Ritsumeikan University Diploma & Degree Certificate: Official Guide 2026

H1: Ritsumeikan University Diploma & Degree Certificate: An Official Guide to Application, Verification, and Replacement

As one of Japan’s leading private institutions, Ritsumeikan University (立命館大学) boasts a global alumni network of over 400,000 graduates. For these alumni, their Ritsumeikan University diploma or degree certificate is more than a symbolic memento of their time on campus—It is a critical official document for securing employment, pursuing further education, or completing visa and immigration procedures overseas. However, navigating the university’s administrative processes for requesting, verifying, or replacing these official academic documents can be confusing, especially for graduates residing outside of Japan or those who completed their studies decades ago.

This guide provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on every aspect of Ritsumeikan University’s official diploma and degree certificate services. Every detail outlined here is sourced directly from the university’s official administrative guidelines or alumni office resources, ensuring you have the most accurate and reliable information available. Whether you need to submit your documents to a foreign embassy, a global university, or an international employer, this guide will walk you through each required step.

H2: 1. Understanding Ritsumeikan University’s Official Academic Documents

Before initiating any request for a Ritsumeikan University diploma or degree certificate, it is critical to understand the exact types of documents the university issues, as well as the key terminology used in its administrative procedures. A clear grasp of these details will help you avoid costly mistakes—such as applying for the wrong document type or selecting an incorrect delivery method—that could delay your request or even require you to restart the process entirely.

H3: 1.1 Certificate Nomenclature: Diploma vs. Degree Certificate

In many international academic systems, the term “diploma” typically refers to the formal, physical document awarded to students upon completion of a degree program—for example, a bachelor’s or master’s degree. At Ritsumeikan University, however, this formal document is officially called a “degree certificate” (or “graduation certificate” in some administrative contexts). This distinction is more than a matter of semantics: it is the key to understanding the university’s official document request processes.

This difference in terminology is particularly important for alumni submitting documents to institutions outside of Japan. Many international universities, employers, and credential evaluation services will use the term “diploma” when requesting proof of your degree. In these cases, your official Ritsumeikan University degree certificate or graduation certificate is the exact legal equivalent of what the institution refers to as a “diploma.” To avoid delays or confusion, you should explicitly clarify this terminology mismatch in a separate, formal submission note when sending your documents to an international recipient.

H3: 1.2 Official Document Types and Formats

Ritsumeikan University offers two core types of degree-related certificates for graduates, each serving a distinct purpose. It is critical to select the correct document type for your intended use, as using the wrong document can lead to rejected applications or additional delays.

The first is the Certificate of Graduation (卒業証書), which is the official document confirming that a student has completed all required coursework and academic requirements for their undergraduate or graduate program. This document is typically required for most standard applications, such as entry-level employment, professional license applications, or overseas visa submissions. The second is the Certificate of Degree (学位記), which is the formal, legal document confirming that an academic degree (such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) has been officially conferred by the university. This document is specifically required for more formal or specialized processes, such as credential evaluations for international further education, advanced-level employment background checks, or applications for professional licenses that require formal degree verification.

Both the Certificate of Graduation and the Certificate of Degree are issued in either Japanese or English, depending on the applicant’s needs. This dual-language compatibility is designed to accommodate the global nature of Ritsumeikan’s alumni network and the needs of international institutions, employers, and government agencies. For added security, all official certificates are printed on specialized tamper-resistant paper that cannot be easily replicated. When copied or scanned, the paper displays hidden watermarks reading “COPY” or “复制禁止” (meaning “copy prohibited”), which prevents unauthorized duplication or counterfeiting. This tamper-resistant paper is recognized as a secure, official document format by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and most international immigration and education authorities.

H2: 2. How to Apply for an Official Ritsumeikan University Certificate

Ritsumeikan University has standardized its certificate request processes for all alumni—whether they reside in Japan or overseas. The first step in ensuring your request is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays is to select the correct submission method, based on your graduation date and current location.

