Bruneian Students Going Abroad: Securing the Prestigious Ministry of Education Scholarships
By Muntasir • Published Mar 24, 2026 • Updated May 11, 2026 • Guides
Brunei offers fully funded overseas scholarships to yellow identity card holders under 26 years old for undergraduate degrees. The HECAS portal opens annually in late January and requires a minimum GCE A-Level grade profile of BBB for standard courses.
Brunei offers overseas funding options for yellow identity card holders seeking to study at top-ranked universities worldwide. Successful applicants receive full financial support for their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees through the Ministry of Education program. Understanding the entry requirements, benefits, and submission processes helps secure your funding.
Eligibility Criteria for MoE Overseas Scholarships
Applicants must meet specific academic, age, and citizenship criteria before submitting their application to the Department of Scholarship Management . The government prioritizes students who choose courses aligned with national development objectives.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Yellow Identity Card (Yellow IC) holders only. |
| Age Limit | Under 26 years old for undergraduate programs. Under 30 years old for postgraduate programs by September 1st of the application year. |
| Malay Language | Minimum grade of C6 in Bahasa Melayu at BC-GCE O-Level. |
| English Language | Minimum grade of C6 at GCE O-Level, Grade C in IGCSE English, Grade C in General Paper, or IELTS score of 6.5. |
| A-Level Academic Minimum | AAA for Medicine, BBB for other standard degree programs, and CCC for the Education Loan Assistance Scheme (SBPP). |
Benefits Package of the Overseas Scholarship
The government provides a comprehensive financial package for outbound scholars to cover expenses in their host countries. This support ensures students focus entirely on their academic achievements without financial stress.
- Tuition Fees: Full payment of standard university tuition fees directly to the host institution.
- Monthly Stipend: Regular living allowance for accommodation, food, and daily transportation costs.
- Travel Grant: Economy-class airfare from Brunei to the host country at the start of study, plus return travel upon graduation.
- Additional Allowances: Annual clothing allowance for winter destinations, book allowance, baggage allowance, and comprehensive health insurance.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
Applying for government overseas funding requires strict adherence to the annual admission timeline. Missed deadlines result in automatic exclusion from the scholarship selection cycle.
| Application Milestone | Key Dates (2026/2027 Academic Session) |
|---|---|
| HECAS Round 1 Opening | Thursday, 22 January 2026 |
| HECAS Round 1 Closing | Thursday, 26 February 2026 |
| Selection Interviews | Conducted between April and June annually |
| Results Announcement | Mid-year, preceding the August and September intakes |
Required Application Documents
You must submit complete certified documents to avoid application rejection. The selection committee rejects incomplete portfolios without further review.
- Identification: Certified true copies of your Yellow Identity Card and valid international passport.
- Academic Transcripts: BC-GCE O-Level and GCE A-Level results certificates.
- Language Certificates: Valid IELTS test report form or equivalent proof of English proficiency.
- Admission Offers: Official university offer letters from institutions ranked in the top 250 of global rankings.
- Study Proposal: Detailed academic statement or research proposal outlining your learning objectives.
Concrete Strategies for a Winning Application
Competitive selection demands excellent preparation and strategic alignment with national human resource goals. The selection committee rewards candidates who demonstrate outstanding preparation.
- Target Top Rankings: Apply to universities positioned inside the top 250 of the QS World University Rankings.
- Align with National Goals: Link your selected course of study to Brunei Vision 2035 development projects.
- Submit Early: Complete your profile on the HECAS Portal well before the closing date to prevent system overload errors.