Applications are currently being accepted for the fully funded Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. This prestigious scholarship program, overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invites foreign students to apply for opportunities to study in Brunei Darussalam under the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship (BDGS) scheme.
The scholarship offers financial support for studies at various academic levels including Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate Master’s Degree programs. Successful applicants can enroll in reputable institutions within Brunei such as Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), and Politeknik Brunei (PB). The academic session for this scholarship will commence in July or August 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants should not exceed the age of 25 years for Diploma and Undergraduate courses or 35 years for Postgraduate Master’s programs as of the 1st of July in the year the course begins.
- Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting at least one of the following standards: a minimum of Credit 6 in GCE ‘O’ Level English; a Grade ‘C’ in IGCSE English as a second language; a TOEFL score of at least 550; or an IELTS score of 6.0.
- This scholarship is primarily designed for international students who are undertaking studies in Brunei for the first time.
- Residents holding permanent status in Brunei Darussalam are ineligible to apply.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship will enjoy extensive support, including:
- Full exemption from tuition fees, which covers acceptance, examination, registration, and orientation fees throughout the course of study.
- Round-trip economy class airfare from the student’s home country or country of domicile to Brunei Darussalam at the start and conclusion of their studies.
- A monthly personal allowance of BND$500.00 to cover living expenses.
- A monthly meals allowance amounting to BND$150.00.
- An annual book allowance of BND$600.00.
- Accommodation within the residential colleges affiliated with the university or polytechnic.
- Baggage allowance for transporting personal belongings back to the student’s country of origin or domicile upon completion. This is capped at BND$250.00 for ASEAN countries and BND$500.00 for countries outside the ASEAN region.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for the entire period of the scholarship. Students are also encouraged to secure additional insurance coverage privately before traveling to Brunei and for the scholarship’s duration.
Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients
Students awarded this scholarship must adhere to the following conditions:
- Comply with all regulations tied to the scholarship.
- Follow the rules and guidelines established by their respective university or polytechnic.
- Respect Brunei Darussalam’s customs, cultural practices, and official religion.
- Obey all national laws and regulations of Brunei.
- Avoid participation in political activities during their stay.
- Undergo health screening in Brunei if required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Application Instructions
The deadline for submitting applications is 15th February 2026 at 23:59. Prospective candidates are advised to thoroughly review all details regarding the courses and programs they intend to apply for before completing their application forms.
It is important to note that scholarship recipients will not be allowed to switch programs or transfer to a different institution after the scholarship has been awarded.
Information about the available courses and programs can be found on the official websites of the participating institutions or through the Institutions’ Information page.
Candidates may be required to attend interviews at designated locations determined by the institutions and might also have to undertake written tests to evaluate their proficiency in English, Malay, or Arabic, depending on program requirements.
The Government of Brunei Darussalam reserves full discretion to reject any application and the selection committee’s decisions are final. Queries or disputes regarding selection outcomes will not be entertained.
Required Documents for Submission
- Certified true copies of Passport and/or Birth Certificate, National Identification Card, or other official identification documents.
- Certified true copies of academic certificates, transcripts, and other supporting documents such as testimonials.
- For documents not originally in English, certified English translations must be provided.
- Certified true copies of English language proficiency certificates.
- Proof of employment, if applicable, in certified true copy form.
- References and letters of recommendation from referees.
- A research proposal is required for candidates applying for research-based programs only.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 15th February 2026 |
| Notification of Scholarship Results (Tentative) | 1st June 2026 |
For comprehensive information and updates on the application process, eligibility, and program details, candidates should Visit the Official Webpage of the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarships.
