Admissions
You want to study at Kathmandu University, Centre for Buddhist Studies at RYI? Here are some guidelines to follow.
Current and returning RYI students should log in to RYI Portal to submit a new program application, to select a summer program course or courses of the fall/spring semesters.
New applicants, anyone who hasn’t studied at RYI in the past, start their program application from here:
- Get ready to apply by choosing your program of study. Students are admitted into a program and subsequently select their courses according to the courses available in the given program for the upcoming semester/year. It is necessary that applicants carefully choose which program they apply to, as it is not possible to change to a different program after admission and the application fee is non-refundable. Check our academic programs and course.
- Make sure you meet the admission requirements. Check the eligibility requirements.
- Find out details about all program application deadlines. We encourage you to apply well in advance of the posted deadlines.
| Programs | Next program start | Applications Open |
| Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language | August 16, 2023 | January 1 – July 1, fall semester |
| Master of Arts, Buddhist Studies | August 16, 2023 | November 1 – April 1* |
| Master of Arts, Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology | August 16, 2023 | November 1 – April 1* |
| PhD Buddhist Studies | PhD students may commence their research once their proposal has been approved by the KU-CBS research panel which meets on an “as required” basis | Applications are year-round. |
| Non-Degree Program | January 16, 2023 and August 16, 2023 | January 1 – July 1, fall semester September 1 to November 30, spring semester |
| Master of Arts, Preparatory Program | January 16, 2023 and August 16, 2023 | January 1 – July 1, fall semester September 1 to November 30, spring semester |
| Translator Training Program | June 7, 2023 | November 1 – March 30 |
| Summer Program | June 7, 2023 | October 1 – May 1* |
| Visiting Student Program | January 16, 2023 and August 16, 2023 | January 1 – July 1, fall semester September 1 – November 30, spring semester |
| Research Affiliation | Researchers may begin their association with RYI at any time during the academic year. | Applications are accepted year-round. |
*Applications are accepted each year between the above-mentioned dates. Late applications may be accepted and are subject to a late application fee.
- Once you know which admission procedure corresponds to your situation you can start applying. You will find all the information on what application material to prepare in the section below. Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
- After submitting your application, you must pay a non-refundable application fee. Administration processes applications after receiving the application fee. Read here how to pay the application fee.
| Application Fee | Regular Application | Late Application |
| Nepalese | NPR 500 | NPR 1,000 |
| SAARC | US $35 | US $70 |
| International (others) | US $50 | US $125 |
- Once your complete application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee. The time required to review applications is normally between two and four weeks and you will receive the decision by email.
- Successful applicants are offered a place in the program and are conditionally admitted. You are required to secure your place in the program by paying the full tuition fee, or a non-refundable admission fee (see individual requirements for each program) within two weeks of receiving the offer of admission.
- After paying the tuition fee or admission fee, you may request a one-year deferral of your offer of admission. Deferrals are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Offers to non-degree studies are not eligible for deferral.
To apply, please click the appropriate program tab below.
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language
To apply to the Bachelor of Arts program, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 350-500 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Upload official Higher Secondary School (Grade 11 and 12) transcript with official English translations where applicable. Additional documents required for applicants from Nepal and India: Grade 10 transcript, character certificate and migration certificates from Grade 10 and high school). Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
Non-Credit Program
To apply to the Non-Credit program, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 250-350 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application (Optional)
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
MA Preparatory Program in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language
To apply to the MA Preparatory Program, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 500 to 750 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, academic interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Upload official Higher Secondary School (Grade 11 and 12) and Bachelor’s transcript with official English translations where applicable. Additional documents required for applicants from Nepal and India: Grade 10 transcript, character certificate and migration certificates from Grade 10 and high school). Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here.
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
MA Program in Buddhist Studies
To apply to the MA Program in Buddhist Studies, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 500 to 750 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, academic interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application. You may also include your research interests related to a possible MA thesis project.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Upload official Higher Secondary School (Grade 11 and 12) and Bachelor’s transcript with official English translations where applicable. Additional documents required for applicants from Nepal and India: Grade 10 transcript, character certificate and migration certificates from Grade 10 and high school). Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here.
- Upload a writing sample of 2500-5000 words. The writing sample should be an academic essay on any topic, ideally from the field of Buddhist studies.
