Education in Brunei

Brunei 16 July 2023 63

Brunei 16 July 2023 46

Tutong 2 June 2023 28

Kuala Belait 30 May 2023 22

Education in Brunei is overseen by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) for religious schools. The education system in Brunei is deeply influenced by the British educational system, owing to Brunei's history as a British protectorate until 1984. It offers a mix of public, private, and international schools, providing education from primary to tertiary levels.

Overview

Education in Brunei is compulsory for children from the age of 5 to 16, covering primary and secondary education. The system is divided into several stages: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Additionally, vocational and technical education is available for students seeking skills-based training.

Pre-primary Education

Pre-primary education in Brunei is available for children aged 3 to 5 years. It is not compulsory and is offered by both public and private institutions. The curriculum focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills, preparing children for primary education.

Primary Education

Primary education lasts for 6 years (Year 1 to Year 6) and is compulsory for all children. The curriculum includes Mathematics, Science, Malay Language, English Language, and Islamic Studies for Muslim students. Schools also offer physical education and moral education.

Secondary Education

After completing primary education, students advance to secondary education, which is divided into two 3-year cycles: Lower Secondary (Year 7 to Year 9) and Upper Secondary (Year 10 to Year 12). Students take the Brunei-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level examinations at the end of Year 11. Those who continue to Year 12 may sit for the 'A' Level, International Baccalaureate, or other equivalent examinations, depending on the school.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in Brunei includes universities, colleges, and technical and vocational institutions. The country hosts several higher education institutions, including the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), and Brunei Technological University (UTB). These institutions offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

Vocational and Technical Education

Vocational and technical education is provided by institutions such as the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE). These programs are designed to equip students with practical skills and qualifications in various trades and professions.

Religious Education

Religious education is an integral part of the Brunei education system for Muslim students. It is provided by the Ministry of Religious Affairs through a network of religious schools and includes the study of the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic law.

Challenges and Reforms

The Brunei government continuously seeks to improve and reform the education system to meet international standards and the country's socio-economic needs. Recent reforms include the introduction of the SPN21 (Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 or National Education System for the 21st Century), which aims to provide a more holistic and flexible education.

Conclusion

Education in Brunei is comprehensive, covering a wide range of educational needs from early childhood to higher education. The government's commitment to education is evident in its free education policy for citizens and its ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and accessibility.