H3: 2.1 General Eligibility and Application Channels

The eligibility rules for requesting official certificates are primarily determined by your date of graduation. If you graduated in or after April 1990 (Heisei 2), you are eligible to use the university’s convenient online application system, which is integrated with domestic convenience store printing and postal mail delivery services. This online system is the fastest, most efficient way to request certificates, and it is designed to handle the vast majority of applicant needs.

If you graduated in or before March 1990 (Heisei 1), however, you will need to submit your request by postal mail or in person at a campus administrative office. This limitation is due to the fact that the university’s digital student records system only extends back to the 1990 academic year; earlier records are stored in physical archives and require additional administrative handling.

Regardless of which channel you use to submit your request, you will need to provide the following supporting documents: a completed official certificate request form, a clear photocopy of a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or residence card), and the applicable issuance and delivery fees. For added security, the university may also require you to submit a recent headshot photograph or have your application form officially notarized—especially if you are requesting a replacement certificate or submitting your request from an overseas location.

H3: 2.2 Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Ritsumeikan University’s online application system is the default method for requesting certificates, and it is available exclusively to alumni who graduated in or after April 1990. This system offers end-to-end processing for certificate requests, including integrated payment and delivery tracking options. To use the online system, follow these four key steps:

Complete Initial Registration: Before you can submit your first certificate request, you will need to create an account on the university’s official certificate application website. This registration process requires you to provide a valid email address, create a secure password, and upload a clear, legible copy of your government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or residence card). This ID is required to verify your identity and ensure that no unauthorized requests are submitted in your name.
Fill Out Request Details: Once your account has been verified and you have logged in to the system, you will need to enter the specific details of your certificate request. First, select the exact type of certificate you need (e.g., “Certificate of Graduation” or “Certificate of Degree”) from the dropdown menu. Then, choose your preferred delivery method: either “convenience store pickup” (available at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart locations across Japan) or “postal mail delivery.” Finally, specify the number of copies you need and the language in which you want the certificate to be issued (Japanese or English).
Pay Applicable Fees: After confirming your request details, you will be directed to a secure payment portal to pay the required fees. These fees include a 300-yen issuance fee per certificate, a 250-yen system usage fee per application, and additional delivery fees based on your selected method: a 430-yen fee for domestic postal mail delivery via LetterPack Light, or standard EMS (Express Mail Service) fees for international delivery. If you select the convenience store pickup option, you will also need to pay a 20-yen per-page printing fee directly at the store’s self-service kiosk. The university’s online payment portal accepts all major credit cards and IC-based electronic payment methods (such as ICOCA, Suica, and Pasmo), which are widely used across Japan.
Receive Your Certificate: The timeline for receiving your certificate varies depending on your selected delivery method. If you choose convenience store pickup, your certificate will be available for printing at your selected store within minutes of your payment being processed—you will receive a pickup code via email that you can enter into the store’s self-service kiosk to print your document. If you choose domestic postal mail delivery, your certificate will be shipped via LetterPack Light and delivered to your designated address within 2 to 3 business days. For international postal mail delivery, the university will ship your certificate via EMS, and delivery to most major countries in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania will take 7 to 14 business days.

H3: 2.3 Special Guidelines for Overseas Applicants

If you are a Ritsumeikan alumnus residing outside of Japan, you can still use the online application system to request your certificate—but you will need to follow a specific set of additional guidelines to ensure your request is processed correctly and delivered to your overseas location without issue.

First and foremost, when selecting your delivery method in the online system, you must choose the “postal mail” option—convenience store pickup is not available for international applicants. You will also need to enter the following exact phrase in the remarks field of the application: “For overseas visa application.” This keyword prompt will alert the university’s administrative staff to print your certificate on the specialized tamper-resistant paper required for visa and immigration submissions, rather than the standard paper used for domestic convenience store requests.

