Study in Bhutan
Bhutan's education system is highly focused on **Gross National Happiness (GNH)** principles and sustainability. Higher education is managed by the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). International students are limited in number and require a **Student Visa** and a **Security Clearance**.
Application timeline
8-12 weeks (due to mandatory Security Clearance).
Living cost
BTN 8,000 - 15,000/month (USD 95 - 180, very low cost, often included in packaged fees).
Hourly wage
$0 (Casual work is prohibited).
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Bhutan.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Student Visa / Clearance
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
Duration of course (renewable annually)
Processing time
8-12 weeks (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Department of Immigration).
Fee
USD 40 - 100 (Visa processing fee).
Work rights
No. Strict restriction on part-time work for international students. Exceptions are highly limited on-campus jobs approved by RUB.
Documents required
Acceptance Letter (No-Objection Certificate), Security Clearance Certificate, Financial Proof, Medical Certificate, Passport, Application Form.
Dependents
No (Generally not permitted for students). · N/A (Dependents not generally permitted).
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
Royal University of Bhutan (RUB)
Thimphu (Headquarters) · National University System
B.A. in GNH Studies (at various colleges)
3 years · USD 6,000 - 8,000/yr (Intl, including all fees)
College of Science and Technology (CST)
Rinchending, Phuntsholing · Top Technical College
B.E. in Civil Engineering
4 years · USD 6,000 - 8,000/yr (Intl, including all fees)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Bhutan Government Scholarships (limited internationals)
Full tuition and stipend.
Highly competitive, often reserved for students from specific partner countries or bilateral agreements.
SAARC Scholarship Scheme
Partial tuition/stipend.
Students from SAARC member states.
Indian Government Scholarships (ICCR)
Full tuition and stipend (for studies in Bhutan).
Indian nationals or students from countries where India has a bilateral agreement.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
South Asian University (SAU) Exchanges
1 semester
Students from SAARC member states.
RUB Bilateral Agreements
Varies
Specific to partner institutions, often focused on Himalayan studies or GNH-related research.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Security Clearance is Mandatory
All international students must obtain a security clearance from the Royal Government of Bhutan prior to visa approval.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Apply directly through the Royal University of Bhutan or its colleges; ensure the Security Clearance process is initiated immediately; be prepared for a fully immersive
non-working study experience.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
Dzongkha
Currency
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
Time zone
UTC+06:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
None (Casual work is prohibited)
N/A
Foreign students are not permitted to work casually off-campus due to strict immigration and employment policies.
On-Campus Assistantship (Rare)
BTN 300 - 500/day (Minimal stipend)
Highly limited, specific roles like lab or library assistance, strictly managed by the university.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Extremely Low. Very strict employment policies to protect local jobs. Post-study work is almost impossible without a highly specialized skill set and government approval.