When Does International School Start in Brunei? A 2027 Guide

Most international schools in Brunei begin their academic year in mid to late August, while local Bruneian schools follow a September start, typically opening in the first week of the month. As with a few of Brunei's neighbours, this is a matter of weeks rather than months, so the two systems sit closer together than in much of Southeast Asia.

For 2027 to 2028, expect a similar shape, though international schools generally confirm exact dates around 12 months out, and Brunei's Ministry of Education publishes the local calendar annually.

Why the dates differ slightly

Brunei's Ministry of Education sets the local school calendar each year, typically opening in early September. International schools in Bandar Seri Begawan run independently, generally starting a few weeks earlier in August, in step with the British curriculum most of them follow. Public holidays in Brunei are shaped heavily by the country's status as an Islamic monarchy, and both local and international schools close for the same set of religious and royal occasions regardless of which academic calendar they otherwise follow.

Term dates and key holidays

Within the August-to-June international school year, you can generally expect:

• Sultan's Birthday: 15 July is a fixed national holiday, observed by every school in the country.
• Winter break: Around two to three weeks over Christmas and New Year at international schools.
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri: A movable Islamic holiday timed by the lunar calendar, closing schools for around a week each year, at a different point in the calendar annually.
• Israk Mikraj and other Islamic observances: Several additional religious holidays through the year, set by the lunar calendar, observed nationwide.
• Plan ahead: International schools in Brunei set their own term dates, so confirm directly with the school rather than assuming a shared calendar.

What to prepare, and from when

Five popular international schools in Brunei

1. Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan. British curriculum through to GCE O Level, ages 3 to 16, around 3,500 pupils. BND 2,300 to 2,900 a year (approx. USD 1,800 to 2,300).

2. Stella's School, Bandar Seri Begawan. British-style day school, ages 3 to 12, established 1969. Fee details aren't published on doris for this school, contact the school directly for current tuition.

3. Learning Tree School, Bandar Seri Begawan. British and Montessori curriculum, ages 3 to 12. Fee details aren't published on doris for this school, contact the school directly for current tuition.

4. Jerudong International School, Bandar Seri Begawan. British curriculum to IB Diploma and BTEC, ages 2 to 18, day and boarding, around 1,700 pupils. BND 13,512 to 28,896 a year (approx. USD 10,700 to 22,800).

5. International School Brunei, Bandar Campus, Bandar Seri Begawan. England and Wales curriculum to IGCSE and IB Diploma, ages 2 to 18, day and boarding, around 1,110 pupils. BND 6,840 to 20,010 a year (approx. USD 5,400 to 15,800), plus separate boarding fees.

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

Check school availability in Brunei on doris

Schools in Brunei may have waiting lists for certain year groups, so it helps to prepare well ahead of your preferred start date.

Start by exploring schools in Brunei on doris and opening the profiles of those on your shortlist. You can review admissions details and, where available, check availability or send an enquiry to ask about places, waiting lists and application requirements. Include your child’s age and intended start date so the school can give you relevant guidance.

Explore the school overview and check availability.

View admissions details, scholarships and waiting list information.

Start your school search early to give your family more time to explore options and prepare your application.

FAQ

What month does international school usually start in Brunei? Most international schools start in mid to late August. Local Bruneian schools start in early September, set annually by the Ministry of Education.

What are the term dates for schools in Brunei? Local schools run a calendar published each year by the Ministry of Education, generally September to June or July. International schools run a similar shape, starting a few weeks earlier in August.

Does the international school year in Brunei match the local school year? Broadly, yes, both run roughly the same months, with international schools starting a few weeks earlier. Both close for Brunei's Islamic and royal public holidays regardless of calendar.

When should we start applying for a 2027 start in Brunei? Around 12 months ahead, particularly for younger year groups at popular Bandar Seri Begawan schools.

Do international schools in Brunei close for the same religious holidays as local schools? Yes. Both systems observe Brunei's Islamic holidays, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Israk Mikraj, along with royal occasions such as the Sultan's Birthday.

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This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: school academic calendars and fee pages, Brunei Ministry of Education.

Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.