Next, you will need to provide your full, accurate international delivery address and pay the applicable EMS shipping fees—these fees are calculated based on your delivery location and will be displayed in the application portal before you complete your payment. You must also confirm that the university can ship to your country of residence: the university’s official certificate application website links to the Japan Post website, which maintains an up-to-date list of countries and regions to which EMS shipments can be delivered. The university will not process your international delivery request if EMS service is not available to your country of residence.

Finally, it is important to note that the university will not be held responsible for any issues that arise during international transit—such as lost, stolen, or damaged documents. To mitigate this risk, the university recommends purchasing additional shipping insurance for your EMS shipment; this insurance can be added at the time of payment for a small additional fee. You should also track your EMS shipment closely using the tracking number provided in your shipping confirmation email, and someone must be available to receive and sign for the package upon delivery.

H2: 3. Third-Party Verification and Direct Submission

For many international users—such as university admissions offices, potential employers, or government immigration agencies—receiving a certificate directly from the applicant is not sufficient to verify its authenticity. These institutions require official third-party verification, meaning the university must send the applicant’s credentials directly to the requesting institution rather than returning them to the applicant. This process is designed to prevent document tampering or forgery and ensure the institution receives a legitimate, unaltered official document.

H3: 3.1 How to Request Direct Submission to a Third Party

Ritsumeikan University offers a direct submission service for these types of third-party verification requests, sending certificates directly to requesting institutions such as WES (World Education Services), university admissions offices, or foreign embassy immigration departments. To use this service, you will need to complete the following additional steps as part of your standard certificate application:

First, when you are selecting your delivery method in the online application system, you must choose the “postal mail” option—this is the only delivery method the university allows for third-party direct submissions. Second, you must enter the full, official name and mailing address of the requesting institution in the delivery address field. For example, if you are sending your certificate to WES, you would enter the complete WES mailing address as it appears on your WES application dashboard. Third, you must write the following exact phrase in the remarks field of the application: “Direct submission to [institution name] for verification.” This keyword prompt will alert the university’s administrative staff to process your certificate as a direct third-party submission rather than a standard personal delivery.

Finally, you will need to pay the applicable EMS shipping fees for the direct international delivery to the requesting institution. These fees are calculated based on the institution’s location and will be displayed in the application portal before you complete your payment. The university will not cover the cost of these direct delivery services—they must be paid by the applicant.

H3: 3.2 Packaging and Documentation Requirements

To be accepted as official, third-party submissions must adhere to a strict set of packaging and documentation requirements set by the university and most international verification institutions. These requirements are non-negotiable—if your submission does not meet these standards, the receiving institution will automatically reject it, and you will need to reapply for another certificate.

First, you must request that the university seal your certificate in an official tamper-evident envelope. This envelope will bear the university’s official seal across the back flap—this seal is designed to break if the envelope is opened or tampered with, ensuring the receiving institution that the document inside is authentic and unaltered. To have your certificate sealed in this way, you must select the “postal mail” delivery method in the online application system—convenience store-issued certificates cannot be sealed in these official tamper-evident envelopes.

Second, if you are submitting your certificate to a credential evaluation service like WES, you must clearly write your WES reference number in the upper left-hand corner of the tamper-evident envelope. This reference number is critical, as it allows the receiving institution to match your certificate to your online application profile and process your verification request more efficiently.

Finally, you must include a copy of your official photo ID (such as your passport or driver’s license) in the envelope with your certificate. This ID will be used by the receiving institution to verify that the personal information on your certificate matches the information on your government-issued ID, further confirming the document’s authenticity.

H3: 3.3 Post-Submission Verification Tracking

Once the university has shipped your direct submission, you will not be able to track its delivery status through the university’s administrative office—instead, you will need to track it directly through the shipping carrier. The university will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number for your EMS or DHL shipment. You can use this tracking number on the carrier’s official website to monitor the shipment’s progress from the university’s administrative office to the receiving institution’s mailing address.

