🎓 Degree Program

Degree (Credit) Program – Structured Six-Year Buddhist Studies Although both Degree (Credit) and General (Non-Credit) students will study the same core subjects and foundational Buddhist teachings, our Degree (Credit) Program is designed for those who wish to pursue advanced Buddhist studies, teaching roles, or engage professionally in Buddhist scholarship.

Who is this Program For?

This program is ideal for:

  • Aspiring Dharma teachers and Buddhist scholars
  • Monastics and lay students seeking formal qualifications
  • Students who wish to complete a structured, academically recognized Buddhist education

 However, Degree (Credit) students follow a formal degree pathway, modeled after monastic colleges, which includes:

  • Structured evaluations
  • Regular assessments and written assignments
  • Examinations (written and/or oral)
  • Progress tracking toward certification

This system mirrors the academic procedures of traditional Buddhist universities and monasteries, culminating in formal recognition. 

Program Structure

The six-year program is divided into two stages:

  • Years 1–3: Diploma in Buddhist Studies Focus on foundational teachings, key texts, and philosophical grounding.
  • Years 4–6: Degree in Buddhist Studies (Equivalent to Bachelor BA level) Advanced scriptural studies, deeper philosophical exploration, research, and teaching methodologies.

 What’s Included for Degree Students?

Degree students receive additional support and academic structure, including:

  • Extra study materials and resources
  • Detailed feedback on assignments
  • Additional assessments to monitor progress
  • Academic advising and mentorship from senior teachers
  • Participation in monastic forum, debate, symposium…

Admission & Certification

  • Degree students go through a slightly different admission process, including a formal application and possible supporting documents (e.g. a statement of intent or recommendation).
  • Tuition fees may vary slightly from other students due to the additional materials, evaluation, and certification costs.

Upon successful completion:

  • After 3 years: Diploma in Buddhist Studies
  • After 6 years: Degree (Equivalent to a BA in Buddhist Studies)

These are recognized as equivalent to qualifications from traditional monastic colleges.

Why Enroll in the Degree Path?

  • Authentic and complete six-year Buddhist education
  • Formal certification and recognition
  • Mirrors traditional shedra training with online accessibility
  • Ideal for those aiming to teach, translate, or engage in Dharma professionally


🧘 Non-Degree Program

General (Non-Degree) Program – Flexible Buddhist Studies for Lifelong Learners

Our General (Non-Degree) Program is a flexible and enriching path designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge and practice of Buddhism without pursuing formal academic qualifications. This program provides access to the same rich curriculum as our Degree program, but with a lighter academic structure suited to diverse lifestyles and learning goals.

Who is this Program For?

This path is ideal for:

  • Dharma practitioners seeking structured yet flexible learning
  • Beginners and intermediate students of Buddhist philosophy
  • Lay students, working professionals, or monastics with limited time
  • Those who want to explore Buddhist teachings without formal assessments or certification requirements

Assessments & Certification

While the academic demands are lighter, students still engage in simple but meaningful ways to support their learning and reflect on progress, such as:

  • Monthly journals (reflective writing or learning summaries)
  • Quizzes for self-assessment
  • Group discussions and interactive forums
  • Occasional assignments (optional or light in nature)

At the end of each level or course, students receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their dedication and successful participation.

What’s Included for General Students?

  • Full access to all lectures, study materials, and core content
  • Participation in live and recorded classes
  • Inclusion in discussion groups and community sessions• Teacher guidance and occasional feedback (less formal than the Degree track)

This program is ideal for those who want authentic Buddhist education without the pressure of exams or formal submissions.

Admission & Tuition

  • The admission process is simple and inclusive, welcoming learners from all backgrounds.
  • Tuition is affordable, with no additional costs for exams or certification processing.
  • Students may later choose to transfer into the Degree program (subject to certain conditions and evaluation). 

Why Choose the Non-Degree Path?

  • Learn at your own pace with supportive guidance
  • No pressure from formal exams or deadlines
  • Deepen your practice and understanding of Buddhism
  • Earn meaningful certification as recognition of your study
  • Perfect for both lay practitioners and monastics seeking personal enrichment

🧾 Other Programs

Other Programs," includes a variety of specialized options: short-term courses on focused texts, a Distinguished Program, teachings given by revered Masters, and Customized Programs tailored to the needs of specific individuals or institutions.

1. Short Term Courses

Short Term Courses – Enriching Add-Ons to Core Learning Our Short Term Courses are brief, focused offerings designed to complement and enhance the core curriculum of our main programs. These sessions dive into specific topics, practices, or texts that provide deeper insight or practical knowledge to support students on their Buddhist path.

