About Sowa Rigpa International College

College Overview

Sowa Rigpa International College, located in the serene surroundings of Aarubari, Gokarneshwar, Kathmandu, stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to the preservation and academic advancement of Sowa Rigpa—the traditional Himalayan system of medicine. Established as the first college in Nepal to offer a university-level degree in this ancient healing art, the institution bridges the gap between centuries-old wisdom and contemporary medical science.

History and Legacy

The college was founded with the vision of formalizing Sowa Rigpa education in Nepal, ensuring that the lineage of the 'Amchi' (traditional practitioners) is maintained through a rigorous academic framework. By collaborating with international scholars and local practitioners, Sowa Rigpa International College has created a unique space where traditional knowledge meets modern pedagogy. It serves as a vital hub for students from across the Himalayan region and the international community who seek to master the 'Science of Healing'.

Mission

To produce highly skilled and compassionate Sowa Rigpa practitioners who are capable of integrating traditional healing practices with modern healthcare needs to serve humanity globally.

Vision

To become a world-renowned center of excellence for Sowa Rigpa education, research, and clinical practice, fostering a healthier society through holistic wisdom.

Institutional Highlights

  • First institution in Nepal to offer the Bachelor in Sowa Rigpa Medicine (BSRM).
  • Affiliated with the prestigious Lumbini Buddhist University.
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering the Four Tantras (Gyud-Zhi).
  • State-of-the-art herbal garden and traditional pharmacy for hands-on training.

University Affiliations & Recognition

Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU)

Primary Affiliation
Active Affiliation

Sowa Rigpa International College operates under the academic umbrella of Lumbini Buddhist University, the first university in Nepal dedicated to Buddhist studies and its related sciences. This affiliation ensures that the degrees awarded are globally recognized and adhere to high academic standards.

Recognition

  • Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Nepal
  • University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal

Programs Managed

BSRM Research Initiatives

Programs Offered by University

Bachelor in Sowa Rigpa Medicine (BSRM)

A professional 5.5-year degree program (including a mandatory 1-year internship) designed to train students in the theoretical and practical aspects of Sowa Rigpa.

Degree Level Undergraduate
Duration 5.5 Years
Eligibility 10+2 (Science) or Equivalent
Career Opportunities:

Graduates can pursue careers as Certified Amchis (Traditional Doctors), Research Scholars, Public Health Officers in traditional medicine, Wellness Consultants, or Academic Instructors in Sowa Rigpa institutions worldwide.

Fee Structure

Program University Duration Admission Fee Total Estimated Fee
Bachelor in Sowa Rigpa Medicine (BSRM) Lumbini Buddhist University 5.5 Years Contact Admissions Competitive (Contact for Details)
* Fees are subject to change according to university and college regulations. Please contact the administration office for the most updated fee breakdown including hostel and examination charges.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

Herbal Garden & Nursery

A dedicated space for the cultivation and identification of high-altitude medicinal herbs used in the preparation of Sowa Rigpa medicines.

Specialized Library

A vast collection of traditional Pecha (Tibetan scriptures), modern medical texts, and research journals focused on Buddhist science and medicine.

Sorig Clinic & Pharmacy

In-house clinical facilities where students observe and practice diagnosis (Pulse, Urine analysis) and traditional treatment methods.

Science Labs

Equipped laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy to provide a comparative understanding of modern health sciences.

Meditation Hall

Recognizing the mental aspect of healing, the campus provides quiet spaces for mindfulness and spiritual practice essential for practitioners.

Hostel Facilities

Safe and comfortable residential accommodation for domestic and international students with a healthy vegetarian cafeteria.

Faculty & Teaching Methodology

The faculty at Sowa Rigpa International College consists of a diverse group of highly qualified 'Amchis' who have completed traditional medical degrees, alongside doctors trained in modern medicine and PhD scholars in Buddhist Philosophy.

