International Students
Welcome to the Royal University of Bhutan — where education is deeply intertwined with culture, harmony, and purpose. As a national institution guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), RUB invites students from around the world to experience Bhutan’s distinctive approach to higher learning and well-being.
We are a federated university comprising 9 constituent colleges and 2 affiliated private colleges across the Kingdom of Bhutan. Each institution upholds the Royal University of Bhutan’s commitment to academic excellence, shaped by Bhutanese values and global perspectives.
At RUB, you’ll:
Immerse yourself in a peaceful and sustainable cultural environment grounded in harmony and tradition
Engage in programmes that foster intellectual growth, personal development, and a balanced approach to learning
Join a diverse community that celebrates global citizenship, inclusion, and lifelong connection
Programmes study
RUB welcomes international students through several pathways:
Award Bearing Programmes
Award bearing programmmes constitute long-term studies including Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma, Masters and PhD. (Provide link)
Non-Award Bearing Programmes
Non-award bearing programmes include semester abroad, short-term study abroad, and visiting research student programmes:
Semester abroad is a programme where a student spends a semester and enrolls in a minimum of two modules
Short-term study abroad is a one to six-week tailor-made programme for a group of not less than five students.
Visiting research student is a programme ranging from a minimum of two weeks to more than a year where a student avails an opportunity to conduct research towards a degree offered by an external institution. If the duration exceeds six months, the individual colleges shall determine an additional tuition fee on a pro rata basis
(Programmes) All programs are conducted in English, with additional support available for non-native speakers.
(Key Guidelines, Forms, and Regulations) for International Staff/Students, Outgoing Staff/Students, and External Engagements
Educational Qualifications
Undergraduate Programmes: Applicants should have a minimum of a higher secondary school certificate or equivalent.
Postgraduate Programmes: Applicants should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will be admitted based on the eligibility criteria approved by the Academic Board.
Non-award bearing Programmes: is generally open to all applicants.
Language Requirements
Applicants into award bearing programmes shall produce a certificate of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall band score of 5.5 or an equivalent test and score.
Applicants who have completed their studies in English medium shall be exempted from the mandatory language requirement however, colleges may administer a proficiency test to assess applicants’ English language competence.
International students who do not meet English Language requirements must complete a bridge course on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) prior to commencement of the chosen programme of study. A separate fee will be levied for the EAP.
This shall not apply to applicants whose native language is English.
International applicants must submit:
Academic transcripts (with English translation)
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Valid passport and passport-sized photo
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL)
- Travel and medical insurance
Visa Application/Support
Students are responsible for paying visa fees and obtaining the visa. The colleges will facilitate the visa process.
Requirements include a valid passport, Confirmation of Admission (CoA) from the colleges, duly completed visa application form, and other supporting documents. (Other supporting documents can be referred at link) <https://www.doi.gov.bt/?page_id=627&lang=en>
Student visas are valid for the programme duration unless directed otherwise by the Department of Immigration (DoI).
OR
We make it simple and clear for you to apply:
- Eligibility: Completion of required academic qualifications and English proficiency
- Documents Needed: Academic transcripts, identification, Statement of Purpose
- Visa Assistance: Coordinated by IRD and DRIL office
- Application Timeline: Varies by college, typically open from March to May
Application Timeline:
- The application fee is payable when a student submits the application for admission.
- An application fee of 100 USD shall be charged which will be non-refundable.
- Award bearing programme (Full-time programs): March–May annually
- Non-Award bearing Programme: Rolling basis, coordinated with partner institutions
Tuition Fees for the Financial Year (FY) 2026-2027. Tuition fees for government scholarship ( full-time, award bearing programmes)
Programmes | FY 2025-26 | 2% increment | Amount in Nu. | |||
Undergraduate | Postgraduate Dip. /Cert. (x1.375) | Masters (x1.5) | PhD (x1.625) | |||
Arts & Humanities | 103,374 | 2,067 | 105,441 | 144,982 | 158,162 | 171,342 |
Science & Engineering | 121,044 | 2,421 | 123,465 | 169,765 | 185,198 | 200,631 |
- Tuition fees for student self-financed students ( full-time, award bearing programmes)
Programmes | FY 2025-26 | 2% increment | Amount in Nu. | |||
Undergraduate | Postgraduate Dip. /Cert. (x1.375) | Masters (x1.5) | PhD (x1.625) | |||
Arts & Humanities | 76,966 | 1,539 | 78,505 | 107,945 | 117,758 | 127,571 |
Science & Engineering | 95,349 | 1,907 | 97,256 | 133,726 | 145,883 | 158,040 |
- Tuition fees for international students( full-time award bearing programme)
Programmes | Amount in Nu. | |||
Undergraduate | Postgraduate Dip. /Cert. | Masters | PhD | |
Arts & Humanities | 316,324 | 434,946 | 474,486 | 514,027 |
Science & Engineering | 370,396 | 509,294 | 555,594 | 601,893 |
3.1 The tuition fees for international students (except SAARC students) are calculated at three times higher than government scholarship students, as stated in the RUB Tuition Fee Policy and Guidelines, 2025.
- Tuition fee for short- term courses
Programmes | National (Amount in Nu.) | International (Amount in USD) | ||||
FY 2025-26 | 2% increment | Amount | FY 2025-26 | 2% increment | Amount | |
Semester Abroad programme | 54,121 | 1,082 | 55,204 | 3,464 | 69 | 3,533 |
Visiting Research student programme for less than 6 months | 54,121 | 1,082 | 55,204 | 3,464 | 69 | 3,533 |
Short-term study abroad programme | ||||||
1-3 weeks | 21,648 | 433 | 22,081 | 2,165 | 43 | 2,209 |
3-6 weeks | 27,061 | 541 | 27,602 | 2,726 | 55 | 2,781 |
Note: Tuition fee for mix mode programmes = pro rata tuition fee of a module in corresponding full-time programme * number of modules
- Tuition fee for SAARC students
Programme | Amount in Nu. | |||
Undergraduate | Postgraduate Dip. /Cert. | Master | PhD | |
Arts & Humanities | 158,162 | 217,473 | 237,243 | 257,013 |
Science & Engineering | 185,198 | 254,647 | 277,797 | 300,947 |
The tuition fees for SAARC students are calculated at 1.5 times higher than government scholarship students, as stated in the RUB Tuition Fee Policy and Guidelines, 2025.
Living in Bhutan
We help make your transition smooth and memorable:
Accommodation:
Students can opt to stay on campus or off campus. Accommodation in campus will depend on availability or Students shall bear all expenses related to accommodation and living.
Healthcare & Safety:
Students must have health insurance coverage throughout their enrollment at RUB. However, basic public health services are free in Bhutan.
Students are required to have valid travel insurance. If insurance information is provided in a language other than English, provide an English translation.
Immunization and vaccination history must be provided as per prevailing requirements of the Ministry of Health of Bhutan.
Information on accessing medical services in Bhutan will be provided upon arrival.
Student Life & Integration
Your RUB experience goes beyond the classroom:
Orientation Programme: Students shall attend orientation programme in the colleges.
Student Clubs & Activities: Debate, music, sports, Arts, hiking and cultural groups
Buddy Program: Get matched with Bhutanese students for cultural exchange and support
Language Support: Language assistance and academic counseling will be provided where necessary, to assist in students’ academic journey.