The standard processing time for direct submission requests is 3 to 5 business days from the date the university receives your completed application—this means the university will prepare and ship your certificate within 3 to 5 business days of receiving your request. The delivery time will then depend on the shipping carrier’s service level and the location of the receiving institution: for most destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, EMS or DHL delivery will take 7 to 14 business days.

It is critical to note that the university is not responsible for any delays caused by the shipping carrier or the receiving institution—these delays are outside of the university’s control. To avoid missing any important application deadlines, you should submit your direct submission request to the university as early as possible—ideally 4 to 6 weeks before the date you need the verification to be completed.

H2: 4. Replacing a Lost or Damaged Ritsumeikan University Certificate

Your Ritsumeikan University diploma or degree certificate is a critical official document— but it is not indestructible. Accidents such as a lost wallet, a stolen package, or water damage from a leaky roof can leave you without the official documents you need for employment, further education, or visa applications. Fortunately, the university offers a straightforward replacement service for these exact situations.

H3: 4.1 Replacement Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for a replacement certificate, you must meet the following criteria: you must be the original recipient of the certificate (or a legal representative with a valid power of attorney), and you must provide a clear, valid reason for the replacement—such as the original document being lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. The university reserves the right to reject replacement requests if it determines the reason provided is not legitimate or verifiable.

To apply for a replacement certificate, you will need to submit the following additional documents along with the standard application materials: a signed, formal letter explaining the specific reason for the replacement request, and a copy of the police report or insurance claim form if your original document was lost, stolen, or damaged. These additional documents are required to verify the legitimacy of your replacement request and prevent unauthorized individuals from requesting replacement certificates in your name.

The replacement fees are the same as the standard certificate issuance fees: a 300-yen issuance fee per replacement certificate, a 250-yen system usage fee per application, and additional delivery fees based on your selected delivery method (domestic postal mail, international EMS, or direct third-party submission). These fees must be paid in full at the time of application, and the university will not issue your replacement certificate until your payment has been fully processed and verified.

H3: 4.2 Replacement Certificate Processing Time

The processing time for replacement certificates is slightly longer than the processing time for standard certificate requests. It typically takes the university’s administrative staff 5 to 7 business days to verify your replacement application materials, confirm your identity, and print your replacement certificate. This processing time does not include the delivery time, which will depend on your selected delivery method and location.

If you have submitted a replacement request for a damaged certificate, the university may ask you to return the damaged original document to its administrative office before it will issue the replacement. This requirement is designed to prevent individuals from attempting to use both the original and replacement certificates for fraudulent purposes. If your original document was lost or stolen, you will need to sign a formal statement acknowledging that the original document is no longer valid and that you will be held responsible for any misuse of the original certificate if it is recovered at a later date.

H3: 4.3 Replacement Certificate Formats and Security Features

Replacement certificates issued by Ritsumeikan University are printed on the exact same tamper-resistant paper as the original certificates, and they include the same advanced security features designed to prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized duplication. These security features include hidden watermarks that read “COPY” or “复制禁止” when the document is copied or scanned, as well as the official raised seal of the university, which is applied to the document by hand and cannot be easily replicated.

There is one key difference between an original certificate and a replacement certificate: the replacement certificate will be clearly marked with the words “Replacement Copy” in the lower right-hand corner of the document. This marking is done in accordance with the university’s strict security policies, and it is designed to inform anyone who receives the document—such as an employer or admissions office—that it is a replacement for the original certificate that was previously issued to you. This labeling is widely accepted by international institutions and employers as a standard security practice, and it will not impact the validity or acceptance of your replacement certificate for any official purpose.

H2: 5. 2026 Policy Updates and Important Changes

In response to the evolving needs of its global alumni network, the rise of digital credential fraud, and changes in Japan’s domestic and international postal services, Ritsumeikan University has updated its certificate issuance and related administrative policies. These changes are effective as of January 1, 2026, and they apply to all certificate requests—including original, replacement, and third-party verification requests—submitted on or after that date.

