Brunei Darussalam, a calm and thriving country in Southeast Asia, is starting to get noticed as a place for quality higher education. For Pakistani students looking for international experience that includes Islamic cultural values, Brunei is a great mix of solid academics and a friendly cultural vibe. English is commonly spoken in schools, and there are plenty of fully funded scholarships up for grabs, making Brunei a more appealing choice.

Why Choose Brunei Darussalam?

Many Pakistani students choose to study in Brunei for a few straightforward reasons:

• Quality Education: Brunei's universities are well-regarded, especially in areas like engineering, education, Islamic studies, and environmental science.
• Programs in English: Most courses are taught in English, making it easier for Pakistani students to keep up.
• Safe Environment: Brunei is known for its low crime rates, which creates a safe place for students from abroad.
• Islamic Culture: Being a Muslim-majority country, Brunei feels familiar to many, with halal food options and prayer spaces readily available.
• Scholarships: The Brunei Government Scholarship is a great choice, as it offers generous support for international students, including those from Pakistan.

Top Brunei Darussalam Universities for Pakistani Students

Brunei has some great universities that welcome international students, including those from Pakistan. Here are a few of the top ones:

• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) - This is the oldest and most respected university in the country. It has strong programs in business, engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies.
• Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) - This school focuses mainly on science and technology. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering, computing, and business.
• Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) - A good choice for anyone interested in Islamic studies, Sharia law, or the Arabic language.
• Politeknik Brunei (PB) - This institution provides diploma programs that lean more towards technical and vocational training.

Cost of Studying in Brunei Darussalam

Studying in Brunei is pretty budget-friendly compared to a lot of Western countries.

Here’s a quick look at the costs:

Tuition Fees

• Undergraduate: BND 5,000 – 10,000 a year
• Postgraduate: BND 6,000 – 12,000 a year 

(Note: BND stands for Brunei Dollar; 1 BND is about 210 PKR as of early 2025)

Living Expenses

• Average monthly cost: BND 400 – 700 - This covers things like housing, food, transport, and other personal expenses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

One great thing about studying in Brunei is the scholarships available for international students.

• The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS) is offered every year by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It covers tuition, return airfare, a monthly allowance, accommodation, and medical insurance. This scholarship is open to both undergrads and postgrads from Pakistan.
• Some universities, like UBD and UTB, also have their own scholarships that consider your grades or financial situation.