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Search & filter all 2 schools Compare 2 schools in Bhutan

International Schools in Bhutan

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

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

Schools listed
2
Curricula
8
Average annual fee
BTN 34,500
Fee range
BTN 15,000 – 54,000
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Cambridge (Secondary) (2 schools)
Oldest
Pelkhil School (2010)
About international schools in Bhutan

International schools in Bhutan are few and concentrated mainly in Thimphu, operating alongside the national system where English is used as the medium of instruction and Dzongkha is taught as the national language. Recent national reforms have encouraged alignment with internationally recognised frameworks - most visible is the roll-out of Cambridge programmes at several private schools - while some schools offer bespoke early-years and primary approaches and international groups have begun opening campuses in the capital. Published tuition at long-established private schools is relatively modest by international standards (for example, publicly listed annual tuition figures for an established Thimphu school fall in the roughly BTN 15,000 - 54,000 range for 2026/27), but newly arrived international operators have not yet published uniform fee schedules. Families relocating to Bhutan should plan around the national three-term school calendar, expect small school populations and limited places in international streams, and contact schools well before the start of term to confirm age ranges, language support and any exam or interview requirements.

View by curriculum (3)

View by curriculum

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

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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Thimphu international schoolsBritish schools in BhutanIB schools in BhutanAmerican schools in Bhutan

FAQs for Bhutan

Which curricula do international schools in Bhutan offer?
Many private and international schools in Bhutan are offering Cambridge programmes (Cambridge Primary, IGCSE and A-level) or aligning their national curriculum to Cambridge standards; some schools combine international early-years frameworks or bespoke primary programmes. IB provision is not yet widespread in Bhutan as of 2026, and offerings vary by school, so check each school’s published curriculum pathway before you apply.
What language(s) are used for teaching and how is the national language handled?
English is the common medium of instruction in Bhutanese schools, with Dzongkha taught as the national language; many international or private schools deliver most subjects in English while including Dzongkha and other language options in their timetables. Families expecting instruction in languages other than English should confirm language-of-instruction policies and availability of mother-tongue support directly with the school.
How much do international/private school fees typically cost in Bhutan?
Published fees for established private schools in Thimphu show modest annual tuition bands (for example, a long-running private school published fees in the BTN 15,000 - 54,000 range for 2026/27), but fee schedules differ widely by age group and by school and may exclude uniforms, examination and activity charges. Newer international group schools have been opening in 2026 and have not released standardised public fee lists for all year groups, so request the full fee schedule and any additional charges from each school you are considering.
When does the school year run and when should we apply?
Bhutan’s public and private school sector follows a national three-term calendar, so intake and key deadlines are organised around those term dates; exact opening and holiday dates are published annually by the education authorities and can vary slightly year to year. Because international and private school places are limited, families should contact schools at least one to three months before the start of the term they plan to join to ask about entrance assessments, required documents and any welcome or orientation sessions.
What should relocating families look for when comparing international schools in Bhutan?
Check the school’s stated curriculum and progression pathway (which exams or qualifications are offered), the language-of-instruction and support for learners new to English, published fee schedules and what those fees cover, and the size and composition of classes and boarding options if relevant. Also verify official registration or affiliation with the Ministry of Education or recognised international exam bodies, ask to see recent inspection or accreditation documents where available, and arrange a visit or virtual meeting to judge pastoral care, transport and health provisions.