Teaching and Learning 

SSBU has adopted a student-centred, pedagogical approach that puts our students at the centre. This approach empowers and entrusts students the responsibility for designing their own learning paths, including creating their special area of interest. Moreover, the teaching here emphasises on acquisition of academic study skills, familiarising students with self-directed learning, topic-specific essay writing and conducting independent research.  It is our hope that this curriculum will enable students to develop a habit of lifelong learning and sufficient study skills for a prospective, independent research career in Buddhism.

As part of your academic training to become an independent learner, we expect you to undertake 34 hours of independent study per week. Each week we will provide up to nine hours of teaching through lectures and seminars. In terms of student’s workload, one credit typically equates 10 hours of work. 

Courses Offered:

1. • Theravāda Buddhist Meditation: Theory and Practice 
2. • Foundation Pāli
3. • Academic Study of Buddhism 
4. • Fundamentals in Buddhism 
5. • Study Skills

Students are required to complete, as part of the requirements of the meditation course, a 10-day meditation retreat in addition to completing an Independent Study Project (ISP) for graduation. 

Assessments

Methods of assessment vary across courses dependent on course lecturers. They typically involve summary assignment, regular and coursework essay, experience report, written examination, and individual and group presentation. For most courses students are assessed through one to three of the preceding methods. 

Eligibility of Applicants

1. • Applicants must complete one of Bachelor’s Degree, Dhammācariya or equivalent. 
2. • Applicants must have a good command of English. A minimum IELTS score of 5.0 with each skill not less than 4.5; or TOEFL scores of 180 (computer-based), 510 (paper-based), 64 (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 and Buddhism is required, though an interest in Buddhism is recommended.
   

Documents Required for Applications:

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

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. • Oxford Sayadaw Ven. Prof. Dr. K. Dhammasāmi (Dhammācariya, MA and MPhil Kelaniya, DPhil Oxford); 
2. • Ven. Dr. Paññābhoga, (Dhammācariya, MA Kelaniya, PhD Mahidol); 
3. • Ven. Dr. Paññādīpa, (MBS Hong Kong, MA SSBU, MSc & PhD Toronto); 
4. • Ven. Dr. Vāyaminda (MA Kelaniya, MBS King’s College, PhD Kelaniya); 
5. • Ven. Khemindasāra (MBS Hong Kong, MA SSBU, MA BPU); 
6. • Dr. Pyi Phyo Kyaw, (MA SOAS, PhD King’s College London); 
7. • Sayalay Dr. Paññātherī, (MA Kelaniya, MBA AIT, PhD SSBU); 
8. • Nang Num Htwe (B.Sc Taunggyi, MA MCU, MA SSBU) 
9. • Assoc. Prof. Nang Aye Thein Htwe (B.SC Taunggyi, MA SSBU) 

Special Note: 

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

Important Notes: 

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

1. • Email completed application forms to admission@ssbu.edu.mm or 
2. • Hand in completed application forms to our SSBU Academic Office in person. 

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