BA Program
Mahapanya Vidayalai (MPV) is an affiliated institute of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and it offers Bachelor of Arts Degree Program in Buddhist Studies.
Historical Background
Mahapanya Vidayalai was launched in 2002 (B.E 2545). The first academic term started on 10 June 2002 with students from China, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangaladesh and Thailand. MPV has initially started with the Faculty of Buddhist Studies and English as the medium of instruction for all subjects. The founding of MPV was a collaborative effort by the Chief Patriarch of Anam Nikaya in conjunction with both Mahayana and Theravada schools of Buddhism and the support of His Eminence, Somdet Phrabuddhacarya. Presently it is open to all Buddhist monks and lay people regardless of nationality or sectarian affiliation
Objectives of the Program
To enable students to acquire knowledge from Buddhist Study and to cultivate students’ talent and wisdom. Furthermore, to enhance their capabilities to proclaim the Buddha’s teaching for the benefit of society.
To educate new generations to be refined both in conduct and morality, based on Buddha’s teaching.
To provide Buddhist monks and lay people with opprtunities for acquiring their higher education in Buddhist Studies for the sake of popularizing Studies in Buddhism and moreover enabling students with school leaving certificates to pursue higher studies.
Duration of Education
Students in the program are required to attend classes for a minimum of 8 full semesters, but not longer than 16 full semesters. The program is designed for a B.A. Degree in Mahayana Studies. All graduates will be awarded a degree from the Mahachulalongkornrajavidayalaya University.
Qualifications for Admission
Students who hold a high school certificate or any education equivalent to the high school level which is qualified to enter an undergraduate level in their home countries;
Students who practise and accomplished their study in their third level of Buddhist Scriptures or holding equivalent qualification;
Abbots and teachers or those who have been appointed as teachers for not less than three years;
Students with good health.
Remarks:
English proficiency is mandatory. English proficiency must be demonstrated by obtaining at least a First Certificate in English form British Council or a comparable level in other internationally recognized tests, such as TOEFL or TOEIC. The students also have the option to test at our on campus English Language Center in HatYai, Thailand. Those students who pass the Intermediate level will be provisionally accepted as students. They, however, are required to study an intensive English program conducted on campus until they are able to pass the advanced level.
N.B: The costs of the English lessons are the responsibility of the applicants.
Application for Admission
Students who are interested in enrollment in the program must complete the application form and submit the form with other required documents as stated below to the MPV Administration Office at
635/1 Thammanoonvithi Rd. HatYai,Songkhla 90110, Thailand. Tel : (66-1) 896-8016 or (66-74) 243-558 Email: info@mahapanya.ac.th
You can download Application Form here by clicking: BA Application Form.doc. (MS word document)
For Thai Applicants:
Official transcipt from high school (M.6) or equivalent certificate;
Two recommendation letters from former teachers; and two copies of the Official Certificate (Nang Sue Suddhi) for monk & novices;
Two recent 11/2 inch-sized photopgraphs
For Foreign Applicants
(Please note: All documents must be submitted with a certified English translation.)
Official transcript from high school or equivalent certificate;
Two recommendation letters from former teachers;
Two copies of the passport and two recent passport-sized photographs;
Ordination documents.
Entrance Examination
The students must demonstrate English language proficiency as stated above. Students who do not have an acceptable level of English can be accepted on a provisional basis. Intensive English language courses are offered on campus. Students will be required to study English until they pass the advanced level.
Entering Thailand
Prior to enter Thailand, foreign students must obtain a letter from MPV to be presented to the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate Authorities so that they can obtain a proper Non-Immigrant Student Visa. The Tourist Visa is NOT sufficient.
Entering Thailand without the proper Visa will necessitate exit from the country and re-entry.
Facilities & Accommodations
The classrooms at MPV are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the latest instructional technology. The dining hall, computer facilities and and library are all conveniently located on the main campus for the benefit of our students.
MPV will assist students to locate suitable accommodation in local temples.