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.
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 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.
Three published research articles with at least 3000 words related with Buddhism, Buddhist Philosophy, literature, arts, culture, applied Buddhism. Out of them one article should have been published in Peer Reviewed Journal and two should have been published in Standard Journal.
Documents to be submitted
Completed Application Form Download PDF
Bank voucher/transaction code as evidence of application fee payment
Passport-size Photo (3 copies)
Attested copy of Qualification from class 10 onwards
Attested copy of Citizenship (Passport copy for foreign students)
A copy of the research proposal in which, a short introduction of the research intending to do by the candidate, objectives and research method are included. The subject matter should directly or indirectly be related to Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, education or culture
All the relevant documents obtained by the applicant and the photocopies of certified certificates
Brief Bio-data
If any PhD student is employed in a separate organization or institution while enrolling the program, an approval letter for study from his/her employer should be submitted. This letter should confirm that the student will have sufficient time to dedicate to his / her research
Seat Limits
The maximum number of seats available is 25 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:
Machhapuchchhre Bank Ltd.
Account Name:
LBU DEAN OFFICE, LUMBINI-(INCOME)
Account Number:
1530088038200026
For International Students Bank Name:
Machhapuchchhre Bank Ltd
Swift Code:
MBLNNPKA
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.