UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2027: PhD Funding

UBD Graduate Research Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded PhD in Brunei

Explore the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship in Brunei. Learn about PhD eligibility, BND 2,200 monthly allowance, benefits and application steps.

Are you looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Asia? The Universiti Brunei Darussalam Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS) offers an opportunity for outstanding research students to pursue doctoral studies in Brunei Darussalam.

The UGRS is a competitive scholarship designed for talented candidates who want to conduct impactful research in an international, research-intensive academic environment. It supports eligible PhD students through tuition-fee waivers, a monthly subsistence allowance, accommodation and additional research-related benefits.

The scholarship is particularly attractive to applicants interested in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, energy, materials science, data analytics, Asian and Islamic studies, and other research priorities at UBD.

International applicants, including students from Bangladesh, can explore this opportunity if they meet the university’s academic and research requirements.

Scholarship Overview

At a Glance

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	UBD Graduate Research Scholarship (UGRS)
University	Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
Study Level	PhD / Doctoral
Study Location	Brunei Darussalam
Scholarship Type	Competitive research scholarship
Eligible Applicants	Qualified local and international applicants, subject to requirements
Duration	Up to 36 months
Tuition Fees	Waived under scholarship terms
Monthly Allowance	BND 2,200
Accommodation	On-campus accommodation
Airfare	Incoming and outgoing economy-class tickets for eligible international recipients
Research Support	Up to BND 3,000 for fieldwork or conference presentations
Visa Fees	Included for international recipients under the scholarship terms
Application Method	UBD online admission system
Deadline	Check the official portal for the next confirmed intake
Official Website	https://ubd.edu.bn/admission/graduate/graduate-fees-funding/ugrs/

The published terms and conditions applicable to UGRS recipients from the August 2024 intake onward specify the scholarship benefits described above. Applicants should consult the latest official terms before submitting an application.

About Universiti Brunei Darussalam

Universiti Brunei Darussalam is a leading university in Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

UBD promotes research, international collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. Its academic environment brings together researchers and students working across a range of scientific, technological, social and humanities-related fields.

For doctoral students, the university offers an opportunity to develop advanced research skills, work with academic supervisors and contribute to research addressing national and international challenges.

The university’s research activities include areas such as sustainability, biodiversity, energy, data analytics, materials science and other emerging fields.

Official university website: https://ubd.edu.bn/

Why Choose the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship?

The UGRS is intended for academically strong candidates who want to undertake doctoral research in a competitive environment.

Key advantages include:

• Tuition-fee waiver: Eligible recipients receive a waiver of tuition fees, including registration and acceptance fees, under the scholarship terms.
• Monthly financial support: A subsistence allowance of BND 2,200 per month is specified for 36 months.
• Accommodation: On-campus accommodation is provided under the applicable terms, although registration fees or security deposits may remain payable.
• Travel support: Eligible international recipients receive incoming and outgoing economy-class air tickets under the scholarship conditions.
• Research funding: Up to BND 3,000 is available for qualifying fieldwork or conference presentations.
• Visa fees: Visa fees are included for international scholarship recipients under the published conditions.
• Research experience: Students can work in an international academic environment and develop advanced research expertise.

These benefits make the UGRS an attractive option for candidates who want to concentrate on doctoral research without bearing the full cost of tuition and living expenses.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support

The UGRS provides several forms of support to selected PhD candidates.

Benefit	Details
Tuition fees	Waived for the specified scholarship period
Registration and acceptance fees	Waived under the scholarship terms
Monthly subsistence allowance	BND 2,200
Allowance duration	36 months
Total scheduled subsistence allowance	BND 79,200 over 36 months
Accommodation	On-campus accommodation for the scholarship period, subject to applicable fees and conditions
Airfare	One incoming and one outgoing economy-class ticket for eligible international recipients
Research or conference funding	Up to BND 3,000
Visa fees	Included for international recipients under the scholarship terms

The BND 79,200 figure is calculated from the published monthly allowance multiplied by 36 months. It does not include the value of tuition waivers, accommodation, airfare, visa fees or research support.

Funding is subject to the official scholarship terms, approved programme, registration status and any applicable conditions.

Research Areas and Available Fields

The UGRS prioritises impactful research aligned with UBD’s current research priorities and those of Brunei Darussalam.

The university identifies the following areas among its research interests:

• Energy
• Materials science
• Biodiversity
• Data analytics
• Asian and Islamic studies
• Bioinspiration
• Climate change
• Herbal medicine
• Sensor technology
• Catalysis

Applicants should not assume that every topic listed automatically has an available funded PhD position. Research opportunities depend on the university’s current priorities, available supervisors, suitable doctoral programmes and scholarship selection.

