The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 offers international students a fully funded opportunity to pursue master’s or PhD studies at Brunei’s premier university – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipends, and research funding for high-achieving students across various academic disciplines.
This guide provides comprehensive details about the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines to help you secure this competitive academic opportunity in Southeast Asia.
Scholarship Overview
📋 Key Details
✅ Host Institution: Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
✅ Location: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
✅ Sponsor: Brunei Government
✅ Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
✅ Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
✅ Duration: Master’s: 2 years & PhD: 3 years
✅ Application Deadline: August 10, 2025
🎓 About UBD
- Ranked #1 in Brunei
- ASEAN University Network member
- 80% international faculty
- English-medium instruction
- Strong focus on Islamic studies and Southeast Asian research
Financial Benefits
The fully funded scholarship includes:
✔ Full Tuition Waiver
✔ Monthly Stipend:
- BND 1,500 (Master’s)
- BND 2,000 (PhD)
✔ Thesis Allowance: BND 1,000
✔ Conference Travel Grant: BND 3,000
✔ Book Allowance: BND 500/year
✔ Health Insurance
✔ On-Campus Accommodation (Subsidized)
Eligibility Criteria
🎓 Academic Requirements
- Master’s Applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree with CGPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent
- PhD Applicants:
- Master’s degree with excellent research component
- Minimum 2 publications (for direct PhD)
🌐 General Requirements
- All nationalities eligible (Brunei citizens have separate scheme)
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 550)
- Age limit: Under 35 for Master’s, under 40 for PhD
- Research proposal aligned with UBD strengths
Available Programs
🏛️ Top Research Areas
- Islamic Civilisation
- Quranic studies
- Islamic finance
- Asian Studies
- ASEAN relations
- Malay language & culture
- Energy Sciences
- Petroleum engineering
- Renewable energy
- Biodiversity
- Tropical rainforest ecology
- Marine conservation
Required Documents
Prepare these PDF files:
📄 Completed Application Form
📄 Academic Transcripts (Certified copies)
📄 Degree Certificates
📄 Research Proposal (5-10 pages)
📄 2 Recommendation Letters
📄 CV/Resume
📄 English Test Scores
📄 Passport Copy
Application Process
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify Supervisor → Contact UBD faculty members
- Develop Research Proposal → Align with UBD priorities
- Prepare Documents → 3-4 months before deadline
- Online Application → Via UBD Graduate School portal
- Review Process → August-October 2025
- Interview Stage → November 2025
- Final Results → December 2025
Selection Criteria
Applications evaluated on:
✔ Academic Excellence (40%)
✔ Research Potential (30%)
✔ Proposal Quality (20%)
✔ University Fit (10%)
🎯 Why Choose UBD?
- Fully funded prestigious scholarship
- Low cost of living in Brunei
- Strategic ASEAN location
- Multicultural campus environment
- Strong industry connections
Click Here to Apply for
UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 in Brunei
For more Southeast Asian scholarships, visit GOGEDU!
FAQs
❓ Is Malay language required?
🗣️ No, all programs in English
❓ Can I work while studying?
💼 No, scholarship prohibits employment
❓ What’s the acceptance rate?
🏆 Competitive (~15% selection rate)
❓ Are family accommodations available?
👪 Yes, but with additional costs
❓ Is there bond requirement?
⛓️ No, no service obligation
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