Brunei Darussalam Scholarship

If you’re looking to further your education abroad, there’s great news! The Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship for 2025-2026 is now open for applications. This fully-funded scholarship offers international students the chance to pursue undergraduate, diploma, and master’s degrees at top universities in Brunei Darussalam. In this blog post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this scholarship, from its benefits to the application process.

What is the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship?

The Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship program aimed at attracting talented international students to study in Brunei. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and provides various allowances, making it a highly sought-after opportunity for those looking to pursue higher education in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re applying for a diploma, undergraduate, or master’s degree, this scholarship offers an excellent chance to study at one of Brunei’s top universities for free.

Brunei Darussalam is known for its serene environment, modern infrastructure, and high-quality educational institutions. The scholarship allows recipients to immerse themselves in this unique culture while gaining world-class education at institutions like Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), and other top universities in the country.

Scholarship Summary

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship:

• Level of Study: Diploma, Undergraduate, Masters
• Institutions:
  • Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
  • Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)
  • Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB)
  • Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB)
  • Politeknik Brunei (PB)
• Study Location: Brunei Darussalam
• Program Duration:
  • Diploma: 3 years
  • Undergraduate: 4 years (8 semesters)
  • Master’s: 1-2 years (12-24 months)
• Scholarship Deadline: February 15, 2025

Courses Offered

The Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship allows students to enroll in a wide variety of programs at any of the participating universities. Whether you are interested in arts, engineering, sciences, or religious studies, Brunei’s universities have something to offer. For detailed information on specific programs, entry qualifications, and further details, you can visit the respective websites of the universities:

• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
• Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)
• Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB)
• Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB)
• Politeknik Brunei (PB)

Scholarship Coverage

One of the most attractive features of the Brunei Darussalam Scholarship is its extensive coverage. Here’s what the scholarship offers to its recipients:

1. Tuition Fees Exemption
   Recipients are exempt from paying tuition fees for the entire duration of their chosen program. This also includes other fees such as registration, examination, and orientation fees.
2. Airfare
   The scholarship covers the cost of an economy class air ticket from the recipient’s home country to Brunei before the start of the program. Upon completion of the course, the scholarship also covers a return air ticket back to the recipient’s country.
3. Monthly Personal Allowance
   Recipients receive a monthly allowance of BND$500 to cover personal expenses. This ensures students can comfortably focus on their studies without worrying about day-to-day living costs.
4. Meals Allowance
   A monthly meals allowance of BND$150 is provided to scholarship recipients.
5. Annual Book Allowance
   Students are also entitled to an annual book allowance of BND$600 to help cover the cost of textbooks and other educational materials.
6. Accommodation
   Scholarship recipients are provided with accommodation at the university or polytechnic’s residential colleges. This allows students to live within the campus environment, close to classrooms and other university facilities.
7. Baggage Allowance
   Upon completion of the program, recipients are granted a baggage allowance to cover the shipment of personal effects. The allowance is BND$250 for countries within the ASEAN region and BND$500 for countries outside ASEAN.
8. Comprehensive Insurance
   The scholarship provides comprehensive insurance coverage for the entire duration of the scholarship. However, students are also encouraged to obtain additional personal insurance coverage at their own expense before traveling to Brunei.

Eligibility Criteria for the Brunei Darussalam Scholarship

To qualify for the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Language Proficiency:
   Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, Malay, or Arabic, depending on the language of instruction for their chosen program.
2. Eligible Countries:
   This scholarship is open to citizens of all countries, with particular emphasis on applicants from ASEAN, Commonwealth, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.
3. Age Limits:
   • Applicants for undergraduate and diploma programs must be between the ages of 18 and 25 as of July 31, 2024.
   • For postgraduate (master’s) programs, applicants must not exceed the age of 35 by July 31, 2024.
4. Residency:
   The scholarship is not open to permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam.
5. Other Scholarships:
   Scholarship recipients are not permitted to hold any other scholarships, fellowships, grants, or loans without prior approval from Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
6. Employment Restrictions:
   Recipients are not allowed to undertake any paid employment or serve as part of any diplomatic mission staff while studying in Brunei.
7. Post-Scholarship Obligation:
   Upon completion of their studies, recipients are required to leave Brunei Darussalam immediately. This ensures the scholarship benefits are focused on international students returning home to contribute to their local communities.

How to Apply for the Brunei Darussalam Scholarship?

Applying for the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship is a straightforward process. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your application is successfully submitted:

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

To start your application, you’ll need to fill in the BDGS Application Form available on the official website. The deadline for submission is February 15, 2025. Make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid any interruptions while completing the form.

Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents

Along with the application form, you’ll need to upload certified copies of the following documents:

• Academic Qualifications: Submit certified true copies of your transcripts, certificates, and any other relevant academic achievements.
• Translations: If your documents are not in English, ensure they are translated and certified.
• Birth Certificate and Passport: Upload certified true copies of both your birth certificate and passport.
• References: Provide two references or recommendation letters from referees using forms C1 and C2.

Step 3: Apply to Specific Universities

If you’re applying to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) or Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), you’ll need to complete an additional online application form specific to those institutions. Follow the links provided on the official websites of UBD and UTB to complete these applications.

Step 4: Prepare for an Interview (if required)

Depending on the university or program you’re applying for, you may be invited to attend an interview or sit for a written examination to assess your proficiency in English, Malay, or Arabic. Keep an eye on any communications from the institutions offering the programs.

Step 5: Submission of the Application

Once your application form is complete and all documents are uploaded, submit your application before the February 15, 2025 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so ensure you have double-checked everything.

Additional Notes:

• Ensure all application forms and supporting documents are submitted in Word Document, PDF, or JPG format, compressed into a .zip folder if necessary.
• The maximum file size for attachments is 10MB, so keep this in mind when preparing your documents.

Conclusion

The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue their academic dreams at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions. Whether you’re seeking to complete a diploma, undergraduate degree, or master’s program, this scholarship offers full financial support and additional benefits that make studying in Brunei both affordable and enriching.

By offering full tuition coverage, monthly allowances, accommodation, and comprehensive insurance, this scholarship ensures that students can focus on their academic pursuits without the stress of financial burdens. Additionally, living and studying in Brunei offers the chance to experience a unique culture in a peaceful, scenic environment.

With the February 15, 2025, deadline fast approaching, now is the time to prepare your application. Follow the steps outlined above, gather all the required documents, and take the first step toward an exciting academic journey in Brunei Darussalam!

For more detailed information, including application forms and deadlines, visit the official scholarship website.