Brunei’s Scholarship

Brunei’s Scholarship Is Open to All Countries — And Most People Have Never Applied

The Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship (BDGS) is one of Southeast Asia’s most underutilized fully funded scholarships. Open to students from all nationalities (with particular priority for ASEAN, Commonwealth, and OIC countries), it offers genuine full funding tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, return airfare at five Bruneian institutions.

The Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship is a fully funded award from Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is fully funded: free tuition, monthly allowances, return airfare, housing and medical cover; with intake deadline typically mid-February.

Most scholarship guides focus on the UK, USA, Europe, or major Asian powers. Brunei Darussalam a small, wealthy, peaceful sultanate on the island of Borneo rarely features in scholarship roundups. This obscurity works in applicants’ favor: the BDGS pool is smaller than comparable scholarships, and the country’s stability, safety, and high quality of life make it a genuinely attractive study destination.

The scholarship is intended primarily for international students studying for the first time in Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam Permanent Residents are not eligible.

One critical restriction must be stated clearly: A scholarship recipient is NOT permitted to change the program offered nor the institution where the recipient will be studying. Choose your program and institution with care before applying, you cannot change them after selection.

What Is Brunei Darussalam — The Study Destination

Brunei Darussalam (full name: Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace) is a small sovereign state on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, surrounded on three sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and facing the South China Sea.

With a population of approximately 450,000, Brunei is one of the world’s most prosperous nations per capita, its wealth built on substantial oil and natural gas reserves. There is no income tax in Brunei. The government provides free education and healthcare to citizens.

Islam is the official religion and central to national identity under the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB Malay Islamic Monarchy) philosophy. For Muslim students from OIC countries Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, and others, Brunei’s Islamic environment is a genuine advantage.

The Sultan: Brunei has been ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967, one of the world’s longest-reigning current monarchs. The political system is a traditional Islamic monarchy stable, conservative, and focused on national prosperity.

Languages: Malay is the official language; English is widely spoken in education, business, and daily life. Most university programs are conducted in English.

Five Partner Institutions — Where BDGS Scholars Study

The scholarship is available at five universities in Brunei.

1. University Brunei Darussalam (UBD)

Brunei’s flagship public university the broadest range of programs across sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, education, and health. The most commonly selected institution for BDGS scholars in non-Islamic fields.

2. University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)

Brunei’s dedicated Islamic university programs in Islamic studies, Islamic finance, Islamic law (fiqh), Arabic language, and related disciplines. Particularly relevant for students seeking Islamic academic credentials in an authentic Islamic environment. UNISSA attracts significant interest from OIC country applicants.

3. University Technology Brunei (UTB)

Technology and engineering-focused. Programs in engineering, computing, built environment, business technology, and applied sciences. UTB is Brunei’s specialist technical university.

4. Kolej University Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB)

Islamic teacher education, training teachers in Islamic religious education. Specialized institution for those interested in Islamic pedagogy and religious education careers.

5. Politeknik Brunei (PB)

Polytechnic institution for Diploma-level programs more practically-oriented, shorter duration, vocational focus. Business, engineering, hospitality, information technology at diploma level.

Full Financial Package

The BDGS provides a monthly allowance of BND $650, accommodation, and exemption from tuition fees.

The scholarship includes an economy class air-ticket from the scholarship recipient’s country of origin to Brunei Darussalam before commencement and an economy class air-ticket from Brunei to the recipient’s country upon completion. Baggage allowance upon completion: BND $250 to ASEAN countries; BND $500 to countries outside ASEAN.

Complete Coverage:

BND $650/Month in Context:

Brunei’s cost of living is moderate lower than Singapore, similar to mid-tier ASEAN cities. With free on-campus accommodation, BND $650/month (~USD $480) covers food, transport, personal expenses, and modest savings. It is genuinely sufficient for a comfortable student life in Brunei, particularly given the accommodation is provided at no cost.

Eligible Countries — All Nationalities Welcome

Eligible nationalities: Open to international students (priority to ASEAN, Commonwealth, OIC nations).

The scholarship is open to applicants from around the world except Citizens of Brunei.

Any international student from any country except Brunei citizens and permanent residents is eligible to apply.

