Discovery Year

Discovery Year programme offers students an array of choice to gain first-hand experience outside of the university. Students will embark on the discovery year programme during their third year, and will engage in two semesters of DY activities accumulating 32 modular credits (MCs).

4 broad choices are available for students during their Discovery Year:

• Study Abroad Programme: gain academic knowledge in an established international university over one semesters;


• Incubation: spend one semester on developing a potential business idea and transform it into a final product or service to potential target market;


• Internship: spend one semester working full time in an organization, locally or abroad; and


• Community Outreach Programme: spend one semester engaged in a non-profit community project aimed at reaching out to the needy community.

Each DY programme entails different activities. Students are strongly advised to explore the different programmes in line with their pursuance of interest and eligibility.

Final placement is at the discretion of UBD’s administration team and/or Host University.

When do students participate in Discovery Year?

• August intake: Discovery Year would be during the students’ 5th and 6th semester, i.e. August semester will be the start of DY. cGPA taken into consideration for placement is first 3 semesters of study at UBD.


• January intake: Discovery Year would be during the students’ 5th and 6th semester, i.e. January semester will be the start of DY. cGPA taken into consideration for placement is first 3 semesters of study at UBD.

Important note:

• cGPA taken into consideration for placement is FIRST THREE semesters.
• Students do not elect their best three cGPA by semester; and
• Students do not choose which semester they want to start DY unless valid reasons are provided.

Latest funding information can be found in your student portal.

In-Service (LDP) Students Only

In-service students who wish to go abroad for their Discovery Year have to liaise with relevant Faculty advisors and apply through the Public Service Commission.

Documentation