Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (MABS) – Online Part-Time Program (Two Years)

A.  Admission Requirements

1. Academic Requirement

    Candidates applying to the MABS program must meet at least one of the  

    following criteria: 

     – A Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies/Pali from PGIPBS, University of 

         Kelaniya, or from another recognized university or institute

     – A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

     – Other qualifications deemed as equivalent to the above by the Faculty Board 

        of PGIPBS

2. Application Form

    Please download and complete the application form from PGIPBS below.

    – Under section "03. Master’s Degree Programs," please select "Master of Arts 

       in Buddhist Studies (One Year) – Part-Time."

    – A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), or an equivalent 

       academic standing, is required for admission.

3. Submission Instructions

     Submit your completed application form to ybefacademy@gmail.com along with 

     the following required documents: 

     i. Statement of Purpose: 

        – Academic statement (up to 1000 words). Describe your academic interest;        

           educational background, preparation, and training (including any relevant 

           professional experiences); your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this 

           specific program; and your professional/academic goals.

       – Personal statement (up to 500 words). Reflect on how your personal 

          background and life experiences have shaped your decision to pursue a 

          graduate degree.  

          Describe your potential to contribute to an inclusive academic community 

          where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued.

   ii. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  iii. ID document (national identity card, passport, or driver license)

  iv. Academic Records: provide scanned copies of your academic transcripts and 

       degree certificates for all undergraduate and graduate programs attended. 

       – If your transcripts are not in English, provide certified English translations that 

          follow the original document format line-by-line. 

       – If admitted, official documents (original or “attested” copies) will be required.

   v. Letters of Recommendation (Optional but encouraged). Up to three letters 

       from individuals who can attest your academic ability and preparedness 

       for advanced study in Buddhist Studies. 

 vi. English Proficiency. Applicants whose native language is not English must 

        demonstrate English proficiency by either: 

        – Having completed a degree program in English within the past five years, or 

       – Submitting valid IELTS or TOEFL scores along with the application. 

4. Online Interview

After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule an online interview as the next step in the admission process. 

B. Program Fees

· No application fee is required. 

· Course fee to PGIPBS: 

* USD $1,185.00 for students from developed countries

* USD $710.00 for Buddhist monks and nuns

· The course fee may be paid in full or through an installment plan. For details on installment plans, please contact us directly.

· RMTA does not charge any tuition or additional fees. As a non-profit institute, RMTA is committed to introducing and promoting Buddhist education and training in the West on a non-profit basis. 

Program Inquiries: Please contact Ven. Kongyan here.