Brunei – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Brunei?

For a small Southeast Asian nation, Brunei’s education system is considered robust, underpinned by substantial government investment made possible by the country’s petroleum revenues. The national vision known as Wawasan Brunei 2035, launched in 2007, reflects the country’s ambition to cultivate a knowledgeable and highly skilled population, with its primary objective being to produce a society of accomplished individuals through world-class education and genuinely equal access to learning opportunities.

The Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 (SPN21), formally approved in 2009, introduced far-reaching reforms to Brunei’s educational landscape in three distinct areas: the overall structure of schooling, curriculum design and assessment practices, and technical and vocational education. This reform initiative brought Brunei’s system into closer alignment with high-performing education models across the Asia-Pacific region.

In the PISA 2022 assessment, Brunei’s 15-year-olds achieved an average of 446 points in science, against an OECD average of 485 points. Nevertheless, scores in mathematics, reading, and science all improved compared to the 2018 cycle. These figures place Brunei below the OECD benchmark while demonstrating a clear upward trend. Reading literacy performance in Brunei between 2018 and 2022 was notably strong — ranking among the best globally according to PISA 2022 data, as highlighted by CfBT Education Services.

With regard to mathematics, 58% of students in Brunei reached at least Level 2 proficiency, compared to the OECD average of 69%. While there remains scope for further improvement in STEM outcomes, Brunei delivers free education at both primary and secondary levels, and gross enrolment rates at those levels stood at 100.1% and 92.1% respectively in 2019, based on World Bank data. For the latest assessments and comparative rankings, visit the OECD Education GPS and the Brunei Ministry of Education website.

At what age is education compulsory in Brunei, and how is schooling structured by age?

Under the Mandatory Education Order 2007, all children between the ages of 6 and under 15 are legally required to complete nine years of formal schooling. Compulsory education falls into two categories: general education, which spans twelve years and encompasses pre-school, primary, and secondary stages; and Islamic religious primary education, which runs for seven years and is obligatory for Muslim pupils in Brunei.

Pre-primary (age 5): Prior to compulsory schooling, children may attend kindergartens, which are optional and available only through non-government schools. Formal compulsory education begins with a one-year preschool stage — commonly referred to as pra — at age 5. The focus at this level is on social and emotional readiness for school.

Primary (ages 6–11, Years 1–6): Primary schooling follows the preschool year and covers six years from Year 1 to Year 6, divided into a lower primary phase spanning Years 1 to 3 and an upper primary phase covering Years 4 to 6. At the conclusion of Year 6, pupils sit the Primary School Assessment, known in Malay as the Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR).

Secondary (ages 12–16, Years 7–11): Secondary education is compulsory and typically lasts five years, from Year 7 through to Year 11. The lower secondary phase comprises Years 7 and 8 and concludes with the Student Progress Assessment (SPA), while the upper secondary phase runs from Years 9 to 11 and culminates in the national Brunei-Cambridge GCE Ordinary Level (‘O’ Level) examinations.

Post-secondary / Pre-university (ages 17–18): Students who have achieved the necessary O Level results may progress to a two-year pre-university programme, at the end of which they sit the Brunei Cambridge Advanced Level Certificate of Education (BCGCE A Level) — a qualification that prepares them for entry into both local and overseas universities. Post-secondary pathways also include sixth form study and technical and vocational education, available through government institutions and private colleges.

What types of schools are available in Brunei?

Schooling in Brunei is provided or regulated through two government bodies: the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Ministry of Education has oversight of the vast majority of government and private schools, while the Ministry of Religious Affairs specifically manages government schools offering ugama (Islamic religious) education.

Government schools are entirely state-funded and free of charge for Bruneian citizens. All government and private schools operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Education in line with the Education Act of 1984, and every primary and secondary school delivers a shared curriculum prescribed by the Ministry. Instruction takes place in both Malay and English through the dwibahasa (bilingual) framework.

Government religious schools fall under the authority of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and centre on Islamic religious education (ugama). All Muslim children in Brunei aged between 7 and 15 are obliged to attend these religious schools in accordance with the Compulsory Islamic Religious Education framework. Non-Muslim children are exempt from this requirement.

Private schools function alongside the state system and encompass faith-based, community-operated, and independent establishments. Chung Hwa Middle School is one notable example — a non-government, independent, publicly funded Chinese school founded in 1922 by Brunei’s Chinese community. It delivers a trilingual learning environment in Chinese, English, and Malay across kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels.

International schools serve primarily expatriate and internationally mobile families. These are covered in detail in a dedicated section further below. As of 2019, the Ministry of Education administered or supervised 232 schools at preschool, primary, and secondary levels, together with 12 technical and vocational institutions and 7 universities and other tertiary establishments.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Brunei follow?

