International Schools in Bhutan

Last updated 10 August 2026

About international schools in Bhutan

International schooling in Bhutan is a very new and narrowly available option: the country has long prioritised its national curriculum and public examination system, and only recently opened an international K - 12 pathway in partnership with an overseas provider. International schools in Bhutan typically use English as the main language of instruction while teaching Dzongkha as the national language and offering additional modern-language options; curricula being introduced include internationally recognised primary frameworks and secondary qualifications such as Cambridge IGCSE and A-level or comparable international programmes. Tuition fees are not yet standardised across the sector and will depend on the school and year group, but families should expect private international-style schooling to cost more than local public provision and to rise with senior-year qualifications. Admissions follow each school’s own calendar; relocating families should check the school’s published intake windows early, prepare English- and mathematics-based placement information, and plan for limited seat availability in the capital where most international provision is clustered.

Compare 2 international schools in Bhutan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average BTN 34,500), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 2 schools · avg fee BTN 34,500

Schools listed: 2
Curricula: 8
Average annual fee: BTN 34,500
Fee range: BTN 15,000 – 54,000
Most common curriculum: Cambridge (Secondary) (2 schools)
Oldest: Pelkhil School (2010)

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British (2) American (1) Singapore (1) International (1)

2 international schools in Thimphu

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Pelkhil School

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) · From age 5

BTN 15,000 - 54,000

From age 5

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

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EtonHouse Bhutan International School

Bespoke Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach · Ages 3 to 18

Fees not listed

Ages 3 to 18 years

Bespoke Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Singapore Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English and Mandarin

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Choosing an international school in Bhutan

Curricula

There are 2 international schools in Bhutan covering 8 curricula. The most widely offered are Cambridge (Secondary) (2), Cambridge IGCSE (2), Cambridge A Levels (2), Cambridge (Primary) (1), Bespoke Curriculum (1). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Bhutan runs from about BTN 15,000 to BTN 54,000, averaging roughly BTN 34,500. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Bhutan run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

Most schools here are day schools; check individual profiles for any boarding options.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Bhutan we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

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FAQs for Bhutan

What kinds of curricula do international schools in Bhutan offer and how do they differ from the national curriculum?

International schools in Bhutan teach internationally recognised curricula and examination pathways - examples include international primary frameworks and global secondary qualifications such as Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels or similar programmes - rather than the Bhutanese national syllabus and BCSEA public examinations. Those international programmes emphasise global benchmarking, external examinations accepted by many universities worldwide, and often different subject choices and assessment styles compared with the national system.

What is the usual language of instruction and will my child learn Dzongkha?

English is typically the primary language of instruction in international schools, with Dzongkha taught as a national language subject to ensure cultural and linguistic continuity. Some schools also offer additional languages such as Mandarin or regional languages as part of a multilingual programme.

How much do international schools in Bhutan cost?

There is not yet a settled fee market in Bhutan’s newly emerging international sector, and published schedules will vary by school and year group. Relocation and expatriate guides and early school announcements suggest annual tuition for private international-style schools in the country is likely to fall in the low thousands of US dollars for younger years and increase for secondary levels, so families should obtain the current fee schedule, extras (transport, meals, exams) and scholarship or sibling-discount policies directly from the school.

When should we apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?

Admissions timelines are set by each school; newly established international schools usually publish intake windows well ahead of the academic year and may open on a term or academic-year cycle. The process commonly includes an application form, submission of previous school records, and placement assessments in English and mathematics (and sometimes an interview); because places are limited, families should contact schools early and have up-to-date school reports and vaccination records ready.

What ages and stages are covered by international schools in Bhutan?

New international provision in Bhutan is being developed as a through-school pathway from early years (around age three or four) up to age 17 - 18, mirroring common international models of early years, primary and secondary schooling. Exact age cut-offs and year-group naming can differ from the Bhutanese public system, so check each school’s age-placement policy to align entry year with your child’s current level.

What should parents look for when choosing an international school in Bhutan?

With options limited and new providers entering the market, parents should check a school’s accreditation or external examination pathway, the languages on offer, staff qualifications and safeguarding policies, and how the school balances international learning with Bhutanese cultural and curricular requirements. Practical considerations such as location, transport, class sizes, published fee inclusions and transparent admissions criteria are also important when comparing programmes and planning a relocation.