H3: 5.1 New Convenience Store Issuance Rules

One of the most significant policy changes for 2026 relates to the convenience store issuance service, which allows alumni to print official certificates at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart locations across Japan. This service was previously only available for domestic personal use—meaning alumni could not use convenience store-issued certificates for official submissions such as visa applications or credential evaluations.

Under the new 2026 policy, however, certificates issued via the convenience store service are now accepted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and most foreign embassies in Japan for visa and immigration applications. This change is intended to make it more convenient for alumni residing in Japan to obtain the official documents they need for international travel or relocation.

It is important to note, however, that convenience store-issued certificates are still not accepted for direct third-party submissions to institutions outside of Japan—such as WES or international university admissions offices. For these types of submissions, you will still need to select the “postal mail” delivery method in the online application system. This is because the university’s tamper-evident envelopes, which are required for direct third-party submissions, can only be used for certificates printed and shipped directly from the university’s administrative office.

H3: 5.2 Updated International Delivery Guidelines

Another key policy change for 2026 relates to the university’s international delivery services, which are used to ship certificates to alumni residing outside of Japan. Previously, the university allowed alumni to choose between two international shipping services for certificate deliveries: EMS (Express Mail Service) or DHL—both of which provide full tracking and insurance coverage for high-value official academic documents.

Under the new 2026 policy, however, the university will only use EMS for all international certificate deliveries. This change is intended to simplify the international shipping process for alumni, as EMS is the most widely used and reliable international shipping service offered by Japan Post—Japan’s national postal service. EMS also offers the most cost-effective shipping rates for international deliveries, and it provides full end-to-end tracking coverage to more than 190 countries and territories worldwide.

The only exception to this policy change is for direct third-party submissions to institutions in the United States and Europe. For these submissions, the university will still allow alumni to select DHL as their preferred shipping service—this is because DHL often provides faster delivery times and more comprehensive tracking coverage for shipments to these regions.

H3: 5.3 Additional Security and Verification Requirements

The final set of key policy changes for 2026 relates to the university’s security and verification requirements, which have been strengthened in response to the rise in global academic document fraud. These changes are designed to ensure that only legitimate alumni can request official certificates, and that these certificates can be easily verified as authentic by the institutions receiving them.

First, the university has expanded its ID verification requirements for all certificate requests—whether submitted online, by mail, or in person. Effective January 1, 2026, all alumni requesting certificates must upload a clear, high-resolution copy of their passport (instead of a standard driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID) when submitting their application. This requirement applies to all certificate requests—including original, replacement, and third-party verification requests. The university will use the passport information to verify your identity and ensure that the name and photo on your passport match the records in your student profile.

Second, the university has introduced a new optional service for alumni requesting certificates: the ability to add an extra layer of tamper-evident packaging to their shipment. This service is available for both domestic and international deliveries, and it adds a special tamper-evident seal to the outer packaging of your shipment. This seal will show clear signs of damage or tampering if the package is opened during transit, providing you and the receiving institution with additional peace of mind that the document inside is authentic and unaltered.

Finally, the university has updated its name matching requirements for English-language certificates—particularly those used for overseas visa applications. Effective January 1, 2026, the romanized spelling of your name on your English-language certificate must exactly match the spelling of your name on your passport. If the spelling of your name on your student records does not match the spelling on your passport, you will need to submit a formal name change request to the university’s administrative office before you can apply for a certificate. This request must be accompanied by official supporting documentation—such as a copy of your passport or a government-issued name change order.

H2: 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Ritsumeikan University diplomas, degree certificates, and related administrative processes. These questions are based on real inquiries submitted to the university’s administrative offices by current students, alumni, and international third-party verifiers.

FAQ 1: What is the difference between a “diploma” and a “degree certificate” at Ritsumeikan University?

