A high level of education is provided for the growing population of Brunei Darussalam. In 2004, there are more than 252 government and private schools nationwide; comprising of 208 kindergarten / primary, 33 secondary, 8 technical / vocational, 1 teachers' training, 1 institute and 1 university; with an enrolment of 106,294 students.
Other private schools in Brunei include kindergartens; tertiary education institutions, tuition, and computer and music schools. Most of these specialised education centres are located in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Formal education is given free to all Brunei citizens who attend Government schools and institutions. Free hostel accommodation is provided at certain schools and institutions.
The establishment of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in 1985 enables local students to pursue degree courses in the Sultanate. In September 2004, UBD held its 16th Convocation where a total of 916 graduates received their certificates including one PhD, 43 post-graduate, 559 undergraduates and 313 diplomas.
The Government continues to award scholarships to qualified Brunei citizens for their studies abroad. The literacy rate in Brunei is 93.7% in 2004.