The current structure and coherence of Brunei’s education system emerged from the launch of Wawasan Brunei 2035 in 2007 and the subsequent approval of the Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 (SPN21) — the national education framework designed for the 21st century. All government and approved private schools are required to adhere to this nationally mandated syllabus.

At the end of primary school, pupils sit the PSR (Penilaian Sekolah Rendah), which evaluates their readiness for secondary education and places them into the secondary school stream that best matches their pace of learning, aptitudes, and abilities.

At secondary level, students are examined for the Brunei Cambridge General Certificate of Education (BC GCE) O Level and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The BC GCE O Level is directly comparable to the GCSE and O Level credentials used in England and by Cambridge-affiliated schools worldwide, giving it broad recognition among universities and employers internationally.

Students on the Special Applied programme concentrate on the Pearson BTEC qualification, with its emphasis on vocational and technical learning. This pathway is broadly comparable to vocational credentials found in several European countries and enables students to move into skilled employment or pursue further technical training once they complete secondary school.

Those with the necessary O Level results may proceed to a two-year pre-university course designed to lead to the Brunei Cambridge Advanced Level Certificate of Education (BCGCE A Level). The A Level is internationally recognised and accepted as a university entry qualification around the world. The SPN21 framework also allows particularly able students to complete secondary education in four years rather than the standard five.

International schools operating in Brunei also offer the IB Diploma and Cambridge IGCSE. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is comparable in standing to qualifications such as the French Baccalauréat or the German Abitur, and is accepted by universities globally — making it a natural choice for internationally mobile families.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Brunei?

The structure of the government school day in Brunei reflects both the Islamic calendar and local climatic conditions. In state primary and secondary schools, the school day generally begins at around 7:30 a.m. and concludes by approximately 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m., with Fridays ending earlier to accommodate Friday prayers. These times can differ slightly between schools and year levels — it is always best to confirm directly with the relevant school.

The Brunei academic year typically commences in March and concludes in January of the following year. This differs considerably from the September-to-July cycle common in many European countries, and families planning a relocation should take this into account when coordinating their move. The year is generally divided into terms, with school holidays scheduled around public holidays and Islamic observances.

Key school breaks fall around the national day festivities in February, the Islamic celebration of Eid al-Fitr at the close of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, the Prophet’s Birthday, and the Sultan’s Birthday. The precise duration of these breaks fluctuates from year to year depending on where the Islamic calendar falls. A mid-year break and an end-of-year break in January and February are also standard features of the school calendar.

International schools may operate on a different timetable. International School Brunei (ISB), for instance, runs its academic year from August through to early July — a schedule closer to the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar that may suit families whose children move between different school systems. Individual school websites should be consulted for specific term dates and holiday periods.

How do you enrol a child in school in Brunei?

The admission process varies depending on whether you are enrolling your child in a government school or a private or international institution. In either case, beginning the process well ahead of time — ideally three to six months before your intended start date — is strongly advised.

For government schools: Admissions to state schools are managed by the Ministry of Education. Non-citizen children may in some circumstances be permitted to enrol in government schools, but this depends on Ministry approval and available capacity. Contact the Brunei Ministry of Education directly, or reach out to the appropriate district education office, to establish what the current eligibility requirements are, as these are subject to change. Documentation typically required includes:

1. Your child’s birth certificate (original and certified copies)
2. Proof of residency in Brunei (e.g. your work permit or residency documents)
3. Vaccination records meeting Brunei’s health requirements
4. Previous school records or academic transcripts
5. Passport-sized photographs
6. Parents’ identification documents (passport and/or work permit)

For private and international schools: Each institution runs its own admissions procedure. International School Brunei recognises that moving to a new school and country can be both stimulating and daunting, and is committed to guiding families through the admissions process as smoothly as possible. You will generally be asked to submit an application form along with supporting documents similar to those listed above, and may be invited to attend an assessment or interview. Places at leading international schools in Brunei are in demand and waiting lists are common, so parents are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

ISB accepts applications throughout the year, subject to available places. Even so, registering your interest before your move is confirmed is highly recommended — particularly for sought-after schools. Always verify the current documentation requirements and eligibility rules directly with the school or the Ministry of Education.

What international schools are available in Brunei?

Brunei’s international school sector is small but well regarded, with most options found in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan and in the oil industry town of Seria. There are approximately 10 international schools across the country, offering varied extracurricular programmes, class sizes, and fee levels.

