History
In 1874, the private school of St Paul’s School was founded in the foreign settlement of Tsukiji, Tokyo by Bishop Channing Moore Williams, an Episcopal Church missionary.
This small school taught Christian Bible studies and English, with only a handful of students. These are the roots of Rikkyo University today.
Education
Rikkyo University’s undergraduate division consists of 10 colleges comprising 27 departments, 8 courses and 1 program. As classes are conducted in Japanese, sufficient Japanese proficiency is required. Rikkyo University consists of 14 graduate schools comprising 27 programs. As classes are conducted in Japanese, students must be sufficiently proficient in Japanese. (However, the Master of International Business (MIB) Program at the Graduate School of Business is conducted entirely in English.)
Research
Rikkyo University contributes to enhancing the level of academic research and delivering its findings back to stakeholders within and outside of the University through active engagement in research—the social mission of universities—and by working to energize the quality and quantity of day-to-day research activities.
Career
Rikkyo University has two mainstays of career and job search support for students: Career Center support that provides assistance tailored to each step in students’ academic career, through various programs, distribution of guidebooks, etc., and specific support from the colleges that leverages their areas of specialization. This provides practical know-how to help students realize the image of their future self, whether in finding a field that interests them or the role they want to play in future society.
Rikkyo University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1330 Ranking
- 3 Masters
- 53 Scholarships
- 1,287 Academic Staff
- 19,946 Students
- 997 Students (int'l)
Rikkyo University Overview
Rikkyo University Scholarships
Rikkyo University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Rikkyo University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Provided by university
Grant
300000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
600000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Global Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
200000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University International Student Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
1500000 JPY
Deadline
02 Feb 2027
Rikkyo Promising Future Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
300000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
600000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Global Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
200000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University International Student Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
1500000 JPY
Deadline
02 Feb 2027
Rikkyo Promising Future Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
300000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
600000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Global Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
200000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University International Student Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
1500000 JPY
Deadline
02 Feb 2027
Rikkyo Promising Future Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
300000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Tokyo St. Paul's Lions Club Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
600000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University Global Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
200000 JPY
Deadline
28 Nov 2026
Rikkyo University International Student Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
1500000 JPY
Deadline
02 Feb 2027
Rikkyo Promising Future Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 EUR
Deadline
01 Jul 2026
Mundus MAPP EMJM Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
29 May 2026
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
145000 JPY
Deadline
Not specified
Japan (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)-Outgoing
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2026
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Moving Mates Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
120000 JPY
Deadline
Anytime
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jul 2026
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Rikkyo University Student Reviews & Awards
4.8
Based on 12 reviews
- 5 Star 9 Reviews
- 4 Star 3 Reviews
- 3 Star 0 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.6
- Student Diversity 4.0
- Quality of Student Life 4.5
- Career Development 4.5
KIRINYAGA UNIVERSITY REVIEW
Its the best University to be. From the Management, teaching and non teaching staff offering best services towards students' welfare and academics. The management ensures inclusivity in admission of students from various tribes and background enhancing cultural diversity in the institution. On academics, the management has established policies that ensure that Smooth teaching and learning occurs despite challenges such as Lecturer strike happening in the country. Percentage of Attendance of classes is 85% of the total number of lectures in a semester. Also the lecturer sends the lecture notes 48 hrs prior to the lecture on the Masomo portal. Cat's and Examination administered on time and taken with seriousness it deserves. The welfare of the students is well taken care of as the school allows and facilitates extra curricular activities such as Ball game, Athletics
what I like about Kirinyaga university
Attending Kirinyaga University has truly been a life-changing journey for me. The campus buzzes with energy, offering a plethora of clubs and activities that cater to diverse interests. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also approachable, always ready to assist students in grasping complex concepts. What I cherish most is the strong sense of community; I've forged lifelong friendships and built a robust support network. The facilities are state-of-the-art and well-maintained, creating an ideal setting for both academic and personal development. That said, I believe there is room for improvement in the university's administrative processes to enhance efficiency. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Kirinyaga University to anyone seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
A Growing Institution with Great Potential
My experience at Kirinyaga University was positive overall. The university offers a calm and focused environment for studying, which I found ideal for academic concentration. The lecturers were knowledgeable and approachable, often willing to support students beyond the classroom. The facilities are still developing, but there is consistent progress in infrastructure and resources. Some areas, like the library and laboratory equipment, could be improved further to match the growing student population. Campus life is relatively quiet but safe, and student activities are gradually increasing. If you�re looking for a focused, growing academic institution with personalized attention from staff, I would recommend Kirinyaga University.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
Rikkyo University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 23.3% Japan
Top 35.5% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
1401
By TopUniversities
Dropped 200 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1201 | 1201 | 1401 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
1501
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1201 | - | 1501 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1330
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 260 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| - | 1590 | 1330 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
We offer counseling services on both Ikebukuro and Niiza campuses. In Ikebukuro, a Japanese licensed clinical psychologist provides services in Japanese and English every weekday. For counseling in Japanese, you can just walk in, but it is better to make an appointment to secure enough time. If you wish to have a counseling session in English, please first contact the International Office that helps you make an appointment with us. Sessions in both languages are free of charge.
Housing services
The residents of the dormitories are Rikkyo University students only. They are international dormitories where Japanese and international exchange students live together. They also provide the easy access to campus that is particular to exclusive dormitories. The dormitories are well-equipped with laundry rooms, refrigerators, and air-conditioning in addition to beds, desks, and chairs, making them economical options as well.
Library services
Ikebukuro Library, Niiza Library, and Niiza Repository Library own a collection of over 1.76 million Japanese and overseas publications, including books, magazines, and newspapers. All three libraries provide ample seating and offer a comfortable learning environment equipped with reading spaces, PC stations, and AV booths that are tailored to students' different browsing styles and access hours.
ICT services
The Niiza Library also offers A/V booths and PCs for students’ use.
Medical services
We have a clinic that is a medical institution on Ikebukuro Campus. It provides medical services of internal medicine. Special international students can join the Student Mutual-aid Health Insurance Union voluntarily.
Campus life
- Ikebukuro Campus
- Niiza Campus - Saitama Japan
Sports facilities
The gymnasium on Niiza Campus features five indoor competition arenas, a boxing ring, sumo ring, and other sports facilities. Also, The Aquatics Center features an indoor heated swimming pool.
The Fujimi Sports Ground is an athletic facility that includes a football field, rugby field, soccer field, baseball field, tennis courts, archery range, hockey ring, shooting range, garage for the car club, and a clubhouse.
Student clubs
Rikkyo has many clubs and circle activity groups covering various fields in academics, culture, and sports. Of these, there are approximately 200 groups officially recognized by the University which belong to athletic associations, student Christian groups, and registered associations, and which are active both inside and outside of the University, organized independently by students. Over 90% of students join a club or circle at least once, and over 60% of students continue to take part in their activities.
Rikkyo University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Japan Country
Tokyo City
#2 Branch Campus
Japan Country
Saitama City