Bruneian students are reported to be increasingly cost conscious and discerning in their higher education destination choices, in light of the reducing government scholarship opportunities. Taiwan and South Korea are popular alternative destinations since both countries are providing generous scholarships. Malaysia and Singapore are also popular as both countries offer many twinning programmes, another key attraction for students who are looking at more affordable options.

Local education agencies have commented that students visiting their agencies have increasingly been asking about Asian universities and have predicted a likely drop in Bruneian student numbers to the UK this September.

Source(s):
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/06/09/bruneians-now-prefer-...
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2016/06/08/students-now-opting-asian-...
http://www.asianews.network/content/bruneians-now-prefer-asian-over-west...
http://www.moe.gov.bn/Lists/Announcement/DispFormCustom.aspx?ID=172

Commentary from Cecile Dasal, British Council Brunei

Brunei is traditionally a very UK-centric market, with a large majority of its government-funded students opting to go to the UK. These students are often restricted in their university choices, since the scholarship provider would often require them to choose only the top-ranking universities. In the recent scholarship guidelines issued late last year, it is more difficult for Bruneian students to obtain a government scholarship. Although there has been increased interest in other Asian countries, language difficulty and unknown quality of these universities are often the key issues. Unless these universities are in the world top 250, scholarship students are still unlikely to choose them. Furthermore government scholarships would not apply to tenures at branch campuses of universities outside the UK.

The trend of going for universities in Asia is seen especially among the self-funded students, as they are more price-sensitive. Although the exchange rate between the British pound and Brunei dollar has remained fairly stable over the past five years, education in the UK has gotten more expensive. Australia is also favoured by self-funded Brunei permanent residents as the country offers post-study work and possible residency opportunities.

UK universities which are recruiting in Brunei should be aware of this trend and suggest, if available, scholarships their institutions are offering. Alternatively, institutions could also consider promoting the courses their collaborative partners are offering in neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, and highlight the opportunity for transfers to the UK campus after completion part of their studies. However, it should be noted that these TNE courses should be accredited by the Brunei Ministry of Education for the students to be able to work in Brunei after the completion of their studies.

For more information on the market and how British Council can help promote your institution in Brunei, please contact Cecile Dasal.