Gross National Happiness (GNH) Summer Programme+
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
GDP and its Alternatives: De-Growth, Well-Being, and Sustainability
Week 2
Concept, Measurement, and Praxis of GNH in Bhutan
Week 3
Operationalising GNH- Policy and Practice
Gross National Happiness of Business
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
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
Option 1 (3-week programme)
International Participants
Option 2 (3-week + Bhutanese Cultural System)
Bhutanese Participants
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.