Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 ( Fully Funded )

Your opportunity to study in Asia with full funding for Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs

If you are looking for a fully funded government scholarship in Asia that allows you to pursue a Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree at strong public universities, the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 – BDGS is one of the most powerful opportunities currently available for international students from outside Brunei.

This scholarship offers full funding, including full tuition fee exemption, a monthly stipend, meal allowance, book allowance, airfare, health insurance, and on-campus accommodation. The scholarship is administered directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei for the 2026/2027 academic year.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know about:

• Details of the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026
• Funding and financial benefits in detail
• Universities and available majors in Brunei under this scholarship
• Eligibility requirements and official admission criteria
• Required documents for application
• Step-by-step application process via the official website
• Practical tips to increase your chances of acceptance in the fully funded Brunei Government Scholarship

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Details About the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026

According to the official announcement on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, applications are now open for the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for International Students for the 2026/2027 academic year, for Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs at selected public universities in Brunei Darussalam.

• Host Country: Brunei Darussalam

• Funding Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei (MFA)

• Available Study Levels:

  • Diploma

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate)

  • Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)

• Academic Year: 2025/2026 (Studies are expected to begin around July/August 2026)

• Scholarship Type: Fully funded government scholarship for international students (excluding Brunei citizens and permanent residents)

• Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:

Why Study in Brunei Through This Scholarship?

Before diving into technical details, it is important to understand what distinguishes the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 from other fully funded government scholarships:

Full and Stable Government Funding

The scholarship is issued directly by the Government of Brunei, meaning clear and stable funding, with official terms published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website—not a temporary or uncertain funding source.

Living Costs Almost Fully Covered

Students receive a monthly stipend, meal allowance, annual book allowance, and free university accommodation, significantly reducing any additional financial burden on students or their families.

Strong Public Universities Under One Framework

You can apply to multiple programs across five reputable public higher education institutions in Brunei through the same BDGS framework, expanding your academic options.

Safe and Peaceful Study Environment

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia with strong political and economic stability, a developed education system, and a high level of safety—making it ideal for students seeking a calm and focused study environment.

Suitable for Arab Students

English proficiency is required, but it is not a major barrier for students with a good command of the language. In addition, Brunei’s conservative cultural environment makes it a comfortable option for many Arab and Muslim students.

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Universities and Majors Available Under the Brunei Government Scholarship

The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 is available for study at five higher education institutions, as stated in the official MFA announcement:

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)

• The largest and most well-known university in Brunei.

• Offers programs in sciences, engineering, economics and business administration, social sciences, education, information technology, public health, and more.

Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)

• A public Islamic university.

• Specializes in Sharia and law, fundamentals of religion, Islamic economics, contemporary Islamic studies, Arabic language, and related fields.

Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB)

• Focuses on engineering, technology, computing, information systems, business, and applied sciences.

• An ideal choice for students seeking fully funded engineering and technology scholarships.

Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB)

• Focuses on Islamic studies and the preparation of teachers for Islamic education and Arabic language.

Politeknik Brunei (PB)

• Suitable for students interested in applied and professional diploma programs in fields such as engineering, business administration, information technology, and specialized technical programs.

Important Note:
The list of majors changes from year to year. Applicants must review each university’s program pages through the official links when selecting a major (you will find the links in the “Official Resources” section at the end of the article).

Financial Benefits – What Does the BDGS Cover?

The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 is classified as a Fully Funded Scholarship, covering most essential student expenses as stated in the general scholarship conditions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

The benefits include:

4. Full tuition fee exemption: Admission, registration, examinations, and orientation fees for the entire duration of the program.

5. Economy-class airfare from the applicant’s country of residence to Brunei prior to the start of studies.

6. Monthly allowances (living expenses), officially stated as follows:

   • Monthly personal allowance: BND 500.00

   • Monthly meal allowance: BND 150.00

   • Annual book allowance: BND 600.00

7. Accommodation in university or college housing, which almost completely eliminates external rental costs.

8. Baggage allowance upon completion of the program to assist with shipping personal belongings after graduation:

   • Up to BND 250 for ASEAN countries

   • Up to BND 500 for non-ASEAN countries

9. Comprehensive health insurance for the entire scholarship duration.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026

Before preparing your application, ensure that you meet the official eligibility criteria as stated in the BDGS 2026/2027 announcement:

1. Nationality

• The scholarship is only for international students.

• Not available to Brunei citizens, permanent residents, or those who have previously studied at higher education institutions in Brunei.

2. Age (at the start of the program)

• Diploma and Bachelor’s programs: Applicants must not be older than 25 years on 1 July of the program start year.

• Master’s programs: Applicants must not be older than 35 years on 1 July of the program start year.

3. English Language Proficiency

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires proof of English proficiency through one of the following:

• Credit 6 in English in GCE O-Level, or

• At least Grade C in IGCSE English (as a Second Language), or

• IELTS score of at least 6.0, or

• TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based).

In some cases, applicants may be required to attend a language test or interview to assess English proficiency (and sometimes Malay or Arabic, depending on the program).

4. Health and Conduct

• Applicants must be medically fit to pursue studies.

• Commitment to comply with Brunei laws and respect local customs, culture, and the official religion of the state.

