vlog

Hindu Studies: The best courses to understand the oldest religion in the world

hindu studies
Hinduism is the oldest and most complex of all established belief systems, with origins that date back more than 4,000 years in India. Source: AFP

Across cultures and continents, people continue to be drawn to the teachings, rituals, and philosophies that have guided humanity for centuries.

With this, religious studies have become a , with one of them being Hindu Studies.

Think of life-long wisdom that has been shaping human lives for thousands of years, from the stories of and to the philosophical depths of the , the Song of God.

Hindu Studies offers seekers a doorway into one of the oldest worldviews, a system that has influenced not only the East but also globally.

hindu studies

Hinduism is also known as Sanatana dharma, meaning “immemorial way of right living.” Source: AFP

The oldest religion in the world

Often called the “world’s oldest religion,” Hinduism dates back over 4,000 years — possibly even further.

But unlike most religions, Hinduism doesn’t have a singular founder or starting point. It’s more of a giant mountain of beliefs, practises, and traditions that evolved over the years, woven together into a spiritual journey.

The thing is, Hinduism isn’t just a religion; it’s a way of life.

It includes everything from to , and of course, — the idea that you might come back in the next life as a billionaire, or, you know, a cat.

Hindus also have , each with their own personality and power. You’ve got , the preserve of the universe; , the destroyer; and , the goddess of wealth, to name a few.

We can say that it’s amazing how Hinduism has stood the test of time. Despite being so ancient, it’s still thriving with over 1.1 billion Hindus in the world and roughly 94% of them live in India, according to .

What do you learn in Hindu Studies?

Hindu Studies give you front-row seats to understanding the spiritual, cultural, and historical dimensions of Hinduism.

But it’s not just about dusty old books and ancient temples; it’s about understanding how this religion influences everything from yoga and meditation practises to Bollywood movies and everyday life in India and beyond.

Ever wondered why there are festivals where people throw colours and each other? Or why does Ganesha, the elephant-headed god mean so much to Hindus? 

Pursuing Hindu Studies at an accredited university may just point you to the best answers.

Whether you’re a seeker of wisdom, a lover of ancient stories, or just someone curious about other cultures, Hindu Studies could be something for you to explore.

Where can a degree in Hindu Studies land you?

Some degrees lead to better prospects than others. From business degrees that can earn you up US$144,688 to design degrees that pay upwards of US$144,360, these degrees open up career paths that offer plenty down the road. 

With a bachelor’s degree in Hindu Studies, you could work in education, museums, or cultural organisations, helping to share insights about the culture, history, and philosophy. Some students become research assistants or educators working in schools or institutions.

A bachelor’s degree also gives you a strong foundation if you’re interested in furthering your studies or specialising in a related field like anthropology, international relations, or intercultural communication.

With a master’s or PhD in Hindu Studies, you’ll have even more specialised opportunities in academia or research.

Many graduates go on to teach Hindu Studies, philosophy, or religious studies at universities. Others find work in global organisations, think tanks, or cultural diplomacy roles. Graduate-level expertise in Hindu Studies can prepare you to work with non-profit organisations, where you could help design cultural programmes that promote understanding.

9 universities that offer Hindu Studies worldwide

hindu studies

India is a major exporter of international students and is the largest source of international graduate students in the US. So, understanding a little more about the country’s biggest religion could help you navigate personal and professional relationships better. Source: AFP

1. The Maharaja Sayajirao vlog of Badora (MSU)

Formally known as Badora College, is a public university located in the city of Vadodara, Gujarat, India that offers a .

Through this programme, you will learn about Hindu civilisation and how to articulate the position of Hindu values in the 21st century. After three years, you’ll understand the conceptions of Hinduism and how it affects individuality, family, relationships, society, states, environment, and the entire cosmos.

The programme costs US$166.54 per year for local students; the prices for international students are not listed.

2. Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS)

In collaboration with the vlog of Oxford, the , an academic research centre, was established over 25 years ago to study Hindu cultures, societies, philosophies, religions, and languages.

