Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) surged more than 150 places in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, breaking into the global Top 351-400 from last year’s 501-600 position. The university also ranked Top 7 among Southeast Asian institutions, driven by significant improvements in research quality and international collaboration.
UBD Climbs Over 150 Places in THE World University Rankings 2026
Key Details
Among the five performance pillars used to rank 2,191 institutions, research emerged as UBD’s strongest area. The university’s Research Quality jumped over 250 places to 324th globally, while its Research Environment rose to 375th, affirming UBD’s status as a very high research intensive institution.
UBD improved in 15 out of 18 performance indicators, with scores in Research Environment, International Outlook, and Research Quality above the 75th percentile. Teaching exceeded the global median and showed significant progress, evidenced by 55 PhD graduates at this year’s 37th Convocation Ceremony—the highest number to date.
In the Studying Abroad indicator, UBD scored a perfect 100, assessing the provision of international learning opportunities for domestic students. Through the Discovery Year Study Abroad Programme, internships and Community Outreach Programme, students gain essential skills that improve their marketability to employers.
Research Innovation and Collaboration
A standout example of UBD’s research excellence is the AI-powered ‘KelulutSentri AI’ system developed at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies. The system monitors stingless bee hives using acoustic analysis and AI-triggered cameras to detect intruders and send real-time alerts via mobile app, winning a Merit Award at the Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) 2025.
Led by a PhD candidate and supported by a Master’s student, the multidisciplinary project involves experts from multiple faculties and research centers. The collaboration spans AI systems, stingless bee product characterization, and practical beekeeping insights, advancing from research concept to working prototype tested at UBD Botanical Research Centre.
Plans are underway to explore commercialization of the system. With rising global interest in stingless bee farming, ‘KelulutSentri AI’ is positioned to contribute to Brunei’s digital innovation and sustainable agriculture goals while supporting regional pollinator protection efforts.
Strategic Partnerships
UBD’s international outlook performance was driven by strong international co-authorship, staff and student diversity, and strategic partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with leading institutions and industry players.
Recent partnerships include an MoU with Space Faculty Pte Ltd, Singapore, broadening UBD’s research vision toward space and technological innovation. The Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research uses remote sensing technologies for Earth observation to advance biodiversity and environmental research, with applications for climate monitoring and marine ecosystem protection.
Another collaboration with Northern Trust Corporation focuses on developing digital and financial technology talent. The School of Business and Economics will work on research initiatives in digital assets, AI applications, and emerging financial market trends, according to Times Higher Education rankings methodology.
What’s Next
UBD offers the UBD Graduate Research Scholarship and UBD Bursary Award to PhD applicants to encourage collaboration and significant contributions across research areas. These competitive schemes promote lifelong learning through impactful studies.
The university’s research spans biodiversity, energy, precision medicine, genomics, halal science, smart farming, data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence, reflecting staff and student commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research that empowers future-ready graduates to lead positive change across industries and communities.
