Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Buddhist Studies (three years full-time equivalent) is a rigorous program of advanced study and research. This program is intended to produce graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality.
About Lumbini Buddhist University
Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) was established in 2004 at the behest of the 1st World Buddhist Summit held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha, in 1998. Accepting and following the teachings of Gautam Buddha, LBU is dedicated to core Buddhist values of Maitri, Karūṇā, Muditā and Upkeṡā (Amity, Compassion, Inner Peace, and Forgiveness) in promoting World Peace and Harmony. It is running academic programs and research in the areas of Buddhist Philosophy, Literature, Education and Culture.
Since 2011 LBU has been offering Ph.D. program in two major streams – core Buddhist studies and applied Buddhism.
Program Goal
The main goal of the program is to inspire and prepare scholars through research in generating contextual knowledge and innovations to promote peace, harmony and prosperity for all in the contemporary world.
Program Objectives
Enhance knowledge of scientific methods and theories for undertaking research.
Develop abilities to carry out one's own research project with capacity to frame and apply appropriate scientific way of analyzing and processing problems and developing deeper and critical understanding.
Pedagogical Approach
The course of the program is designed with three strategic motives:
Enhancing Theoretical Understanding and Research Skill Through Coursework
All students registered to LBU PhD program should compulsorily participate in a total of 18 credit hours coursework covering areas of research in religious studies, Buddhist history, philosophies, literature, art, architecture, and research methodology. The classes on the research methodology shall be conducted according to the syllabus prepared for the Ph.D. degree by LBU. The classes of Ph.D. program at LBU will be conducted online in modular system in three packages of 6 credit hours each.
Preparing for Independent Studies
PhD students should proceed undertaking the defined steps before independent thesis work appear to the defense at each of the steps before proceeding to the next. The steps include:
- Preparation of research proposal
- Term paper
- Annotated bibliography
- Literature review
- Seminar paper
International students may be facilitated for online defense except for the final thesis defense.
Undertaking Thesis Work
Completion of a dissertation based on original research that contributes significantly to the field of Buddhist studies. The thesis work culminates in a final viva voce examination.
Admission Process & Timeline
| SN | Documents Required for Admission | Admission Process | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Attested certificates class 10 onwards | Entrance exam after the submission of application Interview including proposal defense |
32 credit hour Ph.D. class Appointment of Supervisor Proposal Defense Final Research proposal |
To publish 3 research articles Research article 1 Research article 2 Research article 3 |
Submission of Dissertation Pre-viva defense Submission of corrected Dissertation after Pre-viva Final Viva Submission of Corrected Dissertation after Final viva |
| 2 | 3 Passport size photo | ||||
| 3 | Research proposal | ||||
| 4 | 3 published research articles related with Buddhism (at least one should be published in peer reviewed journal) | ||||
| 5 | Brief bio-data | ||||
| 6 | If employed in any other organization an Approval letter on behalf of organization should be submitted |
Eligibility for Admission
Candidates who have earned a minimum 55 percent marks in the Master Degree or equivalent from Lumbini Buddhist University or from any other recognized University or completed M. Phil and have requirements established by the Higher Education Qualification Framework, may apply for the PhD Research.
Seat Limits
The maximum number of seats available is 20 students per academic year. There will be an allocation of:
Faculty Strength
LBU has established a pool of well qualified, experienced and competent experts and resource persons who helped the university to design the current program. They are drawn from full time, part-time and/or visiting faculty members. The instructing and guiding for the online based Ph.D. degree course at LBU would be done by renowned faculty members from national as well as international universities.
Expected Outcome
In accordance to the objectives of the program, the main outcome will be the enhanced the prorogation in the contextualized value and teachings of Buddha through research and academic of the core and applied Buddhist studies and through spiritual inspiration of the individuals by scaling up. LBU intends to produce well qualified, skilled and competent scholars in Buddhist studies who can compete in the national and international level of the field of study.
Fee Structure
Ph.D. Program Fee as regulated from 1 August, 2024 (2081/04/17)
| S.N. | Topic | Fee | First year fee with admission | Second year fee | Third year fee | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entrance fee | 5,000 | 5,000 | – | – | |
| 2 | LBU Registration | 2,500 | 2,500 | – | – | |
| 3 | ID Card | 500 | 500 | – | – | |
| 4 | Tution fee per month | 5,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 60,000 | |
| 5 | Defense, Thesis evaluation, Viva etc. | 210,000 | 70,000 | 70,000 | 70,000 | |
| Total | 138,000 | 130,000 | 130,000 | 130,000 | 398,000 | |
| 6 | On 4th years- First Renew (for 1 year) | 60,000 | ||||
| 7 | On 5th year- Second Renew (for 1 year) | 60,000 | ||||
Note: There will be an additional 50 percent for students from SAARC countries, while students from third countries will be required to pay an additional 100% fee (doubling the fees). Monks and nuns will receive a 50% concession on the total fees. For foreign students, fees collected in US dollars will be based on the exchange rate on the date of admission.
Scholarship
The scholarship may be available to those who wish to do Ph.D. research work in the area as prescribed by LBU.
Hostel Facility
Hostel facility for both male and female students who wish to be at university, is available respectively with minimum charges.
Bank Information for Payments
Please use following swift code (only for those applying from outside the country) and bank account detail:
Bank Name:
Siddhartha Bank
Account Name:
Lumbini Buddhist University-fobs
Account Number:
01218471050
Swift Code (For International Students):
SIDDNPKA
Other Expenses (Monthly)
The following information applies to the normal living conditions in and around Lumbini, and may vary according to the specific needs of the learners.
Accommodation
Rs. 5,000/-
per month
Food
Rs. 10,000/-
per month
Insurance
Rs. 3,000/-
approximately
LBU suggests buying an Insurance policy for those following the course by residing in Nepal that may be around Rs. 3,000/- in general.