College and Department of Buddhist Studies, FGU

PhD

Our Ph.D. program offers a specialized focus on the in-depth study of Chinese Buddhism, exploring its rich history, texts, and traditions. To ensure success in this rigorous academic journey, proficiency in Classical Chinese is a prerequisite for admission.
 

**Admission Examination Guidelines:**

**Document Review (30%):**

1. Bachelor's and Master's degree transcripts (one copy each)
2. Master's thesis and relevant works
3. Research proposal for doctoral degree study
4. Two recommendation letters
5. Personal statement of academic interest
6. Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)

**Written Exam (30%):**

1. Choice between "English Buddhist Reading Proficiency Test" or "Japanese Buddhist Reading Proficiency Test" (15%)
    (Separate passing criteria apply; applicants not meeting the criteria will not be admitted)
2. History of Buddhist Thought (15%)

**Interview (40%):**

**Ph.D. Admission Exam - Reference Books for Written Exam:** _{(Updated on May 12, 2022)}

1. "English Reading Proficiency":
Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Ed. Robert E. Buswell, Jr.
New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2003. 2 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Thomson Gale. University of Hong Kong Libraries. May 12, 2005.

2. "History of Buddhist Thought":
     2-1. New Asian History of Buddhism (in Chinese)
     2-2. Akira Hirakawa's History of Indian Buddhism

[Exam Papers Archive]

Note: Starting from the  academic year 112, the "Japanese Buddhist Reading Proficiency Test" will be added as an option. This means applicants can choose either the English or Japanese test. There are currently no reference books available for the "Japanese Buddhist  Reading Proficiency Test".