Before applying, identify a research topic that fits your academic background and investigate whether UBD has appropriate expertise and supervision available.

Eligibility Criteria

The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship is competitive. Applicants should meet the university’s doctoral admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic and research potential.

According to UBD’s published scholarship criteria, candidates should generally meet the following requirements:

• Age: Normally not older than 30 at the time of application. Exceptions may be considered individually.
• Academic qualifications: Hold a relevant master’s degree with at least an upper-second-class qualification from an internationally recognised top university, or hold a relevant first-class degree, as specified by UBD.
• Degree recency: The qualifying degree should have been awarded within five years of the start of the relevant academic semester, either 1 August or 1 January.
• English proficiency: Meet UBD’s English-language and general graduate admission requirements.
• Research proposal: Submit a high-quality proposal demonstrating research significance and potential impact.
• Programme suitability: Meet the entry requirements for the intended doctoral programme.

Because the university’s wording distinguishes between qualifying degree pathways, applicants should confirm how their particular qualifications are assessed before applying.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the English-language requirements for their intended UBD programme.

Accepted evidence and minimum scores can depend on the university’s current graduate admission rules and the programme concerned. Applicants should check the official graduate entry requirements before arranging an English-language test.

Official requirements: https://ubd.edu.bn/admission/graduate/graduate-entry-requirements/

Do not assume that an English-medium degree automatically qualifies for an exemption. Confirm the university’s rules for your qualification and circumstances.

Required Documents

Prepare the documents requested by the online admission system and your intended doctoral programme.

Checklist	Document
☐	Completed online admission application
☐	Relevant bachelor’s degree certificate
☐	Master’s degree certificate, where required
☐	Official academic transcripts
☐	Research proposal
☐	Updated academic CV or résumé
☐	English-language proficiency evidence or approved exemption documentation
☐	Passport or accepted identification
☐	Recommendation letters, if requested
☐	Publications or research evidence, where relevant
☐	Any additional documents requested by the programme or scholarship office

Applicants should upload clear, complete documents and follow the portal’s instructions regarding certified copies, translations and document formats.

A strong research proposal is especially important because the UGRS specifically seeks candidates capable of conducting impactful research.

How to Apply for the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship

Step 1: Explore UBD’s PhD Programmes

Visit the official UBD website and identify doctoral programmes that match your academic background and intended research area.

Step 2: Review the Scholarship Requirements

Read the UGRS eligibility criteria and the latest scholarship terms. Confirm your academic qualifications, age eligibility, English proficiency and degree completion dates.

Step 3: Identify a Research Topic

Choose a clear and feasible research topic connected to your academic interests and UBD’s research strengths.

Your proposal should explain the problem, research objectives, proposed methods, expected contribution and relevance of the research.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your academic certificates, transcripts, CV, English-language evidence, research proposal and any other required documents.

Step 5: Apply Through UBD’s Online System

Complete the online application using the official university admissions platform:

Follow the instructions for your intended doctoral programme and the scholarship application. Make sure you complete every mandatory field and submit the application before the applicable deadline.

Step 6: Check Your Application

After submission, monitor your email and application portal for updates, requests for additional information or further instructions.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Step 7: Follow the Selection Process

The university assesses applications according to its admission and scholarship requirements. Selection depends on academic merit, research quality, programme suitability and the scholarship’s competitive process.

Do not make travel or financial commitments until you have received and reviewed an official offer.

Application Timeline

UBD’s main UGRS webpage contains historical intake information rather than a confirmed upcoming deadline.

Stage	What Applicants Should Do
Before applying	Check current doctoral programmes and scholarship terms
Preparation	Develop the research proposal and gather academic documents
Application	Submit through UBD’s official online admission system
Deadline	Confirm the next intake’s closing date directly with UBD
After submission	Monitor the portal and email for updates
Before enrolment	Follow the instructions in the official offer and scholarship documents

The scholarship may be linked to different academic intakes, so applicants should not rely on old deadlines published for earlier cycles.

For clarification, contact the Postgraduate Scholarship Office at pgscholarship.admin@ubd.edu.bn.

Selection Criteria

The UGRS is a competitive research scholarship. A complete application must satisfy the university’s admission requirements, but selection also depends on the quality and suitability of the candidate.

