Buddhism boasts one of the most well-known religious leaders, the Dalai Lama, as well as being one of the world’s largest and oldest religions. With 300-500 million followers worldwide, Buddhism is growing in popularity in the Western world, increasing the number of Buddhist students in the United States looking for college funding. Students can work towards both their spiritual and intellectual enlightenment with a little help from some scholarships offered through Buddhist organizations.

Students in areas of the country with a higher concentration of Buddhists may have more of an opportunity to earn scholarships than those in other areas. Awards from almost all temples and universities are based on the student’s academic performance, service to the community and membership to a specific Buddhist temple or sect. Students who meet these requirements will be eligible for the bulk of academic awards offered to Buddhists.

Scholarships may be given to students who are members of certain temples, especially in states like California with large Buddhist populations. Students who are pursuing a career in religious studies and who want to focus on Buddhism may be able to find additional funding through certain universities. There are also a number of Buddhist-run schools that provide scholarships to students who want to earn undergraduate or graduate degrees in the study of the religion.

Private organizations haven’t excluded Buddhist students from their generosity. The Tzu-Chi Foundation, dedicated to providing charitable services, medical care, education, and cultural awareness around the world, gives out scholarships to students who have performed well academically but have a financial need for assistance in their education. The Khyentse Foundation, which lists scholarships as one of its five major projects, gives out awards each year to motivated Buddhist students around the world.

Buddhist Scholarships

• Tzu-Chi Foundation: $1,000 awarded to a Buddhist freshman undergraduate student.
• Khyentse Foundation: Amount and number of students vary. Students must be Buddhists and submit an essay to be eligible.
• San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Scholarships : Amounts and number of awards vary for high school seniors who are members of a Buddhist church. Some scholarships have additional restrictions.
• Honpa Hongwanji Scholarship: $750 is given to two students who are high school seniors and who are members or children of members of the Honpa Hongwanji temple in Hawaii.