In most international academic systems, the term “diploma” refers to the formal, physical document awarded to students upon completion of a degree program. At Ritsumeikan University, however, the official term for this document is “degree certificate” or “graduation certificate.” There is no functional difference between a “diploma” and a “degree certificate” at Ritsumeikan—they are two different terms for the same official document. The university’s official documents are labeled as “Certificate of Graduation” or “Certificate of Degree,” and these documents are the legal equivalent of what most international institutions call a “diploma.”

FAQ 2: How long does it take to receive my certificate after applying?

The processing and delivery time for your certificate will vary depending on the delivery method you select and your location. The university’s standard processing time for all certificate requests is 3 to 5 business days—this means the university will prepare your certificate and ship it to you within 3 to 5 business days of receiving your completed application. Once your certificate has been shipped, the delivery time will depend on your selected delivery method:

Convenience store pickup: Your certificate will be available for printing at your selected store within minutes of your payment being processed.
Domestic postal mail delivery: Your certificate will be delivered to your designated address within 2 to 3 business days.
International postal mail delivery: Your certificate will be delivered to your overseas address within 7 to 14 business days.
Direct third-party submission: Your certificate will be shipped directly to the requesting institution, and delivery will take 7 to 14 business days.

These delivery timelines are estimates only—actual delivery times may vary based on shipping carrier delays, customs processing times, or other unforeseen circumstances outside of the university’s control.

FAQ 3: Can I request a PDF copy of my certificate?

No. As of 2026, Ritsumeikan University does not issue digital certificates or PDF copies of official degree certificates or graduation certificates. This policy applies to all alumni, regardless of their location or the intended use of the document. The university’s official certificates are only available as physical paper documents, and they are only shipped via postal mail or courier service—they will not be emailed or sent via any other digital delivery method.

FAQ 4: What should I do if I need to send my certificate to WES or another international institution?

If you need to send your certificate to a credential evaluation service like WES or another international institution, you must request a direct third-party submission from the university. To do this, follow these steps:

Select the “postal mail” delivery method in the online application system.
Enter the full, official mailing address of the requesting institution in the delivery address field.
Write the following exact phrase in the remarks field: “Direct submission to [institution name] for verification.”
Pay the applicable EMS or DHL shipping fees for the direct international delivery.

The university will then ship your certificate directly to the requesting institution in a tamper-evident envelope with the university’s official seal across the back flap. Be sure to include your WES reference number or other institution-specific identification number in the remarks field or on the envelope itself—this number will allow the receiving institution to match your certificate to your application profile and process your request more efficiently.Ritsumeikan University Diploma Processing

FAQ 5: Can I apply for a certificate if I graduated before 1990?

Yes. If you graduated in or before March 1990, you are eligible to receive an official certificate from the university—but you will not be able to use the online application system. Instead, you will need to submit your application materials by postal mail or in person at the administrative office of the campus from which you graduated. You will need to provide the following materials with your application: a completed official certificate request form, a clear photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license), the applicable issuance and delivery fees (paid via Japanese postal money order), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your certificate. The processing time for these requests is slightly longer than for online requests—it typically takes the university’s administrative staff 5 to 7 business days to process your application and ship your certificate to you.

FAQ 6: What payment methods are accepted for certificate fees?

The university accepts the following payment methods for certificate fees:

Online applications: All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and IC-based electronic payment methods (such as ICOCA, Suica, Pasmo) are accepted.
Mail-in applications: Only Japanese postal money orders are accepted—cash, personal checks, or credit cards are not accepted.
In-person applications: Cash, credit cards, and IC-based electronic payment methods are accepted at the university’s administrative office counters.

All fees must be paid in full at the time of application. The university will not begin processing your request until your payment has been fully processed and verified.

FAQ 7: How do I get my certificate authenticated for international use?

