The World Buddhist University (WBU) is a global Buddhist think tank and Buddhist academic network organisation under the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) headquartered in Thailand. The mission of the WB University is to contribute, through collaborative research and education, co-ordinate with the Buddhist universities and other academic institutions which offer studies of Buddhism and related subjects all over the world in the fields of research, training, Buddhist practice and education based on Buddhism as well as development and welfare that are the concern of the WFB, its peoples and members.

Accordingly, the WBU will play an important role in coordinating among all other Buddhist Universities, educational institutes, and the WFB Regional Centres where Buddhism is taught and disseminated through the context of the globalization.

In carrying out this mission, the WB University works with leading universities and research institutes in WFB member countries, functioning as a bridge between the international academic community and the WFB system.

Through various activities, WBU contributes to Buddhist studies and capacity building, particularly in WFB headquarters and WFB Regional Centres and countries.

Therefore, the WB University is a new university model following the model of the United Nations University (UNU) which is a globally networked organization. Traditional universities offer structured degrees taught by professors on campus. The WB University is a new model because its main objective is to liaise with Associated Institutions all over the world in the fields of research, training, Buddhist practice, education and cultural exchange. The WB University is also a new model university because it has no student body in the traditional sense. The WB University does not have a campus nor does it enrol students in course within different academic disciplines. The WB University’s work is conducted through a network. In this way the WBU is a virtual university as it operates in multiple physical locations linked by the Internet and digital technology with the main physical location at the WFB headquarters in Thailand that functions as the coordinating centre of regional and international activities and information and communication exchange.

There are ten recognised Associated Institutions of the WBU: one in Australia, one in USA, one in France, one in India and six in Thailand.