Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies 2026
Awarded by University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Conducted by Buddhist Library Graduate School
Update 27 Feb 2026:
Please look for this website for more details.
Contents of this Course Website
○ Overview
○ Course Content
○ Faculty
○ Schedule
○ Modality
○ Course Fees
○ Eligibility for Admission
○ Indication of Interest
○ FAQ
Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies allows you to further your studies in Buddhism through an in-depth course of study lasting about 10 to 12 months. It is a programme offered by the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and conducted by the Buddhist Library, Singapore.
Course Content
The course consists of five taught modules, a 3,000 word Extended Essay (PDBS 05), as well as exams for the five taught modules:
- PDBS 01: The Indian Religious Background and the Emergence of Buddhism
- PDBS 02: Basic Doctrines of Early Buddhism
- PDBS 03: Buddhist Social Philosophy
- PDBS 04: Buddhist Culture: An Outline Study
- PDBS 05: Extended Essay (approx. 3,000 words)
- PDBS 06: Fundamentals of Buddhist Ethics
Faculty
Venerable Dr. Wiloye Wimalajothi (“Bhante Jothi”)
- Resident Monk of Buddhist Library
- Ph. D.
- MA, Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies
- BA (Special), University of Peradeniya
- Former Assistant Lecturer of Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya
Venerable Viharagala Paññāloka (“Bhante Paññā”)
- Resident Monk of Buddhist Library
- MA in Buddhist Studies
- BA (Hons) in Buddhist Studies and Buddhist Leadership, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy and Mahachulalonkonrajavidyala University
- Diploma in Buddhist Counseling Psychology
- Former Lecturer and Department Coordinator in Buddhist Studies, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy
Dr. Rathnasiri Rathnayaka
-
Senior Lecturer
-
Head, Department of Buddhist Thought
-
Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies
-
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Schedule
The schedule is being confirmed at the moment. It may ultimately take this form:
- Term 1: Onsite classes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday over the course of approximately 3 months.
- A reading period where you have time to work on assignments
- Term 2: Classes every Tue and Sat over the course of approximately 3 months.
- A reading period for completion of assignments and preparation for exams.
- Exams.
- Latest time to submit Extended Essay: one month after the Exams.
The programme concludes with the submission of the Extended Essay.
Modality
The bulk of the course (around 75%) will be conducted onsite at the Buddhist Library. As such, you will need to be in Singapore to complete this course.
Course Fees
- Registration Fee: S$100.00 (Payable upon application**)
- Course Fee: S$2,000.00 (Only payable upon class confirmation)
**Full refund of registration fee if minimum class size is not met.
Eligibility for Admission
- Graduate students with a degree in any subject from a recognised university.