International School Brunei (ISB) is the largest and most established of these institutions. Founded in 1964, ISB is an internationally accredited day and boarding school — inclusive and environmentally conscious — catering to children from age 2 through to 18. The school operates across three campuses: in Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria, and Panaga (Centre for Inclusive Learning). Its academic programme follows the UK National Curriculum through Early Years, Primary, and Lower Secondary, then transitions to the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at pre-university level. With students drawn from more than 40 nationalities, ISB cultivates global awareness, academic achievement, and personal development.

In 2025, ISB received the International School of the Year Award 2025 from the Australian Boarding Schools Association, and also claimed Specialist Provision School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2025.

Other notable options include Panaga School, which is owned and operated by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP). Non-BSJV admissions are open for M1 and M2 Middle Years students. Hornbill School is a primary school operating under the British curriculum and run as a UK Ministry of Defence school. Jerudong International School (JIS) is another well-known institution situated near Bandar Seri Begawan, offering a British-style curriculum. Visit jerudonginternationalschool.com for up-to-date admissions and fee information.

Fees across international schools differ considerably. Tuition at International School Brunei ranges from roughly 4,170 to 16,600 EUR per year, depending on the pupil’s year group and programme (as of 2025). Fees should always be verified directly with each school, as they are updated annually and may vary between boarding and day places. To locate accredited international schools, consult the Council of International Schools (CIS) directory or the International Schools Consultancy (ISC).

What higher education options are available in Brunei?

For its size, Brunei has developed a growing higher education sector. As of the most recent reporting, all five public higher education institutions operating under the Ministry of Education have achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, reflecting their commitment to maintaining consistent quality in their services.

The main institutions are:

• Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) — Founded in 1985, UBD offers diploma, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes across ten faculties covering areas including arts and social sciences, business, economics and policy studies, science, health sciences, and education.
• Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) — Established in January 1986 and elevated to university status in October 2008, ITB delivers Higher National Diplomas (HND) and undergraduate degrees in engineering, business, and ICT.
• Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) — Founded in 2007, UNISSA specialises in Arabic language, Islamic history and civilisation, Islamic law, and Islamic finance.
• Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB) — Established in 1975 as an Islamic Religious Teachers’ Training College and elevated to university college status in 2007.

Programme lengths range from two years for diploma courses to four years for undergraduate degrees. In 2022, Brunei’s higher education system offered 388 programmes spanning multiple disciplines and qualification levels. International and expat students can generally apply to public universities, though additional conditions and separate fee scales may apply. Schooling through compulsory and post-secondary levels is fully subsidised for Bruneian citizens, and this support typically extends to university. Non-citizens and international students are ordinarily charged higher tuition fees — consult individual institutions or the Ministry of Education for current fee structures, as these are periodically revised.

Where suitable local programmes are unavailable, the Brunei government may fund citizens to pursue their studies abroad. This arrangement does not extend to expatriate families, but it illustrates the government’s strong determination to ensure that higher education remains accessible to its citizens.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Brunei?

Although Malay is Brunei’s official national language, English serves as the primary medium of instruction across most primary and secondary schools, as well as in colleges and universities. Malay is used to deliver Malay- and Brunei-related subjects, as well as in religious primary schools. This bilingual approach — known as dwibahasa — means that children who are already proficient in English should be able to follow lessons in government schools with relative ease from the outset.

This represents a meaningful advantage over many other Southeast Asian countries where instruction is predominantly in the national language. Unlike schools in Thailand or Vietnam, for example, where entering the local system demands first acquiring proficiency in a non-Roman-script language, Brunei’s state schools use English for the majority of core subjects, making integration considerably more straightforward for many internationally mobile children.

Arabic is the medium of instruction in Arabic religious schools and Islamic universities. Chinese may be used as a teaching language or as a subject in Chinese private schools. Families seeking a trilingual educational environment — for instance, those wishing to maintain their child’s proficiency in Chinese — may find Chung Hwa Middle School worth exploring.

Dedicated English language support within government schools is not formally structured in the manner of, say, English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes offered in many schools in Australia or the United Kingdom. Children with strong English skills generally settle in quickly. Those who may find Malay-language subjects, Islamic studies, or the specific cultural dimensions of the state curriculum challenging may feel more comfortable in an international school setting.

International schools operating through English — including ISB and JIS — provide a smoother initial transition for pupils moving from other internationally oriented systems. The IB Diploma and Cambridge qualifications available at these schools also protect educational continuity when families relocate again in the future.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Brunei?

The Brunei government fully subsidises compulsory schooling for its citizens, with this support typically continuing through post-secondary and university study. For nationals, the subsidy covers not only tuition but also accommodation, meals, textbooks, and transport — an exceptionally comprehensive level of state provision. This support applies exclusively to Bruneian nationals and does not automatically extend to expatriate residents or non-citizens.

