BDK Asia
Stone Buddha statue lit by candlelight

BDK Fellowship

Study Buddhism in Japan

BDK Fellowship

Study Buddhism in Japan

The BDK Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) Japan.

This program provides selected scholars from around the world with the unique opportunity to study Buddhism in Japan. Fellows receive funding for research, access to Buddhist temples and universities, and the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese Buddhist culture and practice.

Applications are accepted annually from March through July. Selected fellows typically begin their studies in the following academic year.

Silhouette of a seated Buddha statue at sunset in Mawlamyine

Conditions & Benefits

  1. 1.

    Monthly scholarship payments of:

    ¥250,000 (for a single awardee)

    ¥300,000 (for an awardee with his/her accompanying family)

  2. 2.

    Additional Award benefits:

    Health insurance premium for coverage provided by a local government office in Japan (for recipient and his/her accompanying family, up to ¥30,000 per person)

  3. 3.

    Partial subsidy for domestic research travel and book purchases:

    ¥40,000 toward research travel and ¥40,000 toward book purchases.

  4. 4.

    One round trip economy class air fare for the recipient

    (for a recipient already residing in Japan, a one-way return ticket)

  5. 5.

    Please inquire with BDK about possible additional support for dependents

    which will be considered in special cases.

How to apply

Application process

  1. 01

    March – July

    Opening date for applications

    Request documents

    1. Applications

    2. Confidential Reports

    3. Recommendation Letters

  2. 02

    End of July

    Deadline

    Applications are accepted ONLY by email and must be received by midnight of the deadline date.

  3. 03

    Anytime between April 1 ~ March 31

    Start your scholarship period in Japan

  4. 04

    End of October

    Selection announcement

    Payment performance

For More Details

Click on the link if you are planning to apply, or would like to know more details on the application procedure and required documents or the submission deadlines

Click Here To Apply

Submit applications to BDK Fellowship Committee: bdkfellowship@bdk.or.jp