Methodology:

  • Traditional Pedagogy: Emphasis on memorization and oral transmission of the Gyud-Zhi (Four Medical Tantras).
  • Integrated Learning: Comparative studies between Sowa Rigpa diagnosis and modern pathological tests.
  • Clinical Rotations: Hands-on training in pulse reading, urine analysis, and External Therapies (moxibustion, massage, cupping).
  • Field Research: Annual excursions to high-altitude regions of Nepal for medicinal plant identification and collection.

Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Life at Sowa Rigpa International College is a blend of academic rigor and cultural enrichment. Students participate in various activities that foster leadership and a sense of community service.

Dharma Events

Participation in Buddhist festivals, rituals, and philosophical debates.

Medical Camps

Organizing free health check-up camps for underprivileged communities in the Kathmandu valley.

Cultural Clubs

Preserving Himalayan heritage through traditional music, dance, and language classes (Tibetan/Sambhota).

Sports & Wellness

Yoga sessions, football, and table tennis competitions for physical health.

Career Support & Placement Assistance

The college provides comprehensive support to ensure graduates transition successfully into professional practice. As Sowa Rigpa gains global recognition, the demand for qualified practitioners is on the rise.

Internships

Mandatory 1-year clinical rotation in recognized Sowa Rigpa hospitals and traditional pharmacies.

Global Partnerships

Collaborations with international traditional medicine centers in Europe and Asia for exchange programs.

Alumni Network

A growing network of graduates working in research, NGOs, and private practice across the globe.

Admission Process

How to Apply

  1. Check Eligibility: Completion of 10+2 with a background in Science or equivalent Tibetan studies (Amchi degree).
  2. Entrance Examination: Appear for the Lumbini Buddhist University entrance test for BSRM.
  3. Interview: Successful candidates are invited for a personal interview to assess their motivation and interest in Sowa Rigpa.
  4. Documentation: Submit academic transcripts, citizenship certificate, and recommendation letters.
  5. Enrollment: Pay the admission fee and complete the registration process.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

Merit-Based Scholarships

Available for students with exceptional performance in the university entrance exam and annual academic results.

Need-Based Assistance

Special financial support is provided for students coming from remote Himalayan regions and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sowa Rigpa is the traditional Himalayan science of healing, practiced for over 2,500 years. It focuses on the balance of the body's energies (Lung, Tripa, Pekan) through diet, lifestyle, medicines, and external therapies.

Yes, the degree is affiliated with Lumbini Buddhist University and recognized by the University Grants Commission of Nepal, making it a valid professional medical qualification.

Fees vary based on the residency status (domestic vs. international) and scholarship eligibility. Please contact the college administration office for the current fee structure.

The BSRM degree qualifies you as an Amchi (Sowa Rigpa Physician). While you learn modern medical basics, you are licensed to practice Sowa Rigpa medicine, not allopathic medicine.

Yes, the college welcomes international students for the BSRM program and occasionally offers short-term introductory courses and workshops.

Instruction is primarily in English and Tibetan (for textual studies). Nepali is also used for local clinical communication.

Yes, Sowa Rigpa International College facilities include a specialized library with an extensive collection of traditional and modern medical literature.

Yes, the college provides on-campus hostel accommodation and a cafeteria for its students.

Applicants need a 10+2 science background (Bio-group) with a minimum aggregate grade defined by Lumbini Buddhist University, and must pass the entrance exam.

An Amchi is a traditional practitioner of Sowa Rigpa, recognized as a primary health provider in many Himalayan communities.

Yes, the college maintains a botanical garden for students to study medicinal plants firsthand.

The internship is a mandatory one-year period following the completion of the four-and-a-half-year academic course.

It is located in Aarubari, Gokarneshwar-9, which is in the northeast part of Kathmandu Valley, near the sacred Gokarna forest.

Graduates can pursue Master’s and Doctoral research in Sowa Rigpa, traditional pharmacology, or public health.

Yes, the college maintains an active presence on Facebook where they share updates about events, medical camps, and admissions.

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Email info@sowarigpacollege.edu.np
Phone +977-1-4911008