Procedures after Application | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

APU Buddies are Japanese or International APU students who are there to help you navigate your new life at APU and in Beppu, help you expand your network at APU as well as assist you in finding the information and resources you need for a smooth transition and adjustment to Japanese as well as “APU” culture. Your buddies will be in contact with you before you arrive so feel free to ask questions about life in APU and Beppu!

You will be contacted by the APU inbound coordinator with a link to sign up for the Buddy system. The survey will help us match you to a Buddy most suited to you, so please make sure to fill it in completely!

When your acceptance to the program has been finalized, you will have to complete a number of documents. You will be contacted by the APU inbound coordinator with details.

Before visa application, successful applicants to APU must first obtain a CoE from the Japanese Immigration Bureau.
APU will apply for the CoE on behalf of successful applicants if the following requirements are met:

1. a. Applicants have paid for all the necessary fees by the stipulated deadline
2. b. Applicants are able to prove they possess sufficient finances for their period of studies and have submitted all th required documents.

*We usually receive the CoE from the Immigration Bureau approx. 5 weeks after we apply for it. Once we receive the CoE, it will be sent directly to each applicant, after which they can use it to apply for their VISA (see below)

*If your CoE is not issued by Immigration Bureau, your admission to APU will be cancelled.

After taking receipt of your CoE, you are required to apply for a student visa at your nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate General with the following documents:

1. a. The Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence (CoE)
2. b. Acceptance Letter
3. c. Passport
4. d. One Photograph (45 mm square)
5. e. Other documents: Documents may differ depending on the country/region of your residence. Since some of these documents may take time to prepare, please contact your nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate General for further information as early as possible.

*All students are responsible for getting a Student Visa prior to entering Japan.

*If your Student Visa is not issued, your admission to APU will be cancelled.

*All one semester study abroad students will be given a one-year student visa even if the study period is for 1 semester only. For one-year study abroad students, a 1 year and 3 months visa will be given. Students are strictly required to leave Japan after the completion of their intended study period at APU regardless of the visa length.