Clubs & Circles

This system supports students groups who want to engage in an activity for a longer term. Anyone can join clubs and circles or apply to start a new one. (New club and circle applications are accepted twice a year in the spring and fall). Student groups who register with the university can use university equipment and facilities and carry out promotional activities. Subsidies are available for clubs and circles that are continuously and steadily engaged in extracurricular activities.

Number of Clubs/Circles
Around 100
Participating Students
Around 2,800

Club and Circle Q&A

  • Q. Where can I get information about APU's clubs and circles?

    A. You can find information on the APU student organizations that suit your interests here. There's also an event during the new student orientation period where new students can meet and talk with members of APU clubs and circles. We encourage new students to attend to get a better idea of the types of extracurricular activities at APU. Current students are also welcome to participate. (No reservation required)

  • Q. How can I join a club or circle that interests me?

    A. Each student organization's e-mail address and social media links are listed on their page on APU Online so please get in touch with them directly to inquire about joining. If you have any problems, such as having tried contacting a club/circle multiple times but have not received a reply, please contact the Student Office.

  • Q. Where can I find information on club and circle events?

    A. Information on events organized by clubs and circles is available on this website and also posted regularly on the APU Student Activities Instagram account. We also recommend checking each student organization's social media accounts for detailed event information.

  • Q. Does APU have clubhouses for clubs and circles?

    A. No. Student organizations can use campus facilities such as the Gymnasium and athletic fields, music rehearsal studios, event spaces, and halls for their activities and events. Please refer to the Student Office website for details on campus facilities available for student use.

  • Q. I want to start a new club/circle.

    A. A. Applications for new clubs and circles are accepted in April and October. A minimum of 5 members is needed to apply. Please refer to the Student Office website for details on the application periods and procedures.

  • Q. Does APU provide subsidies to student organizations?

    A. A. Subsidies are available for clubs and circles that are continuously and steadily engaged in extracurricular activities. There are two subsidy categories. The first category, "Basic Activity Support," helps subsidize the cost of registering for tournaments and the equipment necessary to conduct club/circle activities. The second category, "Support for Activities that Contribute to Society/APU Community," is support for organizations that are regularly involved in social contribution activities. The amount of support ranges from 30,000 to 100,000 yen annually for each organization and category. As selection is based on performance, new organizations are in principle not eligible to apply for subsidies in their first year. Student organizations that require assistance when starting a new project within their organization can apply for "Event/Project: Type A" (subsidies of up to 30,000 yen). Click here for details.