Gross National Happiness (GNH) Summer Programme+

Redefine development and well-being for a better tomorrow!

Register Now

Registration Deadline: 27th March, 2026

Title of the Award

Gross National Happiness Summer Programme

Award Granting Body

Royal Thimphu College

Total Credit

12 RTC Credits (Equivalent to 120 notional learning hours)

Programme Duration

4 weeks (3-week academic + 1 optional cultural)

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. Each module requires 40 notional hours of learning leading to 12 RTC credits.

Programme Structure

Week 1 - Core Modules

GNH101
GDP and its Alternatives: De-Growth, Well-Being, and Sustainability
Explore alternative economic models beyond GDP, focusing on degrowth principles and sustainable well-being approaches.

* Optional week

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 cultural week)

Dates

1st July - 29th July 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): USD $2,300

Option 2 (3-week + Cultural Apprenticeship): USD $3,100

inclusive of tuition, meals, and excursions

Bhutanese Participants

Nu. 101,200 (for the 3-week program)

inclusive of tuition, meals, and excursions

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

Special Offers

10%

Early Bird Discount

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

15%

Partner Institution Scholarship

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

SDF Waived

Daily SDF Waiver

Daily SDF waiver facilitated by RTC

Register Now for GNH Summer Programme

Limited seats available • Registration closes 27th March, 2026

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.