Now, the OCHS is offering online courses for those interested in Hinduism, Sanskrit, and yoga studies. All courses are led by . You can choose such as colonial Hinduism, Hindu philosophy, a study of Dharma, and Gender, and women in the Hindu World.

The fees range from US$133 to US$227, depending on the course. No extra materials are required for the courses and you’ll be given lifetime access to existing materials.

OCHS is also in partnership with to offer online courses in Hindu Studies.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

3. vlog of Virginia

At the , US, getting a degree in Hindu Studies is done a little differently. You must first enrol in a .

Once you have completed your first year, you’ll be required to declare your , it is only then you’ll be able to receive a degree in Hindu Studies.

The courses you can choose from are Hinduism and Ecology, The History of Yoga, Hinduism Through its Narrative Literature, The Hindu Epics, and Languages of Love in South Asia: Bhaki and Beyond.

The fees for the BA in Religious Studies range from per year. The MA in Religious Studies costs approximately annually for international students.

4. Nalanda vlog

Located in the ancient city of Rajgir in the Bihar state of India, has an , also known as Sanātana Dharma. In the programme, you’ll learn about different streams of Hindu Studies through culture, thought, ritual, and spirituality.

The is US$2,066, which includes admission, tuition, miscellaneous, and security deposit fees.

A fun fact about Nalanda vlog was that it was first founded in 427 CE, was founded. It flourished for over 800 years till the end of the 12th century CE. The university was later re-established again in 2010.

hindu studies

Chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in Asia and 9th richest in the world, studied at the vlog of Mumbai. Source: AFP

5. vlog of Mumbai

Ranked third on the list of , the offers a two-year programme for those looking to have a good understanding of Sanskrit, Hindu practises, and the foundational principles underlying Hindu civilisation, society, and culture.

include Introduction to Sanskrit, Tattva Vimarsha (Hindu Dharma), Dharma-Karma Vimarsha, Western Methods of Understanding Discourse, and Introduction to the Puranas.

The tuition fee for the MA programme ranges from ԲԳܲ.

The vlog of Mumbai has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies to offer a course on temple management, according to .

6. Sri Sri vlog

Ranked second in its state of top private universities in India by the , is located in Odisha, India and offers an programme.

At the end of the master’s programme, you’ll have a deep level of understanding of Hindu principles, practises, and values of its history, philosophy, society, culture, and civilisation. You’ll also gain a level of working proficiency in the Sanskrit language.

The total programme’s tuition fee is US$416.34 and can be completed in two years.

hindu studies

Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, Makar Sankranti, and Janmashtami are a few of the major celebrations celebrated by the Hindus. Source: AFP

7. Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj vlog (CSJMU)

Nestled in the corner of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a university for you to look into if you’re interested in pursuing an .

Attending CSJMU’s programme will mean that you will learn analytical methods to understand Hinduism, Sanskrit, Hindu practises, and the foundational principles underlying Hindu civilisation and its culture.

The programme will be approximately US$237.91 for two years. Students who attained a three or four-year bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply, including students with degrees in the sciences, engineering, and medicine.

8. Hindu vlog of America

Located in Groveland, Florida, the offers an that can be completed in two years as a full-time student.

Throughout the programme, you will understand the Western perspective on Hinduism which often portrays itself as fundamentally inconsistent, contradictory, hierarchical, or oppressive, and the Hindu civilisation’s self-perception, rooted in its own scriptures, traditions, cultural expressions, and spiritual practises.

Do take note that this university is as a religious institution that is exempt from state oversight.

The total tuition for the programme is .

 

View this post on Instagram

 

9. vlog of Oxford

The at the offers an in-depth study of India’s religious traditions, focusing on those expressed through Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Pali.

Designed for students who want to explore a new field or add to their second field, this programme guides you as you learn the foundations of Indian religions as you specialise in Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, Yoga, or mainstream tradition that derives from the Vedas.

This gives you a broad understanding of Indian religious heritage while preparing you for roles in fields such as the arts, education, diplomacy, or NGOs.

Tuition costs 41,250 pounds (US$51,156).

 

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on February 11, 2025.