Mar 31, 2025
Rikkyo University achieves ‘A’ rating in Top Global University Project appraisal
Keyword:INFORMATION
OBJECTIVE.
Rikkyo University has earned an “A” rating for its endeavors in the Top Global University (TGU) Project, for which it was selected in 2014 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) . Over the 10-year period of the project, the university engaged in a wide range of initiatives under the theme “The Evolution of Rikkyo as a World-Class University: Global Liberal Arts Education, Leadership Education, Self-Transformation.” Appraisals of each university’s efforts were released in March 2025.
Outlines of the appraisal
A rating is granted to universities that have met the project's goals by establishing favorable conditions and which are expected to continue fostering sustainable development in the future.
＜Excerpts from the appraisal＞
Throughout the project period, we observed that the university made further improvements in liberal arts education, a commitment it has upheld since its founding, as well as in pioneering leadership education. To enhance the university's international compatibility, reforms focused on curriculum, students’ awareness, and governance.
In particular, the curriculum reform is based on the RIKKYO Learning Style, which enables students to autonomously pursue their goals by freely incorporating 10 areas of learning — such as overseas programs and extracurricular activities — into their curriculum according to their interests, in addition to specialized subjects. Rikkyo is also recognized for maximizing the outcomes of its curriculum reform through the systemic implementation of the Global Liberal Arts Minor, which allows students to develop skills beyond their specialized area and broaden their international perspectives through overseas experiences. Additionally, the Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP) enables students to obtain a bachelor's degree exclusively in English. And with the launch of programs utilizing these achievements, Rikkyo has been able to engage in exchanges with top Asian universities under the joint theme of Liberal Arts Education. This effort has ensured the quality of their cooperative projects and enhanced Rikkyo’s brand recognition in Asia. We view this as a significant achievement.
In addition, it is worth recognizing that Rikkyo prioritized the project’s concept and initiatives when forming and announcing its various fundamental policies and visions. The university engaged in the project with a shared understanding and decision-making processes across the entire institution. Rikkyo also articulated its commitment to continuous internationalization and established a framework for these efforts in its Rikkyo Vision: Principles for the Future of Rikkyo University(outlined in 2024). Furthermore, it is actively securing the necessary financial resources, which is expected to ensure the sustainability of its endeavors.
Throughout the project period, we observed that the university made further improvements in liberal arts education, a commitment it has upheld since its founding, as well as in pioneering leadership education. To enhance the university's international compatibility, reforms focused on curriculum, students’ awareness, and governance.
In particular, the curriculum reform is based on the RIKKYO Learning Style, which enables students to autonomously pursue their goals by freely incorporating 10 areas of learning — such as overseas programs and extracurricular activities — into their curriculum according to their interests, in addition to specialized subjects. Rikkyo is also recognized for maximizing the outcomes of its curriculum reform through the systemic implementation of the Global Liberal Arts Minor, which allows students to develop skills beyond their specialized area and broaden their international perspectives through overseas experiences. Additionally, the Global Liberal Arts Program (GLAP) enables students to obtain a bachelor's degree exclusively in English. And with the launch of programs utilizing these achievements, Rikkyo has been able to engage in exchanges with top Asian universities under the joint theme of Liberal Arts Education. This effort has ensured the quality of their cooperative projects and enhanced Rikkyo’s brand recognition in Asia. We view this as a significant achievement.
In addition, it is worth recognizing that Rikkyo prioritized the project’s concept and initiatives when forming and announcing its various fundamental policies and visions. The university engaged in the project with a shared understanding and decision-making processes across the entire institution. Rikkyo also articulated its commitment to continuous internationalization and established a framework for these efforts in its Rikkyo Vision: Principles for the Future of Rikkyo University(outlined in 2024). Furthermore, it is actively securing the necessary financial resources, which is expected to ensure the sustainability of its endeavors.
Rikkyo is committed to evolving into a university that intensively pursues “Global Liberal Arts & Science” and fosters international human resources equipped with the skills to integrate liberal arts with their specialized fields. This approach aims to empower students to proactively address social challenges based on the international competencies developed during the TGU Project.
Rikkyo Vision: Principles for the Future of Rikkyo University