- Reference letters: Applicants should request two letters of reference indicating the applicant’s suitability as a graduate student in Buddhist Studies. These letters should be requested from a college or university professor familiar with the applicant’s academic qualifications. Additional letters from other persons familiar with the applicant may be included, but only substituted for one of the academic letters of reference in cases in which the applicant has spent the last five years or more out of school. The reference letter has to be printed on letterhead and hold the signature of the recommending professor. The recommending professor should be instructed to scan the letter with his or her signature and send the digital file to admissions[at]ryi.org.
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
MA in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology
To apply to the MA in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 500 to 750 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, academic interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application. You may also include your research interests related to a possible MA thesis project.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Upload official Higher Secondary School (Grade 11 and 12) and Bachelor’s transcript with official English translations where applicable. Additional documents required for applicants from Nepal and India: Grade 10 transcript, character certificate and migration certificates from Grade 10 and high school). Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here.
- Reference letters: Applicants should request two letters of reference indicating the applicant’s suitability as a graduate student in Translation Studies. These letters should be requested from a college or university professor familiar with the applicant’s academic and linguistic qualifications and should jointly address general academic skills, especially skill in classical Tibetan and English composition. The reference letter has to be printed on letterhead and hold the signature of the recommending professor. The recommending professor should be instructed to scan the letter with his or her signature and send the digital file to admissions[at]ryi.org.
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
Translator Training Program
To apply to the Translator Training Program, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 350 to 500 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, academic interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Upload official Higher Secondary School (Grade 11 and 12 transcripts with official English translations where applicable. Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here.
- Reference letter: Provide a letter of reference from a Lama in the Tibetan tradition, evaluating your suitability for the Translator Training Program.
- Recommendation letter: Provided a letter of recommendation from a former language teacher, to help us assess your aptitude for language learning.
The letters must be printed on letterhead and bear the signature of the referee/recommender. The referee or recommender should be instructed to scan the letter with his or her signature and send the digital file directly to admissions[at]ryi.org.
- Pay the application fee.
You can express your interest here in taking the course online. This form is open just until February 15, 2023, so please sign up now. RYI will contact you by February 28th if there is sufficient interest in the course option you’ve selected.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
Summer Program
To apply to the Summer Program, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 350-500 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicants general background, interests and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application. Applicants, who apply to take a summer program course non-degree, for-credit must submit their official higher secondary school or university transcript, with official English translations where applicable.
For intermediate or advanced level applications: Upload all relevant documentation to assess your suitability to join the intermediate or advanced level summer course.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here
- Pay the application fee.
You can express your interest here in taking the course online. This form is open just until February 15, 2023, so please sign up now. RYI will contact you by February 28th if there is sufficient interest in the course option you’ve selected.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
Visiting Student Program
To apply as a Visiting Student, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a statement of purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes in 350-500 words the applicant’s intentions for studying at RYI. It should describe the applicant’s general background, interests, and reasons for applying. It may list academic honors, extracurricular activities, and personal interests relevant for the application.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Upload official Higher Secondary School (Grade 11 and 12) and current university transcript with official English translations where applicable. Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Upload proof of English language proficiency. Check the requirements here
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
Research Affiliation
To apply for Research Affiliation, one must complete the following steps:
- Fill in personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload a copy of your citizenship (Nepali) or a copy of your passport (international) applicants.
- Upload a recent portrait photo of yourself.
- Upload a cover letter to request Research Affiliation with Kathmandu University, Centre for Buddhist Studies. It must include the title of your research project, the start date and the duration in months for which you are requesting affiliation.
- Upload your research project proposal (4-5 pages), which in addition to describing your research should indicate timelines and the length of time you request research affiliation with CBS.
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Education Information: Provide all education information and upload all transcripts or certificates that are relevant for your application.
- Provide a letter of reference a from college or university professor. If you are enrolled in a PhD program, please send a reference letter attesting to your ability to conduct the research described in your proposal. This letter should be from your academic supervisor. The reference letter has to be printed on letterhead and hold the signature of the recommending professor. (Not necessary for post-doctoral researcher.) The recommending professor should be instructed to scan the letter with his or her signature and send the digital file to admissions@ryi.org. If you are a post-doctoral researcher, no letter of reference is necessary.
- Pay the application fee.
Current and returning RYI students must log in to RYI Portal and submit their application through the RYI Portal.
PhD Program
PhD students may commence their research once their proposal has been approved by the KU-CBS research panel which meets on an “as required” basis.
Applications are accepted at any time during the academic year. Click here for application instructions.