Expat families who are permitted to enrol their children in government schools may be required to pay fees. The applicable fee levels for non-citizens in state schools are subject to revision and must be confirmed directly with the Ministry of Education before proceeding with enrolment. Figures obtained from informal sources should not be relied upon, as entitlements and fee schedules change periodically.

For international schools, some employers — particularly multinational corporations, energy sector companies, and diplomatic missions — include an education allowance within expatriate employment packages. For permanently resident and expatriate parents whose education costs are not fully covered by an employer, certain schools may offer a reduced rate in specific circumstances. Parents in receipt of an employer education allowance, or those applying for boarding places with ASEAN nationality, may also qualify for a discounted rate at some institutions. It is advisable to discuss education allowances with your employer’s HR department before making final school decisions.

There is currently no general government subsidy or tax relief scheme available to expat families selecting private or international schooling in Brunei. Some Bruneian citizens attending international schools may qualify for a government education subsidy — schools such as JIS advise families to enquire with their accounts team about eligibility for the Brunei Government Education Subsidy, and will issue a certificate of enrolment to support a claim if appropriate. This subsidy is not available to non-citizen expatriate families. For the most current and accurate information, always verify entitlements directly with the Ministry of Education at moe.gov.bn.

Frequently asked questions about education in Brunei

Can expat children attend government schools in Brunei?

Non-citizen children may in certain cases be permitted to enrol in government schools, but this depends on approval from the Ministry of Education, the availability of places, and eligibility criteria that may vary. In practice, many expatriate families choose private or international schools because of curriculum familiarity and language preferences. Contact the Brunei Ministry of Education at moe.gov.bn to find out the current rules for your individual situation.

Is there a language barrier for children who do not speak Malay?

In government schools, English is the primary medium for most core academic subjects, which greatly reduces the language challenge for children with a strong command of English. Malay is used for Malay-related subjects and certain religious content. Children who enrol in international schools are unlikely to encounter any language barrier, as teaching is conducted entirely in English. There is no formalised EAL support structure in the state school system of the kind found in countries such as Australia or Canada.

Are there waiting lists for international schools in Brunei?

Yes. The most sought-after international schools — including ISB and Jerudong International School — often have waiting lists, particularly in specific year groups. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact schools and register their interest at the earliest opportunity, ideally as soon as a move to Brunei becomes a possibility. While some schools accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, demand at top institutions frequently exceeds available places.

Will my child’s existing qualifications be recognised in Brunei?

Brunei’s educational framework is closely aligned with the Cambridge international qualifications system, so credentials such as GCSEs, IGCSEs, and A Levels are broadly understood and respected. If your child is moving from a different system — such as the French Baccalauréat, the IB Diploma, or the American high school curriculum — it is worth speaking directly with the school or Ministry of Education about how prior learning will be evaluated and which year group is the most appropriate fit. International schools in Brunei regularly receive students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and are well practised in managing such transitions.

Can expat adults study at Brunei’s universities?

International and expatriate students may generally apply to Brunei’s public universities, including Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB). However, they are not entitled to the same heavily subsidised fee rates as Bruneian citizens. Tuition fees for non-citizens are determined separately and should be confirmed directly with the institution in question, as they are revised periodically. Programme availability and the range of English-language offerings also differ — contact each university’s admissions office for current details.

What childcare options are available for children under school age?

Kindergartens catering to children below the age of 5 exist in Brunei but are provided exclusively by non-government (private) schools; they form no part of the compulsory education framework. Private nurseries and childcare centres are also available, especially in Bandar Seri Begawan. Some international schools, including ISB, offer early years provision for children from age 2 onwards. Given that places can be scarce, families are advised to reach out to nurseries and early years providers well ahead of their planned arrival.

Do Muslim children have to attend religious school in addition to regular school?

Yes. Under Brunei law, all Muslim children between the ages of 7 and 15 must attend Islamic religious education (ugama) schools alongside their mainstream schooling. This obligation is distinct from the general compulsory education requirement. Non-Muslim children are not subject to this rule. Muslim expatriate families should account for this additional educational commitment when making arrangements for their move to Brunei.

How does the Brunei school system compare to systems elsewhere?

Brunei’s education system is modelled closely on the British framework — the qualifications awarded (O Level, A Level, IGCSE) are the same internationally recognised Cambridge credentials used throughout the UK and across many Commonwealth countries, and are accepted by universities worldwide. In contrast to purely national systems like France’s — which is structured around the Baccalauréat and delivered primarily in French — Brunei’s bilingual, Cambridge-aligned approach makes qualifications obtained here highly portable across international borders. For families who will eventually relocate elsewhere after their time in Brunei, credentials from the local school system are widely understood and respected.