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RTC Summer Program

Bhutan’s first & only twice A+ accredited institution  Inspiring Education in Bhutan

Gross National Happiness Summer Programme | Royal Thimphu College

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Gross National Happiness (GNH) Summer Programme+

Royal Thimphu College
Redefine development and well-being for a better tomorrow!

Program Overview

The Gross National Happiness (GNH) Summer Programme+ at Royal Thimphu College offers an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience that explores Bhutan's holistic development philosophy of Gross National Happiness, and a week of Cultural Apprenticeship.

Over the course of four weeks (optional 4th week), participants will examine the practical applications of Buddhist principles and GNH values in shaping policy, business practices, and societal well-being. The programme combines academic rigour with hands-on learning, creating a unique opportunity to engage with Bhutan's cultural heritage and sustainable development practices.

The programme consists of five modules (two core and three electives), all interconnected through Buddhist philosophy and the central theme of GNH, and an optional week on the Bhutanese Cultural System.

Program Credits

Total Credit: 12 RTC Credits

Equivalent to: 120 notional learning hours

Each module requires 40 notional hours of learning

Program Schedule

Week 1

GNH101

GDP and its Alternatives: De-Growth, Well-Being, and Sustainability

Week 2

GNH102

Concept, Measurement, and Praxis of GNH in Bhutan

Week 3

GNH103

Operationalising GNH- Policy and Practice

GNH104

Gross National Happiness of Business

GNH105

Buddhism, Bhutanese Heritage, and Gross National Happiness

Week 4 (Optional)

Bhutanese Cultural System:

Where the Cranes Dance: Phobjikha - A Case of Human-Crane Coexistence

The Bhutanese Trilogy: A Workshop on Sport, Cuisine, and Musical Heritage

Mapping Your Destiny: A Practical Session on Bhutanese Birth Astrology

Who Should Apply?

  • International and regional undergraduate students
  • Young professionals and individuals interested in alternative development paradigms and Bhutanese culture
Apply Now

Key Details

Duration

4 weeks (3-week academic programme + 1 optional week on Bhutanese Cultural System)

Dates

1st July - 29th July 2026

Registration Deadline

27th March, 2026

Teaching Methods

Interactive lectures, case studies, group work, and field excursions led by practitioners, industry experts, and senior faculty with extensive experience

Programme Fees

International Participants

USD $2,300

Option 1 (3-week programme)

International Participants

USD $3,100

Option 2 (3-week + Bhutanese Cultural System)

Bhutanese Participants

Nu. 101,200

For the 3-week program (inclusive of tuition, meals, and field trips)

Your fee covers everything you need for an immersive experience: tuition, on-campus accommodation, all meals, and field trips.

Special Offers

Early Bird Discount

10% off for registrations and payments completed by 9th January 2026.

Partner Institution Scholarship

15% off the programme fee per student (not eligible for early bird discount).

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If cancelled by RTC:

Full tuition fee refund, less any non-recoverable costs already incurred. Participants will be notified at least two weeks before the start date.

If cancelled by participant:

75% refund for cancellations before 30 May 2026.

No refunds for cancellations after 30 May 2026.