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Stanford
The Ho Center for Buddhist Studies
School of Humanities & Sciences
Kaki-gara (oyster shells) with prayers written on them

Kaki-gara (oyster shells) with prayers written on them, Kamakura, Japan. Photo credit: Irene Lin

Graduate Student Grants

The Ho Center for Buddhist Studies provides funding to Stanford graduate students in the Buddhist Studies track to support their research, training, and fieldwork. We provide support in the following areas:

Conference Participation

Graduate students in the Buddhist Studies track who wish to attend an academic conference, whether or not they are presenting a paper, are eligible to apply for funding. Awards will be limited to support for one conference per academic year — a maximum of $800 for domestic travel or $1,200 for international travel. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the conference. Awardees must comply with Stanford University student travel and reimbursement guidelines and must work with the Center staff to book travel and accommodations. Applicants are encouraged to apply for additional funds from other Stanford units or external agencies.

Applications must include

Upon completion

  • Submit required paperwork for reimbursement
  • Provide a one-page reflection on conference attendance

Language Study Grants

Summer: 

Graduate students in the Buddhist Studies track who require advanced training in Buddhist canonical languages and are unable to study these languages during the school year or at Stanford may apply for financial aid to support summer language study at another university. Grants will be limited to a maximum of $2,000. Priority will be given to students who have not received a language study grant from the Center before. Applications for summer language study are due by April 30. 

Applications must include

  • A description of why the language study supports the student’s research or training
  • An itemized budget or description of the cost
  • Material from the institution providing class details or a short summary of the material to be covered from the relevant instructor
  • Approval from faculty advisor

Upon completion

  • Documentation of participation
  • Submit required paperwork for reimbursement within 2 weeks of completion
  • Submit 1-page summary of language study experience within a month of completion

Academic Year: Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters:

For graduate students in the Buddhist Studies track who require advanced language study in Buddhist canonical languages during the academic year, please request a class through the Special Languages Program. 

The HCBSS will work with the Special Language Program to offer language courses during the academic year. Please note that requests for the following academic year must be submitted by Spring Quarter of the current academic year. Please send a copy of your language request form to Irene Lin (ihl [at] stanford.edu (ihl[at]stanford[dot]edu)).  

Research Grants

Graduate students in the Buddhist Studies track who need to travel for the purposes of research or fieldwork for their dissertation may apply for one research grant per academic year. Award will be up to $2,500 per proposal and made on a competitive basis. Priority will be given to students who have not previously received a research grant from the Center. Applications must be submitted at least three months prior to the proposed travel. Applicants are encouraged to apply for additional funds from other Stanford units or external agencies. 

Application must include

  • A description of the research or project
  • An itemized budget
  • Approval from faculty advisor

Upon completion

  • Submit required paperwork for reimbursement
  • Provide a 1-page summary of research or fieldwork
  • Provide digital images of research or fieldwork (if available)

 

Please send your applications and direct your questions to Executive Director Irene Lin: ihl [at] stanford.edu (ihl[at]stanford[dot]edu)