Top International Schools in Brunei

Published on August 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation renowned for its oil wealth, offers a quality educational environment for expatriate families. With a steadily improving education system and a literacy rate of 96%, the country is home to several recognized international schools, primarily located in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. These institutions offer a variety of international programs, allowing expatriate children to benefit from a high-level education while easily adapting to their new environment.

The Top 3 International Schools in Brunei

1. International School Brunei (ISB)

Address: Jalan Utama Salambigar, Kampong Sungai Hanching, Berakas ‘B’ BC2115, Brunei Darussalam

Annual Cost: Between 12,300 and 19,050 Brunei Dollars (BND) depending on grade level

• Oldest international school in Brunei (founded in 1964)
• Excellent academic results
• Wide range of extracurricular activities
• Modern, eco-friendly facilities

International School Brunei is considered one of the best international schools in Southeast Asia. Founded nearly 60 years ago, it welcomes students aged 2 to 18 and offers an adapted British curriculum, followed by IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The school stands out for its inclusive approach and commitment to sustainable development. With spacious, well-equipped campuses, ISB provides a stimulating learning environment and numerous opportunities for student growth.

2. Jerudong International School (JIS)

Address: Jalan Universiti, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1318, Brunei Darussalam

Annual Cost: Between 16,584 and 18,456 BND depending on grade level

• Extensive, state-of-the-art facilities
• Rigorous academic program (IGCSE and A-Levels)
• Boarding available
• Strong emphasis on sports and arts activities

Founded in 1997, Jerudong International School has quickly become one of the most prestigious schools in Brunei. It welcomes over 1,600 students from 45 different nationalities. JIS follows the British curriculum and offers IGCSE and A-Level examinations. The school is distinguished by its exceptional facilities, including a high-level sports complex, a performing arts center, and cutting-edge science laboratories. JIS emphasizes the holistic development of each student, encouraging academic excellence as well as personal growth through numerous extracurricular activities.

3. Seri Mulia Sarjana International School

Address: Jalan Sungai Akar, Bandar Seri Begawan BA1111, Brunei Darussalam

Annual Cost: Approximately 6,000 to 10,000 BND (to be confirmed)

• More affordable tuition fees
• Bilingual English-Malay instruction
• Emphasis on moral and cultural values
• Good preparation for Cambridge examinations

Seri Mulia Sarjana International School offers an interesting alternative for expatriate families seeking a quality international education at a more affordable cost. The school offers a program based on the British curriculum, with a strong bilingual English-Malay component. It prepares students for Cambridge examinations (IGCSE) while emphasizing the development of moral and cultural values. Although its facilities are less luxurious than those of ISB or JIS, Seri Mulia Sarjana provides a warm and stimulating learning environment.

Budget Planning: How Much Does International Education Cost in Brunei?

For an expatriate looking to enroll their children in an international school in Brunei, a significant budget should be anticipated. Annual tuition fees typically range from 6,000 to 20,000 BND (approximately 4,400 to 14,700 euros) depending on the institution and grade level.

• Registration fees: between 200 and 750 BND
• Security deposit: often around 4,000 BND (refundable)
• Uniforms: 300 to 500 BND per year
• School supplies: 200 to 400 BND per year
• School transportation: 1,000 to 2,000 BND per year if needed
• Extracurricular activities: variable, but budget 500 to 1,500 BND per year

In total, for a full academic year at a top-tier international school in Brunei, the overall budget can easily reach 25,000 to 30,000 BND (18,400 to 22,000 euros) per child.

It is important to note that some companies offer expatriation packages that include an allowance for children’s education. If this is not the case, it is recommended to negotiate this point when discussing the expatriation contract.

Choosing the Best International School: Criteria to Consider

To select the most suitable international school for your child in Brunei, several factors should be considered:

1. Academic Program: Ensure the curriculum offered (British, American, IB) matches your expectations and will facilitate potential further studies in your home country or elsewhere.

2. Exam Results: Research student performance on international examinations (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB) to assess the quality of teaching.

3. Teacher Qualifications: Check the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff, ideally composed of experienced international educators.

4. Facilities and Equipment: Visit the campuses to assess the quality of infrastructure (classrooms, laboratories, sports facilities, etc.).

5. Extracurricular Activities: A varied program of sports, arts, and cultural activities contributes to the child’s overall development.

6. Cultural Diversity: An international school community fosters open-mindedness and prepares students for a globalized world.

7. Class Size: Smaller class sizes allow for better individual attention for students.

8. Support Services: Check the availability of learning support services, psychological counseling, and university guidance.

9. Parent Involvement: A school that encourages parental participation in school life fosters better integration for the expatriate family.

10. Location and Transportation: Consider the distance between the school and your residence, as well as the available school transportation options.

In conclusion, Brunei offers several quality international education options for expatriate families. Although costs can be high, investing in your children’s education is crucial to ensuring their well-being and future success. Take the time to research thoroughly and visit the institutions before making your choice. A good international school can not only provide an excellent education for your children but also facilitate your integration into the expatriate community in Brunei.