What to Expect:

  • Duration: Courses may last from a single session up to one week, making them easy to attend without long-term commitment.
  • Topics: Each course focuses on a specialized subject—such as Lecturers, meditation techniques, Tibetan Buddhist rituals, introductory Pali studies, or contemporary applications of Buddhist ethics.
  • Variety: The selection of courses may vary each year, depending onthe needs of students and availability of guest teachers.

This mix brings a rich diversity of perspectives and deepens students’ exposure to different styles of teaching and practice.

Free for All Students

In alignment with our mission to make Dharma education accessible, all Short Term Courses are provided completely free to students enrolled in either the Degree or Non-Degree programs.

2. Customized Courses

Customized Courses – Tailored Learning for Specific Interests Our Customized Courses are specially designed offerings created upon request, catering to the unique learning goals and interests of individualstudents or groups. These courses focus on Subject and topics not covered in the general curriculum, providing an opportunity for deeper or more specialized study in areas of Buddhist philosophy, practice, or culture.

 What Makes Customized Courses Unique?

  • Personalized Content: Designed around specific topics or themes requested by students—such as rare texts, ritual practices, advanced meditation, lineage histories, or language studies.
  • Flexible Enrollment: Available for individuals or small groups who wish to explore a particular subject in a more intimate and focused setting.
  • Adaptable Schedule: Courses can vary in length and format depending on the topic, the depth of study desired, and availability of instructors.

 Fees & Charges

  • Tuition for customized courses will vary depending on the length, complexity, and instructor availability.
  • A detailed estimate will be provided once the request is reviewed and the course plan is finalized.

Certification

Students will receive a Certificate of Completion, with details based on:

  • The length and depth of the course
  • Participation and engagement
  • The specific features and scope of the customized study

Customized Courses offer a unique way to explore aspects of Buddhism that are personally meaningful or academically important, while receiving one-on-one or focused group instruction from qualified teachers.

If you're interested in creating a customized course, simply contact our administration with your request, and we’ll be happy to discuss the possibilities!

3. The Distinguished Teachings

The Distinguished Teachings – Precious Teachings from Revered

Masters

The Distinguished Teachings are a hallmark of our school's commitment to offering students access to authentic, high-level Dharma transmissions and commentaries. These are special teachings delivered by revered masters, including His Holiness Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche and other highly accomplished Buddhist teachers.

What These Teachings Offer

  • Delivered by spiritual masters of great realization and renown, often associated with profound lineages and institutions.
  • May be conducted at sacred sites such as Gangtey Monastery or other important Buddhist centers, offering students a chance to connect with the living lineage.
  • Includes teachings on rare texts, tantric instructions, empowerments, oral transmissions or pith guidance that are not commonly available through regular academic channels.

Fees & Accessibility

  • For teachings organized by our school, we strive to offer them free or at a significantly reduced cost, making them more accessible to our students.
  • For teachings organized by other institutions or teachers, students are expected to follow the respective organizers’ fee structures.
  • Regardless of the organizer, our school will support enrolled students by providing:
    • High-quality learning materials
    • Transcriptions and translations (where available)
    • Recordings or notes to help with post-teaching study and reflection

A Rare Opportunity

These teachings are more than academic—they are transformative encounters with living wisdom, offered in the spirit of preserving and transmitting the authentic Dharma. Students who participate benefit not only from hearing the teachings but also from the supportive learningresources we provide to help them deepen their understanding and integrate the teachings into practice.

Participating in The Distinguished Teachings is a rare and precious opportunity to connect with the heart of the living Buddhist tradition, guided by masters who embody the path..

📚 Subjects

The subjects offered in our school have been carefully selected and thoughtfully designed through deep research and consideration. This curriculum is structured to benefit a wide audience from beginners in Buddhism to advanced scholars — ensuring accessibility for all levels of understanding.

 Our primary goal is to offer subjects that not only nurture the spiritual development of individuals but also provide practical guidance relevant to daily life and worldly responsibilities. These subjects bridge the gap between spiritual and relative realities, making them deeply beneficial for both monastics and laypeople, including those engaged in professional work and family life.

Moreover, the curriculum aims to build a strong foundation in Buddhist philosophy and practice while progressively guiding students toward a level of independence, where they are intellectually and spiritually prepared to receive profound teachings such as Dzogchen. The structure and content are therefore not only academically sound but also skillfully aligned with the needs of a modern, diverse student body — particularly those studying outside traditional monastic settings.


image image