General Requirements
Applicants to the Sangha and Laity Training Programs must have a sincere aspiration to pursue a Buddhist-religious vocation and to serve in institutions or organizations that are in harmony with Buddhist goals and principles. Applicants must be of high moral character, intellectual competence, satisfactory health, and have a resolve to follow the regulations of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the City of the Dharma Realm with faithfulness and diligence.

Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment. Applicants under 18 who wish to enroll must petition to do so; their petitions will be reviewed by an admissions committee and will be judged on the basis of the applicant's demonstration of sufficient maturity to undertake the training. Such students are enrolled on a probationary basis, subject to regular review. Students below the age of 18 who have not yet completed their secondary education are required to attend Developing Virtue Secondary School at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas concurrent with their seminary training.

Bilingual Instruction
Instruction is bilingual, in English and Mandarin, required texts are in both languages. Members of the faculty and administrative staff speak either or both languages. Students are encouraged to study English and/ or Chinese as appropriate to develop bi-lingual skill, so that they can better serve the society. English proficiency is not a requirement to enter or to complete any Program. The SLTP curriculum includes classes in ESL and CSL. According to individual student needs, tutorials may be available upon request.

Open Policy
All applications to the Training Programs are considered without regard to an applicant’s race, color, age, sex, or national or ethnic origin. Physical disability is not a disqualification for admission, but, as they constitute a small institution, the Sangha and Laity Training Programs are not able to provide special facilities for the disabled.

Special Studies Form
Students wishing to attend academic courses not listed in the current SLTP class schedule, and those wishing to do independent study to earn SLTP clock hours and a letter grade, must obtain a Special Studies Form from the Registrar’s Office, get the instructor’s permission and signature, and return the form to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office staff will then arrange for attendance records and evaluation records for all approved Special
Studies applications.

Tuition and Fees

The cost for one year of the Sangha Paramita Program:

The cost for one year of the Laity Paramita Training Program:

*Required books and materials are available on loan for students who do not wish to own them or cannot afford to purchase them. Purchased books and materials are non-refundable.

All students must pay the full annual amount of tuition and room & board at the time of their signing the Enrollment Contract; in special cases, payments may be made in increments. Signing the Enrollment Contract and payment of fees constitute enrollment. Students are responsible for their own medical expenses, books, and study materials. Students with financial need may apply for scholarships after their first successful year of training.

Financial Aid and Work/Study

Scholarships
Full Scholarships to cover tuition and/or room & board may be awarded to qualified students with genuine financial need who demonstrate a potential for study and true sincerity in their wish to train in a Program. Those interested in applying for financial aid should obtain application materials from the Office of the Registrar.

Work/Study Program
Work/study scholarships for reduction of the room and board fees may be made available to students whose financial resources are severely limited and who show potential for study and true sincerity in their desire to be in the Training Program. Work/study is usually accomplished in a vocational area of interest to the student and of value to the campus community. Applicants wishing to apply for work study status should offer proof of financial need. For more information contact the Office of the Registrar.