Important considerations include:

• Academic performance and the relevance of previous qualifications.
• The quality, originality and potential impact of the research proposal.
• Alignment with UBD’s research strengths.
• The candidate’s ability to complete doctoral research.
• Fulfilment of English-language and programme requirements.
• Availability of suitable research supervision and scholarship funding.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of their proposed research problem and explain how the project could contribute to their field.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Although the scholarship provides substantial financial support, applicants should check which expenses remain their responsibility.

Expense	What to Check
Accommodation-related charges	The published terms exclude certain accommodation registration fees or security deposits
Personal expenses	Daily needs, communication and other personal purchases
Initial travel costs	Confirm the ticket arrangements and timing before making bookings
Document preparation	Passport renewal, certification, translation or other document costs
Research expenses	Confirm which fieldwork or conference expenses qualify for funding
Expenses outside the award	Ask the scholarship office about costs not expressly covered

Applicants should review the final award letter and terms carefully instead of assuming that every living or research expense will be covered.

Living and Studying in Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is a small country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Its capital is Bandar Seri Begawan.

Students at UBD should familiarise themselves with local accommodation arrangements, transport options, cultural expectations, healthcare arrangements and university regulations before arriving.

On-campus accommodation is included under the published UGRS terms, subject to applicable conditions. Students should confirm the room allocation process, payment requirements and any additional charges with the university.

International candidates should also check passport validity, visa arrangements and any enrolment formalities communicated by UBD.

Tips for a Strong UGRS Application

• Choose a research topic that closely matches your academic expertise.
• Make your research proposal specific, realistic and academically meaningful.
• Explain the expected contribution of your research.
• Check that your qualifying degree meets the university’s recency requirements.
• Prepare academic transcripts and certificates well in advance.
• Verify English-language requirements for your chosen programme.
• Contact the scholarship office if the next intake deadline is unclear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming the scholarship is automatically awarded to every PhD applicant.
• Using an overly broad or unclear research proposal.
• Ignoring the age or degree-recency requirements.
• Failing to verify English-language requirements.
• Submitting incomplete academic documents.
• Relying on historical deadlines instead of confirming the current intake.
• Assuming all accommodation, travel and research expenses are covered without checking the award conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship?

The UGRS is a competitive scholarship offered by Universiti Brunei Darussalam to eligible PhD candidates with strong academic and research potential.

2. Which degree does the UGRS support?

The scholarship is intended for doctoral or PhD study at UBD.

3. Can international students apply?

International candidates can explore the scholarship if they meet the university’s admission and scholarship requirements.

4. Can students from Bangladesh apply?

Applicants from Bangladesh can apply if they meet the applicable academic, research and other eligibility requirements.

5. How much is the monthly allowance?

The published scholarship terms specify a subsistence allowance of BND 2,200 per month for 36 months.

6. Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Yes. Tuition fees, including registration and acceptance fees, are waived under the published UGRS terms for the specified scholarship period.

7. Is accommodation provided?

On-campus accommodation is included under the published terms, although certain registration fees or security deposits may not be covered.

8. Does the scholarship cover airfare?

Eligible international recipients are provided one incoming and one outgoing economy-class ticket under the scholarship conditions.

9. Is research funding available?

Yes. The published terms provide funding of up to BND 3,000 for qualifying fieldwork or conference presentations.

10. What is the age limit?

Candidates should normally be no older than 30 at the time of application. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

11. Is a research proposal required?

Yes. UBD specifies a high-quality, impactful research proposal as part of the scholarship eligibility criteria.

12. What academic qualifications are required?

The published criteria specify a relevant master’s degree with at least an upper-second-class qualification from an internationally recognised top university, or a relevant first-class degree, subject to UBD’s detailed requirements.

13. What is the application deadline?

The official UGRS webpage does not currently confirm a new upcoming deadline. Applicants should check the latest intake information through UBD’s admissions portal or contact the scholarship office.

14. How do I apply?

Apply through UBD’s online admission system and follow the instructions for the intended doctoral programme and scholarship.

15. Where can I get official information?

Visit the official UGRS webpage at https://ubd.edu.bn/admission/graduate/graduate-fees-funding/ugrs/ or contact pgscholarship.admin@ubd.edu.bn.

Conclusion

The UBD Graduate Research Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for academically strong candidates seeking PhD research experience in Brunei Darussalam.

Its published benefits include a tuition-fee waiver, a monthly allowance of BND 2,200 for 36 months, on-campus accommodation, eligible international airfare, visa fees and research or conference support of up to BND 3,000.

However, the scholarship is competitive, and applicants must meet the university’s academic, research and admission requirements. Before applying, prepare a strong research proposal, verify the latest scholarship terms and confirm the deadline for the next available intake.