A. Applications to study at International Buddhist College (IBC)

1. What is so unique about International Buddhist College? Why should I choose to teach or study at IBC?

International Buddhist College is an academic institution that provides a multinationally, multitraditionally and multiculturally rich teaching and learning environment that is also unique in many respects:

• the curriculum is all-embracing in depth and breadth in its coverage of the teachings of major Buddhist traditions, giving equal emphasis to the teachings known as 'Theravada' and 'Mahayana';
• the teaching faculty and student community are multinational and multitraditional in composition so that instructors and students not only teach and learn, but also live and experience the richness of the teachings and practice of various traditions, heritage and cultures;
• IBC offers instructors and students a unique experience in living, teaching and learning Buddhism in many aspects not found elsewhere.

many more, see academic and community for academic and student life at IBC

2. What are the academic programs on offer?

IBC offers B.A., M.A. and Ph. D. programs in Buddhist Studies.
See http://ibc.ac.th/en/programs and navigate further from there for more details.
The curricula can be downloaded at:

• http://ibc.ac.th/en/BA for the 120-credit B.A. program;
• http://ibc.ac.th/en/graduate for the 36-credit M.A. program;
• http://ibc.ac.th/en/PhD for the 48-credit Ph. D. program.
The curricula are very informative. They contain information on the study programs, requirements, management and rules and regulations governing the programs. Those who are interested in any of the programs are advised to download and read them through thoroughly.

3. What is the teaching medium?

All academic programs are now offered in Chinese and English as the media of instruction. Students may choose to complete their program in either or both languages.

4. Any language requirement?

media of instruction - English and Chinese

Students need to show proficiency in English or Chinese, the media of instruction for its academic programs.
To be eligible for admission into the undergraduate or graduate program, students need to have an English or Chinese language proficiency level equivalent to a Toefl score of 550.
IBC operates an Intensive English Language program for those students who have some basic foundation knowledge in these languages but whose language proficiency level needs to be raised to the desired level for them to be able to follow the undergraduate and graduate programs.

requirement on Buddhist canonical or scriptural language for postgraduate studies

Knowledge in Pali, Sanskrit, and others such as Chinese, Japanese, or Tibetan are an advantage but not an absolute requirement for consideration for admission into any of IBC's academic programs. Applicants who fulfill other requirement will be considered for admission and once admitted into the postgraduate program, the students must be prepared to take up these language courses as preliminary or extra courses (credits not counted towards the postgraduate program enrolled in).
Students lacking in skill in one or more of these languages are advised to take these language courses to build up their foundation in these languages for their postgraduate studies. The language courses at foundation and higher levels are offered every semester as part of the B.A. program.

5. What are the fees?

See http://ibc.ac.th/en/fees for the fee structure of each program.
Fees are subject to change from time to time. Write to enquire@ibc.ac.th for confirmation on the latest fee structure for each program.

6. How do I apply to join any of the academic programs offered?

Interested applicants may download and complete the application forms and submit them in soft copies to enquire@ibc.ac.th; and mail the hard copies to International Buddhist College, 88, Mu 2, Thung Mo Subdistrict, Khuan Sato, Amphoe Sadao, Songkhla 90240, Thailand.

Application forms and instructions on supporting documents required can be downloaded at http://ibc.ac.th/en/enrollment

7. Is there any educational assistance program?

IBC 's Educational Assistance Scheme is offered by Klintiendharm Foundation (Than Hsiang Foundation, Thailand) and you can write in to apply for it.
There are three types of educational assistance open for application:

• Full Bursary Scheme;
• Metta Bursary Scheme;
• Scholarship Scheme:.

see details here.

8. What is Caution Fee?

Caution Fee is the fee to be paid by each new student upon their enrollment at the College. It is applicable to recipients of Educational Assistance. It is set at Baht 20,000.00. Caution fee will be returned to the students/guarantors upon the students' successful completion of their first year of study at IBC.
This is to encourage recipients of educational assistance to study well and spend their time well while at IBC to succeed in their studies without causing harm and damage to the College or others.

In the past, there have been too many cases of students given education free at IBC, but who failed to use their time and resources given free well in their studies and instead doing themselves, the College and their guardians and supporters a disservice in getting distracted with other activities and in failing to study and succeed in their studies at IBC.

New students who are recipients of educational assistance need to find a sponsor or guarantor to pay or guarantee the payment of Caution Fee.
see more details here.

9. How do new students get educational aid?

Having paid the Caution fee, students should strive to achieve good academic performance and show good personal conduct during the first semester so as to be eligible for consideration to be awarded a bursary or scholarship for the next semester.
Continuous good academic performance and personal conduct will help ensure the students continuous financial assistance based on the Bursary and Scholarship Scheme.

10. What are the minimal entry requirements?

• for B.A. program - successful completion of high school education or Pali Level 5 or equivalent; proficiency in English and/or Chinese language, TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent; work experience that is relevant.
• for M.A. program - successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimal GPAX of 2.75 or equivalent; proficiency in English and/or Chinese language, TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent; work experience that is relevant.
• for Ph. D. program - successful completion of a Master's degree in any discipline with a minimal GPAX of 3.50 or equivalent; proficiency in English and/or Chinese language, TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent; work experience that is relevant.

