The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) operates nine colleges, including Sherubtse College, the College of Science and Technology, Paro College of Education and the College of Language and Culture Studies. Other institutions include the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Royal Thimphu College, Norbuling Rigter College, Arura Academy of Health Sciences, the Royal Institute of Management and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law. The Bhutan Qualifications Framework classifies diplomas at Level 4, advanced diplomas at Level 5, bachelor’s and applied degrees at Level 6, postgraduate diplomas and certificates and master’s degrees at Level 7, and doctoral degrees at Level 8. Credit requirements vary by qualification: a diploma generally requires at least 240 credits, an advanced diploma at least 240 credits, a bachelor’s degree at least 360 credits, an honours bachelor’s degree 480 credits or a standalone 120-credit post-bachelor qualification, a postgraduate diploma 120 credits, a postgraduate certificate 60 credits, a master’s degree usually 180 to 240 credits, and a doctorate at least 360 credits. Undergraduate admission normally depends on the Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate, known as BHSEC, or an equivalent qualification, together with programme-specific subjects and merit or ability ranking. Postgraduate entry usually requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent; diploma access can additionally depend on prior qualifications, tests or experience set by the provider. RUB’s 2026 application windows are 1 March to 15 March and 15 April to 5 May, with selection potentially using subject ratings, a College Entrance Test, a Gaeddu College of Business Studies Entrance Test, a Data and Visualisation Skills Test or an interview. The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences application portal for the 2026/2027 intake is scheduled for 10 March to 31 March 2026, with 508 places across two cohorts because Class XII intake is unavailable in 2027 during nine months of Gyalsung training. Its listed programmes include four-year bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Midwifery and Clinical Counseling, a five-year bachelor’s degree in Traditional Medicine and three-year diploma programmes; health programmes also apply Bhutanese language and Medical and Health Professional Council requirements, with IELTS 5.5 or an equivalent sometimes required for language evidence. RUB self-finance tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is Nu 78,505 per year for arts and humanities and Nu 97,256 for science and engineering, normally paid in two equal semester instalments. Scholarships and self-finance places vary by programme and annual notice. The Higher Education Quality Council accredits institutions using standards covering governance, academic systems, staff, research, infrastructure, student services and internal quality assurance; accreditation grades determine review periods, with A+ lasting five years, A four years, B three years and C recorded as not accredited or one year. The Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority validates domestic and foreign qualifications against the framework. International applicants use the relevant full-time or associate pathway, provide high-school or bachelor-level qualifications as required, meet language and immigration conditions, and should prepare complete visa documents at least 45 working days before departure; the Department of Immigration regulates non-tourist entry. Students must follow institutional rules, meet deadlines, submit original work, avoid plagiarism and cheating, attend required learning and placements, and treat staff and other students respectfully. RUB academic appeals generally have a 14-day deadline, while Khesar Gyalpo University appeals generally have a 10-working-day deadline; RUB charges Nu 200 per module for a recheck, Nu 500 for re-evaluation and Nu 1,000 for an appeal.
Study in Bhutan
Tertiary education in Bhutan takes place at universities, colleges and other accredited Higher Education Institutions toward recognised qualifications. Undergraduate applicants usually need the Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate or an equivalent qualification, while postgraduate applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree. Admission, costs and deadlines depend on the institution, programme, available places and funding option.
Tip
Choose the institution and programme by matching the qualification level, entry evidence, accreditation status and funding option, not by the institution name alone. For 2026, deadlines and selection tests differ between the Royal University of Bhutan and the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, while tuition depends on the provider and programme. Applications from abroad and applications for health programmes require additional immigration, language or professional-entry checks before you rely on an admission offer.