The University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship 2026 is a funded opportunity for international students to study at Brunei’s top public university (UBD), with government-backed support that can cover tuition plus living-related bursaries and medical treatment, depending on the scholarship scheme. For many international applicants, the most relevant route is the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for Foreign Students Tenable in Brunei Darussalam (BDGS), which has an application deadline of 28February 2026 (23:59 Brunei Time) for the 2026/2027 intake.
Basic information (including application deadline)
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) explains that the Brunei government has awarded thousands of scholarships over the past decade for both locals and non-locals to study at UBD, and that scholarship coverage can include tuition plus bursaries for accommodation, books, food, and personal spending. UBD also notes that complementary medical treatment at Brunei Government hospitals is included and travel arrangements are handled by Brunei’s foreign mission in the scholar’s country of origin (or nearest mission).
Available Scholarship Schemes
Bachelor’s Degree
- Local Students (LS):
Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS–LS) - International Students (IS):
Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for Foreign Students (BDGS–IS)
Master’s Degree
- Local Students: BDGS–LS
- International Students: BDGS–IS
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Local Students:
- BDGS–LS
- UBD Graduate Research Scholarship
- UBD Bursary
- International Students:
- BDGS–IS
- UBD Graduate Research Scholarship
For the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship (BDGS) 2026/2027, the deadline for online submission is 28 February 2026 (23:59 Brunei Time).
Main Scholarship Types
Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS)
- For Brunei citizens (LS) and international students (IS)
- Supports undergraduate to postgraduate studies
UBD Graduate Research Scholarship
- For high-quality PhD students
- Competitive and research-focused
- Suitable for students aiming for an international research career
UBD Bursary
- For PhD applicants
- Focuses on developing future academics, especially local talent
University/institution details
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is Brunei’s flagship public university, located near Bandar Seri Begawan, and serves as a key national institution for higher education and research. UBD’s scholarship page emphasizes that the government supports both local and international students through multiple scholarship schemes across study levels.
Study areas (available program names)
UBD hosts a wide range of academic fields across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and the exact program names available under scholarships can depend on the scholarship scheme and the yearly course offerings. For BDGS applicants, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship portal typically asks applicants to select programs tenable in Brunei (including at UBD and other Brunei institutions).
- Faculty of Science:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Biodiversity
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Geoscience
- Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Master of Science by Coursework
- Petroleum Geosciences
- Master of Science by Research:
- Biodiversity
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Geosciences
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- English Literature
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- History
- Malay Language & Linguistics
- Malay Literature
- Professional Communication & the Media
- Art
- Sociology
- Master of Arts by Research:
- Anthropology
- Art
- English Literature
- English Language and Linguistics
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- History
- Malay Language and Linguistics
- Malay Literature
- Sociology
- Professional Communication and the Media
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- UBD School of Business & Economics:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Management
- Economics
- Finance
- Master by Coursework:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Logistics
- Applied Economics
- Islamic Finance
- Master by Research:
- Management
- Economics
- Finance
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Public Health
- Biomedical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Master by Coursework:
- Public Health
- Medicine*
- Nursing*
- * Part-time basis only
- Master of Health Science by Research:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Public Health.
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Academy of Brunei Studies:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Brunei Studies
- Master of Arts by Research:
- Brunei Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy:
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Education
- Master by Coursework:
- Counseling
- Education
- Teaching
- Master by Research:
- Education
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Islamic Civilisation and Contemporary Issues
- Master of Arts by Research:
- Islamic Civilisation and Contemporary Issues
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Institute of Asian Studies:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Asian Studies
- Master by Research
- Asian Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Faculty of Integrated Technologies:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Systems Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Master of Engineering by Research:
- Chemical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Studies:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Material Science
- Energy Studies
- Master of Science by Research:
- Material Science
- Energy Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Institute of Policy Studies:
- Doctor of Philosophy:
- Islamic Governance
- Public Policy
- Master by Coursework:
- Public Policy and Management
- Master by Research:
- Islamic Governance
- Doctor of Philosophy:
Scholarship benefits (what the scholarship covers)
Public listings for UGRS describe benefits such as:
- Tuition fees (including registration and acceptance fees) waived.
- Monthly subsistence allowance of BND 2,200 for 36 months.
- Free on-campus accommodation (not including administrative fees).
- One incoming and outgoing economy-class air ticket for candidates not residing in Brunei
- Allowances for Field Research (BND 1000.00 for Arts and Humanities, and BND 2000.00 for Science candidates).
Benefits not included
Scholarship packages differ by scheme and can include important exclusions, so a transparent section improves trust and readability. Even UBD’s scholarship page frames benefits generally, meaning applicants must verify exact covered items in the official BDGS/UGRS terms.
Common exclusions and “plan for it” costs:
- Administrative fees (UGRS accommodation is free but may exclude administrative fees).
- Personal lifestyle costs beyond the provided allowance (shopping, leisure, optional travel).
- Document certification/translation costs for application submissions (especially if documents are not originally in English).
- Visa-related steps can include costs and time even when guidance/support exists (depending on scheme and nationality).
Eligibility criteria for the University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
Eligibility depends on the pathway (BDGS vs UGRS), so presenting both clearly makes your blog more helpful and more likely to rank for multiple search intents.
BDGS (Government Scholarship) eligibility
Official and widely-cited BDGS guidance commonly includes conditions such as:
- Brunei Darussalam permanent residents are not eligible (BDGS is for foreign students).
- Age limits vary by level (e.g., different age caps for undergraduate vs postgraduate), so applicants must follow the official BDGS rules for the year.
