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PhD in Buddhist Studies at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

United States of America, Berkeley

University Rank:#17

The Buddhist Studies at University of California, Berkeley is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Berkeley , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 16, 2027.

About PhD in Buddhist Studies

The Berkeley Group in Buddhist Studies offers an interdisciplinary program of study and research leading to a PhD degree in Buddhist Studies. The group, which cooperates closely with the Departments of South and Southeast Asian Studies (SSEAS) and East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC), emphasizes the study of Buddhism in its many forms within its Asian historical and cultural context.

The Group emphasizes the study of Buddhist texts in their original languages, as well as the appreciation of the historical, social, and cultural milieux from which the Buddhist textual legacy emerged. At the same time, students in the PhD program are encouraged to broaden and deepen their understanding of Buddhist phenomena by incorporating archaeological, ethnographic, and visual materials and perspectives.

The goal of our program is not only to provide students with the linguistic, methodological, and conceptual skills to produce significant new research on Buddhist phenomena but also to have students bring their research into dialogue with ongoing issues and concerns in the humanities writ large.

The PhD program in Buddhist Studies is designed for students who intend to become scholars and teachers at the university level.

Source: Berkeley Academic Guide (opens in a new tab)

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Buddhist Studies at University of California, Berkeley

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Academic Requirements

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Buddhist Studies at University of California, Berkeley

Application Fee 155

How to Apply for PhD in Buddhist Studies at University of California, Berkeley

When to do it: September to December, but as late as February depending on the program

Ready to apply? You can submit your application for Fall admission beginning in September, and the majority of deadlines are in December but check the programs list.

The online application will ask you for specific information such as your academic and professional history, transcripts, and potentially your CV, resume or links to your portfolio. You’ll also need to provide the contact information for your recommenders who will be invited to submit their recommendation.

You’ll need to have a major credit card to pay the non-refundable application fee. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $135 (Application Fee Waiver Information); for all others, the fee is $155.

PhD in Buddhist Studies at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

United States of America, Berkeley