BRUNEI · BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Universiti Brunei Darussalam
public · Founded 1985 · Languages: en, ms
In short
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is Brunei's leading research university, offering innovative programs like the GenNEXT Degree with a mandatory Discovery Year for global experience. It provides an English-medium education with international faculty in a safe, tax-free environment with a low cost of living.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1985
- Students
- 5,000
- International students
- 800
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–12k/yr
- Languages
- EN, MS
- Location
- Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), founded in 1985, is Brunei's premier research university and the country's oldest and highest-ranked higher education institution. With approximately 5,000 students and faculty from over 40 countries, UBD plays a central role in Brunei's Vision 2035 economic transformation. Its innovative GenNEXT Degree Programme requires every undergraduate to complete a Discovery Year of practical, global experience.
Why study here
- Brunei's top university and consistently ranked among the best in Southeast Asia (QS rank ~367).
- The GenNEXT Degree Programme's mandatory Discovery Year — internship, study abroad, entrepreneurship, or community service — sets graduates apart in the job market.
- Safe, stable, and tax-free environment in Brunei with very low cost of living and crime rate.
- English-medium instruction with internationally recruited faculty from over 40 countries.
- Strong programmes in digital sciences, engineering, Islamic finance, marine biodiversity, and health sciences.
- Active ASEAN and global exchange partnerships offering students international exposure.
Student life
UBD's campus in Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan, offers modern facilities including a sports complex, student residences, prayer facilities, and a student union. Brunei's small size means the entire country is accessible within an hour's drive — including pristine rainforest reserves, coastal areas, and the iconic Ulu Temburong National Park. Social life is quieter than in major cities but warm and community-centred, reflecting Brunei's Malay Islamic Beraja values. Halal food is widely available. Students benefit from ASIP and other international programme opportunities.
Fees
InternationalApproximately BND 7,000–15,000 per year (EUR ~4,500–10,000) depending on programme.
HomeBruneian nationals pay heavily subsidised fees; many receive government scholarships covering full costs.
LivingEstimated BND 8,000–12,000 per year (EUR ~5,000–8,000) covering accommodation, food, and transport in Brunei.
International students are responsible for their own living and visa costs. On-campus student accommodation is available at subsidised rates. Health insurance is required.
Admissions
A-Level or equivalentRequired for undergraduate admission; typically 3 A-Levels or equivalent
Academic meritCompetitive selection; strong academic record in relevant subjects required
English proficiencyRequired for all programmes
IELTS6.0+ overall
TOEFL iBT80+
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024367
QS Asia University Rankings 202486
National Ranking (Brunei)1
University scholarships
UBD Graduate ScholarshipFull tuition plus monthly stipend for postgraduate research students
ASEAN Social Impact Program (ASIP24)Full sponsorship for selected participants
Brunei Government Scholarship (JPA)Full funding for eligible Bruneian and ASEAN students
Accreditation
UBD is established by royal charter under the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Act and is recognised by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC). It is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL).
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Bruneifull fundingUniversiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies
Open to international applicants of all nationalities for full-time Master's and PhD study at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Master's applicants should hold a First Class Bachelor's degree, and PhD applicants a relevant Master's degree. A clear research proposal and proof of English proficiency are required, and there is no application fee.
full
Funding
€24k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for International Students
Open to international students of all nationalities applying for Diploma, Undergraduate or Postgraduate Master's programmes at participating Brunei universities for the academic session. Applicants for undergraduate and diploma programmes must not exceed 25 years of age, and applicants for postgraduate Master's programmes must not exceed 35 years of age. Proficiency in English is required, along with certified copies of academic qualifications, transcripts, testimonials, birth certificate and passport, plus references from two referees. Selected scholars are expected to commence study in the July/August intake.
full
Funding
€6k
Max
Feb 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated annual fees for international students at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)?
+
International student tuition fees at UBD range approximately from BND 7,000 to BND 15,000 per year, depending on the chosen program. These fees do not include living expenses, visa costs, or health insurance, for which international students are responsible.
What is the GenNEXT Degree Programme and its Discovery Year?
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The GenNEXT Degree Programme is an innovative curriculum at UBD where all undergraduates undertake a mandatory 'Discovery Year'. This year offers practical global experience through internships, study abroad, entrepreneurship, or community service.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students generally need to demonstrate English proficiency, typically with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher.
What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate admission?
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For undergraduate admission, applicants typically need A-Levels or an equivalent qualification, usually requiring three A-Levels or their equivalent. A strong academic record in relevant subjects is also essential for competitive selection.
What are the living costs for international students in Brunei?
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Estimated annual living costs for international students in Brunei, covering accommodation, food, and transport, are around BND 8,000 to BND 12,000 per year. On-campus accommodation is available at subsidized rates.
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