Education is highly valued in Brunei, and the country has made significant investments in the education sector. Brunei offers free education to its citizens from primary to tertiary levels. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16.
Quality of Education in Brunei
Brunei has a well-established education system, with a literacy rate of 96%. The government has invested heavily in education, with a significant proportion of the national budget allocated to education. The quality of education in Brunei is high, with students achieving excellent results in international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Types of Schools in Brunei
In Brunei, there are four types of schools: government schools, religious schools, private schools, and international schools.
Government Schools
Government schools are the most common type of school in Brunei. These schools are funded by the government and offer free education to Bruneian citizens. The curriculum in government schools follows the national curriculum, and students are taught in Malay.
Religious Schools
Religious schools in Brunei are Islamic schools that offer education based on Islamic principles. These schools are also funded by the government and offer free education to Bruneian citizens. The curriculum in religious schools includes Islamic studies, and students are taught in Malay.
Private Schools
Private schools in Brunei offer education to both Bruneian and non-Bruneian students. These schools charge tuition fees, and the curriculum may be based on the national curriculum of the country where the school is based. Private schools in Brunei may offer education in English, Chinese, or other languages.
International Schools
International schools in Brunei offer education based on foreign curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British curriculum. These schools are generally expensive and cater to expatriate families. International schools in Brunei may offer education in English, Chinese, or other languages.
Syllabus and Qualifications
The national curriculum in Brunei is based on the Brunei Darussalam National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21). This curriculum aims to provide students with a broad and balanced education, with a focus on developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
At the primary level, students study subjects such as Malay language, English language, mathematics, science, Islamic religious education, social studies, and physical education. At the secondary level, students continue to study these subjects, along with additional subjects such as history, geography, and art.
Students in Brunei can obtain several qualifications, including the Brunei-Cambridge GCE O Level, the Brunei-Cambridge GCE A Level, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
School Hours and Holidays
The school year in Brunei runs from January to December, with breaks for public holidays, school holidays, and religious holidays. The school day typically runs from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm for primary schools and from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm for secondary schools.
Enrollment
To enroll in a school in Brunei, students need to provide their birth certificate, passport, and immunization records. Bruneian citizens are given priority for enrollment in government schools, while international schools have their own admission criteria and application procedures.
International Schools in Brunei
There are several international schools in Brunei that offer education based on foreign curricula. These schools cater to expatriate families and may offer education in English, Chinese, or other languages.
Some of the international schools in Brunei include:
- International School Brunei (ISB)
- Jerudong International School (JIS)
- St. Andrew’s School, Brunei
Higher Education in Brunei
Brunei offers several options for higher education, including vocational education and training (VET), technical and further education (TAFE), and tertiary education.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Vocational education and training in Brunei is provided by the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE). IBTE offers courses in various fields, including engineering, business, hospitality, and information technology.
Technical and Further Education (TAFE)
Technical and further education in Brunei is provided by the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) and the Brunei Polytechnic. These institutions offer courses in various fields, including engineering, business, hospitality, and information technology.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary education in Brunei is provided by the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), and the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB). UBD and UTB offer courses in various fields, including engineering, business, education, and health sciences. KUPU SB offers courses in Islamic studies and education.
Brunei has a well-established education system, with a strong focus on providing a broad and balanced education to its citizens. The government has invested heavily in education, and the quality of education in Brunei is high. Brunei offers several types of schools, including government schools, religious schools, private schools, and international schools. Students in Brunei can obtain several qualifications, including the Brunei-Cambridge GCE O Level, the Brunei-Cambridge GCE A Level, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Brunei also offers several options for higher education, including vocational education and training (VET), technical and further education (TAFE), and tertiary education.