The International Buddhist College (IBC) is an institute of higher learning that offers different academic programs related to Buddhist thought. At the heart of IBC we find the different programs in Buddhist Studies. With English as a medium of instruction and students and teachers from many countries and parts of the world, IBC is truly international. Outstanding unique features are the non-sectarian and multi-traditional orientation and the equal emphasis on study and practice. The curriculum of IBC covers the whole range of Buddhist thought. IBC is a young institution that aims to become an internationally recognized centre for Buddhist studies.

Vision

The International Buddhist College is the realization of the vision of establishing an international institute of higher learning offering quality Buddhist education within a spiritually dedicated, non-sectarian, modern and scholastic environment. The College shall provide students at a unique opportunity to acquire a comprehensive and in-depth study of Buddhism while promoting knowledge and understanding of the different Buddhist traditions. It shall seek to combine the continuous inculcation of Buddhist spiritual values and the rigours of academic scholarship and a healthy appreciation of the richness and diversity of Buddhist traditions.

Unique Features

The International Buddhist College, as a Buddhist tertiary institution of higher learning, is unique in several aspects.

• Firstly, it is non-sectarian and multi-traditional in philosophy, outlook and practice in running educational programs and in administration.
• Secondly, it is just about one of the few Buddhist tertiary institutions of learning where the core concentrations are Buddhist studies and practice. An outstanding feature is the intention to place equal emphasis on study and practice.
• Thirdly, it is both traditional in instilling Buddhist values and practice in everyday life while at the same time liberal in offering a broad-based all-rounded education which is progressive and relevant in today’s living.
• Fourthly, it is truly international with teachers and students from many parts of the world and very rich in diversity of Buddhist traditions and cultures in its faculty and student community.

Ambition

IBC incorporates many features which will enable it to become an internationally recognized centre of excellence for Buddhist studies. It makes no discrimination as regards gender, ethnicity, nationality and religion in admitting students and recruiting teachers. In adopting English as its medium of instruction, it opens the gates to students from many parts of the world, and provides them with access to the largest body of modern Buddhist literature in a single language. It will adhere to the most modern methods of academic scholarship, while promoting at the same time the spiritual enrichment of its student community. In teaching as well as in research, it will eschew all sectarian approaches while promoting knowledge and understanding between different schools of thought and cultural traditions within Buddhism. While promoting intra-religious fellowship within Buddhism, it will also encourage inter-faith understanding among world religions.