UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded Opportunity in Brunei)

The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) offers a fantastic chance to pursue your doctoral studies in a vibrant, research-intensive environment. Located in Brunei, UBD is a top-ranked university in Asia, known for its diverse academic programs and international student community. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the UGRS, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply. You can also check Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan.

About Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)

UBD, established in 1985, is Brunei’s flagship university and ranks #3 in the ASEAN region (Times Higher Education) and #71 in Asia (QS University Rankings). With 10 academic faculties and 7 research institutes, UBD offers a wide range of PhD programs taught in English, making it an ideal destination for international students. The university emphasizes high-impact research in fields like Energy, Biodiversity, Data Analytics, Climate Change, and Islamic Studies, fostering a global academic community.

What is the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship?

The UGRS is a competitive, fully funded scholarship designed for outstanding PhD students worldwide. It supports talented individuals who want to conduct impactful research in a dynamic, international setting. The scholarship covers all major expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies and research without financial worries.

Scholarship Benefits

The UGRS provides comprehensive support for 36 months, including:

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Full coverage of tuition, registration, and acceptance fees at UBD.
• Monthly Stipend: BND 2,200 (Brunei Dollars) per month to cover living expenses.
• Free On-Campus Accommodation: Housing provided (excluding administrative fees).
• Travel Support: One round-trip economy class air ticket for international students from their home country to Brunei and back upon completion.
• Research Funding: Up to BND 3,000 for overseas research or conference presentations.
• Visa Fee Coverage: Visa fees are included for international candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UGRS, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Generally under 30 years old at the time of application (exceptions may be considered).
• Academic Qualifications:
  • A Master’s degree and an Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, or
  • A First Class Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • Degrees must have been awarded within 5 years of the scholarship start date (August 1 or January 1).
• English Proficiency: Meet UBD’s language requirements, such as:
  • IELTS Overall Band 6.0, or
  • TOEFL minimum score of 550, or
  • Grade B in IGCSE English (as a Second Language), or
  • Credit 6 in Brunei GCE ‘O’ Level English.
• Research Proposal: Submit a high-quality, impactful research proposal aligned with UBD’s research priorities (e.g., Energy, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Data Analytics, Asian and Islamic Studies).
• Admission: Secure admission to a PhD program at UBD (check UBD Graduate Entry Requirements).

Check Also: Seoul National University Graduate Scholarships 2026

Available Study Programs

The UGRS supports PhD programs across various fields, including:

• Arts & Social Sciences: Anthropology, Applied Linguistics, English Literature, Environmental Studies, History, Malay Language & Linguistics, Sociology.
• Business & Economics: Management, Economics, Finance.
• Science: Biodiversity, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geoscience, Mathematics, Applied Physics.
• Health Sciences: Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Nursing, Midwifery.
• Other Fields: Islamic Studies, Asian Studies, Policy Studies, Education, Integrated Technologies.

Application Process

Applying for the UGRS is straightforward and done online through UBD’s Online Admission System (OASys). Follow these steps:

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1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet UBD’s admission and scholarship requirements.
2. Prepare Documents:
   • Passport-size photo (JPEG, max 10 MB).
   • Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts (O Level, A Level, Bachelor’s, Master’s).
   • English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
   • High-quality research proposal.
   • Essay (max 1,000 words) explaining why you’re applying, your eligibility, and how you’ll contribute to Brunei.
   • Security clearance letter from your home country.
   • Permission letter from your employer (if applicable).
   • For Brunei government employees, submit printed forms through your Ministry.
3. Apply Online: Visit the UBD Online Admission System and complete all mandatory fields.
4. Submit Application: Double-check your documents and click “SUBMIT” before the deadline.

Deadline: August 10, 2025, for the January 2026 intake.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Craft a Compelling Research Proposal: Focus on high-impact research areas like Climate Change, Biodiversity, or Data Analytics to align with UBD’s priorities.
• Start Early: Preparing documents and writing a strong proposal takes time.
• Meet English Requirements: Ensure your language proficiency scores are valid and meet UBD’s standards.
• Contact UBD: For inquiries, email receivables.tubd@ubd.edu.bn.

For more details, visit the official UBD website or the UBD Scholarship page.