Looking for a prestigious, fully funded scholarship in Asia for your graduate studies? The University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is offering international students and Bruneian nationals an incredible opportunity to pursue Master’s and PhD programs under the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship (GRS) 2026. Applications are now open for the January 2026 intake, and students from all around the world are encouraged to apply.
This scholarship provides full financial coverage, including tuition, living allowance, airfare, accommodation, and research funding. UBD is the premier national university of Brunei and ranks among the top universities in Southeast Asia. Studying at UBD not only means getting access to world-class academic programs but also experiencing life in a peaceful, prosperous, and eco-friendly country with a growing economy in sectors like oil and gas, healthcare, IT, construction, and finance.
If you are looking to pursue advanced studies in a research-oriented environment, here’s everything you need to know about the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 in Brunei.
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Scholarship Benefits
The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity that includes comprehensive financial support for selected Master’s and PhD candidates. This scholarship aims to support high-achieving students who wish to conduct significant academic research at one of Southeast Asia’s most reputable universities.
Here is a complete list of financial benefits provided by the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the program
- Waiver of registration and admission fees
- Monthly living allowance to cover food, transportation, and other expenses
- Return economy-class airfare from the recipient’s home country to Brunei
- Free on-campus accommodation for the entire duration of study
- Research funding for academic projects and fieldwork
- Visa processing fees and associated costs
- Access to academic resources, libraries, laboratories, and networking opportunities
With these benefits, UBD ensures that students can focus entirely on their academic and research goals without the stress of financial constraints.
Host Country
The scholarship is hosted in Brunei Darussalam, a small but wealthy country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Brunei is known for its high standard of living, peaceful society, and significant investments in education and infrastructure. As an oil-rich nation, it has a robust economy, low crime rates, and offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Brunei also provides a unique cultural and academic environment for international students. Its universities, particularly UBD, are recognized for their high-quality education and research output, making the country an ideal location for postgraduate studies.
Deadline
The last date to submit your online application for the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 is 10th August 2025. Since the application portal receives a high volume of submissions near the deadline, it is highly recommended that candidates complete their applications well in advance to avoid any technical issues.
Eligible Countries
The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship is open to applicants from all nationalities. Whether you are a domestic student from Brunei or an international student from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, or Oceania, you are eligible to apply.
The scholarship aims to attract top talent from around the globe to foster an international academic environment and strengthen global research collaboration.
Available Majors
The University of Brunei Darussalam offers a wide range of academic disciplines under this scholarship. Below are the faculties and institutes where you can pursue your Master’s or PhD program:
- Faculty of Science (FOS)
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
- UBD School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE)
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE)
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences (IHS)
- Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT)
- Academy of Brunei Studies (APB)
- Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES)
- Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
- Institute of Asian Studies
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies
These programs include interdisciplinary fields that are designed to support national and international development priorities, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
Available Academic Level
The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship is available for the following academic levels:
- Master’s Degree Programs (Research-based)
- Doctoral (PhD) Programs
Applicants are encouraged to propose original research topics that align with the expertise of faculty members at UBD. The scholarship is particularly suitable for those planning a future in academia, research institutions, government, or high-level industry roles.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents during the online application process. Incomplete applications or missing documentation may lead to disqualification.
- Proof of Identity (Passport or National ID)
- Academic Certificates (O-Level, A-Level, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.)
- Official University Transcripts
- English Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, BEC, etc.)
- Security Clearance Letter (For international applicants only)
- Letter of Permission from employer (if currently employed in public/private sector; not required for MOE & MRA employees)
- Research Proposal (Outlining intended research area and objectives)
- CV/Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Certified English Translation of documents originally in other languages
Make sure all uploaded documents are clear, readable, and verified by the appropriate institutions or notary authorities.
Application Process
Applying for the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship is a completely online process. No paper submissions or physical presence is required during the application stage. Here’s how you can apply:
- Visit the official UBD application portal (Link provided below).
- Register an account on the UBD Online Admission System.
- Complete the online form, filling in all personal, academic, and research-related information.
- Upload all required documents in the appropriate format (PDF recommended).
- Submit the application before the 10th August 2025 deadline.
- Wait for notification via email about your application status.
Official Website & Application Link: https://apply.ubd.edu.bn/orbeon/uis-welcome/
Why Choose UBD for Your Graduate Studies?
UBD is known for its commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia and is recognized for:
- Strong focus on interdisciplinary research
- Opportunities for international collaborations
- Access to cutting-edge research centers and laboratories
- Vibrant multicultural campus environment
- Competitive academic support and student-friendly facilities
Brunei’s government has invested significantly in higher education and innovation, making UBD a leader in research that serves both local and global communities.
Final Thoughts
The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 in Brunei is a golden opportunity for students who are passionate about research and wish to pursue graduate education in a world-class institution, fully funded. With generous financial support, a wide variety of academic programs, and a supportive academic environment, UBD is an excellent choice for ambitious scholars worldwide.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare your documents early, write a strong research proposal, and submit your application before the 10th August 2025 deadline.
Make your dream of studying in Southeast Asia a reality with the University of Brunei Darussalam.
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