Those who passed at least the Matriculation or equivalent with some knowledge of Pali or Sanskrit and Theravada Buddhist scriptures are qualified to apply for the Diploma in Buddha Dhamma. Candidates are required to sit for entrance examination at the Embassy of Myanmar in the country of their residence. There will be two papers, namely, one on English proficiency and one on General Knowledge related to Buddhism. We will timely inform the successful candidates to enable them to join first semester in November 1998.

In case you need any assistance regarding the joining of the University, you are advised to ask for necessary help from the Embassy of Myanmar in your country. Once you are accepted, please contact the Registrar Office of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in Yangon. Travelling expenses for joining the University will not be borne by the University. Once you join the University, free lodging and messing will be provided by the University.

You may print out a copy of the application form in the Internet www.mahasiusa.org.
For further information, please contact The Registrar, International Theravada Buddhist University at the above indicated address and one of Myanmar's Embassies or Consulates in your country.

If you reside in the United States of America, please contact:
1. New York - (Accept application only for Resident in New York State)
The United Nations Permanent Mission of Myanmar
10 E. 77^th Street
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-535-1310 / 212-535-1311

2. Washington DC- (Accept application for Resident in the United States of America)
The Embassy of Myanmar
2300 S. Street, N-W
Washington DC 20008
Tel: 202-332-9044 / 202-332-9045

If you reside in a foreign country, please contact one of Myanmar's overseas embassies in the following cities:
3. Europe - Belgrade, Berlin, Bern, Bonn, London, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Rome.
4. Asia - Bangkok, Calcutta, Colombo, Dacca, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Jakarta,
Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, New Delhi, Peking, Singapore, Tokyo, Vientiane.
5. Middle East - Tel Aviv, Cairo.
6. Australia - Canberra.
 

The University is newly established in 1998. It is a permanent centre of higher learning of Theravada Buddhism. It is located on the beautiful site of the sacred Dhammapala hill near the Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar has carefully preserved Theravada Buddhism for nearly one thousand years. Now she is sharing her knowledge of Buddhism both in theory and practice with the people of the world to promote their happiness and moral well-being. For the first time, those who wish to learn Theravada Buddhist canonical texts and insight meditation in Myanmar tradition will have a chance to study them at the same institution. Faculty members are renowned Myanmar Buddhist scholars of high academic achievements who have profound knowledge of Pali canons. In order to overcome language barriers, language teaching is included in the academic programmes. The medium of instruction will be English.

Objectives:

(a). To share the genuine Theravada Buddhism (the teachings of Gotama Buddha) with the people of the world.
(b). To study and comprehend the canonical texts of Theravada Pitaka as approved successively by the six Buddhist Synods.
(c). To abstain from evil deeds and practice good deeds.
(d). To enable people to believe in Kamma and its consequences.
(e). To know the differences between mind and matter.
(f). To promote the four modes of sublime living (Brahma-vihara) which would lead to the establishment of peaceful and prosperous world.
(g). To encourage and promote knowledge of the Four Noble Truths for enlightenment.

Structure:

Departments are organized under each faculty as follows:

1. Faculty of Pariyatti
(a). Department of Vinaya Studies
(b). Department of Suttanta Studies
(c). Department of Abhidhamma Studies
(d). Department of Buddhist Culture and History
(e). Department of Pali Studies
(f). Department of Myanmar Language

2. Faculty of Patipatti
(a). Department of Dhammanuloma Studies
(b). Department of Samatha Studies
(c). Department of Vipassana Studies

3. Faculty of Religious and Missionary Works
(a). Department of Comparative Studies of Religions
(b). Department of Missionary works
(c). Department of Research
(d). Department of Foreign Languages and Translation

The University will start functioning with a hard-core of Myanmar Buddhist scholars of More outstanding scholars will be recruited as the number of students increases. Depending on the availability of seats, more students are expected to join the University for postgraduate studies.

Functions of the Academic Staff:

The Academic staff of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University has to perform both teaching and research. Teaching includes conducting tutorials, seminars, workshops, symposia and excursions to historical sites. Research work will carry out by the academic staff individually as well as by the Department of Research.

Anyone regardless of gender, race, religion, and creed, having educational qualifications prescribed by the University, can apply for admission to the University. However students are required to sit for the entrance examination as prescribed by the University to fulfill the requirements before joining the University.

One diploma and three kinds of degree are offered for under-graduate and post-graduate students. They are as follows:
1. One-year diploma course, Diploma in Buddha Dhamma, Dip. (B.Dh.)
2. Two-year ordinary degree course, Bachelor of Arts in Buddha Dhamma, B.A. (B.Dh.)
3. Three-year M.A. course, Master of Arts in Buddha Dhamma, M.A. (B.Dh.)
4. Four-year Ph.D. course, Doctor of Philosophy in Buddha Dhamma, Ph.D. (B.Dh.)

The University will open with the beginning of diploma coursed in 1998 and degree courses will be given in the following years.

Academic Requirements:

Any applicant for Diploma in Buddha Dhamma will have to meet the following requirements:
1. must have passed at least the Matriculation or equivalent or Pathamagyi examination;
2. must sit for the entrance examination prescribed by the University;
3. must have some knowledge of Pali or Sanskrit;
4. must have some knowledge of Theravada Buddhist scriptures;
5. must be fluent in spoken and written English.

Any applicant for Bachelor of Arts in Buddha Dhamma will have to meet the following requirements:
1. must have obtained Dip. (B.Dh.) from this University or Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya or Sasana Takkasila Dhammacariya or must have passed the intermediate level with Pali or the intermediate level with Pali or the intermediate level with Pali or the intermediate level with Pali or Sanskrit subject from any University.
2. must be fluent in spoken and written English.
 
Any applicant for Master of Arts in Buddha Dhamma will have to meet the following requirements:
1. must have obtained B.A.(B.Dh.) from the University of B.S from any other Universities with Pali or Buddhistic Studies;
2. must be fluent in spoken and written English;
3. must have some knowledge of spoken and written Myanmar.
 

Any applicant for Doctor of Philosophy in Buddha Dhamma will have to meet the following requirements:
1. must have obtained M.A(B.Dh) form this University or M.A form any other Universities with Pali or Buddhistic Studies;
2. must have sound knowledge of spoken and written Myanmar.
 
Academic Term:

First Term: June to October.
Second Term: November to March
Holidays: April and May

Housing:

Lodging and messing for academic staff and students will be provided by the University.

Library Facilities:

The academic staff and the students have easy access to the Library of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. It is situated in the precinct of Kaba Aye Pagoda close to the campus. The Library holds 45,233 volumes and 12,265 palm leaf manuscripts. Steps are being taken to upgrade the library facilities.