The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The enrollment numbers in pre-primary education (PP) and tertiary education is on a downward trend.
Earlier, since the revision of the official enrollment age for PP in 2020, which lowered the age limit to 5 years and above, there has been a notable increase in enrollment.
However, the Annual Education Statistics 2023 report highlights that this motion seems to have diminished in recent years, where the Gross Intake Ratio (GIR) shows a decline in enrollment figures from 107.1% in 2022 to 90.2% in 2023.
While there was a significant rise in enrollment following the revision of the official enrollment age for PP in 2020, recent years have seen a reversal of this trend coinciding with a steady rise in grade repetition rates among young learners.
One possible contributing factor to this decline could be the emigration of Bhutanese children with their guardians. The decision by families to relocate abroad may disrupt the continuity of their children’s education, contributing to the observed decrease in grade PP enrollment in Bhutan.
As families seek opportunities abroad or are compelled to migrate for various reasons, such as employment or family reunification, this could be the reason for the decline in enrollment rates within Bhutan.
Another factor leading to the decrease in enrollment in pre-primary education could be as mentioned by Prime Minister (PM) Tshering Tobgay that even with the fertility rate rising from 1.7 percent to 2 percent, it still falls short of the replacement rate of 2.1 percent.
Highlighting the government’s determination to reverse the declining birth rates, the Prime Minister also announced the cash incentive program for families with more than two children.
Thus, with an increased population comes the potential for more children to be enrolled in schools.
Additionally, PM emphasized the impact of Bhutanese nationals residing abroad, with nearly 40,000 individuals delaying family planning despite being married.
PM, in response to these challenges, informed that the government is taking initiative measures to enhance infertility services, notably through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedures probably in JDWNRH.
Moreover, there are initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health, including preconception care and the inauguration of specialized hospitals like the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital.
Tertiary Education
In Bhutan, recent data from Education Statistics reveals a concerning trend in tertiary education enrollment, marked by a notable decline in total student numbers and persistent gender disparities.
As of 2023 the total enrollment in all tertiary institutions stands at 10,901 students, reflecting a decrease of 1,793 students compared to the previous year.
The peak in tertiary enrollment observed in 2019 has since been followed by a gradual decrease, culminating in negative growth (-16.4%) in 2023. This may indeed be influenced by a growing trend of Bhutanese students pursuing higher education opportunities abroad seeking international experiences and academic opportunities beyond their home countries.
In addition to seeking diverse academic experiences, Bhutanese students may also be drawn to studying abroad due to the potential for higher learning opportunities as many international universities offer programs that provide access to internships, and job placements that may not be readily available within Bhutan.
As students weigh their options, the prospect of earning a higher income and gaining valuable professional experience abroad may also influence their decision to pursue higher education opportunities beyond Bhutan.
The attraction of studying and moving abroad has increasingly influenced Bhutanese students’ decisions regarding higher education, contributing to the decline in enrollment rates at Bhutanese schools and colleges.
Thus, while Bhutan continues to struggle with declining enrollment rates in both pre-primary and tertiary education, the growing popularity of study abroad program emerge as a significant contributing factor to this trend.
