Overview
Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language at Kathmandu University
The Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language is an undergraduate program offered through the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University, operating under the aegis of Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
The four-year, full-time program combines Buddhist Studies with language learning and the academic examination of Buddhist philosophy, history, ethics, culture, texts, and religious traditions. Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit form part of the language component, while students also study areas such as Buddhist philosophy, meditation and mind training, comparative religious studies, and Buddhist art and culture.
The program concludes with a final-year dissertation on a topic related to Buddhist Studies, providing students with an opportunity to undertake independent academic research.
Course Highlights
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Course: Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language
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Level: Undergraduate
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Duration: Four years
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Study Mode: Full-time
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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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University: Kathmandu University
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Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Main Study Areas: Buddhist Studies, Buddhist Philosophy, Classical Tibetan, Sanskrit, Buddhist History, Ethics, Religious Studies, Buddhist Art and Culture
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Research Component: Final-year dissertation
Course Overview
The BA program combines the academic study of Buddhism with the study of languages connected with Buddhist textual traditions. Its subject areas include Buddhist thought, traditions, philosophy, ethics, history, meditation, culture, and comparative religion.
Students also study Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit. These language components support engagement with Buddhist texts and complement the Centre's broader academic focus on Himalayan languages, textual interpretation, and Buddhist Studies.
The program gives particular attention to the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition while also examining Buddhism in relation to culture, society, religious thought, and philosophical study.
Who May Consider This Course?
The program may suit students interested in Buddhist Studies, philosophy, religion, Himalayan languages, textual studies, Buddhist history, and related areas of academic research.
It may also be relevant to students who want to study Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit alongside Buddhist philosophy or who are considering postgraduate study in Buddhist Studies, Religious Studies, or related disciplines.
Because the curriculum includes textual interpretation, comparative religious study, language learning, and a final dissertation, students should be prepared for both structured coursework and independent academic work.
Course Objectives
The program aims to:
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Develop a broad understanding of Buddhism and its traditions.
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Build proficiency in Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit.
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Develop students' ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate Buddhist texts.
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Support comparative study of religious and philosophical traditions.
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Prepare students for independent academic research in Buddhist Studies.
Course Duration
Duration: Four years
The Bachelor of Arts program is offered as a full-time undergraduate degree. The curriculum includes Buddhist Studies, language courses, philosophical and cultural subjects, and a final-year dissertation.
Course Outline
The curriculum includes the following areas:
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Fundamental Teachings of Buddhism
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Introduction to Classical Tibetan Language
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Introduction to Sanskrit
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Buddhist Philosophy
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History of Buddhism
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Buddhist Ethics
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Meditation and Mind Training
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Comparative Religious Studies
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Buddhist Art and Culture
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Final-year dissertation on a selected topic related to Buddhist Studies
Buddhist Studies and Philosophy
Buddhist philosophy forms a central part of the program. Students study Buddhist teachings, philosophical traditions, ethics, history, and the relationship between Buddhist thought and wider cultural and social contexts.
The academic scope also includes comparative religious studies, allowing students to consider Buddhist traditions alongside other religious and philosophical approaches.
Meditation and mind training are included within the curriculum, connecting the study of Buddhist thought with subjects associated with Buddhist intellectual and contemplative traditions.
Language Study
Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit are part of the program's academic structure.
Language study supports the broader emphasis on Buddhist texts, traditions, and interpretation. It also connects the BA program with the Centre's wider work in Tibetan language, Sanskrit, philology, textual interpretation, and Himalayan language studies.
One of the stated objectives of the program is to develop proficiency in Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit.
Dissertation and Research
Students complete a dissertation during the final year of the program.
The dissertation is based on a selected topic related to Buddhist Studies and gives students an opportunity to apply research, analysis, interpretation, and academic writing skills developed during the course.
Independent research is also identified as one of the intended learning areas of the program.
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
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A higher secondary school transcript
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A minimum second division or 45 percent
Non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate English-language proficiency.
