The landscape of higher education in Bangladesh has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, with private universities playing an increasingly significant role. While public institutions have long been considered the backbone of higher education, the emergence of private universities has expanded opportunities, allowing more students to pursue higher education tailored to their specific interests and career goals.
In this blog, we will explore the rise of private universities in Bangladesh, highlight key institutions, and provide insights into how students can navigate the diverse offerings to make informed academic choices.
The Rise of Private Universities in Bangladesh
Private universities in Bangladesh began to take shape in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by the growing demand for higher education and the limited capacity of public institutions. Today, as of 2024, there are over 100 private universities operating across the country, offering a wide range of programs in disciplines like engineering, business, medicine, the arts, and more.
Advantages of Private Universities:
- Personalized Education: One of the major benefits of private universities is smaller class sizes. This allows for more personalized interactions between students and faculty, providing tailored academic guidance and a more supportive learning environment.
- Global Collaborations: Many private institutions have international partnerships, allowing students to participate in exchange programs, joint degree offerings, and internships with global organizations.
- Focus on Employability: Private universities often emphasize practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, making them an attractive option for students aiming for quick job market entry.
Challenges in Private Higher Education
Despite the advantages, private universities in Bangladesh face several challenges:
- Higher Tuition Fees: Compared to public institutions, the cost of attending a private university is often significantly higher, making affordability a concern for many students.
- Variability in Quality: Not all private universities are created equal. While some maintain high academic standards and excellent reputations, others face criticism for inadequate facilities or insufficient accreditation. As a result, students must carefully assess the reputation and academic quality of individual institutions before enrolling.
Key Private Universities in Bangladesh
With so many options, students must do thorough research to find the right fit for their academic and professional aspirations. Below is a list of some of the most well-regarded private universities in Bangladesh, organized by location:
Dhaka:
- North South University (Website)
- BRAC University (Website)
- American International University-Bangladesh (Website)
- East West University (Website)
- United International University (Website)
Chittagong:
- University of Science & Technology Chittagong (Website)
- International Islamic University Chittagong (Website)
- Premier University (Website)
Sylhet:
Rajshahi:
Choosing the Right University
With such a wide range of institutions, it can be overwhelming to decide where to apply. Here are some tips to help you choose the right university:
- Consider Your Career Goals: If you’re pursuing a career in a specific field (e.g., engineering, business, or medicine), look for universities that are known for excellence in those areas. Research faculty qualifications and university partnerships with industry leaders.
- Evaluate the Campus Environment: Some students thrive in large, bustling campuses, while others prefer a smaller, more intimate environment. Visit campuses if possible, or explore virtual tours to get a feel for the environment.
- Look for Accreditation: Ensure the university you’re considering is accredited and recognized by relevant academic bodies in Bangladesh. This guarantees the quality of education and enhances your degree’s recognition both locally and internationally.
- Check for Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many private universities offer scholarships to outstanding students or financial aid for those in need. Explore these options to help reduce the financial burden.
The Future of Private Universities in Bangladesh
As Bangladesh continues to grow economically and socially, the role of private universities in the country’s educational ecosystem will only become more important. With increased competition among institutions, standards are likely to rise, and students will benefit from improved academic offerings and career opportunities.
Conclusion
The private university sector in Bangladesh has expanded to meet the diverse needs of today’s students, with over 100 approved universities offering programs that cater to various interests and career paths. This guide provides an overview of the most prominent private universities in the country, along with practical advice for prospective students.
By thoroughly researching universities, considering personal academic and career goals, and reflecting on the kind of learning environment that will best suit them, students can make informed decisions that set the stage for a successful future.
Best of luck with your applications! The leaders of tomorrow are studying in these universities today—building the skills and knowledge that will shape industries and communities across Bangladesh and beyond.
List of UGC-Approved Private Universities in Bangladesh.
