UBD Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS)

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is the flagship university of Brunei Darussalam located on the north of Borneo island. With 10 academic faculties and 7 research institutes, UBD has a strong record on international student exchanges, where courses are taught in English. In the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking, UBD is currently ranked as #125 in Asia, and top 401-500 in the world. UBD ranks #72 in Asia and #387 in the world, in the QS University rankings.

The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS) is a competitive scheme awarded to quality PhD students with a strong desire to work in an international and competitive research-intensive environment. UBD is committed to opening doors to the brightest students to work among and network with our researchers to enrich their experience and equip them with the skills to maximise their talents and aiming to improve the international visibility of the university.

Eligibility

The ideal candidate should:

• not be older than 30 years of age at the time of the application (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
• hold a Masters Degree* and at least Upper Second Degree in a relevant field from an internationally recognised top university, or
• hold a First Class Degree* in a relevant field from an internationally recognised top university
• be able to fulfill UBD’s admission requirement (including English proficiency).
• Please refer to UBD General Entry Requirement, linked here: https://ubd.edu.bn/admission/graduate/graduate-entry-requirements/
• Submit a high quality and impactful research proposal

*Degree should be awarded within 5 years of the starting date of the relevant Academic semester of the enrolment (i.e. 1 August or 1 January)

Benefits

• Tuition fees including registration and acceptance fees at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam will be waived.
• Subsistence allowance of BND 2,200.00 (Brunei Dollars) per month for 36 months.
• Free on-campus accommodation (not including administrative fees) [UBD Corp]
• For candidates not residing in Brunei Darussalam, one incoming and outgoing economy class air ticket will be provided, from (upon accepting the scholarship) and back to home country (upon completion of study).
• Funding for overseas research or conference presentations (up to BND 3,000.00 (Brunei Dollars)).
• Visa fees will be included in the scholarship for candidates.

The UGRS will prioritise funding for high impact research within the current research thrusts of UBD and Brunei including (but not limited to):

Energy, Material Science, Biodiversity, Data Analytics, Asian and Islamic Studies, Bioinspiration, Climate Change, Herbal Medicine, Sensor Technology and Catalysis.

Applications for the scholarship is made directly through UBD Online Admission System (OASys). Please visit this link – https://apply.ubd.edu.bn/orbeon/uis-welcome/

Incomplete application will not be entertained.

Application period:

• January 2025 intake – CLOSED
• August 2025 intake – January to February 2025
• January 2026 intake – June to July 2025

Email: office.graduate@ubd.edu.bn

To find out about research at the university, go to https://research.ubd.edu.bn/