Study in Kyoto Program - 2015 Fall Pre-Arrival Guide

Oct 5, 2026

Pre-arrival guidance for international students in the Study in Kyoto Program at Ritsumeikan University, covering essential preparation before arriving in Japan. It explains the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) process and student visa requirements for stays over three months, including document submission, visa timing, and responsibility regarding departure dates. The guide also details residence status and Residence Card duties, clarifies constraints for students already in Japan, and provides a yearly schedule and key orientation timing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time22 min

AccessFree to download

Certificate of Eligibility（COE） & Student Visa

Why a student visa is required

Visa issuance steps and timing

Residence Card purpose and validity

Yearly Schedule

When Should I Arrive?

Earliest arrival date and move-in window

Guidance session and travel restrictions

Important dates and orientation schedule

Study in Kyoto Program 2015 Fall Pre-Arrival Guide Read this guide and get ready for life as a student in Japan! What to do with this guide Read it over now. Take it with you to Ritsumeikan. Keep it close by when you arrive in Japan. Yokoso! Welcome to Ritsumeikan University! Whether you are at Kinugasa (Kyoto), or Ibaraki (Osaka) Campus, you have chosen a wonderful place to study. We hope your time with us will be some of the best years of your life! It is natural to feel a little nervous when preparing to leave home, or when you first arrive in Japan. Some parts of life and studying at Ritsumeikan University may be different to what you are used to. We are here to support you and help you feel comfortable, so you can realize your goals and succeed in your studies. Certificate of Eligibility（COE） & Student Visa Why do I need a student visa? If you intend to stay in Japan for longer than three months, you will need a visa. Since you will be staying in Japan as a student, you will need to acquire a visa with “Student” status before arriving in Japan. A student visa allows you to study full–time at Ritsumeikan University for six months or one year. Who will give me my student visa? Ritsumeikan University is currently applying to the Japanese Ministry of Justice for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on each student’s behalf. Once we send you your Certificate of Eligibility, you must submit it with your student visa application and passport to your local Japanese embassy or consulate. Please confirm with your embassy or consulate in advance regarding additional documents that may be required for the visa application and how long the process will take. Do not purchase your flight ticket before you receive your visa. If you happen to not receive your visa by your planned departure date, Ritsumeikan University will not be held responsible for any reason. You will be issued your official student residence status upon arrival in Japan, and receive your residence card at the airport. (2) After the COE is issued, the University will send it along with your acceptance certificate. (3) Get your visa from your local Japanese embassy or consulate. (1) Apply for the COE.（Applicant Prepares Document Proxy Application by University） ( 5) Go through immigration procedures at the airport. (4) Come to Japan with your student visa . Receive your official “Student”status of residence and Residence Card! Where do they place my student visa? After applying at your local Japanese embassy or consulate, your student visa will be displayed as a sticker in your passport. What if I’m already in Japan? Please contact the Ritsumeikan University International Center as soon as possible. However, please note that it is impossible to receive a visa with “Student” status while staying in Japan. If you are currently in Japan, you will be required to return to your country to complete the process. What is a Residence Card? Everyone planning to stay in Japan for an extended period should be issued a Residence Card at the airport. The card is proof of your status or residence and it is your duty to carry it with you at all times. Please remember to take it with you every time you go out. Does my status of residence expire? Your Period of Stay (Date of Expiration) will be written on your Residence Card. However, regardless of the date written on your card, when the SKP program period is over your status of residence will become invalid. You cannot stay in Japan for an extended period after the program finishes. If you need to stay in Japan for any reason after the program, please talk to staff at the International Center beforehand. Yearly Schedule | Mid July | Housing Information Sent | | --- | --- | | Mid July | Fall Semester Tuition Fees Due* | | Early Aug | Visa Materials Sent | | Sep 1 – 13 | Arrival & Move-in Period (Tentative) | | Sep 1 – 15 | Residence & Health Insurance Registry (Tentati

FAQs

Why is a student visa needed for this program?

A student visa is required for stays in Japan longer than three months. With the student status, students can study full-time at Ritsumeikan University for six months or one year.

How does Ritsumeikan University handle the COE and visa application?

The University applies to Japan’s Ministry of Justice for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on the student’s behalf. After the COE is issued, students submit it with their student visa application and passport to their local Japanese embassy or consulate.

What is the Residence Card and what must students do with it?

The Residence Card is issued at the airport and serves as proof of a student’s status of residence. Students must carry it at all times and note that status becomes invalid when the program period ends.

Oct 5, 2026

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