NEWS

On Thursday, April 3, at 17:00, the Times Higher Education (THE) released the Japan University Rankings 2025. Out of 257 universities evaluated, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture and led by President Hiroshi Yoneyama, achieved outstanding results once again. APU ranked fourth among all private universities in Japan, maintaining the same position as in the previous ranking (published in March 2023), and was named the top private university in Western Japan for the seventh consecutive year. Its overall national ranking remained 22nd, unchanged from the previous edition.

In the rankings by category, APU placed:

• 2nd nationwide in Environment and
• 3rd nationwide in Engagement for the fourth year in a row.

The Environment category evaluates the proportion of international students and faculty as well as the percentage of courses offered in foreign languages—highlighting the university’s globally diverse academic setting.

The Engagement category reflects student satisfaction based on surveys of both undergraduate and graduate students, assessing aspects such as faculty-student interaction, quality of teaching and supervision, and willingness to recommend the university to others. It also incorporates feedback from high school educators on the university’s effectiveness in nurturing global talent and supporting students’ academic and personal growth after enrollment.

Since its founding in 2000, APU has pursued a 1:1 ratio of domestic to international students. Today, the university hosts students from 111 countries and regions, offering a uniquely multicultural learning environment.
APU leverages this diversity to provide an education centered on practical, interactive learning, including class discussions, group work, field studies, industry partnerships, and overseas programs. These sustained initiatives have contributed significantly to APU’s consistently high evaluations.

About the THE Japan University Rankings
The THE Japan University Rankings are published by the UK-based higher education publication Times Higher Education in collaboration with the Benesse Group. The rankings aim to support educational reform and internationalization efforts within Japanese universities.
Institutions are assessed across four key pillars that reflect overall educational quality

• Resources
• Engagement
• Outcomes
• Environment

For more detailed results and additional rankings, please visit the official website: https://japanuniversityrankings.jp/rankings/(external link)

Note: The THE Japan University Rankings were not conducted in 2024.