Awarded by University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Conducted by Buddhist Library Graduate School

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: Workshops (Number of workshops to be confirmed)
  • 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
  • Diploma in Pali
  • 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 (May 2026 – Jan 2027)

The schedule is being confirmed at the moment. It may ultimately take this form:

  • Term 1 (May 2026 – July 2026) : Onsite classes every Tuesday and Saturday and Zoom sessions on Thursday over the course of approximately 3 months.
  • A reading period (Aug 2026) where you have time to work on assignments (about 1 month).
  • Term 2 (Sep 2026 – Nov 2026) : Onsite classes every Tuesday and Saturday and Zoom sessions on Thursday over the course of approximately 3 months.
  • A reading period for completion of assignments and preparation for exams (about 1 month).
  • Exams.

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.
  • Please email a copy of your Degree certificate to info@buddhlib.org.sg. Once received, we will contact you with the next steps for your application. Thank you.