Visiting Student Program
We are offering the full BA program on-campus and we extend an invitation to all visiting students who would like to study at RYI to join us here in Nepal.
To qualify as a visiting student, you must currently be enrolled in a BA (or MA) program in another college or university and plan to study at CBS for one or two semesters during the regular academic year. CBS credits are accepted by many Buddhist Studies programs in a variety of countries, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that his or her home university will accept credit for the specific classes studied at CBS.
Applications are now open for Fall 2024/25.
Late applications are open for the spring 2024 semester.
To view the spring 2024 course offerings for visiting students please visit this page.
Please visit our admissions page for application details and program-specific dates
Visiting Students have the option of taking a variety of classes from the BA program, including classes in Buddhist Studies, Spoken and Classical Tibetan, Sanskrit, and Nepali, subject to their own academic qualifications and in accordance with the prerequisites for the class.
For example, certain of the Buddhist philosophy courses are taught by Tibetan professors (Khenpos and Lopons) and translated into English. Here the classics of the great philosophical thinkers of Buddhism, such as Nāgārjuna, Asańga, Candrakīrti, and Śāntideva, are studied and analyzed, with an eye toward both intellectual and spiritual growth. Other philosophy courses are taught by international professors who approach the material from a contemporary academic perspective, examining the historical developments of the Buddhist traditions and schools of thought and helping students learn critical thinking and interpretive skills.
Modern spoken Tibetan and classical Tibetan are offered from the first year of the program. Sanskrit classes are also available, giving students a broad introduction to two important Buddhist languages, while Nepali is offered to enable students to participate more fully in the life and culture of Nepal.
For a complete listing of available classes, please download the BA Course Description.
Visiting Student Program Application and Admission
Students currently enrolled in a BA or MA program at another college or university who have completed at least their first year of studies are eligible to apply for the program at the admissions section of this website.
For more information, please refer to the Eligibility Requirements and Admissions Process for the BA program.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who are not native speakers and whose previous education was not in an English-speaking country should submit documentation establishing their English language proficiency. Acceptable documents may be submitted from, for example, teachers or former employers who have direct knowledge of the applicant’s level of English proficiency. As English is the language of instruction at CBS, students must be capable of undertaking university-level work in English, including writing academic papers and taking exams in English. Without sufficient English language proficiency, students will not be successful in their studies.
Fee Request
In accordance with University guidelines, RYI course fees are determined by each student’s home base and nationality. A three-tier system is in effect which covers (i) Nepali students, (ii) SAARC students and (iii) other international students. Please select below to find out the fees structure for your particular circumstances.
You will find the Tuition Fee List for all programs linked on the right-hand side of the admissions page.