SL | University Name | Website | Location |
---|---|---|---|
1 | North South University | www.northsouth.edu | Dhaka |
2 | University of Science & Technology Chittagong | www.ustc.edu.bd | Chittagong |
3 | Independent University, Bangladesh | www.iub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
4 | Central Women’s University | www.cwu.edu.bd | Dhaka |
5 | International University of Business Agriculture & Technology | www.iubat.edu.co | Dhaka |
6 | International Islamic University Chittagong | www.iiuc.ac.bd | Chittagong |
7 | Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology | www.aust.edu | Dhaka |
8 | American International University-Bangladesh | www.aiub.edu | Dhaka |
9 | East West University | www.ewubd.edu | Dhaka |
10 | University of Asia Pacific | www.uap-bd.edu | Dhaka |
11 | Gono Bishwabidyalay | www.gonouniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
12 | The People’s University of Bangladesh | www.pub.ac.bd | Dhaka |
13 | Asian University of Bangladesh | www.aub.ac.bd | Dhaka |
14 | Dhaka International University | www.diu.ac | Dhaka |
15 | Manarat International University | www.manarat.ac.bd | Dhaka |
16 | BRAC University | www.bracu.ac.bd | Dhaka |
17 | Bangladesh University | www.bu.edu.bd | Dhaka |
18 | Leading University | www.lus.ac.bd | Sylhet |
19 | BGC Trust University Bangladesh | www.bgctub.ac.bd | Chittagong |
20 | Sylhet International University | www.siu.edu.bd | Sylhet |
21 | University of Development Alternative | www.uoda.edu.bd | Dhaka |
22 | Premier University | www.puc.ac.bd | Chittagong |
23 | Southeast University | www.seu.ac.bd | Dhaka |
24 | Daffodil International University | www.daffodilvarsity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
25 | Stamford University Bangladesh | www.stamforduniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
26 | State University of Bangladesh | https://www.sub.ac.bd | Dhaka |
27 | City University | www.cityuniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
28 | Prime University | www.primeuniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
29 | Northern University Bangladesh | www.nub.ac.bd | Dhaka |
30 | Southern University Bangladesh | www.southern.edu.bd | Chittagong |
SL | University Name | Website | Location |
---|---|---|---|
31 | Green University of Bangladesh | www.green.edu.bd | Dhaka |
32 | Pundra University of Science & Technology | www.pundrauniversity.edu.bd | Rajshahi |
33 | World University of Bangladesh | www.wub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
34 | Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology | www.smuct.ac.bd | Dhaka |
35 | The Millennium University | www.themillenniumuniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
36 | Eastern University | www.easternuni.edu.bd | Dhaka |
37 | Metropolitan University | www.metrouni.edu.bd | Dhaka |
38 | Uttara University | www.uttarauniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
39 | United International University | www.uiu.ac.bd | Dhaka |
40 | University of South Asia | www.southasiauni.ac.bd | Dhaka |
41 | Victoria University of Bangladesh | www.vub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
42 | Bangladesh University of Business & Technology | www.bubt.ac.bd | Dhaka |
43 | Presidency University | www.presidency.edu.bd | Dhaka |
44 | University of Information Technology & Sciences | www.uits.edu.bd | Dhaka |
45 | Primeasia University | www.primeasia.edu.bd | Dhaka |
46 | Royal University of Dhaka | www.royal.edu.bd | Dhaka |
47 | University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh | www.ulab.edu.bd | Dhaka |
48 | Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology | www.adust.edu.bd | Dhaka |
49 | Bangladesh Islami University | www.biu.ac.bd | Dhaka |
50 | ASA University Bangladesh | www.asaub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
51 | East Delta University | www.eastdelta.edu.bd | Chittagong |
52 | European University of Bangladesh | www.eub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
53 | Varendra University | www.vu.edu.bd | Rajshahi |
54 | Hamdard University Bangladesh | www.hamdarduniversity.edu.bd | Dhaka |
55 | BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) | www.buft.edu.bd | Dhaka |
56 | North East University Bangladesh | www.neub.edu.bd | Sylhet |
57 | First Capital University of Bangladesh | www.fcub.edu.bd | Chittagong |
