Government of Brunei Darussalam Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship

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Brunei Darussalam, also known as the “Abode of Peace” in English, is a prosperous and vibrant nation situated in Southeast Asia. Nestled along the north-western coast of Borneo (Kalimantan) Island, it boasts a picturesque coastline spanning 161 kilometers, facing the South China Sea. Brunei Darussalam is geographically enclosed by the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

Economic Freedom and Global Ranking

Brunei Darussalam enjoys economic freedom, as indicated by its impressive score of 65.1 in the 2019 Global Index Heritage. This score positions Brunei as the 63rd freest economy globally, marking a notable increase of 0.9 points. This gain primarily stems from higher scores in property rights and tax burden, despite slight declines in trade freedom, government integrity, and judicial effectiveness. In the Asia-Pacific region, Brunei Darussalam holds the 14th rank among 43 member countries. Notably, its overall score surpasses both regional and global averages.

A Nation of Peace and Harmony on the Global Stage

Brunei Darussalam has long been committed to promoting peace and harmony, both nationally and internationally. It is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization.

Why Choose Brunei Darussalam for Your Studies?

Brunei Darussalam’s universities have garnered a strong reputation worldwide. Universiti Brunei Darussalam, established in 1985, holds a prominent place in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, ranking between 401-500 globally. It is the country’s largest university in terms of student enrollment and the diversity of programs offered. With 8 academic faculties, 8 research institutes, and 2 academic service centers, UBD caters to over 3,000 domestic and international students.

UBD specializes in various fields, including science, health sciences, Asian studies, policy studies, education, business, engineering, biodiversity, advanced materials and energy sciences, and advanced research. The university’s mission also encompasses applied data analytics, Islamic studies, leadership, innovation, and advancement. Other universities in Brunei Darussalam offer a wide array of studies and degrees, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for 2023

In 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends a warm invitation to international applicants to apply for the Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship for the academic session 2023-2024. This scholarship scheme offers opportunities for international applicants to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) degrees.

The scholarship is available at the following institutions of higher education in Brunei:

• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
• Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)
• Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB)
• Politeknik Brunei (PB)

Academic years at these universities commence in July or August 2023, so it’s advisable to prepare your applications promptly.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship, international applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Commonwealth, or OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) member countries.
• For undergraduate programs, applicants must be between 18-25 years old, and for postgraduate programs, the age limit is 35 years old as of July 31, 2023.
• Not holding Brunei Darussalam Permanent Residency.

Scholarship Benefits

The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship provides an array of benefits, including:

• Full tuition fee exemption, covering acceptance, examination, registration, and orientation fees throughout the program.
• Economy class air-ticket to Brunei Darussalam from the recipient’s country of origin or domicile and a return ticket upon completing the course.
• Monthly personal allowance of 250 BND (approximately)
• Monthly meal allowance of 150 BND (approximately)
• Annual book allowance of 600 BND (approximately)
• Accommodation at the university’s residential college.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage for the entire scholarship duration.

Application Procedure and Deadlines

Applicants should follow these steps for a successful application:

1. Download and complete the application form, available on the official website.
2. Ensure the application form is duly endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the National Focal Point for scholarships in your country.
3. Provide a security clearance statement from your National Security Agency or Police Station, certifying a clean record.
4. Submit all application forms and supporting documents in Word Document, PDF, or JPG format (compressed or .zip folder).
5. If applying to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), complete an online application through their portal.
6. Applications must be sent to the provided email address: applyBDGS2023@mfa.gov.bn

The application deadlines are as follows:

• Graduate Degree: May 11, 2023 (Closes on July 14, 2023)
• Undergraduate Degree: July 1, 2023 (Closes on September 12, 2023)

Applicants may be required to appear for an interview and sit a written examination to assess language proficiency.

Terms and Conditions

Applicants are advised to thoroughly understand and agree to the terms and conditions of the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship, which will be provided upon acceptance of the scholarship offer. The terms include respecting local customs, laws, and regulations, as well as refraining from political activities during the scholarship period.

Further Scholarship Information and Assistance

For additional inquiries and assistance, applicants can contact the Technical Assistance Division at the Department of Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brunei Darussalam.

Address: Technical Assistance Division Department of Administration Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bandar Seri Begawan BD2710 Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2261177 ext. 310 / 684 Fax: + 673 2261250 E-mail: scholarship@mfa.gov.bn