Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) was founded by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche as an institution of higher learning for all those wishing to deepen and expand their understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice. RYI has run study programs and hosted seminars in Nepal for more than twenty-five years with the aim to provide a study environment that promotes mutual respect, cooperation, and enlightened common purpose. In 2002, RYI partnered with Kathmandu University (KU) to form the Centre for Buddhist Studies (CBS) in order to offer formal degree programs in Buddhist Studies and related subjects. Courses currently offered include: a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language; an MA preparatory program, a two-year Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies; a two-year Master of Arts degree in Translation, Textual Interpretation, and Philology; and a research PhD program. RYI offers several other courses including a twelve-month Translator Training Program, summer intensive courses, and a variety of online learning courses. RYI's alumni number more than 1,300 and span over forty nationalities. They apply their training at RYI in the world through teaching, translating, and interpreting, raising families, healing the ill, and running global companies.