants should have a clear idea of the subject they want to investigate and, where possible, consider how their proposed research relates to the expertise of faculty members at Ryukoku University.
Potential areas of economic research may include development economics, international economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, environmental economics, agricultural economics, economic policy, regional economics and international development.
The applicant should ensure that the proposed research is appropriate for the programme and supported by the university’s current admission requirements.
Letter of Recommendation
Applicants are also required to submit a Letter of Recommendation using the designated university form.
Because preparing a recommendation can take time, prospective students should identify an appropriate recommender early and provide the required instructions and form in good time.
Other English-Based Programmes at Ryukoku University
Ryukoku University’s international admissions information also lists other English-based graduate opportunities, including:
- English-based Master’s Degree Program in Economics
- Master’s Degree Program in Global Studies
- Doctoral Program in Global Studies
Therefore, students interested in English-medium postgraduate study at Ryukoku have options beyond economics.
Scholarship Opportunities
International students can explore several scholarship opportunities associated with study at Ryukoku University.
The university’s international admissions information includes:
- Scholarships for International Students
- MEXT Scholarship
- JICA Scholarship
- Numata Fellowship and Scholarship
Scholarship availability, eligibility and application procedures can differ depending on the scholarship and admission year. Applicants should therefore check the applicable scholarship information before making plans based on funding.
Is Ryukoku Economics an Undergraduate Programme?
No.
The English-based Economics programme is a master’s degree programme.
A student who has only completed secondary school would therefore not be applying directly to this programme. It is intended for applicants who have completed an appropriate bachelor’s-level education and meet the university’s admission requirements.
This distinction is particularly important for students comparing Japanese universities offering English-taught programmes.
How It Compares With Other Options
| Programme | Level | Language | Main field |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science Tokyo GSEP | Bachelor’s | English | Engineering |
| Kyoto iUP | Bachelor’s | English/Japanese transition | Undergraduate study |
| Ryukoku Economics | Master’s | English | Economics |
| Kagoshima Foreign Student Program | Master’s | English | Agriculture/Fisheries |
| JAIST | Master’s/PhD | Graduate-level | Science & Technology |
| Ehime University | Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD | Selected English graduate programmes | Multiple fields |
For someone seeking an English-taught bachelor’s degree, Ryukoku’s Economics programme is not the appropriate option because it is specifically a master’s programme.
Who Should Consider This Programme?
The programme may be worth considering if you:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree
- Want to study economics at master’s level
- Prefer an English-medium programme
- Are interested in economic research
- Have a suitable research topic
- Want to study in Kyoto
- Are interested in MEXT or JICA scholarship opportunities
- Can consider self-financing if scholarship funding is not available
Click here to Apply
- https://www.econ.ryukoku.ac.jp/daigakuin/en/eprogram/
- https://intl.ryukoku.ac.jp/english/examination/
What Applicants Should Check Before Applying
Prospective students should review the admission requirements for their particular application route rather than assuming that all applicants follow the same procedure.
In particular, applicants should confirm:
- The eligibility requirements for their admission category.
- The required application documents.
- The research proposal requirements.
- The recommendation-letter requirements.
- The applicable scholarship conditions, if seeking financial support.
- The current application schedule and submission instructions.
Because admission and scholarship arrangements can change, the latest information from Ryukoku University should be used when preparing an application.
An Option for English-Medium Graduate Study in Japan
Ryukoku University’s English-based Economics master’s programme offers an opportunity for international students to pursue postgraduate economics study in Kyoto entirely in English. The availability of a self-financed route from 2026 also broadens access beyond students entering through MEXT or JICA scholarship arrangements.
For students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and want to study economics in an English-medium environment, the programme is an option worth investigating alongside the available scholarship routes.
Check also: Ehime University Admission Guide for International Students 2027
