Internationalization
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.
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:
Completed application form (Annexure A, B, or C depending on program type)- Provide links
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 ERD 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:
Tuition fee for Award Bearing Programmes FY 2022-23: Royal Government of Bhutan Scholarship and International Students
Sl. No | Undergraduate Tuition fee (21-22) | 2% | Amount in Nu. | ||||||||
National | International | ||||||||||
Undergr aduate | Postgradu ate Dip./Cert.(1.375) | Master (1.5) | PhD (1.625) | Undergr aduate (3) | Postgraduat e Dip. /Cert. (3) | Master (3) | PhD (3) | ||||
1 | Arts & Humanities | 95,502.00 | 1,910 | 97,412 | 133,942 | 146,118 | 158,295 | 292,236 | 401,825 | 438,354 | 474,884 |
2 | Science & Engineering | 111,826.00 | 2,237 | 114,063 | 156,837 | 171,095 | 185,352 | 342,189 | 470,510 | 513,284 | 556,057 |
For mix mode programmes = Pro rata tuition fee of a module in corresponding full-time programme * number of modules | |||||||||||
Table No: 6 Tuition Fee for Financial Year 2022-2023 for non-award bearing programmes
Sl.no | Particular | FY-2021-2022 | 2% Increment | FY-2022-2023 | |||
National(BTN) | International(USD) | National(BTN) | International(USD) | National(BTN) | International(USD) | ||
1 | Semester Abroad programme | 50,000 | 3,200 | 1000 | 64 | 51,000 | 3,264 |
2 | Short-term study abroad programme | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
2.1 | 1-3 weeks | 20,000 | 2,000 | 400 | 40 | 20,400 | 2,040 |
2.2 | 3-6 weeks | 25,000 | 2,520 | 500 | 50 | 25,500 | 2,570 |
3 | Visiting Research student programme for less than 6 months | 50,000 | 3,200 | 1000 | 64 | 51,000 | 3,264 |
Scholarships: Limited merit-based and need-based grants available
Payment Information:
Tuition fee shall be paid in cash or through other means of banking transaction. The transaction evidence shall be produced to the receiving officer;
Payment mechanism and procedures shall be made available on the RUB/College website.
Award Bearing Programme: International students, including SAARC, shall pay tuition fees at the time of confirmation of admission
- Non-award bearing Programme: Tuition fee shall be paid a week before the commencement of the programme; Tuition fee shall be deposited to the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) and then transferred to the college(s) after the deductions are made.
- Refund
- Student(s) should submit a request in writing for refund with supporting documentation to the Dean of Academic Affairs (DAA) for national students, and to the Dean of Research and Industrial Linkages (DRIL) for international students;
- A student should expect a working duration of two weeks after the refund decision is forwarded to the Finance Section;
- If the refund is approved, any refund amount shall be first offset against any debt the student has to the College;
- Refunds pertaining to sponsored scholarship shall be made directly to the sponsoring organization;
- Student(s) who submit formal notification of withdrawal within the announced date are entitled to a refund of tuition as follows:
Table No.3: Refund Modality
Particulars | Refund Term | |||
Number of days | 1-15 Days | 16-30 Days | 31- 45 Days | 46+ Days |
Refundable | 70% | 40% | 10% | 0% |
Application Fees | Non-refundable | |||
Short term programme less than a semester | Non-refundable | |||
For international students on short term study programmes and visiting research programmes withdrawing prior to the start of the programme, a 10% of the tuition fee shall be deducted. Any gains or loss during the exchange, as well as the transaction cost, shall be borne by the individual student or sponsoring organization;
For International students on award-bearing programmes and semester abroad programmes withdrawing prior to the start of the programme, a 5% from the tuition fees shall be deducted. Any gains or loss during the exchange, as well as the transaction cost, shall be borne by the individual student or sponsoring organization;
- A full refund of tuition fee shall be made to international students who present documented visa denial prior to the start of the programme;
- A full refund will be made for any tuition and ancillary fees paid in advance for future semesters;
- A tuition fee refund may be considered outside the normal time frame in extenuating circumstances. Requests shall be submitted in writing with supporting documentation to the DAA, who shall submit to the President for the final decision;
- Tuition fees for students expelled/terminated from the college on disciplinary grounds shall not be refunded.
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.