For more details, see the curricula

• http://ibc.ac.th/en/BA for the 120-credit B.A. program;
• http://ibc.ac.th/en/graduate for the 36-credit M.A. program;
• http://ibc.ac.th/en/PhD for the 48-credit Ph. D. program.

11. Is there any age limit?

There is no age limit, or any other forms of discrimination. Students need to be medically and spiritually sound to follow the academic programs they are eligible for, admitted and enrolled in.
Residential students are expected to abide by the residential rules and regulations which are formulated based on the Buddhist Monastic Code of Disciplines.

12. How often does IBC take in students?

Applications are accepted all year round. The applications are processed at least three times a year for intakes in the First Semester (July-November), Second Semester (November-April), and Summer Semester (May-June).

13. What is the selection procedure?

Applicants are required to sit for Language Proficiency Test, entrance qualifying examinations for postgraduate programs, and interviews.

• For entry into B.A. program, applicants have to sit for Language Proficiency Test if they do not have proof of TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent, and if they are not native speakers of English or Chinese language and who can also read and write in those languages;
• For entry into M.A. program, in addition to language proficiency test and interview as mentioned above, applicants have to sit for Entrance Qualifying Examination on Buddhist Studies;
• For entry into Ph. D. program, in addition to language proficiency test and interview as mentioned above, applicants have to submit an outline of his/her proposed research interests that can be developed into Ph. D. research project.

14. How do I find accommodation around the campus?

Write to enquire@ibc.ac.th for assistance with finding accommodation around IBC.

15. How do I find my way to IBC?

See http://ibc.ac.th/en/directions for directions to IBC.
You can also call IBC office at +66 74 268754/268755 or mobile +66 81 9593895

16. What do you recommend I should bring from my home country?

If you are not a native speaker of English or Chinese language, bring a good dictionary.
Bring a notebook computer.
While IBC library is reasonably well stocked with English and Chinese language books, it would be useful for you to bring useful reference books which are in your own language, in English or Chinese and other languages.
Weather in southern Thailand is fairly warm, bring light clothings. In northern Thailand, weather is slightly cooler and can be quite chilly at night, bring some warm clothings too if you intend to spend sometime there during your stay in Thailand.

17. What about student visa? Why should I not enter Thailand using tourist visa to study at IBC?

Applicants who are successful and given admission to one of the academic programs will be sent offical letters of offer and instructions on how to apply for a 'Non-immigrant ED Visa' or student visa. Successful applicants are advised to obtain a 'Non-immigrant ED Visa' or student visa before entering Thailand. Entering Thailand with a tourist visa would necessitate the applicant to exit Thailand to apply for a 'Non-immigrant ED Visa' or student visa for study at IBC.
Student visa is renewable on a yearly basis.
IBC is obligated to inform the Immigration department for their decision or action on the student visa validity period should students who have obtained the visa fail to study at IBC or leave IBC without completing his/her study.
IBC office will help the students who have successfully completed their yearly studies to renew their student visa.

18. How soon will I hear about the outcome of my application?

Applications which are complete with all the necessary supporting document will be processed very fast with the following possible outcomes:

• rejection for failing in fulfilling the minimal requirement;
• accepted for consideration pending outcomes of Language Proficiency test, Entrance qualifying examination and Interview;
• overseas applicants will be informed on the date and venue of Language Proficiency test, Entrance qualifying examination and Interview when these can be finalised.

19. How do I help expedite the processing of my application?

Applicants can help IBC expedite their applications by having their copies of supporting documents 'Certified True' by a lawyer or Notary Public and attested by their country's embassy or foreign mission in Thailand before sending them on to IBC.

20. What cause the delay in the processing of my application?

All applications must be supported with the required documents such as:

1. Two (2) copies of passport-sized photograph护照规格相片两张
2. One (1) photocopy set of passport pages containing details on passport number, personal particulars and photograph / 印有护照号码、个人讯息及相片之护照页复印件1套
3. Certified true copies of all certificates and relevant examination results经认证之全部证书及考试成绩原件
4. Testimonial / Letter of reference 推荐 / 介绍信
5. Personal medical health report 医院体检证明报告
6. For a Sangha student: certified copy of Monk / Nun Identity Certificate 出家学生： 僧伽证 / 戒牒复印件
7. Guaranteed letter on good character by the abbot of a temple/所在寺院住持签署之行为保证书

Often, applicants forget to send in the examination transcripts or have their certificates or document 'certified true'.
Incomplete applications and insufficient supporting documentation delay the processing of the applications.
In some cases, delays are due to time needed to find the right venue and person to conduct the language proficiency test, entrance examination and interview in the foreign country. But the duration of delay due to this technicality will generally be limited and solution usually found before the deadline of intake of the students for a given semester.

21. Does IBC offer distance learning programs?

IBC is working on e-learning to facilitate distance learning.

22. Who should I contact for general inquiry?

Write to enquire@ibc.ac.th