If you need to use your certificate for official purposes outside of Japan—such as employment, further education, or immigration—you will likely need to have it authenticated with an Apostille seal. This is a critical step for documents being used in countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention—this convention establishes a standardized method for authenticating official documents for international use.

The Apostille certification process is managed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), not by Ritsumeikan University itself. To obtain an Apostille seal for your certificate, you will need to follow these steps:

Request your official certificate from Ritsumeikan University using one of the methods outlined in this guide.
Have your certificate notarized by a Japanese notary public—this step is required to confirm the authenticity of the university’s seal and signature on the document.
Submit the original notarized certificate, a completed Apostille application form (available for download from the MOFA website), a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license), and the applicable Apostille processing fee to MOFA—either in person at the MOFA Regional Office in Tokyo or Osaka, or by mail.
MOFA will process your application and affix an official Apostille seal to your certificate. This process typically takes 3 to 5 business days.

Once you receive the Apostille-certified certificate from MOFA, you can submit it to the requesting institution—such as a university admissions office, an employer, or an immigration agency. The Apostille seal confirms that your certificate is a legitimate official document issued by Ritsumeikan University, and it will be recognized as valid by all member countries of the Hague Convention. Purchase of Ritsumeikan University Diploma

FAQ 8: Does Ritsumeikan University offer e-diplomas or digital certificates?

No. As of 2026, Ritsumeikan University does not offer any form of digital certificate or e-diploma—either for standard use or for official submissions. This policy is in place to protect the security and integrity of the university’s official academic documents, as digital documents are far more vulnerable to tampering, forgery, and unauthorized duplication than physical paper documents. The university is currently exploring the possibility of offering digital certificates in the future, but it has not yet announced a timeline for when this service might be available.

H2: 7. Conclusion and Next Steps

Obtaining or verifying a Ritsumeikan University diploma or degree certificate requires careful attention to the university’s official administrative procedures and document requirements. While the process is straightforward for most alumni, even a small mistake—such as selecting the wrong delivery method, misspelling your name on the application form, or failing to include the required supporting documents—can lead to significant delays in processing your request. In some cases, these delays can even cause you to miss important application deadlines for jobs, graduate programs, or visa applications.Ritsumeikan University Diploma Processing

The key to a successful certificate request is to prepare well in advance of your deadline. You should carefully review the university’s official guidelines and gather all the required supporting documents—such as your passport, proof of address, and any additional forms required for third-party submissions—before you start your application. It is also important to double-check all the information you enter in the online application form—including your name, student ID number, and delivery address— to ensure there are no errors or typos that could delay the processing of your request.

If you encounter any issues or have questions that are not answered in this guide, you can contact the university’s certificate administration office for assistance. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Japan time—excluding weekends, national holidays, and the university’s annual spring and summer recess periods. The office’s direct phone number and email address are listed on the official certificate application website, and you can expect a response to your inquiry within 2 to 3 business days.

CTA: Take the Next Step

If you are ready to request your official Ritsumeikan University diploma or degree certificate, or if you need to initiate a third-party verification request, follow these steps to get started:

Review the Official Guidelines: Visit the university’s official certificate application website at https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/alumni/apply/certificate/ to review the complete application guidelines for your specific graduation date.
Gather Your Documents: Collect all the required supporting documents for your request—including your valid passport, any additional forms required for third-party submissions, and the applicable issuance and delivery fees.
Submit Your Application: Complete your application submission online, by mail, or in person at your campus’s administrative office. Be sure to select the correct delivery method for your intended use—postal mail for personal use or direct third-party submission for official institutional use.
Track Your Shipment: Once your application has been processed, you will receive a tracking number for your shipment via email. You can use this tracking number to monitor the progress of your delivery online.

For the most up-to-date office hours, mailing addresses, and application instructions, always visit the official Ritsumeikan University certificate application website—this guide reflects the most current information available as of June 2026, but administrative procedures are subject to change.

Ritsumeikan University Diploma and Degree Certificate: Complete Guide to Purchasing