The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2025 (BDGS) offers international students the opportunity to pursue higher study in Brunei. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites applications for the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2025-2026. This fully funded scholarship offers international students the chance to pursue Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate Master’s programs in Brunei.
All International Students from all over the world are eligible to apply for the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, books, food, personal expenses, and medical treatment at Brunei government hospitals. Travel expenses are arranged by Brunei’s Foreign Mission in the scholar’s home country or the nearest Brunei Mission.. The application deadline is 28 February 2025.
Universities/Institutions:
- Funded By: Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Government of Brunei Darussalam
- Place: Brunei
- Degree level: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
- Duration:
- 4 years for undergraduate programs,
- 1–2 years for master’s, and
- 1–3 years for diploma programs.
Participating Institution:
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD),
- The Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA),
- Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB),
- Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and
- Politeknik Brunei (PB).
Study Areas
The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS) supports a wide range of disciplines across its top universities. Students can choose from:
- Engineering and Technology: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and IT.
- Business and Economics: Management, Finance, and Marketing.
- Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Studies.
- Social Sciences: International Relations, Sociology, and Psychology.
- Islamic Studies: Shariah Law, Quranic Studies, and Islamic History.
- Education and Arts: Teaching, Linguistics, and Visual Arts.
For queries related to courses/programs offered, please browse the following links:
Universiti Brunei Darussalam(UBD)
The Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)
Universiti Teknologi Brunei(UTB)
Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan(KUPU SB)
Politeknik Brunei (PB)
Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship Benefits
Tuition Fee Exemption: Covers acceptance, examination, registration, and orientation fees.
Airfare:
- Economy class ticket to Brunei at the start of the program.
- Return ticket to the home country upon program completion.
Allowances:
- Monthly personal allowance: BND 500.
- Monthly meals allowance: BND 150.
- Annual book allowance: BND 600.
Accommodation: Provided at the university/polytechnic residential college.
Baggage Allowance (after program completion):
- BND 250 for ASEAN countries.
- BND 500 for non-ASEAN countries.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage during the scholarship period
Benefits Not Included
- Personal expenses beyond the monthly allowance.
- Costs for optional activities, such as personal travel or private accommodations
Eligibilities of Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship
Age Limit:
- Undergraduate/Diploma: Must not exceed 25 years old by July 1 of the year the program starts.
- Postgraduate (Master’s): Must not exceed 35 years old by the same date.
English Proficiency:
- GCE ‘O’ Level: Credit 6.
- IGCSE English (as a second language): Grade ‘C’.
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0.
- TOEFL: Minimum 550.
Scholarship Exclusivity:
- Cannot hold another scholarship, grant, fellowship, or loan without prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Violations may lead to termination or revocation.
Family and Allowances:
- Bringing family members is discouraged.
- No marriage or child allowances provided.
- No accommodation for family members.
Employment Restrictions:
- Cannot engage in paid employment or work for any country’s representative mission in Brunei during the scholarship.
Compliance Requirements:
- Follow all scholarship and university rules.
- Respect Brunei’s laws, customs, culture, and official religion.
- Avoid political activities.
- Undergo health screening if required.
Post-Program: Must leave Brunei immediately upon program completion.
Required Documents
- Completed application form.
- Certified copies of academic qualifications (certificates, transcripts, testimonials).
- Certified English translations for non-English documents.
- Certified copies of birth certificate and passport.
- Two reference letters (C1 and C2).
- Copy of identification cards.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship Application Process
- Visit the official scholarship portal to download the application form.
- Fill in the form and gather the required documents.
- Submit the application and documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Brunei) or the nearest Brunei Embassy/Consulate.
- Applicants may need to attend an interview at a location chosen by the institution.
- A written test may be required to assess English, Malay, or Arabic proficiency, depending on the program.
- The Brunei Government has the right to reject applications, and its decisions are final.
- No disputes or appeals regarding the selection process will be entertained.
- Await the announcement of shortlisted candidates.
- Applicants applying to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) must also complete an online application through https://apply.ubd.edu.bn/orbeon/uis-welcome/
- Applicants applying to Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) must also complete an online application through https://apply.utb.edu.bn/
Tips for a Successful Application
- Begin early to ensure all documents are ready.
- Write a compelling statement of purpose, highlighting your goals and alignment with Brunei’s academic offerings.
- Double-check the application for completeness and accuracy.
- Secure strong recommendation letters from credible referees.
- Ensure all documents meet the certification and format requirements.
Living Expenses
Brunei is known for its affordable cost of living, and the scholarship’s monthly allowance of BND 500 comfortably covers:
- Food: BND 200–300 per month.
- Transportation: Public transport costs are minimal, averaging BND 50–100 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Entertainment, personal care, and other expenses can cost around BND 100.
The country’s peaceful environment and subsidized public services make it a student-friendly destination.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
Brunei’s scholarships provide exceptional academic and cultural experiences in a peaceful and modern setting. With fully covered expenses and access to top-ranked universities, students can focus entirely on their education and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the language requirements for the scholarship?
Applicants must submit valid IELTS or TOEFL scores unless their prior education was in English. - Can I bring family members on this scholarship?
No, the scholarship only covers the student’s expenses. - Are there work opportunities for students during their studies?
Work is generally not permitted under the terms of the scholarship. - Can I apply to multiple universities under the scholarship?
Yes, applicants can indicate preferences for multiple institutions in their application. - What happens if I cannot complete the program?
Scholarship recipients are expected to commit fully to their studies. Non-compliance or withdrawal may result in penalties.