Top 10 Universities in Bhutan with Tuition Fees and Details
Introduction
Bhutan, a country known for its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), offers a growing higher education sector with institutions specializing in various fields. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) is the most prominent institution, alongside specialized universities focusing on medicine, business, and technology. Below is a list of the top 10 universities in Bhutan, along with details about their tuition fees and academic programs.
List of Top 10 Universities in Bhutan with Tuition Fees
| Rank | University Name | Location | Tuition Fee (Per Year) | Key Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) | Thimphu | $1,034 – $3,000 | Humanities, Business, IT, Science |
| 2 | Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) | Thimphu | $3,000 – $5,000 | Medicine, Nursing, Public Health |
| 3 | College of Science and Technology (CST) | Rinchending | $1,500 – $2,500 | Engineering, IT, Architecture |
| 4 | Gaeddu College of Business Studies (GCBS) | Gedu | $1,500 – $3,000 | Business, Finance, Management |
| 5 | Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) | Dewathang | $1,500 – $3,000 | Engineering, Technical Studies |
| 6 | Sherubtse College | Kanglung | $1,500 – $2,500 | Arts, Humanities, Science |
| 7 | Paro College of Education | Paro | $1,200 – $2,500 | Education, Teaching |
| 8 | Samtse College of Education | Samtse | $1,200 – $2,500 | Teacher Training, Pedagogy |
| 9 | Norbuling Rigter College | Paro | $2,000 – $4,000 | Business, IT, Management |
| 10 | Royal Thimphu College (RTC) | Thimphu | $2,000 – $4,500 | Social Sciences, Business, Environmental Studies |
Overview of the Top Universities in Bhutan
1. Royal University of Bhutan (RUB)
- Established in 2001, RUB is Bhutan’s largest and most prestigious university.
- It offers diverse programs in natural sciences, business, and social sciences.
- Tuition Fees: Bhutanese students pay around $1,038/year, while international students pay between $1,034 – $3,000/year.
- The university focuses on research and academic collaboration with international institutions.
2. Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB)
- The top medical school in Bhutan, offering degrees in Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing.
- Focuses on both modern medicine and traditional Bhutanese healing practices.
- Tuition Fees: Between $3,000 – $5,000/year for international students.
3. College of Science and Technology (CST)
- Specializes in engineering, IT, and architecture.
- The top choice for aspiring engineers in Bhutan.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately $1,500 – $2,500/year.
4. Gaeddu College of Business Studies (GCBS)
- The leading business school in Bhutan.
- Offers programs in finance, accounting, management, and entrepreneurship.
- Tuition Fees: Around $1,500 – $3,000/year.
5. Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC)
- Provides technical education in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
- Focuses on practical skill-building and industry-relevant training.
- Tuition Fees: Between $1,500 – $3,000/year.
6. Sherubtse College
- Known as the oldest and most reputed arts and humanities college in Bhutan.
- Offers courses in social sciences, natural sciences, and business studies.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately $1,500 – $2,500/year.
7. Paro College of Education
- Specializes in teacher training and education programs.
- Key courses include pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational psychology.
- Tuition Fees: Around $1,200 – $2,500/year.
8. Samtse College of Education
- Another top institution for education and teacher training.
- Offers programs in special education and early childhood development.
- Tuition Fees: Similar to Paro College, around $1,200 – $2,500/year.
9. Norbuling Rigter College
- A private college focusing on business, IT, and management.
- Known for small class sizes and personalized teaching.
- Tuition Fees: Between $2,000 – $4,000/year.
10. Royal Thimphu College (RTC)
- A leading private university in Bhutan, affiliated with foreign universities.
- Offers programs in social sciences, business, and environmental studies.
- Tuition Fees: Ranges from $2,000 – $4,500/year.
Why Study in Bhutan?
- Affordable Education – Compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Bhutan are very affordable, especially at public institutions.
- Unique Learning Experience – Bhutan emphasizes Gross National Happiness (GNH), making its education holistic and well-rounded.
- Strong Cultural and Environmental Focus – Bhutanese universities integrate sustainability and cultural preservation into their curriculum.
- Growing Academic Institutions – Bhutan’s education sector is expanding with more international collaborations and research opportunities (Study Abroad in Bhutan – Study Abroad 365) (Royal University of Bhutan, Thimphu: price of education – UniPage)
Final Thoughts
Bhutan offers a mix of public and private universities, with programs in business, medicine, engineering, humanities, and education. The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences are the top choices for local and international students. Tuition fees remain affordable, and students benefit from high-quality education in a culturally rich environment.
If you’re considering studying in Bhutan, check official university websites for the latest admissions and scholarship information.
Would you like assistance with application procedures or scholarship details? Let me know how I can help! 🚀