Exploring Brunei's Education: A Comprehensive School Count

Brunei, officially known as Negara Brunei Darussalam, is a small country located in Southeast Asia. It has a population of over 400,000 and a land area of 2,226 square miles. The country has a strong commitment to education, with citizens enjoying access to free schooling at all levels. As of 2019, there were 232 schools in Brunei, including preschool, primary, and secondary institutions, as well as 12 technical and vocational schools, and 7 universities. The country's education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, ensuring high standards across both public and private sectors.

In 2019, the Ministry of Education oversaw 232 schools, 12 technical institutions, and 7 universities

In 2019, the Ministry of Education in Brunei oversaw a total of 232 schools, 12 technical institutions, and 7 universities. The country's education system is relatively new, with formal schooling only beginning in the 20th century. The first Malay language school was established in 1912, followed by a Chinese school in 1916 and an English school in 1931. Since then, the number of schools has grown steadily, with a significant expansion in recent years.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for managing and regulating both government and private schools in the country, ensuring that all schools follow a common curriculum. This includes preschool, primary, and secondary education, with a total of 12 years of compulsory education for all students. The Ministry also oversees technical and vocational institutions, which provide an alternative pathway for students seeking skill-based employment.

Brunei's education system is known for its emphasis on bilingualism, with both English and Malay used as mediums of instruction. This approach, known as "dwibahasa," reflects the country's historical ties with Britain and its current focus on promoting the use of the Malay language in education. The education system also incorporates Islamic religious education, which is mandatory for Muslim students.

The 7 universities under the Ministry of Education offer higher education opportunities for students wishing to pursue bachelor's degrees and beyond. These universities cater to both domestic and international students, with a mix of local and expat staff. The universities in Brunei include both public and private institutions, with a range of curricula and areas of specialisation.

Overall, the Ministry of Education's oversight of 232 schools, 12 technical institutions, and 7 universities in 2019 reflects the country's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education for its citizens. With a literacy rate of 98%, Brunei has successfully developed an educated and skilled workforce, meeting the future needs of its diverse economy.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs administered 158 Islamic schools in 2019

The education system in Brunei is administered by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. While the former manages most of the government and private schools in the country, the latter specifically administers government schools that provide Islamic religious education.

In 2019, the Ministry of Religious Affairs administered 158 Islamic religious schools, employing 2,205 teachers and enrolling 36,926 students. Islamic religious education is compulsory for Muslim pupils in Brunei and must be attended from ages 7 to 15. The curriculum covers a range of Islamic themes, including Al-Quraan, Tauhid (Divinity), Ibadat (Obedience), and Toharoh (Hygiene).

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is responsible for overseeing the religious aspects of the education system in Brunei, ensuring that Islamic principles are integrated into the curriculum. This includes the teaching of the Koran, as well as subjects such as faith and piety, along with loyalty to the Sultan. The Ministry of Religious Affairs works in conjunction with the Ministry of Education to implement the country's educational policies and allocate resources to all schools, whether they are government-run or private.

The education system in Brunei has expanded significantly since the country gained independence from British rule in 1984. The first Malay language school was established in 1912, followed by a Chinese school in 1916 and the first English medium school in 1931. Today, Brunei's education system offers a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate, and provides free schooling at all levels for its citizens.

Brunei has a small population and land area

Brunei, officially known as Negara Brunei Darussalam, or simply "abode of peace", is a small Southeast Asian country located on the island of Borneo. With a land area of 2,226 square miles, it is one of the smallest countries in the region. The country has a small population, which is predominantly Malay Muslim with a significant Chinese minority.

The country's educational system reflects its small population and size. As of 2019, the Ministry of Education administered 232 schools at the preschool, primary, and secondary levels, along with 12 technical and vocational institutions, and 7 universities and other tertiary institutions. This includes both government and private schools. The small population of Brunei has resulted in a historical reliance on expatriate teachers from neighbouring Asian countries, as well as Australia and Britain.

