🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full tuition plus variable monthly stipend based on host country
⏱
Duration
Standard duration of the program (3 to 4 years for Undergraduate)
🗓
Deadline
Typically mid-February (Annually)
🔬
Fields
STEM, Economics, Public Policy, Digital Technology, Healthcare, Engineering, Humanities, and Critical Skills
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 50 to 100 awards per year
🏛️
Provider
Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) and His Majesty’s Secretariat, Bhutan
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 5-8%
The King's Scholarship (Expanded) is a prestigious national initiative of Bhutan designed to build a pipeline of future leaders and specialists by providing them with opportunities to study at the world's most elite universities. It covers all costs associated with international study to ensure the brightest Bhutanese minds can contribute to the nation's progress without financial barriers.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to Bhutanese youth who have completed Class XII with high academic marks, demonstrating leadership potential and commitment to Bhutan's development.
🏛️ Host University
Top-tier universities in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, India, and Europe
🤝 Sponsor
Royal Government of Bhutan
🔬 Fields of Study
STEM, Economics, Public Policy, Digital Technology, Healthcare, Engineering, Humanities, and Critical Skills
✨ Key Benefits
A fully-funded program covering all tuition fees, living costs, airfare, medical insurance, and academic supplies for the entire duration of the degree.
🎯 Target Students
Exceptional Bhutanese students seeking world-class education
🏷 Tags
Bhutan
King's Scholarship
RCSC
Fully Funded
International Education
Merit-based
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (100% of tuition and mandatory fees)
Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly allowance covering food and personal expenses)
Total Award
Full tuition plus variable m
✈️ Travel: Yes (Round-trip economy class airfare at the start and end of course)
🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Included in the stipend or paid directly to university housing)
💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Comprehensive medical coverage provided)
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100% of tuition and mandatory fees)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly allowance covering food and personal expenses)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Included in the stipend or paid directly to university housing)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Round-trip economy class airfare at the start and end of course)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Comprehensive medical coverage provided)
🎁 Other Benefits
Settlement allowance, book allowance, visa fee reimbursement, and psychometric testing costs
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintaining a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or equivalent) and consistent academic progress
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Bhutanese citizens only, academic excellence in BHSEC (Class XII) or equivalent
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Bachelors), Masters, and PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
Minimum 75% to 85% aggregate in top 5 subjects (Class XII)
🗣️ English Requirement
IELTS (6.5 minimum) or TOEFL equivalent (varies by host university)
🎂 Age Limit
Under 21 years at the time of application for undergraduate programs
💼 Work Experience
Not required for Undergraduate; 2+ years often required for Post-graduate applicants
🏆 Leadership
High; candidates are evaluated on their potential to serve the King, Country, and People
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary factor; the selection is merit-based
🎯 Target Students
Exceptional Bhutanese students seeking world-class education
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two academic or professional recommendations)
Interview
Yes (Multi-stage process including Psychometric Test and Viva Voce)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Two academic or professional recommendations) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- IELTS (6.5 minimum) or TOEFL equivalent (varies by host university)
- Interview: Yes (Multi-stage process including Psychometric Test and Viva Voce)
- Min GPA: Minimum 75% to 85% aggregate in top 5 subjects (Class XII)
📋 Application Process
Focus on how your chosen field aligns with the 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan and the vision of GNH.
💡 Insider Tip: Highlight any extracurricular leadership roles and prepare thoroughly for the psychometric and competency-based interviews.