Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Buddhist Studies

The PhD program at Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies (KU-CBS) is a three-year research program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The aim of the program is to develop a student’s ability to undertake research projects within Buddhist Studies to the highest standard and to elicit substantial new findings in the field.

Admission Requirements

Entry into the doctoral program is limited to applicants who have earned an academic Master’s degree (MA or MPhil) in Buddhist Studies or in a closely related discipline with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 out of 4.0 or an equivalent of 65 percent marks.

Language requirements: Students must be proficient in primary research languages such as Tibetan, Sanskrit, or Nepali.

For more information, please refer to the Eligibility Requirements for the PhD program.

For specific questions regarding the PhD program, contact the PhD program director phd.program@ryi.org

Admissions Process

Applications to the Ph.D. program at KU-CBS are accepted throughout the academic year. The admissions process consists of three steps

1. Initial inquiry at the RYI Ph.D Committee

Students thinking of applying to the Ph.D. program should submit an initial inquiry consisting of the following items, to be sent to phd.program@ryi.org

Personal Details

Statement of Purpose
- The statement of purpose should be approximately 500 words and must include a preliminary PhD thesis research proposal. Please indicate the ways in which your prior academic education prepares you to undertake this research. Explain why KU-CBS is well-suited for the proposed research.

Curriculum Vitae / Résumé

2. Approval by the KU-CBS Graduate Committee

Approved students are assigned an academic advisor who oversees their application, academic progress, and dissertation research. They will be required to formally apply by submitting the following items:

Personal Details

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should be approximately 500 words and must include a preliminary PhD thesis research proposal. Please indicate the ways in which your prior academic education prepares you to undertake this research. Explain why KU-CBS is well-suited for the proposed research.

Academic transcripts and diplomas, with English translations where applicable

Two letters of reference

You must choose referees who are familiar with your work and are willing to write letters of recommendation. You must provide a valid institutional/organization e-mail address for each referee.

You must request your referees to send their reference letters to phd.program@ryi.org
Letters must meet the following conditions:

The referee must indicate his/her position/title and full contact information at the institution/organization they work for.
The letter should include information that would aid the Graduate Committee in making an informed decision.
Letters must be dated and not be more than 12 months old.

Curriculum Vitae / Résumé

Writing sample of 10-15 pages

Proof of English language proficiency

Application fee

Visit our admissions page to submit your application

3. Detailed application and proposal for review by the KU School of Arts PhD Research Committee

The final step consists of an application to Kathmandu University. Guided by the supervisor, the applicant prepares an application and proposal for the Kathmandu University School of Arts PhD Research Committee. Upon admission, the student may then begin their research as KU-CBS PhD candidates

Each year, by October 1, students must complete a research tracking progress report to assess degree progress.