Overview
The Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University operates under the aegis of Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal. Its academic activities combine Buddhist Studies with the study of Himalayan languages, including Tibetan, Sanskrit, and Nepali.
Degree-level opportunities include Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and PhD study, alongside certificate, non-credit, translator training, summer, visiting student, research affiliation, and online learning options. RYI was founded by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and has collaborated with Kathmandu University since 2001 in offering Buddhist Studies and related academic programs. The academic setting brings together Buddhist philosophy, language study, textual interpretation, history, cultural studies, and related areas of scholarship.
Quick Highlights
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Institution: Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University
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Operating Institute: Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI)
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Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal
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University Association: Kathmandu University
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Kathmandu University Collaboration: Since 2001
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Founder of RYI: Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
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Degree Levels: BA, MA, and PhD
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Main Academic Areas: Buddhist Studies, Buddhist Philosophy, Himalayan Languages, Tibetan Language, Sanskrit, Nepali, textual interpretation, and philology
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Other Study Options: Certificate, non-credit study, summer intensives, translator training, visiting study, research affiliation, and online learning
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Alumni Community: More than 1,300 individuals from over 40 nationalities
Academic Background
Rangjung Yeshe Institute has offered Buddhist Studies programs and seminars in Nepal for more than 25 years. Founded by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, the institute combines traditional Buddhist learning with academic study in philosophy, language, textual interpretation, history, and culture.
RYI has been associated with Kathmandu University since 2001 and works with the university in the delivery of Buddhist Studies and related academic programs. The Centre for Buddhist Studies provides an academic setting in Boudhanath, an area closely connected with Buddhist religious and cultural life in Kathmandu.
The academic approach includes both the study of Buddhist thought and the languages needed for engagement with Buddhist textual traditions. This combination is reflected across degree, language, translation, and research pathways.
Buddhist Studies and Himalayan Languages
A central area of study is Buddhist Philosophy together with Tibetan Language. Students may also study subjects connected with the history, cultures, texts, and languages of Buddhism and the Himalayan region.
Language-related study includes:
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Tibetan
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Classical Tibetan
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Colloquial Tibetan
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Sanskrit
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Nepali
Other areas represented in the academic offering include:
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Buddhist Philosophy
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Tibetan Buddhism
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Buddhist History
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Cultural Studies
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Philology
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Textual Interpretation
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Translator Training
The combination of philosophical and language study supports close engagement with Buddhist texts and traditions within an academic setting.
Degree Programs
The Centre provides degree-level study at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
Bachelor of Arts
The BA pathway includes Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language. Applicants are required to have a higher secondary school transcript through Grade 12.
Non-native English speakers must also provide evidence of English-language proficiency. Accepted qualifications include:
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TOEFL-iBT with a minimum score of 90
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CEF/CERF/GeR English level B2
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IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
Master of Arts
Postgraduate study includes the MA in Buddhist Studies and the MA in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology.
Applicants for these programs require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0, a background in religious studies and language studies, and a high level of English proficiency.
The Centre also provides an MA Preparatory Program. Entry requirements include:
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Higher secondary school transcript
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Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0
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English proficiency test score for non-native English speakers
PhD Program
The PhD Program is intended for applicants with prior postgraduate preparation in a related discipline.
Prospective students must hold a Master's degree in a related discipline with a CGPA of 3.00 or above. Applicants must also demonstrate strong English-language skills and submit a relevant research proposal.
Certificate and Non-Credit Study
Students who are not pursuing a full degree may study through certificate and non-credit options.
The Certificate Course in Buddhist Studies provides a structured option for students seeking formal study outside the full degree pathways.
The Non-Credit Program is open to high school graduates. Eligibility varies according to the type of courses selected.
Two categories are identified:
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Students concentrating on textual studies and language courses
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Students taking a broader selection of courses, including Buddhist Studies, for which English proficiency is required
This format allows students to undertake academic study without pursuing formal academic credit.
Translator Training Program
RYI offers a year-long translator training program connected with its language and textual studies.
Applicants are required to have completed at least one year of study in both classical Tibetan and colloquial Tibetan. English proficiency is also required.
The program sits within the Centre's wider emphasis on Tibetan language, textual interpretation, philology, and Buddhist Studies.
Summer Program
Summer study includes eight-week intensive programs.