Accepted English qualifications include:
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TOEFL-iBT with a minimum score of 90
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IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
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CEF/CERF/GeR English level B2
Learning Outcomes
The program is intended to help students develop:
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Understanding of Buddhist principles, practices, traditions, and philosophies
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Knowledge of Buddhist history, ethics, culture, and comparative religion
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Ability in Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit
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Skills in the analysis and interpretation of Buddhist texts
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Capacity for comparative study of religious traditions
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Research and academic writing skills
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Ability to undertake independent research in Buddhist Studies
Individual academic development depends on students' participation, language study, coursework, research, and overall performance throughout the program.
Academic Approach
The course combines university-level academic study with subjects drawn from traditional Tibetan Buddhist intellectual traditions.
Rather than focusing only on Buddhist philosophy, the curriculum brings together language, history, ethics, meditation and mind training, comparative religion, Buddhist art and culture, textual study, and independent research.
This combination connects the BA program with the wider academic orientation of the Centre for Buddhist Studies, where Buddhist Studies and Himalayan languages are studied alongside textual interpretation and related disciplines.
Further Study Options
Graduates may consider postgraduate education in fields related to their undergraduate study.
Possible areas identified for further study include:
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Buddhist Studies
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Religious Studies
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Related academic disciplines
The research, language, and textual components of the BA program may also provide an academic foundation for students intending to continue into postgraduate study connected with Buddhism, religion, languages, or related subjects.
Career Areas
Graduates may consider work connected with their academic and language background. Possible areas include:
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Academia
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Religious and philosophical counseling
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Non-profit organizations
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Community development and service
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Meditation and yoga instruction
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Translation and interpretation services
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Education
Career pathways depend on a graduate's further qualifications, language ability, experience, skills, and the requirements of individual roles or organizations.
Translation and Interpretation
The program's study of Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit, together with its emphasis on Buddhist texts, may be relevant to students interested in translation and interpretation.
Rangjung Yeshe Institute also has a broader academic focus on translator training, Tibetan language, philology, and textual interpretation. Graduates interested in these fields may continue developing the language and specialist knowledge required for translation-related work.
Fees
Detailed fee information is available from the administrative office of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University.
Students considering the program can contact the Centre for information about the applicable fee structure.
Scholarships
Kathmandu University offers scholarships for eligible students.
Students seeking scholarship information can obtain details about available scholarship arrangements and eligibility through the university's administrative office.
Study Environment
The Centre for Buddhist Studies operates through Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Boudhanath, Kathmandu.
RYI was founded by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and has collaborated with Kathmandu University since 2001 in Buddhist Studies and related academic areas. Its wider academic activities include undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, language, translation, non-degree, summer, visiting, research, and online study opportunities.
The BA program forms part of this broader setting for the study of Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, Himalayan languages, and textual traditions.
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
FAQ
What is the Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language?
It is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program offered through the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University. It combines Buddhist Studies with Classical Tibetan, Sanskrit, philosophy, history, ethics, comparative religion, culture, and research.
How long is the BA program?
The program has a duration of four years and is offered on a full-time basis.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants should have a higher secondary school transcript with a minimum second division or 45 percent. Non-native English speakers must also meet the stated English-language proficiency requirements.
What English test scores are accepted?
Accepted qualifications include TOEFL-iBT with a minimum score of 90, IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5, or CEF/CERF/GeR English level B2.
What subjects are included in the course?
The curriculum includes Fundamental Teachings of Buddhism, Classical Tibetan, Sanskrit, Buddhist Philosophy, History of Buddhism, Buddhist Ethics, Meditation and Mind Training, Comparative Religious Studies, and Buddhist Art and Culture.
Does the program include research work?
Yes. Students complete a final-year dissertation on a selected topic related to Buddhist Studies.
Does the course include Tibetan and Sanskrit?
Yes. Introduction to Classical Tibetan Language and Introduction to Sanskrit are included in the curriculum, and developing proficiency in these languages is among the program objectives.
What can graduates study after completing the BA?
Graduates may consider postgraduate study in Buddhist Studies, Religious Studies, or related academic fields.
What career areas may graduates consider?
Possible areas include academia, education, non-profit organizations, community development and service, religious and philosophical counseling, meditation and yoga instruction, and translation or interpretation services. Opportunities depend on further qualifications, skills, experience, and role-specific requirements.
Where is the program offered?
The program is offered through the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University, operating under the aegis of Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
