Academic and Language Requirements: 

• Applicants are expected to have at least a bachelor degree, e.g. B.A. or B.Sc. 

• IELTS 5.0 with each skill not less than 4.5; or TOEFL with overall scores 131(computer-based), 450 (paper-based), 45 (internet-based). 

• Prior knowledge of Pāli and fundamental Buddhism knowledge is not required, though some proficiency is recommended.  

Special Notes: 

• Applicants who have little background knowledge in Buddhist Studies should apply to this programme. 

• Monastic members with Dhammācariya qualifications, or other equivalent monastic education (e.g., Pāli IX from Thailand), and lay applicants with diploma qualifications plus extensive work experiences in a relevant field are welcome to apply. (Applications will be considered by the admission committee on a case by case basis)

Postgraduate Diploma Programme Format and Assessment

Teaching and Learning: 

SSBU has adopted a student-centred, pedagogical approach that puts our students at the centre. This approach empowers and entrusts students the responsibility for designing their own learning paths, including creating their special area of interest. Moreover, the teaching here emphasises on acquisition of academic study skills, familiarising students with self-directed learning, topic-specific essay writing and conducting independent research.  It is our hope that this curriculum will enable students to develop a habit of lifelong learning and sufficient study skills for a prospective, independent research career in Buddhism. 

As part of academic training to become an independent learner, we expect each student to undertake 34 hours of independent study per week. Each week we will provide six to eight hours of teaching through lectures, tutorials, and seminars. In terms of student’s workload, one credit typically equates to 10 hours of work.  

Courses Offered:

• Academic study of Buddhism

• Theravāda Buddhist Meditation: Theory and   Practice

• Foundation Pāli I

• Foundation Pāli II

• Fundamentals in Buddhism

• Study Skills

Students are required to complete, as part of the requirements of the meditation course, a 10 to 14-day meditation retreat in addition to completing an Independent Study Project (ISP) for graduation. 

Assessments:

Methods of assessment vary across individual courses. They typically involve summaries, regular essays, coursework essays, special assignments, group or individual presentation, class participation, and written examinations. Most courses are assessed through only one to three of these methods. 

How to Apply

Application Procedure: 

Applicants must complete an application form, and submit it together with the following supporting documents to SSBU by email, postage mail, or in person.

Supporting Documents: 

• A Personal Statement (1,000 words), which clearly explains why you wish to take our programme, and outlines your relevant background experiences.

• A true (certified) copy of all Degree Certificates, including Dhammācariya Certificate or equivalent (e.g. Pali IX in Thailand), if applicable.

• A true (certified) copy of Academic Transcript of academic programmes attended (with officially certified English translation if the language printed on the transcript is not English or Myanmar), if applicable. Transcript is not needed for Dhammācariya holder. 

• A true (certified) copy of IELTS or TOEFL certificate. 

• For monastic applicants, a Recommendation Letter from the abbot/abbess of your currently residing monastery/nunnery. 

• Certificate of Health. 

• A copy of ID card (for Myanmar applicants), or Passport Front-page (with photo) (for foreigners). 

Application Closing Date: 

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our application deadline is February 1, 2025 (please keep an eye on SSBU Facebook’s update and announcements, and SSBU’s website: www.ssbu.edu.mm).

Entrance Examination and Interview:

Short-listed candidates will be invited by email to take an entrance written examination followed by an interview in March 2025.    

The entrance examination will consist of general knowledge of Buddhism, and last 2 hours. 

Fees, accommodation and food

For monastic:

Tuition, accommodation, and food are free, fully sponsored and provided by the University.

For lay people:

Tuition and food are free, fully sponsored and provided by the University.

Special note: 

• The University provides accommodation for overseas lay students. 

• Accommodation for local lay students is not guaranteed subject to availability.  

You can also expect to pay for:

1. Registration fees

2. Personal and travel expenses

3. Library fees

4. Photocopies and printings

5. Wi-Fi Internet fee

6. Graduation fees

7. Visa fees (overseas students)

Important Notes

1. Your application must be complete with all supporting documents and submitted before the deadline. Late submission will not be considered

1. Two options to submit your applications:

• Email completed application forms to admission@ssbu.edu.mm, or 

• Mail completed application forms with all documents to the following address:

Admission Office, 

Shan State Buddhist University (SSBU), 

Phaya Phyu Quarter, Pannabodhi Street, Taunggyi, 

Shan State, 06011, Myanmar. 

1. For enquiries, please contact us: (+95) (0)81-2125674

2. Incomplete application forms, incomplete supporting documents, and/or uncertified transcripts will not be processed. 

3. We will notify you by email whether or not your application is successful. 

FAQs

I have submitted my application. How can I tell whether it has been received successfully? 

When your applications reach us, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt via email. If you receive no acknowledgement, it means your application has not been received by us. Kindly send it again.

I do not have my English proficiency results in place, but am planning to do a test soon. Can I send in my application to SSBU first and submit my English test results later? 

Yes, you still can submit your application, although we highly advise that you submit your English proficiency test results together with your application. 

I do not have any required English proficiency test results, but I have studied in a well-regarded English-medium institute, or worked in an organisation where a high fluency of English was required in the last few years. Can I be granted exemption status? 

In this particular situation, we will look into your application, CV, references and submitted personal statement closely, and then determine whether or not to grant an exemption.