Prefer applicants from:

• ASEAN countries (Southeast Asian regional priority)
• Commonwealth countries (Brunei is a Commonwealth member)
• OIC countries (Organization of Islamic Cooperation — 57 Muslim-majority nations)

Pakistan ✅, Bangladesh ✅, Indonesia ✅, Nigeria ✅, Egypt ✅, Malaysia ✅, Cambodia ✅, Philippines ✅, Kenya ✅, Ghana ✅, and all OIC/ASEAN/Commonwealth nations apply with priority consideration.

Not eligible:

• Brunei citizens
• Brunei Permanent Residents
• International students who have previously resided in Brunei

Eligibility Requirements

1. Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 25 for Bachelor’s and Diploma programs. For Postgraduate Master’s Degree programs, applicants must be under 35 as of 1 July in the year the course begins.

2. Academic Qualifications:

• For Diploma: Strong secondary school results
• For Bachelor’s: Strong secondary/A-level/pre-university results appropriate for chosen field
• For Master’s: Relevant bachelor’s degree

3. English Language Proficiency: Show English language proficiency for example a Credit 6 at GCE O Level, Grade C in IGCSE English (as a second language), an IELTS score of 6.0, or a TOEFL score of at least 550.

⚠️ Important: An applicant may be required to appear for an interview and to sit a written examination to assess the applicant’s proficiency in English, Malay, or Arabic (where applicable). English proficiency is assessed during the interview process, you do not necessarily need an IELTS certificate at the time of application, but the IELTS 6.0 standard is what will be evaluated.

4. Good Health: Medical fitness is required.

5. Good Academic Record: Outstanding academic performance appropriate to the level of study.

Application Process

Annual deadline: February 15

2026/2027 academic session deadline: 15 February 2026. Academic year commences July/August.

2027-28 expected deadline: February 15, 2027.

Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Research institutions and programs Visit each institution’s website to identify available programs. Remember: you cannot change program or institution after selection. Choose deliberately.

• UBD: ubd.edu.bn
• UNISSA: unissa.edu.bn
• UTB: utb.edu.bn
• KUPU SB: kupusb.edu.bn
• Politeknik Brunei: pb.edu.bn

Step 2: Access the application form Fill out the online Application Form for the Scholarship. Application through Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mfa.gov.bn

3: Prepare documents Standard requirements include:

• Certified academic transcripts and certificates
• Valid passport (personal details page)
• Medical certificate (health clearance)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Personal statement / statement of purpose
• Two reference letters (academic or professional)
• English language proof (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)

4: Submit before February 15 Submit all documents through the official portal before the deadline.

Step 5: Shortlisting and interview An applicant may be required to appear for an interview at such place as may be determined by the institutions. Shortlisted candidates may be called for interview either at their local Singapore High Commission (for ASEAN applicants) or designated venue.

Step 6: Academic year starts July/August Results announced before the commencement date.

The Islamic Dimension — Particularly Relevant for OIC Applicants

Brunei’s Islamic identity is not incidental to the scholarship, it shapes the study environment in meaningful ways:

For Muslim applicants: Brunei is an excellent study environment. Daily prayer is facilitated, Friday is a partial working day, halal food is ubiquitous and affordable, Ramadan is nationally observed, and Islamic values are embedded in public institutions. A Muslim student from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nigeria will find Brunei immediately culturally comfortable.

UNISSA specifically: If your academic interest includes Islamic studies, Islamic law, Islamic finance, or Arabic, UNISSA is one of Southeast Asia’s leading Islamic higher education institutions.

KUPU SB: For those interested in Islamic education and teacher training, KUPU SB trains the educators who will teach Islamic subjects.

Quick Reference

FAQ

Is the scholarship open to all countries?

Yes, open to applicants from around the world except citizens of Brunei. Priority given to ASEAN, Commonwealth, and OIC nations.

What is the monthly stipend?

BND $650 per month approximately USD $480/month at current exchange rates.

What is the age limit?

18-25 for Diploma and Undergraduate; under 35 for Master’s as of 1 July of the year of entry.

When is the deadline?

February 15 annually. For 2027-28: expected February 15, 2027.

Which university is best for Islamic studies?

UNISSA (University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali), Brunei’s dedicated Islamic university, offering Islamic law, finance, Arabic, and related programs.

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