Doctoral Program Buddhist Studies
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The prerequisite for admission to the PhD program in Buddhist Studies is an outstanding specialist qualification as well as an above-average Magister Artium or Master of Arts degree (or an equivalent diploma) in a relevant field of study (including a thesis). Also, a certain level of proficiency in German is required but can be obtained after enrolment.

Knowledge of at least one of the historical source languages of Buddhism is required. Students will have the opportunity to acquire further language skills during the PhD program.

The doctorate can be started in the winter or summer term (i.e. October or April). Applications can be submitted at any time, but if you are planning on starting in October and are applying from abroad, it is advisable to submit your application by June 1st of the current year. If you are planning on starting in April, it is advisable to submit your application by December 1st of the preceding year. (The admission and enrolment process can take quite a long for international candidates).

For more detailed information about applications, please see the FAQs.

Applicants are required to fill in and submit all documents in the Online Application Tool of the LMU Doctoral Program in Buddhist Studies.

After you have registered, you will be asked to submit the following documents for your application:

• Full curriculum vitae

• A letter of motivation that demonstrates your qualification in the subject, your acquaintance with our program and your willingness to join our activities (- if you apply for a scholarship. If you do not apply for a scholarship we do not necessarily need a motivation letter.)

• An outline of the planned dissertation project (no more than 3000 words, including references)

• A short schedule/ working plan of your planned research stays/field trips abroad (when, where, what, how long), if applicable (only if you apply for a scholarship).

• A digital version of your M.A. thesis (or as substitute the thesis of your highest degree) -> Please make sure that the file does not exceed 2mb (we recommend you do not scan the thesis but rather use the original digital file instead, preferably as PDF)

• Contact details of two university professors from your home university who are willing to write a report about you.

• Certificates (Certified will be necessary later) The essential parts of all university certificates and diplomas in languages other than German or English should be translated. Also, all the grading systems need an according description / explanation of the grade scale.

- Bachelor certificate and transcripts of records

- Master certificate and transcripts of records

- Certificates of annual examinations taken at the home university (transcripts of records) (including an explanation of the grading system)

- School leaving certificate qualifying you for admission to higher education in your own country

• Documents certifying fluency in English or German and excellent knowledge of at least one Buddhist source language

• List of publications (only if applicable).