The education system in Brunei is relatively new, with formal schooling only starting in the 20th century. The first Malay language school was established in 1912, followed by a Chinese school in 1916 and the first English medium school in 1931. The growth of schools continued through World War II and beyond, with significant expansion and increasing complexity over time.

Brunei's small population and land area have influenced its educational policies and goals. The country aims to provide 12 years of education for all students, including a mix of general and Islamic religious education. The small size of the country presents challenges in expanding educational resources and choices to meet the demands of its population and the changing economy. Brunei's focus on education has resulted in a high literacy rate of 98%, with free schooling offered at all levels for citizens.

Brunei gained independence from the UK in 1984

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, gained independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984, and joined ASEAN in the same year. The country's independence was recognised by the United States, which established diplomatic relations and opened an embassy in the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, on the same day.

The path to independence began in 1888 when Brunei became a British protectorate, with the UK assuming responsibility for its foreign affairs. This was formalised in the Treaty of Protection, which was signed by Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin and the British government in 1888. The treaty gave Britain effective control over Brunei's external affairs, preventing the Sultan from holding direct talks with North Borneo and Sarawak, two nearby states.

In 1959, a new constitution was written, declaring Brunei a self-governing state, while the UK retained responsibility for its foreign affairs, security, and defence. This constitution ended British control dating back to the 1888 and 1905-06 treaties and restored Brunei's sovereignty over its internal affairs.

In 1979, another treaty was signed between Brunei and the UK, granting the former international responsibilities as an independent nation. In May 1983, the UK announced that Brunei would gain independence on 1 January 1984. On 31 December 1983, a mass gathering was held in the main mosques across the country, and at midnight, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah read the Proclamation of Independence.

Brunei's independence was the culmination of a long struggle for sovereignty. In the early 20th century, the country witnessed the arrival of the British, who intervened in its affairs on several occasions. In 1846, the British occupied Brunei Town, forcing Sultan Saifuddin II to sign a treaty to end the occupation. In the same year, the Sultan ceded Labuan to the British under the Treaty of Labuan.

In 1888, the British established a protectorate over Brunei, which lasted until the country gained independence in 1984. During this period, the British exerted significant influence over the country's affairs, including its external relations and administration. The British Residency system, introduced in 1906, further diminished the Sultan's authority, with the British Resident assuming executive control.

Despite the challenges posed by the British presence, Brunei's leaders continued to advocate for independence. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who ascended the throne in 1950, played a pivotal role in this struggle. He led a delegation to London in 1959 to finalise the country's Constitution, which declared Brunei a self-governing state.

The discovery of oil in 1929 and the subsequent development of the petroleum and natural gas industries also contributed to Brunei's economic growth and path to independence. By the 1990s and 2000s, the country had become industrialised, with a significant increase in its GDP.

Today, Brunei is a constitutional absolute monarchy ruled by the Sultan, with a unicameral legislature, the Legislative Council, which is appointed by the Sultan. The country's wealth is derived from its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, and it ranks highly on the Human Development Index.

Brunei's education system is relatively new

The Brunei government takes education seriously and is committed to developing a highly literate and skilled workforce to meet the future needs of the small nation. Citizens of Brunei enjoy free education from kindergarten through to secondary school, and optional tertiary education beyond that. The government subsidises schooling for compulsory education, which usually extends to post-secondary and university. The country's Islamic heritage and government by monarchy are reflected in its official educational philosophy, which emphasises Koranic elements such as faith and piety, alongside loyalty to the Sultan.

The Brunei education system faces the challenge of integrating historical and traditional elements with modern influences. The system has seen substantial expansion and increasing complexity since the country's independence from the UK in 1984. The launch of Wawasan Brunei 2035, a national vision, and the Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 (SPN21), an objective for the national education system for the 21st century, in 2007, were significant steps towards enhancing national identity and advancing human resources.

The Brunei education system follows a 7-3-2-2 pattern. This includes seven years of primary education, three years of lower secondary education, and two years of upper secondary education. Students then have the option of two years of pre-university education before progressing to university. The country's only university, the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), is a relatively new institution, having begun operations in 1985. It offers undergraduate and some graduate programs through its six faculties.

Frequently asked questions