The Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies is dedicated to fostering scholarly advancement in the field of Buddhist studies. Beyond our yearly calendar of events and programs, we provide a number of funding opportunities to empower our students with the resources for research projects, language training, and travel.
Summer Research Traineeship
The Summer Research Traineeship Award provides funding for graduate students to undertake summer research travel or language study that directly supports their academic work in Buddhist Studies. For more information on how to apply, contact buddhiststudies@utoronto.ca
Travel Grant
Initiated in the fall of 2024, this newly established travel grant is designed to support post-doc students in this crucial stage of their academic career, helping them attend conferences and workshops where they can present their research, network with peers and mentors, and engage in collaborative academic exchanges. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by post-doctoral scholars who often lack the funding stability provided to graduate students, this fund aims to enable them to take full advantage of opportunities that advance their professional development. This fund is also open to advanced graduate students who have exhausted other sources of travel support. For more information on how to apply, contact buddhiststudies@utoronto.ca
Graduate Student Recruitment Fund
Starting in January of 2026, we are pleased to announce a new Graduate Student Recruitment Fund to support departments in attracting outstanding students to graduate programs in Buddhist studies. This fund provides additional financial support to enhance the offers extended to prospective students, helping to strengthen graduate enrolment and foster scholarly engagement within the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. Funding is available for both Master’s and Doctoral applicants, with $2,000 offered for Master’s students and $5,000 for Doctoral students.
Departments can apply to the fund to supplement the financial packages of their top candidates. For Doctoral applicants, the first round of applications opens in early February, with funding decisions communicated shortly thereafter. Master’s applications, and any second-round Doctoral applications, are reviewed in March and finalized by the end of April. Departments are asked to confirm student acceptances and notify the Ho Centre if a student declines or withdraws from the program.
Students who receive recruitment funding are expected to actively engage with the Centre’s programs, including lectures, seminars, and other academic events. The fund is designed to support students’ research and professional development while helping build a vibrant scholarly community at the Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies. Departments interested in applying can receive detailed information on eligibility, deadlines, and the application process by contacting the Ho Centre Coordinator.
Funding in the Department for the Study of Religion
Machik Ödrön Fund for Tibetan Language
Bill and Belle Levman Graduate Award
