Brunei Education System

The FIVE Best Universities in Brunei and How IDEEA Hub Brunei aims to enhance their Global Standing

About The top 5 universities in Brunei

Top 5 universities in Brunei, as ranked by EduRank based on research outputs, non-academic prominence, and alumni influence.

Based on the available data, here is a comprehensive overview of the top universities in Brunei, including their global and regional rankings, specialties, challenges, and additional pertinent information.


The rankings are determined by analyzing 124K citations received by 9.75K academic publications made by 5 universities from Brunei, the popularity of 3 recognized alumni, and the largest reference database available.

Source: EduRank; Updated: February 29, 2024
Note: Some Rankings and data are sourced from the latest available information as of 2025.

How Brunei-Based Institutions Can Benefit from Foreign Collaboration

IDEEA Hub Brunei aims to elevate the rankings, reputation, and capabilities of local universities by fostering strategic international collaborations. Each institution has unique needs that can be addressed through partnerships with global academic, research, and industry leaders.


By integrating global best practices, strategic international collaborations, and cutting-edge research, IDEEA Hub Brunei will position Brunei’s universities as leaders in education, technology, and innovation on the global stage – WITHIN NO TIME.    

Strategic International Collaboration for Brunei-Based Institutions

University/Institution

Core Model & Specialization

Challenges

Foreign Collaboration Needs

Expected Benefits

Additional Information

1

University of Brunei Darussalam

 

Location:

Gadong

 

Rankings:

#761 in Asia

#2445 in the World

A leading national university focusing on research, business, healthcare, environmental studies, and policy.

- Limited international visibility.

- Needs increased industry partnerships.

- Collaborations with top-tier global universities in AI, biomedical sciences, and sustainability. - Joint degree and faculty exchange programs. - Partnerships with multinational corporations for R&D commercialization.

- Strengthened global academic reputation and rankings. - Increased research citations and impact. - Access to cutting-edge industry partnerships and funding.

- Established in 1985 as Brunei's premier national university. - Implements the GenNEXT Programme for multidisciplinary studies. - Achieved 401-500 band in Times Higher Education rankings.

2

Brunei University of Technology

Location:

Gadong

Rankings:

#2216 in Asia

#5999 in the World

 

Specializes in engineering, IT, applied sciences, and business technology.

- Limited global recognition. - Requires expansion of research output.

- Partnerships with world-class tech institutions to enhance AI, robotics, and automation research. - Access to state-of-the-art R&D labs and industry funding. - Collaboration with global tech firms for technology commercialization.

- Elevated status as a regional leader in innovation. - Increased patents and intellectual property output. - Improved graduate employment in multinational tech firms.

- Established in 1986, gained university status in 2008. - Accredited by the European Federation for Management Development in 2023.

3

Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University

Location:

Gadong

Rankings:

#2869 in Asia

#7350 in the World

 

Focuses on Islamic finance, Shariah law, and Islamic education.

- Smaller enrollment numbers may limit program diversity. - Faces challenges in achieving international accreditation.

- Collaboration with top Islamic finance institutions to develop modern Shariah-compliant financial models. - Joint research in Islamic governance, ethics, and law. - Digital transformation of Arabic and Quranic studies.

- Greater global recognition in Islamic finance and jurisprudence. - Increased international student enrollment and research output. - Strengthened collaborative ties with Islamic education institutions worldwide.

- Established in 2007. - Acceptance rate of 84% with an enrollment of 881 students.

4

Brunei Polytechnic

Location:

Bandar Seri Begawan

Rankings:

#4230 in Asia

#10435 in the World

 

Provides technical and vocational education across engineering, business, and technology.

- Limited research activities. - Needs stronger industry linkages for better training opportunities.

- Industry partnerships with global skill development organizations. - Establishment of apprenticeship programs with international firms. - Curriculum updates aligned with global industry standards.

- Recognition as a leading vocational education provider in ASEAN. - Higher graduate employability and stronger industry partnerships. - Expansion of training programs into new technical fields.

- Acceptance rate of 68%.

5

Institute of Brunei Technical Education

Location:

Bandar Seri Begawan

Rankings:

#4814 in Asia

#11669 in the World

 

Specializes in practical, skills-based learning with a focus on job readiness.

- Faces challenges in modernizing curriculum to meet industry standards. - Limited transition pathways to higher education.

- Joint certifications with international technical institutions. - Creation of global internship programs. - Integration of modern training methods aligned with global best practices.

- Higher employment rates for graduates in regional and global markets. - Stronger industry linkages with global companies. - Enhanced appeal to international students seeking technical education.

- Founded in 1969. - Strong emphasis on skill acquisition.

How IDEEA Hub Brunei aims to enhance the global standing of Brunei's universities through Strategic Steps

 

    • International Collaborations: Partnering with leading global universities to facilitate exchange programs, joint research projects, and academic collaborations, thereby increasing the international exposure and reputation of Brunei's institutions.
  •  
    • Establishing Advanced Research Centers: Setting up state-of-the-art research and development facilities in collaboration with top-tier global entities, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable technologies, and advanced healthcare solutions.
  •  
    • Supporting Underprivileged Talent: Providing scholarships and specialized programs for brilliant yet underprivileged students worldwide, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment that enriches the learning experience and broadens perspectives.

Through these initiatives, IDEEA Hub Brunei aspires to significantly improve the academic rankings, research output, and global reputation of Brunei's universities in the coming years.