Are there international schools in Bhutan?

No. There are no IB, British, or American curriculum international schools in Bhutan. Expat families typically use private schools in Thimphu, homeschooling with online platforms, or send older children to boarding schools in India (Darjeeling and Dehradun are popular choices).

Can my child attend a Bhutanese school?

Yes. Private schools in Thimphu accept foreign students, and all instruction is in English. The curriculum follows the Bhutanese national syllabus, which is based on the Indian educational model. Quality varies, so visit schools before enrolling.

Is homeschooling a viable option in Bhutan?

Absolutely, and it's the most common choice for expat families. Internet speeds in Thimphu (10–30 Mbps) support online learning platforms, and the small expat community often organizes informal learning groups and activities for children.

How is Gross National Happiness integrated into education?

GNH is not just a policy buzzword — it's woven into the school curriculum. Students learn mindfulness and meditation, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community service as integral parts of their education. It's one of the most unique aspects of Bhutanese schooling.

What language are schools taught in?

English has been the medium of instruction in all Bhutanese schools since the 1960s. Dzongkha is taught as a subject. This means expat children can attend school without a language barrier, though the accent and vocabulary may differ from what they're accustomed to.

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🇧🇹 Bhutan

Education

English

Medium of Instruction

Since the 1960s across all government schools

~72%

Literacy Rate

Up from <10% in the 1960s

None

International Schools

No IB or British curriculum schools

RUB

Higher Education

Royal University of Bhutan; 10 constituent colleges

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Education in Bhutan follows a system modeled on the Indian pattern, with English as the medium of instruction since the 1960s. The country has made remarkable progress — literacy has risen from under 10% in the 1960s to over 70% today. For expat families, options are limited: there are no international schools following IB or British curricula. Most expat families either homeschool, use online schooling platforms, or send children to the better private schools in Thimphu.

Key Takeaways

Primary education (6–12 years): 7 years of free schooling in English medium
No international schools (IB, British, American curriculum) exist in Bhutan
Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) has 10 constituent colleges across the country

Bhutanese School System

Bhutan's education system is free for citizens and follows a 7-4-2 structure (primary-secondary-higher secondary).

Primary education (6–12 years): 7 years of free schooling in English medium
Secondary education (13–16 years): 4 years; increasingly competitive for higher classes
Higher secondary (17–18 years): 2 years; limited seats in government schools
Dzongkha (national language) is taught as a subject; all other subjects are in English
GNH values (mindfulness, environmentalism, cultural preservation) are integrated into the curriculum
Class sizes can be large (30–40 students) in government schools
Private schools in Thimphu offer better facilities and smaller classes; fees of $500–$2,000/year

Options for Expat Children

Expat families face limited options but several workable solutions exist.

No international schools (IB, British, American curriculum) exist in Bhutan
Better private schools in Thimphu (Pelkhil School, Sunshine School) accept foreign students
Homeschooling is common among expat families — supported by online platforms and curricula
Online schooling platforms (Outschool, Connections Academy, Khan Academy) work with Bhutan's internet
Some diplomatic and NGO families arrange tutoring groups among the expat community
Indian boarding schools (Darjeeling, Dehradun) are accessible and popular with the Bhutanese elite
University-age students typically go abroad: India, Australia, UK, or the US

Higher Education

Bhutan's higher education system is small but growing under the Royal University of Bhutan.

Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) has 10 constituent colleges across the country
Programs in engineering, IT, business, education, and traditional arts
College of Language and Culture Studies in Taktse specializes in Dzongkha and Buddhist studies
Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) in Dewathang is the primary engineering institution
International students can apply but spaces are extremely limited
Most Bhutanese seeking advanced degrees study abroad with government or private scholarships

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