Assessments:

Methods of assessment vary across individual courses. They typically involve summaries, regular essays, coursework essays, special assignments, group and individual presentations, class participation, quizzes and written examinations. Most courses are assessed through only one to three of these methods. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Students graduated from this BA programme can continue undertaking their Master of Arts (MA) in Pāli and Buddhist studies or related disciplines in SSBU, or in other universities in Myanmar or overseas. 

Also, with the Dhamma knowledge and language skills learned, they can work to become a Dhamma teacher in any local Buddhist school/institute or to become a Buddhist missionary abroad. With sufficient working knowledge of Pāli and English, they can further aspire to become a Pāli-Myanmar-English/Pāli-Shan-English translator and interpreter. They can as well apply the Dhamma knowledge to other contemporary specialties that benefit society such as in counselling, psychotherapy, and modern sciences. 

Offered Coures: 

1. • Abhidhamma Studies 
2. • Academic Study of Buddhism 
3. • Art and History of Buddhism in Southeast Asia 
4. • Theravāda Buddhist Meditation: Theory and Practice 
5. • Baisc Pāli I & II
6. • History of Buddhism 
7. • Buddhist Counselling and Psychotherapy 
8. • Buddhist Ethics 
9. • Buddhist Philosophy 
10. • Buddhist Psychology 
11. • Buddhist Social Philosophy
12. • Buddhist Sociology  
13. • Sanskrit 
14. • Sutta Studies

Structure of the Degree Programme  

Students must complete a total of 360 credits made up of courses and an Independent Study Project (ISP). Students are required, as part of requirements of the meditation course, to attend one ten-day meditation retreat every year during semester break.

Eligibility of Applicants 

1. • Applicants must complete one of Pathamagyi, Undergraduate Diploma, GED, Grade-12 Certificate or equivalent.
2. • Applicants must have a good command of English. A minimum IELTS 4.5 with each skill not less than 4.0; or TOEFL with overall scores 153 (computer-based), 477 (paper-based), 53 (internet-based). If you don't have IELTS or TOEFL scores, we will organize an In-House English Proficiency Test at the entrance exam, and you must achieve the required scores in our Test.
3. • No prior knowledge of Pāli or Buddhism is required, though an interest in Buddhism is recommended.
   

Documents Required for Applications: 

1. 1. Completed the application form with a 1-inch photograph attached. 
2. 2. A Personal Statement (1000 words) which clearly explains why you wish to take our programme, and outlines your relevant background experiences. 
3. 3. Submit at least one of the following certificates: Pathamagyi, Undergraduate Diploma, GED, Grade-12, or equivalent.
4. 4. Academic Transcript/Mark-Sheet of academic programmes attended.
5. 5. IELTS or TOEFL English Language certificate, if available. 
6. 6. Recommendation Letter from the Head of the Institution or Abbot of the current residing monastery. 
7. 7. Medical Certificate confirming a physical examination in a hospital in the applicant’s home country. 
8. 8. Photocopy of passport (Foreign Applicant) or ID Card (Local Applicant) 

Application Procedure and Periods: 

1. • Application Deadline is February 1, 2026 (Sunday). 
2. • Entrance Examination Period is in March 2026. (The entrance exam will consist of two components: Pāli and general knowledge of Buddhism, and will last 2 hours.)
3. • All programmes are starting in May 2026. 

Fees, Accommodation & Living

1. The University will cover all Tuition fees, Accommodation, and Food. But the students are expected to pay for:
2. • Registration fees
3. • Personal and travel expenses
4. • Library fees
5. • Photocopies and printings
6. • Wi-Fi Internet fee
7. • Graduation fees 
8. • Annual visa fee (for foreign students)

Faculty Members and Teaching Staff 

1. • Ven. Dr. Paññābhoga, (Dhammācariya, MA Kelaniya, PhD Mahidol); 
2. • Ven. Dr. Devindābhipala, (Dhammācariya, MA Kelaniya, PhD Assumption); 
3. • Ven. Dr. Mahosadhālaṅkāra (Dhammācariya, MA Kelaniya, PhD Peradeniya); 
4. • Ven. Khemindasāra (MBS Hong Kong, MA SSBU, MA BPU); 
5. • Ven. Nandasāmi (MA Kelaniya, MBS & MBC Hong Kong) 
6. • Dr. Anuja Ajotikar, (MPhil Pune, PhD ITT Bombay); 
7. • Ven. Nyarninda (BA MCU, MA Kelaniya, PGDip & MA SSBU, PhD Candidate MCU); 
8. • Ven. Candima (BA MCU, PGDip & MA SSBU); 
9. • Ven. Tezarnanda (BA MCU, PGDIP & MA SSBU);
10. • Ven. Uttara (BA MCU, PGDip & MA SSBU) and more scholar-lecturers will join. 
11. • Ven. Udadigana Siddhatthālaṅkāra (BA ITBMU, Vinaya Vidū, MA SSBU, MA Candidate Kelaniya) 
12. • Nang Num Htwe (B.Sc Taunggyi, MA MCU, MA SSBU) 

Special Note: 

The University provides accommodation for overseas lay students, but it is not guaranteed for local lay students.  

Important Notes: 

1. Your application must be completed with all supporting documents and submitted before the deadline. Late submission will not be considered. 
2. Two options to submit your applications: 

1. • Email to admission@ssbu.edu.mm or 
2. • Submit to the SSBU Academic Office in person. 

1. For enquiries, please contact us: (+95) 0812125674 or 09757715216