How to Apply for the MA Program
Deadline: Application to the MA program runs from October 1 – May 31.

To apply, to the MA program at CBS, you must complete the following five steps:
  1. Submit the application form and statement of purpose
  2. Submit the application fee
  3. Send an official copy of your BA transcripts
  4. Submit letter of reference
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in English
Once all documents have been received, the Graduate Committee at CBS will decide on admission into the program within one month and notify the applicant of the outcome via email.
Deadline for submitting the online registration: May 31
Deadline for submitting the remaining application material: June 30

Please note that only a limited number of students can be admitted to the MA program. The admission process is continual and the program may fill prior to the deadline. For further information about the admission process, contact the Graduate Coordinator, Andreas Doctor.
To proceed with your application and for further information, please read below.

Step 1 – Application Form and Statement of Purpose
Click the link below to fill out the application form and submit it online. The application form consists of two parts: 1) The general application and 2) the statement of purpose. For statement of purpose, you may consider writing it separately in a word processor and paste it into the essay portion of the application form. This statement (500-750 words) should describe the your general background, academic interests and reasons for applying to the MA program at CBS.

Fill out the Application form here.

Step 2 – Application Fee
For Nepalese citizens the application fee is 500 rps, to be paid at the CBS office in Boudhanath.
For international students the application fee is US $50. International students can pay the application fee online via Paypal at this button:

Or by sending a check to:
Rangjung Yeshe Institute
PO Box 21277
Kathmandu, Nepal

*Note:   Due to the time it takes for regular mail to reach Nepal, sending regular checks will delay your
              application process by 3 to 4 weeks.

Step 3 – Official Transcript of BA degree
The official transcript should be sent directly from the applicant’s college to CBS. Applicants who are in the last year of their undergraduate studies should submit a current official transcript of grades and courses. Entry into the MA program may then be granted conditional on successful completion of the BA degree prior to the commencement of the MA program.

Step 4 - Letter of reference
Applicants should request a letter of recommendation evaluating the applicant’s suitability as a graduate student in Buddhist Studies. This letter should be requested from a college or university professor familiar with the applicant's academic qualifications. The recommending professor should submit this letter to the applicant in a signed and sealed envelope. The applicant should then include the letter of recommendation with the remaining application material.

Step 5 - Demonstration of proficiency in English
All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL Test (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with scores of minimum 250 on the computer based exam (or minimum 600 on the paper based test). However, applicants who have graduated from a college or university where classes are taught in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores if they provide documentation that English was the language of instruction. Due to the limited availability of the TOEFL testing in Nepal, Nepalese applicants may demonstrate their English proficiency by completing a test administered by the Graduate Coordinator at CBS. Such applicants should contact the office at CBS to arrange the date of testing.

Evaluation, Admission, and Notification
  1. Once all components of the application have been received, the Graduate Committee will review the application.
  2. Normally a decision on admission will be made within one month and students will be notified of the outcome via email.
  3. Successful applicants must accept or decline the admissions offer within two weeks in an email reply.
  4. To secure their place in the program, students who accept the admissions offer, must then:
    ◊  Submit full tuition for either one or two semesters, or a deposit of US $500. The remainder of the tuition will be due on the first day of classes.