NEWS

On behalf of the university, I would like to apologize for any concern caused to our students and all stakeholders regarding the recent issues with entry procedures for international students. Since its founding in 2000, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University has welcomed diverse students from around the world for 26 years. While contributing to the revitalization of the local community, we have developed our education and research as one of Japanʼs leading international universities. Since our founding, we have accepted international students from a total of 170 countries and regions, and the number of our graduates—who serve as bridges between Japan and these countries and regions—exceeds 25,000.

Our university has viewed driving the internationalization of Japanese society and shaping the future as an essential social mission since its founding. Therefore, the admission and education of international students are central to our purpose. Seeing the young people who have developed at APU succeed worldwide is our greatest pride and our contribution to the future.

As a university with such a mission, I, as President, sincerely regret and reflect on the fact that administrative errors have caused significant anxiety and burden to incoming students and current students eagerly awaiting enrollment at our university. I also extend my sincere apologies to the families sending their children to study in Japan, as well as to all stakeholders who have supported the universityʼs growth, for the considerable concern and inconvenience this has caused.

The university sincerely admits there were governance issues, including administrative failures, and will do everything possible to prevent such mistakes from happening again.

Above all, it is crucial that we take the highest measures to ensure that international students, both incoming and current, do not face any disadvantages. We are committed to creating an environment where international students can focus on their studies with peace of mind. We will do our best to support incoming students who have not yet been able to enter the country. Additionally, even if students cannot arrive by the start of classes, we will create an environment that allows them to attend classes online or through other means, aiming to minimize the impact on their education.

Additionally, if international students face a greater financial burden than before due to issues such as the renewal of their residence status, we will provide as much financial support as possible. We will announce the details of these measures as soon as they are finalized.

■ What is a “Proper Institution” Designated by the Immigration Services Agency?

The “Proper Institution” is a system in which the Immigration Services Agency designates educational institutions that accept international students under the “Student” visa status. Institutions that properly manage student enrollment—including attendance, grades, residency status, activities outside the scope of residence status, and other requirements—and submit all necessary statutory documents are designated. The selection process occurs annually and includes universities, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools.

This system allows students of “Proper Institutions” to submit a shorter list of required documents when applying for Certificates of Eligibility and other papers, while the Agency still maintains strict and appropriate immigration controls.

To be selected as a “Proper Institution,” the following criteria must be met:

Selection Criteria for “Proper Institution” (Overview)

① Ratio of Problematic Enrollment

• The percentage of students with problematic enrollment status (such as overstaying, denial of renewal, or revocation of residence status) during the previous year must be 5% or less (or one student or fewer if the total enrollment is 19 or fewer).

② Proper Compliance with Statutory Reporting Requirements

• The institution must properly submit reports as required under Article 19-17 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, ensuring there are no issues related to the residency status of international students.

③ Other Enrollment Management

• There must be no circumstances considered significantly inappropriate regarding the management of attendance, academic performance, or activities outside the scope of the status of residence (such as part-time work), etc.

The reason APU was not selected as a “Proper Institution” this time was that we failed to submit the necessary report on the number of international students required under criterion “② Proper Compliance with Statutory Reporting Requirements” listed above. Concerning the other two criteria, APU has fulfilled them properly, and there have been no issues at all with managing international student enrollment.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
YONEYAMA Hiroshi, President