The Summer Program accepts high school graduates who have a good command of English. Advanced courses may have additional requirements depending on the level of study.
Summer study provides another pathway for students who are not enrolling in a regular degree program but want concentrated academic or language study.
Visiting Student Program
The Visiting Student Program is designed for students already studying at another university.
Applicants must:
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Be enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program at their home university
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Have completed their first year of study
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Have a high level of English proficiency
This option enables enrolled university students to undertake study at the Centre while continuing their primary degree elsewhere.
Research Affiliation
The Centre also accommodates affiliated researchers whose academic work relates to its institutional mission.
Researchers seeking affiliation must hold at least a Master's degree. Their research topic must align with the academic mission of the Centre for Buddhist Studies.
This pathway is distinct from regular degree enrollment and is intended for researchers pursuing relevant scholarly work.
Online Learning
Online learning is available in different formats, including courses that may be taken for academic credit.
For-credit online courses require:
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A higher secondary school transcript
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English-language proficiency
Online study forms part of the Centre's broader range of degree and non-degree academic pathways.
Academic Areas
The academic scope of the Centre brings together several related fields rather than treating Buddhist Studies as a single-subject discipline.
Areas represented across its programs and training opportunities include:
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Buddhist Studies
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Buddhist Philosophy
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Tibetan Buddhism
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Tibetan Language
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Classical Tibetan
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Colloquial Tibetan
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Sanskrit
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Nepali
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Buddhist History
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Cultural Studies
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Philology
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Textual Interpretation
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Translator Training
The emphasis on languages is closely connected with the academic study of Buddhist texts, interpretation, and intellectual traditions.
International Academic Community
The Centre has an international student and alumni community. More than 1,300 alumni representing over 40 nationalities have studied through RYI.
Former students have applied their academic and language training in fields including:
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Interpretation
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Healthcare
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Education
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Global companies
The international composition of the student community also reflects the Centre's role as a study destination for students interested in Buddhism and Himalayan languages.
Educational Approach
The Centre's academic model combines university-level study with engagement with living Buddhist traditions.
Its programs connect philosophical study with language acquisition and textual interpretation. Students may encounter both academic analysis and traditional Buddhist intellectual frameworks through their coursework.
The concept of the scholar-practitioner is also associated with the institute's educational identity, linking intellectual study with engagement in Buddhist practice.
Mission and Vision
RYI's vision is centered on making living Buddhist traditions accessible to people interested in Buddhism and encouraging the cultivation of wisdom and kindness for the benefit of all beings.
Its academic activities include degree programs, language study, seminars, translation training, non-degree study, and research pathways. These programs continue a history of Buddhist Studies teaching and academic cooperation in Nepal extending over more than a quarter century.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary according to the type and level of study.
BA Program
Applicants require:
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Higher secondary school transcript through Grade 12
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English proficiency evidence for non-native speakers
Accepted English qualifications include TOEFL-iBT with a minimum score of 90, CEF/CERF/GeR level B2, or IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5.
Non-Credit Program
Applicants must be high school graduates. English proficiency requirements depend on the courses selected, particularly for students taking Buddhist Studies and a wider combination of courses.
MA Preparatory Program
Applicants require:
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Higher secondary school transcript
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Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
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English proficiency evidence for non-native speakers
MA Programs
Applicants to the MA in Buddhist Studies and MA in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology require:
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Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
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Background in religious studies and language studies
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High level of English proficiency
Translator Training Program
Applicants require:
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At least one year of classical Tibetan study
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At least one year of colloquial Tibetan study
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English proficiency
Summer Program
Applicants must be high school graduates with a good command of English. Advanced courses may carry additional requirements.
Visiting Student Program
Applicants must already be enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree at their home university, have completed the first year of study, and demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.
Research Affiliation
Applicants for research affiliation must hold at least a Master's degree and pursue research aligned with the mission of the Centre.
PhD Program
Applicants require:
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Master's degree in a related discipline
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CGPA of 3.00 or above
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Strong English-language skills
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Relevant research proposal
Online Learning
For-credit online courses require a higher secondary school transcript and English proficiency.
Contact Details
Institution: Rangjung Yeshe Institute
Postal Address: P.O.Box No: # 21277
Street Address: 1 Seto Gompa Marg
Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 (1) 4915975
