Scholarships
While the government provides universal public education for all children in Bhutan until class 10, many children still do not complete basic education. Children are often removed from school due to the socio-economic needs of their parents. A majority of families in Bhutan depend on subsistence farming for survival, and they view more value in having their children herd cattle or sow the fields than go to school. This is especially true for girls and young women, who are less likely to complete basic education than young men.
Basic Education Scholarships.
The Basic Education Scholarships help to provide equal access to education for Bhutanese children. Even though education is provided free in Bhutan, there are still some costs that must be borne by parents. Many poor families cannot afford these costs and as a result, they remove their children from school. The beneficiaries of the scholarship are selected from over one hundred applicants and a stringent selection criteria has been defined to identify the most needy children.
How you can help
Higher Education Scholarships
Each year, the Bhutan Youth Development Fund supports the higher education of 15+ underprivileged students from very poor backgrounds. Students are selected by the Ministry of Education through strict procedures, including recommendations from community leaders and district administrators. Scholarship beneficiaries are supported for two years while they complete their studies. As of December 2008, 102 students have received support from this program, with the majority of them are already employed.
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Jaypee Scholarships
In order to strengthen the growing economy through human resource development, the Jaypee Group of India, IN partnership with Bhutan, generously offered 20 scholarships in their institutes for undergraduate and certificate level. As of 2008, 40 Bhutanese students are studying at Jaypee Universities undergraduate programs, and 40 students are undergoing vocational training at Jaypee industrial training centers.
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United World College
United World College makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. It is the only global educational NGO that brings students together from all over the world, selected from within their own countries, on merit and regardless of their ability to pay. Students come together at one of twelve United World Colleges (UWC) that aim to foster international understanding and peace. The Bhutan Youth Development Fund administers scholarships to United World College in America, Canada, UK, Hong Kong and India.
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YDF –RTC Need Based Scholarship
Identifying the importance of education and the reality that there are many capable youth from challenging backgrounds who do not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, the Royal Thimphu College and Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF) are pleased to initiate the Need-Based Scholarship program. Through this scholarship program, economically disadvantaged students can avail the opportunity to further educate themselves in Bhutan and in the long term uplift their families.