Scholarships

Scholarships

“It breaks my heart when I see the sacrifices some students must make to study and practice the dharma. Some will sleep in a car for months and eat one meal a day just to receive teachings. So if we can offer support, we should. There is so much benefit in helping those who want to study and practice. Milarepa said the practitioner and the patron will face Buddhahood together.” - Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Khyentse Foundation’s special grants and scholarships are making a difference around the world, from Thailand to Tibet, from South Africa to North America, from the inner city to nomadic territories. Through the generosity of our donors worldwide, the Foundation supports institutions that are engaged in the preservation of the dharma, and also enables individuals to further their Buddhist studies and practice. This funding helps to ensure that the Buddhadharma is available to all those who seek it. Financial assistance to individuals is awarded on merit and need, regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, Buddhist tradition, or cultural background.

We welcome applications for KF scholarships from individuals as well as from Buddhist institutions that offer study or retreat programs.

WHO WE SUPPORT
In the few years of the Scholarship Fund’s existence, its support has touched thousands of lives. In addition to the individual recipients, here are just a few of the institutions to which we have offered one-time or ongoing support:

  • International Network of Engaged Buddhists, Thailand
  • Khmer-Buddhist Educational Assistance Program, Cambodia/USA
  • Monastic Vikramasila Education Society, Ladakh, Northern India
  • North Sikkim Academy, Mangan, North Sikkim
  • Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sihu Buddhist Institute, Kangding, Sichuan Province, China
  • Thosamling Institute Library, Dharamsala, India
  • Vajradhara Gonpa, Three Year Retreat Centre, Kyogle, Australia
  • Warnam Retreat Centre for Nuns, Lhasa

Khyentse Foundation Scholarship Policies

  • Scholarship support from Khyentse Foundation is offered internationally.
  • Scholarship support from Khyentse Foundation is awarded on a nonsectarian basis to individual Buddhist students, practitioners, teachers, and translators, and to Buddhist institutions that sponsor or support such individuals.
  • Applicants are required to write an essay of approximately 400 words that describes the nature of their endeavor, outlines their motivations and aspirations, and makes a case for why KF should support them. The essay should also include background information about any experience that is relevant to their study and/or practice of dharma.
  • Applicants must show some initiative to independently earn and save a portion of the funds necessary to study or practice.
  • Support may be in full or partial. Support is for a maximum of 12 months for any single application.
  • The KF Scholarships Committee will not consider recommendation or reference letters unless the committee requests them. Please do not send unsolicited materials.
  • Deadlines for applications are January 15 and July 15 of each year.