Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) welcomed prospective students, parents and guardians at the Higher Education Expo 2026 held at Bridex Hall, Jerudong from 7th to 8th February 2026 and UBD Open Day 2026 held at Chancellor Hall, UBD from 9th to 10th February 2026.
Both two-day events featured faculty representatives who were on hand to answer questions about entry requirements and programme details to assist school-leavers in choosing the perfect programmes for the next step of their academic journey.
The main highlight of the events was the revamped undergraduate curriculum, GenBESTARI. It 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.
Themed ‘Your Story’, UBD highlighted 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. Student clubs showcased their activities at the Central Lecture Theatre, highlighting the breadth of co-curricular opportunities available. Over the two days, live performances from some of the clubs entertained visitors.
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.
In addition to academic and admission briefings held at the Chancellor Hall, the UBD Open Day 2026 featured a Mini Career Fair with career development talks and interactive sessions hosted by UniCareer. Alongside guided library tours, faculty and facilities walking tours, the Market Street located in front of the Business Library offered refreshments from a variety of vendors throughout the day and evening.
Further information on programmes and updates are available at www.ubd.edu.bn or via @ubdbuzz on Instagram.