Exploring Universiti Brunei Darussalam's Student Population

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is a national research university located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It was founded in 1985 and is the oldest institution in the country. The university is guided by four core values: people, expertise, relevance, and leadership. It offers a range of multidisciplinary degree programmes that cater to unique individual learning styles. In the 2023–2024 academic year, UBD had 236 students enrolled across various programmes, including PhDs, Master's degrees, and undergraduate degrees.

Student enrolment in the first year

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) was founded in 1985 and is the oldest institution in the country. It is a national research university situated in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

In its inaugural year, the university took in 176 students. The university was founded with two faculties, and close to 200 students enrolled.

The UBD is guided by four core values: people, expertise, relevance, and leadership. These values are used as yardsticks in the development and running of eight academic faculties, eight research institutes, and two support centres. The academic faculties include the Academy of Brunei Studies and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The research institutes include the Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences and the Centre for Advance Research.

The UBD has grown and expanded in academics and infrastructure since its founding, producing influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. In 2009, the university introduced the GenNEXT Programme, which provides students with the flexibility to tailor their studies according to their individual learning styles. The programme includes the Discovery Year, which encourages students to go abroad during the third year of their undergraduate programme.

Current student population

The current student population of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is not publicly available. However, the university has seen significant growth since its establishment in 1985, with an increase in the number of students enrolled, academic programmes offered, and improvements in infrastructure.

In its inaugural class, UBD had 176 students. Since then, the university has continued to grow and expand, offering a range of multidisciplinary degree programmes that cater to unique individual learning styles. UBD is committed to providing a holistic education that goes beyond academics, aiming to produce well-rounded leaders who embody the principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a passion for lifelong learning.

The university's commitment to student success is reflected in the implementation of the GenNEXT Programme in 2009, which offers students greater flexibility and tailoring of their studies to match their learning styles. This programme includes the Discovery Year, where students are encouraged to take a year off from school to gain global experiences and perspectives.

UBD is also dedicated to providing ample opportunities for inbound and outbound student exchanges, fostering experiential learning and producing individuals who are industry-relevant, environmentally conscious, and culturally sensitive. The university's partnerships with renowned international universities expand students' horizons and provide them with a diverse and enriching academic environment.

While the exact number of enrolled students at UBD is not publicly available, the university's growth and commitment to student success suggest a thriving and dynamic student population. The university continues to be a leading higher education institution in Brunei Darussalam, recognised internationally for its excellence in teaching and research.

Number of international students

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has welcomed international students since its inception in 1985. The university offers a range of programmes to enhance international relations, such as the Brunei-US Enrichment Programme for ASEAN and the Discovery Year programme, which encourages students to go abroad during the third year of their undergraduate programme.

In the beginning, UBD's international students mainly came from ASEAN countries. However, over the years, the university has seen an increase in diversity, with many students coming from East Asia (China and Japan), Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The university provides a friendly environment for international students, with various clubs and activities to help them feel at home. Additionally, UBD offers a range of programmes to ensure a smooth transition for new students, including the International Student Service Unit of Student Affairs Section.

English is the primary medium of instruction at UBD and is widely spoken in Brunei Darussalam. The degree programmes offered provide international students with opportunities for future employment globally. This environment also allows international students to improve their English language skills, making it easier for them to socialise and make friends.

To be admitted to undergraduate full-time programmes at UBD, international students must meet specific English language requirements. These requirements include a minimum grade of C6 in English Language at the GCE 'O' Level Examination, a grade of B in IGCSE English (as a Second Language), an IELTS score of 6.0, a minimum overall score of 550 on the TOEFL, or a Band B2 on the UBD English Proficiency Test. For certain programmes, such as the Bachelor of Health Science with a major in Medicine, higher English language proficiency scores are required.

Number of students in each faculty

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is made up of eight academic faculties, eight research institutes, and two academic service centers. The academic faculties include:

• The Academy of Brunei Studies (APB)
• The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
• The Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT)
• The Faculty of Science (FOS)
• The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
• The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE)
• The School of Digital Science (SDS)
• The Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS)
• The UBD School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE)

While there is no exact data on the number of students in each faculty, we can estimate the number of students in each faculty based on the programs offered by UBD. Here is a breakdown of the number of students in each faculty, assuming that the majority of students are enrolled in programs offered by their respective faculties:

Academy of Brunei Studies (APB): The APB focuses on the study of Bruneian culture, society, and history. While the exact number of students in the APB is not known, it is likely that a significant number of students are enrolled in this faculty as it offers unique programs that are specific to Brunei.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS): The FASS offers a range of programs, including communication and media studies. This faculty likely has a large number of students as arts and social sciences are popular areas of study.

Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT): The FIT offers a Bachelor of Engineering program. Engineering is a popular field of study, so it is likely that the FIT has a significant number of students enrolled.

Faculty of Science (FOS): The FOS offers a Bachelor of Science program. As science is a broad field, it is likely that the FOS has a large number of students enrolled.

Institute of Policy Studies (IPS): The IPS focuses on public policy and administration. While the exact number of students in the IPS is not known, it is likely that a smaller number of students are enrolled in this faculty as it offers more specialized programs.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE): The SHBIE offers a range of graduate programs, including a PhD in philosophy. This institute likely has a smaller number of students as it only offers graduate programs.

School of Digital Science (SDS): The SDS offers a Bachelor of Digital Science program. As digital science is a growing field, it is likely that the SDS has a significant number of students enrolled.

Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS): The PAPRSB IHS offers a range of Bachelor of Health Science programs, including nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, biomedical science, dentistry, and medicine. As health sciences are a popular area of study, it is likely that this institute has a large number of students enrolled.

UBD School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE): The UBDSBE offers a Bachelor of Business program. Business and economics are popular fields of study, so it is likely that the UBDSBE has a significant number of students.

In summary, while the exact number of students in each faculty at UBD is not known, it is possible to estimate the distribution based on the programs offered and their popularity. The faculties with likely higher student numbers include the FASS, FIT, FOS, SDS, PAPRSB IHS, and UBDSBE. The faculties with potentially smaller student numbers include the APB, IPS, and SHBIE.

Number of students in each degree programme

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is a national research university in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. It was founded in 1985 and is the oldest institution in the country. The university is guided by four core values: people, expertise, relevance, and leadership.

UBD offers a range of degree programmes across its academic faculties, research institutes, and academic service centres. The university has eight academic faculties, including the Academy of Brunei Studies, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Integrated Technologies. The exact number of students enrolled in each degree programme is not publicly available. However, the university's website provides a breakdown of student numbers for the 2023-2024 academic year. During this period, there were 236 students registered, with 28 pursuing PhDs, 123 seeking Master's degrees, 68 enrolled in degree programmes, and 28 in the UniBridge programme.

The university's degree programmes cater to unique individual learning styles and offer a balance of student-centric flexibility, academic rigour, and real-world experience. UBD's innovative GenNEXT curriculum includes the Discovery Year programme, which encourages students to gain global learning experience through partnerships with universities and institutions across six continents.

UBD's broad-based and multidisciplinary approach to education is reflected in the range of degree programmes it offers. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programmes in various fields, including digital science, health sciences, engineering, business, and science. The university also offers specialised expertise in areas such as biodiversity, energy studies, comparative education, precision medicine, and sensor technology.

In addition to its academic offerings, UBD provides a range of support services and resources for its students. The university has a counselling section within the Student Affairs division, offering support for various academic and personal issues. With its focus on lifelong learning and international experience, UBD strives to produce well-rounded graduates who are industry-relevant and culturally sensitive.

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