education

 

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The Education Division provides the following services and assistance: Oversee the academic progress and welfare of Bruneian students who are studying various ​disciplines at any institution and universities in Malaysia including in East Malaysia. As focal for foreign students who are applying to study in Brunei Darussalam either through scholarships or self-funding. Strengthen the education cooperation and information between both countries. Provide counselling for Brunei students who are facing difficulties or issues in their studies. As advisor to students under the Brunei Government Scholarship scheme and education loan assistant scheme (SBPP) students regarding financial matters and any necessary application. ​

Relevant Forms

ALL Bruneian students who wish to enrol in any Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia (both East and West Malaysia) are required to:

1. Apply for course accreditation from the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (MKPK). This can be done online by downloading the form (https:​//bdnac.moe.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Borang-Permohonan-Pengiktirafan-MKPK-May24.pdf) and then submitting the completed form with relevant documents to mkpk@moe.gov.bn
   
   
2. Register at the Department of Scholarship Management as a Private Student in overseas institutions (for self-funded students only)
   
   
3. Report to the Education Section, Brunei High Commission in Malaysia, as soon as they arrive by submitting the Borang Melapor with required documents and send via e-mail to education.kl@moe.gov.bn.
   
   
   
   

Brunei vision 2035 aims to transform Brunei Darussalam by 2035 as a nation widely recognised for the accomplishment of its educated and highly skilled people as measured by the highest international standards; a quality of life that is among the top 10 nations in the world and a dynamic and sustainable economy with income per capita within the top 10 countries in the world.

Study in Malaysia

Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for a student. Malaysia's higher education system was ranked 25^th in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings in 2018, reflecting the strength of its flagship universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, five of Malaysia's universities are ranked in the top 200 QS Global Universities ranking namely Universiti Malaya (60), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (138), Universiti Sains Malaysia (146), Universiti Putra Malaysia (148) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (188) – four of which are also ranked among Asia's Top 100 Universities of 2025. Currently, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia also ranks top 30 of QS Best Student Cities (23). Higher education institutions in Malaysia offer variety courses ranging from certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

Student VISA application

To study in Malaysia, you will need to apply for admission to an institution and a student visa (student pass) from the Malaysian government. Student visa is managed by the institution or university and they will forward the application to the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (Immigration Department) for approval. The Immigration Department will issue the student visa to every student via their respective institution or university and this will take approximately 1-2 months to be completed (New application or renewal).

If you are in Malaysia as a tourist (holding a social pass), you will be required to exit the country before you apply for a student visa.

IMPORTANT: Once your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) has been issued, you may proceed with arrangements to travel to Malaysia as a student.

Data and Statistics

There are currently around 468 Bruneian students (as of 1^st July 2025) registered with universities both in East and West Malaysia. Below is the breakdown of students according to state and level of study:

                              

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I enrol in a Higher Education Institution in Malaysia?

Answer: Ensure that the institution or university is licensed and approved to take in international students, as well as approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia.

Question: Do I have to report my arrival as a student at the Brunei High Commission in Malaysia?

Answer: Yes, ALL Bruneian students regardless of funding (scholarship, self-funded, study abroad, in-service training), must notify their presence in Malaysia as a student by completing the Reporting Form and submit it online via the e-mail provided.

Question: Do I need a student pass (VISA) to study in Malaysia?

Answer: Yes, a student pass is required if you wish to study in Malaysia.

Question: Can I open a local bank account?

Answer: Once you have your student visa, you can apply and open a bank account at any local bank in Malaysia. If you are a student under the scholarship scheme, SBPP, or government in-service training (LDP), you must open your bank account at MAYBANK.

Question: What are my accommodation options?

Answer: Institutions and universities mostly offer accommodation options for new international students inside the campus or outside the campus (with proximity to the campus). Off-campus accommodation in the form of apartment or condominium are also available. Refer to the guideline:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qwGls_Ijkre7OIRa3HHta3BUZqrqp8NY/view?usp=drive_link

Question: When do I receive my allowance? (Applicable to scholarship / SBPP students and government officers under in-service training)

Answer: Monthly allowance will be paid at the beginning of each month.

Question: How do I apply for sponsored return ticket from the government? (Applicable to scholarship / SBPP students and government officers under in-service training)

Answer: Fill in the Borang Permohonan Pembelian Tiket & Penghantaran Barang Peribadi 6 weeks from the last day of exam/study.

Question: How do I apply for trunk? (Applicable to scholarship / SBPP students and government officers under in-service training)

Answer: Fill in the Borang Permohonan Pembelian Tiket & Penghantaran Barang Peribadi 6 weeks from the last day of exam/study.