OpenFieldPhD in Shin Buddhist Culture and Comparative Religious Ethics
World-leading doctorate in Pure Land Buddhist philosophy, Sanskrit philology, ancient Japanese textual hermeneutics, and interfaith bioethics.
Application checklist & requirements
These requirements reflect published university guidelines available at the last review. Review official department guidelines before submission.
- Academic degree / Prerequisites
- Master's degree in Buddhist Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, or East Asian History.
- English language proficiency
- Japanese JLPT N1 and reading proficiency in classical Sino-Japanese (Kanbun) or Sanskrit.
- Standardized testing (GRE/GMAT)
- Not required.
- Thesis / Research statement
- Master's thesis copy, CV, publication list, and doctoral dissertation prospectus.
- Recommendation letters
- Two academic letters from senior scholars.
How much will it cost? How much funding is available?
- Financial support / stipend
- Hongwanji International Fellowship providing ¥120,000/month living stipend and full tuition waiver
- Application fee
- ¥35,000 examination fee
- Tuition / joining costs
- ¥0 with fellowship; ¥580,000/year standard
Dates and verification
- Application deadline
- January 10, 2027
- Last source review
- 2026-10-15
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Ryukoku University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Admissions, funding allocations, and eligibility thresholds are evaluated by the university.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue