Buddhism Scholarships
It's All About Karma
Buddhism is a religion that has a huge world following - over three hundred million people. This religion does not believe in a God but has a number of enlightening lessons for its followers. Whether you are a Buddhist trying to find a way to pay for your education or a student who wishes to study Buddhism, there are scholarships available.
Church Funding
If you live in California and are a member of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, then you have several opportunities for winning a scholarship. Requirements for most of the scholarships available include being a member of the church as well as one of the active groups within the church community.
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nitta Scholarship - This $500 scholarship requires that you be a graduating senior or high school graduate. You must provide grade transcripts, proof of community service involvement, especially within the Buddhist and temple communities. In addition, three letters of recommendations are needed as well as an essay on a Buddhism topic.
- The James Takeo Hashimoto Memorial Scholarship - This monetary award is given to a graduating high school senior who is a Buddhist that follows the Bodhisattva belief and is involved with the church programs.
- The Masato and Chieno Kumada Memorial Scholarship - A graduating senior is the ultimate winner of this monetary award who is seeking a higher education. Excellent scholastic achievement and being active within the church are two prerequisites to be considered.
- Phil Matsumura Memorial Scholarship - Members of the church's Young Buddhist Association (YBA) are eligible to receive this scholarship. Applicants must also display outstanding academic achievement and commitment to Buddhism.
College Funding for Buddhism Studies
Naropa University in Colorado offers degree programs for religious studies which include Buddhism. In fact, the university has two Master's degree programs devoted to it. To support some of those students in this field of study, there are several scholarships available.
- The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Merit Scholarship - This monetary award is for a graduate student studying for a Master of Divinity degree or even a Master of Buddhism. Students must demonstrate scholastic excellence and potential to make a significant impact in the development of American Buddhism. In addition, students must be United States citizens or permanent residents and provide not only several letters of recommendation but also an essay about their Buddhism goals. For the first year, a graduate student will receive $15,000 with a possibility of a $7,500 renewal the following year.
- Monastic Scholarship - Only one student, either a nun or monk, is given this monetary award. Full tuition and miscellaneous school fees are covered and can be renewed.
Dharma Realm Buddhist University in California offers a Bachelor degree in Buddhism Study and Practice as well as a Master's degree program. For students with true financial difficulties, the university will provide to qualified Sangha members on campus, a scholarship which would cover tuition and possibly even room and board.
The Institute of Buddhist Studies in California is a graduate school and seminary which offers a Master of Arts in Buddhism Studies. They offer scholarships on a yearly basis and students who are seeking a scholarship must complete financial aid paperwork to be considered. Letter requests for scholarships should be sent directly to the Dean of The Institute of Buddhist Studies.
Private Funding
The Tzu-Chi Foundation issues scholarships to high school seniors graduating with at least a 3.0 grade point average. Financial need is a requirement as is scholastic achievement. Monetary awards are typically $1,000.
The Khyentse Foundation provides modest scholarships to several individuals in financial need. This monetary award is not limited to just college students but also other individuals like teachers and translators who wish to practice and study Buddhism.