Study and find schools in Brunei Darussalam

Studying in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is a small sultanate on the north coast of Borneo, with an estimated population of 458,600 in 2025, according to the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics. Islam shapes daily life, and the main languages are Brunei Malay and English, alongside Borneo languages such as Iban, Dusun and Kedayan and varieties of Chinese.

The higher-education sector is small. The Ministry of Education lists four higher-education institutions: Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali and Politeknik Brunei. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), established in 1985, is the country's oldest higher-education institution and the one most international students choose; English is its main medium of instruction.

The education system in Brunei

Brunei's school system follows a British pattern: students finish secondary school with Brunei-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level and 'A' Level qualifications, and UBD assesses 'A' Level results with a point system based on the one used by UCAS in the United Kingdom. Local students apply through a central admission system (HECAS).

UBD began as a mainly teaching institution and describes itself today as a research-intensive university, with strengths in biodiversity and environmental research, energy transition, health and bio-innovation (including precision medicine, genomics and halal science) and digital fields such as data analytics and artificial intelligence. It also has long-standing expertise in Islamic history, governance and civilisation. Its bachelor's degrees are offered by faculties and institutes such as:

• the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (Bachelor of Arts)
• the UBD School of Business and Economics (accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, finance and economics)
• the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering)
• the School of Digital Science (Bachelor of Computer Science)
• the PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences (health science with majors in medicine, pharmacy, biomedical science, nursing, midwifery and dentistry)

From 2026 UBD teaches its undergraduate degrees under a new curriculum framework, GenBESTARI. A distinctive element is the Discovery Year, introduced in 2011, in which students may spend up to six months on study abroad at a partner university, internships, start-up projects or community outreach. Master's and PhD programmes are available by coursework and by research. The academic year starts in September.

Admission and recognition

Admission to UBD is competitive and limited by the number of places. Applicants must meet both the general entry requirements and the specific requirements of each programme. For first degrees, UBD considers Brunei-Cambridge GCE 'A' Levels or equivalent qualifications, and only qualifications from institutions or examination boards recognised by the University Senate. Holders of other qualifications, such as a Higher National Diploma, may be considered.

For all programmes, applicants need English at GCE 'O' Level grade C6, IGCSE English as a Second Language grade B, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 or band B2 in the UBD English Proficiency Test. Medicine and dentistry require more: GCE 'O' Level grade B4, IGCSE grade A, IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 600.

UBD's international students came at first mainly from ASEAN countries; the university says they now also come from East Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Applicants from Latin America or Spain should check early whether their school-leaving qualification is accepted as an 'A' Level equivalent, since the decision lies with the University Senate.

Student pass and entry

International students admitted to UBD submit immigration and student pass forms through the university before arrival, and UBD's International Student Unit handles questions about visas and passes. Before arriving, new students must also pay their university fees and buy the personal insurance UBD requires. Visa requirements for entering Brunei depend on nationality; check them with the nearest Brunei Darussalam embassy before travelling.

Costs and scholarships

UBD charges undergraduate tuition per year and in Brunei dollars. For the 2026/2027 intake, international students pay:

• B$16,500 for non-lab-based bachelor's degrees and B$18,500 for lab-based ones (Brunei citizens and permanent residents: B$12,000 and B$14,000)
• B$42,000 for the four-year Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
• B$54,000 for the three-year Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) in Medicine and B$60,000 for Dentistry

On top of tuition come a B$100 acceptance fee, a B$100 registration fee and a refundable programme deposit of B$250. For living costs, UBD advises students to budget B$500 a month for accommodation, books, food, travel and social life.

The main funding route for international students is the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for Foreign Students Tenable in Brunei Darussalam (BDGS), offered for bachelor's and master's degrees; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the call for the 2026/2027 session. According to UBD, the scholarship covers tuition plus allowances for accommodation, books, food and personal spending, and medical treatment at government hospitals, while travel is arranged through the Brunei mission in the scholar's country.

Where to study

UBD's main campus is at Tungku Link in the Brunei-Muara district, close to the coast, and is both the university's academic and residential hub. The campus includes the UBD Botanical Research Centre, a six-hectare site in tropical heath forest. On-campus housing includes the older residential college blocks and The Core, a residential college with 440 individual study-bedrooms in five-bedroom apartments; both are a 5-7 minute walk from campus.

For a shorter stay, UBD's Continuing Education Centre hosts inbound exchange students and short courses, mainly during the summer holidays. Its flagship summer programme, the Global Discovery Programme (GDP), has run since 2011 and is open to any international university student. In the current fee table, the GDP costs USD 1,000 in tuition (waived for students from partner universities) plus a living expenses fee of USD 1,550 to 1,650 that covers airport transfer, accommodation at The Core, full board, field trips and daily transport.

Culture and practical life

According to UBD, temperatures in Brunei range between 28°C and 32°C, with high humidity and heavy rainfall, so light clothing is enough. The university asks students to dress modestly on and off campus. Islam is the main religion, but people are free to practise other religions. Life off campus is described by UBD as relatively peaceful and quiet, with strong respect for elders and family.

Frequently asked questions

Are courses in Brunei taught in English?

At Universiti Brunei Darussalam, yes: English is the main medium of instruction, and it is widely spoken in the country.

How much does a bachelor's degree at UBD cost for international students?

For the 2026/2027 intake, tuition is B$16,500 a year for non-lab-based programmes and B$18,500 for lab-based ones, with higher fees for engineering, pharmacy, medicine and dentistry.

Are there scholarships for foreign students in Brunei?

Yes. The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for Foreign Students (BDGS) funds bachelor's and master's study at UBD, covering tuition and living allowances; the call is published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What English level do I need for UBD?

For most programmes IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 or an equivalent; medicine and dentistry ask for IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 600.

Can I study in Brunei for a few weeks only?

Yes. The Global Discovery Programme is a summer programme open to any international university student, with accommodation, meals and excursions included in its living expenses fee.