- English proficiency is required, with accepted tests/grades listed in official BDGS guidance.
UGRS (UBD Graduate Research Scholarship) eligibility (typical positioning)
UGRS is described as a research scholarship for strong candidates (often PhD), with benefits and rules published in scholarship listings and typically guided by UBD’s graduate research admission requirements.
For Brunei Darussalam Citizens
Eligibility Criteria (Brunei Citizens)
- Must be a citizen of Brunei Darussalam
- For graduate study: Honours Bachelor’s degree (Second Class or above)
- Bahasa Melayu: Minimum Credit (C6) in Brunei GCE ‘O’ Level
- English:
- Credit (C6) in Brunei GCE ‘O’ Level, or
- Grade B in IGCSE English (ESL), or
- IELTS 6.0
- Age limit:
- Undergraduate: Not over 26 years
- Graduate: Not over 30 years
- Must be unemployed
Required documents for the application
- Certified true copies of passport / national ID / birth certificate documents.
- Certified true copies of academic certificates, transcripts, testimonials.
- Certified English translations for documents not in English.
- Certified English language proficiency certification (if applicable).
- Proof of employment (if applicable).
- References/recommendations from referees.
- Research proposal for programmes by research.
University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship application process (step-by-step guide)
Because users search “How to apply UBD scholarship 2026,” this section should be extremely clear and keyword-rich while staying readable.
Step-by-step: BDGS (Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship) route
- Check the official BDGS portal and program list
- Prepare certified documents early
- Arrange certified copies and certified English translations (if needed), since certification can take time.
- Complete the online application form
- Submit your BDGS online application before 15 February 2026 (23:59 Brunei Time).
- Follow endorsement/verification requirements
- Monitor email for updates and prepare for next steps
Step-by-step: UGRS (research scholarship) route
Since UGRS is a UBD research scholarship, applicants typically prepare a research-focused application (CV + proposal + academic records) aligned with UBD research admission requirements, then follow the official UBD scholarship instructions for that call.
Tips for a successful application
A strong scholarship application is not only about eligibility—it’s about showing readiness and credibility. Since Brunei scholarships are competitive, small improvements (clean documents, strong references, consistent story) can significantly increase your odds.
- Choose programs that align with your academic record and career plan, and mention that alignment clearly in your motivation or study plan.
- Make your documents “embassy-ready”: certified copies, clear scans, correct file names, and certified translations if needed.
- Use referees who can comment on your ability to succeed abroad and your academic discipline, not only your grades.
- If applying for a research-based program, write a research proposal that is feasible, specific, and aligned with the university’s resources and likely supervisors.
- Submit early to avoid last-day upload issues and to leave time for any correction requests.
Monthly living expenses for international students (USD)
Living costs in Brunei are moderate compared to many high-cost study destinations, but budgeting still matters—especially for food, transport, and personal expenses. A city benchmark shows that in Bandar Seri Begawan, the estimated monthly cost for one person is about $1,068, including rent and about $494 without rent, based on a cost-of-living dataset.
A realistic monthly student budget in USD (approximate ranges):
- If accommodation is covered by scholarship/on-campus housing: $350–$650/month for food, transport, internet/phone, and personal expenses (guided by the “without rent” benchmark).
- If you pay rent privately: $900–$1,300/month depending on housing type, location, and lifestyle.
UBD also advises students to allocate $500 Brunei Dollars per month to be financially comfortable, which can help applicants plan day-to-day spending expectations.
Why choose this scholarship? (minimum 5 reasons)
This scholarship route is attractive because it combines government support, a safe environment, and a reputable national university—while often reducing the biggest financial barriers to studying abroad.
Top reasons:
- Tuition and bursary support: UBD explains government scholarships can include tuition plus support for accommodation, books, food, and personal spending.
- Health support: UBD notes complementary medical treatment at Brunei Government hospitals as part of the scholarship support.
- Travel facilitation: UBD states travel expenses are arranged by Brunei’s foreign mission in the scholar’s country of origin (or nearest mission).
- Strong research pathway (UGRS option): UGRS listings highlight a tuition waiver, BND 2,200 monthly allowance, free on-campus accommodation, and airfare for international scholars.
- Peaceful study environment: Brunei is widely viewed as a calm, orderly place to live and study, which helps students focus on academics and research.
- International recognition: Completing a funded degree abroad strengthens your academic profile, employability, and future scholarship competitiveness.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1) What is the University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship 2026?
It generally refers to scholarship opportunities to study at UBD, including government schemes (BDGS for international students) and UBD-based schemes such as the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS).
2) What is the application deadline for the Brunei scholarship 2026/2027 intake?
For the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship (BDGS), the online application deadline is 15 February 2026 (23:59 Brunei Time).
3) Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
UBD indicates scholarships can include bursaries for accommodation, books, food, and personal spending, but exact coverage depends on the scheme and official terms.
4) Is accommodation included?
For UGRS, scholarship listings state free on-campus accommodation is provided (excluding administrative fees).
5) Is IELTS required?
English proficiency requirements depend on the scholarship scheme and program, and official BDGS guidance lists English qualification options including standardized tests.
6) Can I apply for research programs?
Yes—BDGS documentation commonly requires a research proposal for “programmes by research,” and UGRS is a research-focused scholarship route at UBD.
7) Are Brunei permanent residents eligible?
BDGS guidance states Brunei Darussalam permanent residents are not eligible for the scholarship intended for foreign students.
