University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Ritsumeikan University?

Ritsumeikan University sets TOEFL iBT minimums for each English-taught undergraduate programme: from 72 to 85 for tests taken before 21 January 2026, and 4 on the new scale for tests from that date. Global Liberal Arts also sets section minimums. Ritsumeikan does not accept the Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials or MyBest scores.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026

Ritsumeikan TOEFL iBT minimums

From Ritsumeikan's English-based undergraduate How to Apply page.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT, tests before 21 Jan 2026TOEFL iBT, tests from 21 Jan 2026
College of Global Liberal Arts (GLA)81 (R16, L16, W19, S19)4 (R, L and S 3.5, W 4)
Joint Degree Program, College of International Relations854
GS Major764
CRPS Major724
ISSE Course724

Test rules at Ritsumeikan

Tests must be taken within the two years before the last date of the application period you apply in, and the score must be available during that period. Ritsumeikan does not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or the TOEFL Essentials test, and it only accepts scores from a single test date, not MyBest scores. Institutional tests are not accepted.

On the same page, GLA asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in each component, and the GS Major asks for 6.0.

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If your TOEFL score falls short

The page offers score waivers rather than conditional entry. GS, CRPS and ISSE applicants are exempt if their most recent six years of formal education were taught only in English. GLA and Joint Degree applicants have separate waivers based on English-medium schooling in listed countries or, for GLA, an IB Diploma taught in English.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Ritsumeikan programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Ritsumeikan University need?+

From 72 to 85 by programme for tests before 21 January 2026, and 4 on the new scale for tests from that date.

What TOEFL score does Ritsumeikan GLA need?+

81 with 16 in reading and listening and 19 in writing and speaking, or 4 with 3.5 in reading, listening and speaking and 4 in writing.

Does Ritsumeikan accept TOEFL Home Edition or MyBest?+

No. It does not accept the Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials or MyBest scores.

How old can my TOEFL score be for Ritsumeikan?+

It must be taken within the two years before the last date of your application period.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 2 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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