Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) will showcase its undergraduate curriculum, GenBESTARI, at the Higher Education Expo and UBD Open Day 2026.
GenBESTARI marks a fundamental rethinking of the undergraduate learning experience at UBD, integrating academic and co-curricular learning into a single, coherent framework guided by clearly defined graduate outcomes. Through a holistic approach to learning and assessment, GenBESTARI equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world, while remaining firmly grounded in Bruneian identity and values.
Designed around active, student-centric, and technology-enabled learning, GenBESTARI ensures that students develop not only strong academic foundations, but also professional adaptability, self-awareness, and personal resilience.
Themed “Your Story”, UBD highlights its role in shaping curious and ambitious individuals who begin their academic journey at the university while charting their own paths towards a meaningful future for themselves and the nation. With clear goals, potential refined through self-awareness, and continuous institutional support, GenBESTARI provides learners with a strong foundation to write their own story.
Under GenBESTARI, most undergraduate programmes will be completed in three years, while maintaining rigorous academic standards and preserved quality. Compulsory university-wide modules include Melayu Islam Beraja, Islamic Civilisation, Academic Writing, Professional Communication, Digital Literacy, and Sustainability. Beginning September, UBD will adopt one intake per academic year, aligning with internationally recognised three-year degree structures. This allows graduates to enter the workforce or pursue postgraduate studies earlier, gaining valuable experience and professional networks sooner, particularly in fast-moving sectors such as technology and business.
Many programmes across faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Faculty of Science (FOS), Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), School of Digital Sciences (SDS), and the UBD School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE), have been restructured and strengthened to ensure graduates remain highly competitive in an evolving labour market.
Students also benefit from Multiple Elective Pathways, allowing them to pursue Advanced Specialisation, Structured Electives, or Open Electives. This flexibility, combined with the integration of academic and co-curricular learning, contributes to a holistic graduate learner profile that reflects both achievement and capability.
The co-curricular framework under GenBESTARI has been further strengthened to nurture individuality, leadership, and core Bruneian values. By developing competencies beyond the classroom, students graduate as well-rounded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Experiential learning remains a key pillar of the UBD experience. The Discovery Year has been enhanced to provide learners with up to six months of immersive, real-world exposure through structured pathways such as internships, community engagement, study abroad, and innovation-based projects. This extended experiential component allows students to develop practical skills, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of real-world contexts, reinforcing the balanced and holistic intent of GenBESTARI.
Prospective students, parents, and guardians are invited to learn more about GenBESTARI at the Higher Education Expo 2026, held at Bridex Hall 1 on 7th and 8th February 2026. The expo will be open from 10am to 5pm on 7th February, and 9am to 5pm on 8th February.
Visitors may also explore the UBD campus during UBD Open Day 2026, taking place on 9th and 10th February 2026. In addition to academic and admission briefings by faculty representatives, the Open Day will feature a Mini Career Fair with career development talks and interactive sessions hosted by UniCareer. Student clubs will showcase their activities, highlighting the breadth of co-curricular opportunities available. Live performances will take place throughout both days, alongside guided library tours, faculty and facilities walking tours, and the Market Street offering a variety of vendors.
The Open Day will run from 2pm to 9pm on 9th February, and 10:30am to 9pm on 10th February.
Further information and updates are available at www.ubd.edu.bn or via @ubdbuzz on Instagram.