Study abroad
Study in Bhutan
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Bhutan
Higher education in Bhutan, in the eastern Himalayas, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in conservation, tourism and energy, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Dzongkha. English is also used in education. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Bhutan?
What makes Bhutan worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in the eastern Himalayas, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Industry context: Conservation, tourism and energy matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Energy, Oil & Gas, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Thimphu, Phuntsholing and Paro each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Bhutan means everyday contact with Dzongkha and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Bhutan
If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Bhutan’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Courses connected to conservation, tourism and energy can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Bhutan on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Bhutan
Higher education in Bhutan is provided by a small number of institutions, so it is worth checking which programmes and qualifications each one offers. Institutions include:
- Royal University of Bhutan
This is not a ranking or a complete list. A strong fit usually comes down to the programme rather than the name: check modules, teaching methods, accreditation, student services and graduate outcomes published by the institution.
Some institutions offer preparatory or foundation courses, placements or joint programmes with partners abroad; these can change the length and cost of your studies.
Scholarships to Study in Bhutan
Funding for international students in Bhutan can come from several sources, and what is available depends on your nationality, level of study and subject.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Bhutan
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Bhutan
Start dates in Bhutan are set by each institution, and they can change from year to year.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Bhutan
There is no single price for studying in Bhutan. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Bhutan
Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in Bhutan for their studies.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Bhutan in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Bhutan
How much you spend while studying in Bhutan varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Thimphu can differ noticeably from those in Phuntsholing or Paro and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Bhutan
Is Bhutan a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Bhutan offers programmes across many subjects, a location in the eastern Himalayas and study in Dzongkha (with some English-taught options). Students interested in conservation, tourism and energy may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Bhutan?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Energy, Oil & Gas and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for Bhutan lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Bhutan?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Bhutan?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Bhutan?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Bhutan.
Are scholarships available for international students in Bhutan?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Bhutan?
Thimphu, Phuntsholing and Paro are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Bhutan?
Many courses are taught in Dzongkha. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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