58 | Ishakha International University, Bangladesh | www.ishakha.edu.bd | Dhaka |
59 | Z.H Sikder University of Science & Technology | www.zhsust.edu.bd | Dhaka |
60 | Exim Bank Agricultural University, Bangladesh | www.ebaub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
SL | University Name | Website | Location |
---|---|---|---|
61 | North Western University | www.nwu.edu.bd | Khulna |
62 | Khwaja Yunus Ali University | www.kyau.edu.bd | Chittagong |
63 | Sonargaon University | www.su.edu.bd | Narayanganj |
64 | Feni University | www.feniuniversity.ac.bd | Feni |
65 | Britannia University | www.britannia.edu.bd | Comilla |
66 | Port City International University | www.portcity.edu.bd | Chittagong |
67 | Bangladesh University of Health Sciences | www.buhs.ac.bd | Dhaka |
68 | Chittagong Independent University | www.ciu.edu.bd | Chittagong |
69 | Notre Dame University Bangladesh | www.ndub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
70 | Times University, Bangladesh | www.timesuniversitybd.com | Dhaka |
71 | North Bengal International University | www.nbiu.edu.bd | Rajshahi |
72 | Fareast International University | www.fiu.edu.bd | Dhaka |
73 | Rajshahi Science & Technology University (RSTU), Natore | www.rstu.edu.bd | Rajshahi |
74 | Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib University | www.sfmuniversity.org | Dhaka |
75 | Cox’s Bazar International University | www.cbiu.ac.bd | Cox’s Bazar |
76 | R. P. Shaha University | www.rpsu.ac.bd | Dhaka |
77 | German University Bangladesh | www.gub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
78 | Global University Bangladesh | www.globaluniversity.edu.bd | Barisal |
79 | CCN University of Science & Technology | www.ccnust.ac.bd | Dhaka |
80 | Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST), Saidpur | www.baust.edu.bd | Rajshahi |
SL | University Name | Website | Location |
---|---|---|---|
81 | Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET), Qadirabad | www.bauet.ac.bd | Natore |
82 | Bangladesh Army International University of Science & Technology (BAIUST), Comilla | www.baiust.edu.bd | Comilla |
83 | The International University of Scholars | www.ius.edu.bd | Dhaka |
84 | Canadian University of Bangladesh | www.cub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
85 | N.P.I University of Bangladesh | www.npiub.edu.bd | Dhaka |
86 | Northern University of Business & Technology, Khulna | www.nubtkhulna.ac.bd | Khulna |
87 | Rabindra Maitree University, Kushtia | N/A | Kushtia |
88 | University of Creative Technology, Chittagong | www.uctc.edu.bd | Chittagong |
89 | Central University of Science and Technology | www.cust.edu.bd | Dhaka |
90 | Tagore University of Creative Arts, Uttara, Dhaka | www.tuca.edu.bd | Dhaka |
91 | University of Global Village | www.ugv.edu.bd | Dhaka |
92 | Rupayan A.K.M Shamsuzzoha University | N/A | Dhaka |
93 | Anwer Khan Modern University | www.akmu.edu.bd | Dhaka |
94 | ZNRF University of Management Sciences | www.zums.edu.bd | Dhaka |
95 | Ahsania Mission University of Science and Technology | www.amust.ac.bd | Dhaka |
96 | Khulna Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah University | www.kkbau.ac.bd | Khulna |
97 | Bandarban University | www.bubban.edu.bd | Bandarban |
98 | Shah Makhdum Management University, Rajshahi | N/A | Rajshahi |
99 | Trust University, Barishal | www.trustuniversity.edu.bd | Barishal |
100 | International Standard University | www.isu.ac.bd | Dhaka |
101 | University of Brahmanbaria | www.uob.edu.bd | Brahmanbaria |
102 | University of Skill Enrichment and Technology | www.uset.edu.bd | Dhaka |
103 | Microland University of Science and Technology | N/A | Dhaka |
104 | R.T.M Al-Kabir Technical University | www.rtm-aktu.edu.bd | Dhaka |
105 | Sheikh Hasina University of Science and Technology | N/A | Dhaka |
106 | Chattogram BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology | www.cbuft.edu.bd | Chittagong |
107 | Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology, Khulna | N/A | Khulna |
108 | Teesta University, Rangpur | www.teestauniversity.ac.bd | Rangpur |
109 | International Islami University of Science and Technology | N/A | Dhaka |
110 | IBAIS University | N/A | Dhaka |
111 | The University of Comilla | N/A | Comilla |
112 | Queens University | N/A | Dhaka |
This completes the list of UGC-approved private universities in Bangladesh as of 2024.