5. No Dual Scholarships

• Holding this scholarship alongside another scholarship is generally not permitted without prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; otherwise, the BDGS may be cancelled.

Required Documents for the Brunei Government Scholarship Application

According to the instructions published in the BDGS application form, applicants are required to upload the following documents with their online application:

1. Completed Online Application Form

All required fields must be accurately filled in (personal information, academic background, preferred programs, etc.).

2. Identification Documents

• Copy of a valid passport (data and photo page).

• Copy of national ID card (if available).

3. Academic Documents

• High school certificate and transcript (for Bachelor’s/Diploma applicants).

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript (for Master’s applicants).

• Any other relevant certificates (courses, training, academic awards).

4. Certified English Translations

If your documents are not in English, certified English translations must be provided along with the original documents.

5. Birth Certificate

• Certified copy of the birth certificate.

6. Letters of Recommendation (References)

• Typically, official reference forms (C1 and C2) must be completed by academic or professional referees.

7. Proof of English Language Proficiency

• IELTS/TOEFL results or equivalent proof (GCE O-Level or IGCSE), if available.

Reminder:
Any missing, incorrect, or unclear documents may result in application rejection. Ensure all files are high quality and carefully reviewed before submission.

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How to Apply for the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)

1. Review the Official Requirements

First, visit the BDGS 2026/2027 page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and carefully read all conditions and available programs.

2. Choose the University and Program

Visit the official websites of the five universities listed in the announcement (UBD, UNISSA, UTB, KUPU SB, PB) and review:

• Programs available to international students

• Language of instruction (mostly English for international programs)

• Program-specific academic requirements

3. Complete the BDGS Online Application Form

As stated in the official announcement, applications are submitted through the BDGS Online Application Form:

• Access the BDGS Application Form link on the scholarship page.

• Enter a valid email address to receive the OTP verification code.

• After verification, access the application form.

• Complete all sections carefully and upload the required documents (PDF/images) within the permitted file size limits.

4. Parallel Applications for Some Universities (UBD & UTB)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies that for certain universities, an additional application through the university’s own portal is required:

• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD): apply via apply.ubd.edu.bn

• Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB): apply via apply.utb.edu.bn

This means the application process may involve two parallel steps:

• Scholarship application through the official BDGS form (MFA).

• Academic admission application through the university portal (UBD or UTB), if selected.

5. Review and Submit Before the Deadline

• Application deadline: 15 February 2026 (as stated in the official BDGS announcement).

• Avoid last-minute submission to prevent technical issues with internet connectivity or file uploads.

6. After Submission

• Shortlisted or accepted applicants will be contacted via email or official channels specified by the Ministry or the university.

• If not selected, applicants may receive a rejection email or no response after the selection process concludes.

Practical Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance – Brunei Scholarship 2026

As a fully funded government scholarship, BDGS is naturally competitive. The following strategies can strengthen your application:

Highlight Academic Excellence

• Ensure your academic grades are strong compared to minimum requirements.

• Clearly mention academic awards, top rankings, or participation in academic competitions.

Tailor Your Statement of Purpose to Brunei

• Explain why you chose Brunei specifically, not just any country.

• Link your chosen field to Brunei’s national or economic priorities (energy, education, Islamic finance, technology, etc.), if possible.

Demonstrate Commitment to Returning Home

• Many government scholarships favor applicants who intend to return to their home countries and contribute with the knowledge gained.

• Avoid presenting yourself as someone seeking migration only; emphasize “learning and giving back.”

Strong English Preparation

• Even if you meet the minimum score, a well-written application and confident interview performance in English create a strong positive impression.

Strong Recommendation Letters

• Choose referees who know you well and can provide detailed recommendations highlighting your character, seriousness, and ability to study in an international environment.

Strict Compliance with Official Guidelines

• Follow all document formats, deadlines, and instructions exactly as stated in the official announcement.

• Do not rely solely on unofficial summaries—always refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026

1. Is the scholarship truly fully funded?

Yes. According to the official terms, BDGS covers tuition fees, monthly allowances, accommodation, health insurance, airfare, book allowance, and baggage allowance—making it a fully funded scholarship.

2. Is the scholarship open to all nationalities?

It is open to almost all nationalities, except Brunei citizens, permanent residents, or those who have previously studied in Brunei, as stated in the official conditions.

3. Can I apply if I am over 25 years old for a Bachelor’s degree?

No. Applicants for Diploma/Bachelor’s programs must not exceed 25 years of age on 1 July of the program start year. The age limit for Master’s programs is 35.

4. Is IELTS mandatory?

No. The official announcement lists multiple ways to prove English proficiency (GCE O-Level, IGCSE, TOEFL, IELTS). IELTS is one option, not the only one.

5. Can I work part-time while studying?

No. The general conditions specify that scholarship holders are not allowed to engage in paid employment or work in diplomatic missions during the scholarship period.

6. Can I bring my family to Brunei?

The scholarship does not encourage bringing dependents and does not provide spousal or child allowances, nor accommodation for accompanying family members, as stated in the general conditions.

Important Official Links for Application

• Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship for International Students (BDGS 2026/2027)
• Online Application Form (BDGS Application Form) – available within the official scholarship page
• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
• Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA)
• Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB)
• KUPU SB
• Politeknik Brunei (PB)

For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms: