Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Education in Brunei Darussalam is managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The former manages government schools and oversees private schools, while the latter administers government religious schools.
Within the Ministry of Education, the Department of Administration and Services coordinates and submits the annual budget of the MOE. They are also responsible for arranging the payment of salaries, allowances, and other payments. They also may conduct audits of departments, schools, and colleges. Funds seem to go directly from the MOE to schools and staff.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No information was found.
2. Education resources to schools
Publicly available information does not clarify how the Ministry of Education determines the formula for school financing. Existing research indicates that overall expenditure on the student population is relatively high, while capital investment remains limited.
The Learning Assistance Programme is a nationwide, whole-school initiative supporting students with special educational needs (SEN), particularly those facing literacy and numeracy challenges in primary and secondary schools. Implemented by trained Learning Support Educators (LSEs), it delivers targeted, individualised interventions within a tiered Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, ranging from in-class support to one-on-one sessions. The programme integrates diagnostic assessments, personalised learning modules, and close collaboration between teachers, specialists, and parents, with student progress monitored through a dedicated data system. Its objective is to enable all students to achieve national benchmarks and participate fully in an inclusive education system, in line with Brunei’s education policy priorities.
3. Education resources to students and families
Miftahun Najah (Key to Success) Scheme (SMN)
The Ministry of Education’s Miftahun Najah (SMN) Scheme provided a living allowance to eligible schoolchildren to support school fees, stationery, uniforms, transport, and other essentials, targeting families with a combined income below BND 250. Launched in 2011, the scheme saw a gradual decline in recipients over time and appears to have been integrated into the National Welfare System post-2017, no longer managed directly by the Ministry of Education. Information on the socio-economic status of students, including those with special needs (SN) and special educational needs (SEN), is managed at the school level.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Annual School Needs Assistance Programme
The Annual School Needs Assistance Programme, formerly administered by the Ministry of Education, has been integrated into the National Welfare System. The programme provides school coupons to low-income families, assessed on the basis of applicants’ background, household composition, and specific needs, and includes applications for in-kind education assistance.
The Brunei Darussalam Islamic Religious Council administers zakat (monthly financial assistance) to underprivileged individuals, which can also cover education-related expenses, including one-off payments for stationery and books at the start of the school year. The Community Development Department provides monthly welfare assistance to supplement the income of families in need.
Brunei Darussalam’s Monthly Welfare Assistance for persons with disabilities – provided under the Old Age and Disability Allowances Act and the 2021 Persons with Disabilities Order – offers direct financial support for promoting educational inclusion. By guaranteeing regular income to eligible citizens and permanent residents with disabilities, this policy helps defray key educational costs such as transportation, assistive technologies, learning materials, and participation in specialised school programmes, thus enabling equitable access to mainstream and special education settings. It provides a monthly allowance of BND 250 (USD 200) to persons with disabilities, limited to citizens and permanent residents.
Financial Assistance from Multiple National Agencies
Parents who require financial assistance may apply to various national agencies, including welfare benefits provided by the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation; BaitulMaal financial assistance; and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council.
5. School meal programmes
Brunei operates several school meal programmes. The first, launched in 1953, initially covered six public schools and has since expanded into the School Feeding Programme, comprising snack, lunch, and hostel (boarding) meals, all managed by the Ministry of Education. Additional initiatives include Harapan for secondary schools and Anak Harapan for primary schools.
