Admissions at the University of Global Peace are open to dedicated monastic and lay applicants. This year, we are introducing a new, flexible admissions system with two distinct pathways to accommodate applicants with varying levels of English proficiency. All core degree courses are taught in English.
Core Academic Eligibility
Important: The minimum academic requirements listed below apply to ALL applicants, regardless of whether you are applying for Pathway 1 (Preliminary Entry) or Pathway 2 (Direct Entry).
MA & MPhil Programs
- Monks & Nuns: Must hold a BA in Buddhism or a Sāsanadhaja Dammācariya degree OR a Sāsanatakkasīla Dhammācariya degree OR a Saddhamma Māmaka Dhammācariya degree
- Laypersons: Must hold a recognized BA degree AND possess either 2 diplomas related to Buddhist Studies OR certificates from 2 Buddhist exams OR the Diploma in Buddhism and Peace from UGP
PhD Program
- Monks & Nuns: Must hold a recognized MA in Buddhism
- Laypersons: Must hold a recognized MA degree AND possess either 2 diplomas related to Buddhist Studies OR certificates from 2 Buddhist exams OR the Diploma in Buddhism and Peace from UGP
Note: Applicants awaiting official degree certificates may apply by submitting a formal recommendation letter from their respective university.
For applicants with lower English proficiency
Designed for students who meet the academic eligibility above but need to build a strong foundation in academic English and research skills before moving on to core degree subjects.
Requirement: Applicants must take a standard placement test to determine whether they will be placed in the Certificate in Basic English Language Skills Course or the Preliminary Course.
Foundation Level
Certificate in Basic English Language Skills Course
- Focus: Core English fundamentals (Communicative Skills, Reading, Vocabulary, and Grammar), specifically tailored for monastics who have completed scriptural studies
- Structure: 1-Year intensive program (4 days a week)
*Successful candidates must pass through preliminary requirements to proceed to MA, MPhil, or PhD studies.
Bridge Level
Preliminary Course
- Focus: Communicative Skills, Presentation Skills, Academic Writing, and Research Methodology
- Structure: 8-month intensive program (2 semesters). Successful completion awards a Diploma in Communication and Research Skills, allowing progression to core MA, MPhil, or PhD studies
For applicants with high English proficiency
Designed for students who possess the requisite English language skills to immediately begin their core MA, MPhil, or PhD coursework.
Requirement: Applicants must provide valid proof of English proficiency. Accepted standardized tests include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 5.5 (for MA/MPhil) or 6.0 (for PhD)
- Equivalents: Duolingo, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE scores are accepted
Alternative: Applicants without standardized test scores must take and pass our in-house English 4-Skills Test.
Good to know: If you choose to take the in-house English test but do not achieve the required score for Direct Entry, you can still switch to Pathway 1 to build your language foundation.
Postgraduate
MA in Buddhism or MA in Buddhism and Peace
- Duration: 2 Years
- Requirements: 48 total credits (30 coursework, 18 thesis)
- Graduation: 20,000-word thesis, OR 100 pages (Pali) or (Myanmar), viva voce, and a 21-day meditation retreat
Postgraduate
MPhil in Buddhism or MPhil in Buddhism and Peace
- Duration: 2 Years
- Requirements: Two research seminars and extensive thesis work
- Graduation: 40,000-word thesis, OR 150 pages (Pali), and a 21-day meditation retreat
Doctoral
PhD in Buddhism or PhD in Buddhism and Peace
- Duration: 3-5 Years
- Requirements: Five progress seminars and two journal publications
- Graduation: Dissertation of 60,000 words (English) or 200 pages (Pali), and a 21-day meditation retreat
Note: Students may choose to specialize their thesis/dissertation to graduate with a degree in either "Buddhism" or "Buddhism and Peace" via interdisciplinary research.
