Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali

Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali - better known as UNISSA - is a "pure Islamic University" of international standard that offers a variety of programs across disciplines based on Al-Quran and al-Sunnah. Established in 2007, it attests to the commitment of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in upholding Islam through education, in this blessed land of Brunei Darussalam and towards the development of the ummah in general.

As the second state university, UNISSA strives to produce Muslim scholars and intellectuals who contribute to the development of the ummah and the state, in support of the efforts of Brunei Darussalam towards becoming a Zikir nation with continuous blessings from Allah.

The increase in enrollment of local and international students in UNISSA shows that UNISSA is becoming a top choice for students who wish to continue their studies in various fields of study which has Islam as its core. This is an encouraging development and UNISSA continues to welcome more local and international students in the near future.

In an effort to improve its academic quality, UNISSA continuously strives to ensure that its programs and courses meet international standards and the current needs. As such, UNISSA works closely with international universities, particularly those which offer Islamic studies. In addition, UNISSA will attain international recognition through these strategic, bilateral relations with the universities which themselves have gained international recognition.

In terms of academic staff quality, international experts and academics from 14 countries composed 45% of the academic staff of UNISSA. UNISSA is optimistic that the recent introduction of Skim Perkhidmatan Tenaga Akademik (SPTA) or Academic Staff Scheme of Service for Higher Education Institutions will encourage international experts and academics to serve in UNISSA, in addition to stimulating high quality of teaching and research of local academics.

At present, UNISSA is situated at a temporary campus in the city center. In the next few years, UNISSA will have its permanent campus in Temburong District with an area of 400 hectares (988.400 acres). This encouraging development will set UNISSA even further in its efforts towards contributing to the glory of our religion, the ummah and the state.

To be a progressive and dynamic international Islamic university based on al-Quran and al-Sunnah. To be an international university which offers various programs of study, research and human development using holistic methods and up-to-date technology in accordance with global development, in order to produce pious, high spirited and valuable graduates as well as to contribute to the development of community and the country.

Providing an Islamic studies program for first degree holders and further qualifications in a systematic and efficient way in order to facilitate comprehensive learning to create Ulama, quality human resources and specialist scholars of Islam that possess excellent and good conduct, professionalism, deep knowledge, expert practitioners, good character and devotion.

To increase productivity in teaching and effective learning, education, research and publication using modern technology. To encourage efforts in research studies, consultation services, advice and professionalism according to the Islamic perspective. To give a better impression to the philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja philosophy), especially in the Islamic context as the main principle, to that philosophy. To contribute and create an educated nation of believers, practitioners and good influence following the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and the development of Mazhab Shafi’i. To inculcate various knowledge and Islamic references and to distribute this knowledge for the benefit of the society. Apart from its benefit to Brunei Darussalam, in the long term, the establishment of UNISSA will give benefit to other international countries as it can be the centre of Islamic Dakwah within the Asia Pasific.