Private universities in Bangladesh have become integral to the country's higher education landscape, playing a crucial role since their establishment. This year, as students gear up to begin their university journeys, private institutions are emerging as a leading choice.

Offering a wide range of programs and degrees, these universities cater to the diverse aspirations of students seeking quality education. With a strong emphasis on specialization, modern curricula, and the building of solid reputations, private universities have gained considerable momentum. Their increasing popularity is evident not only in the rise of student enrollments but also in their growing preference over public universities in many cases.

"Curriculum flexibility and consistent adherence to academic calendar are among the strengths of private universities. They also have the freedom to hire foreign faculty, unlike public universities, which are limited by the 1973 Act in appointing foreign scholars or members of the diaspora for teaching. In terms of international outlook, private universities are leading the way by offering opportunities such as credit transfers to foreign universities and hiring international professors for specific semesters. These practices foster the exchange of global knowledge," says Dr. Shamsad Mortuza, professor of English at Dhaka University, a board member of ULAB, and former pro-vice-chancellor at ULAB.

Students choose universities based on their personal preferences, aiming to receive an education that aligns with their aspirations and dreams. The choice of institution plays a crucial role, influenced by factors such as quality faculty members, well-designed courses, research opportunities, and laboratory facilities. Additionally, students consider job market trends, both locally and globally, when making their decisions.

'IUBAT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of the national and global job market. From Business Administration and Agriculture to Computer Science, Public Health, Engineering, Nursing, Tourism and Hospitality Management, English, and Economics, each program with a forward-thinking curriculum is designed to build professional skills and foster an appropriate mindset for career advancement,' shares Professor Dr. Abdur Rab, Vice-Chancellor of IUBAT.

Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), says, 'The courses of different programs are periodically updated to keep pace with the continuous changes in the engineering, technological, and computational worlds and to meet the evolving requirements of industries, the corporate world, and other employers. Global trends in the subjects are important factors, which are carefully monitored and taken into account while updating the course syllabus.'

Currently, the majority of students in private universities are pursuing degrees in science and business studies, with universities providing strong support to ensure quality education. According to the UGC report, engineering and technology account for the largest share, representing 43.90 percent of total enrollments in the academic session. This is followed by commerce education at 22 percent, arts and humanities at 11.07 percent, law at 6.09 percent, and social sciences at 3.49 percent in private universities.

As institutions of higher education, private universities are increasingly attracting significant interest from international students. According to the UGC report, the number of foreign students enrolled in private universities is nearly double that of public universities. This highlights private universities as hubs for cultural exchange, fostering the sharing of ideas and perspectives among both local and international students—an essential aspect of education in today's globalized world. However, educationists emphasize the need to further enhance opportunities and the academic environment to attract even more foreign students.

The affiliation of private universities with foreign institutions, centers, and local higher research organizations is creating significant opportunities for students, including potential credit transfers and future research prospects.

"Our Business Department recently earned accreditation from the ACBSP, a prestigious North American accreditation body. Furthermore, we have signed MOUs with institutions such as the Asian Institute of Technology, Macquarie University in Australia, and a university in the United States," shares Prof. Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of East West University.

"IUB has MoUs with a number of local and foreign universities and institutes such as Kobe College (Japan), University of Hyogo (Japan), University of Maribor (Slovenia), Vellore Institute of Technology (India), Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka, Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), Lanka-Bangla Finance, and more,' according to the Media and Public Relations Office of the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

Private universities are predominantly located in the cities of Dhaka and Chattogram, attracting students from across the country with the advantages of urban amenities. Following the directives of the University Grants Commission (UGC), most private universities have relocated their campuses to permanent sites, offering enhanced infrastructure and facilities conducive to education.

Additionally, some private universities now provide hostel accommodations, particularly for female students coming from outside Dhaka and Chattogram. Notably, private student hostels and affordable rental options near many private universities have significantly alleviated accommodation challenges for students.

In today's world, global university rankings serve as a benchmark for academic excellence and institutional performance, providing students and parents with valuable insights when considering potential enrollment in private universities. A review of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings reveals a notable increase in the number of Bangladeshi universities featured. By 2025, 15 Bangladeshi universities are listed, compared to four in 2023 and just two in 2022. Among these, approximately 50 percent of the universities in 2025 and 2024 are private institutions.

The rise of private universities in global rankings is a result of their continuous efforts in academics, with significant investments in programs, research, publications, and overall institutional growth. "A university's foundation lies in quality education, which requires faculty members who have studied both locally and abroad," says Kazi Tareq Ullah, Acting Dean of the School of Business Administration.

He goes on to explain, "Recently, more than 50 PhD-holding faculty members have joined our university across various departments. Furthermore, in 2024, Uttara University was ranked 276th among the top 300 universities globally in innovation by the WURI rankings. It also achieved an impressive 12th position worldwide in the Student Support and Engagement category among the top 100 universities." He further emphasized that Uttara University provides free transport for its students.

Scholarship opportunities significantly enhance students' academic journeys, making their experiences more inspiring and manageable. Currently, private universities in Bangladesh offer a wide range of scholarships based on academic performance, tuition fee waivers, and other financial benefits. Additionally, many private universities provide scholarships specifically for women, marginalized groups, and students with disabilities, ensuring access to higher education for diverse student populations. Moreover, some universities maintain more affordable tuition fees to further support students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

"Starting in 2024, students admitted to the university will receive scholarships for all four years based on their results, unlike many universities that require maintaining specific academic marks. This ensures financial clarity for guardians throughout the period. In addition to scholarships for freedom fighters and the Adibasi quota, we also support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and those with relatives who have studied at our university," says Mohammad Omar Faraque, Director (In-Charge) of Outreach & Public Relations at the State University of Bangladesh.

The availability of advanced lab facilities, opportunities within business groups, and strong university connections to business conglomerates significantly influence students' choice of universities and their preference for subjects aligned with the universities' areas of focus, especially to become skilled professionals.

'To address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the country's Textile, RMG, and Fashion industries, BUFT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning Textile Engineering & Management, Industrial Engineering, Apparel Manufacturing & Merchandising, Knitwear Manufacturing, Fashion Studies & Design, Business, Environmental Science, and English. Additionally, the university provides certificate courses in Apparel, Knit, Woven & Sweater Merchandising,' shares Prof. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Acting VC of BUFT.

"We prioritize the engineering, business, and English departments. Students have easy access to the state-of-the-art labs provided by the Abul Khair Group. Those who achieve outstanding academic performance are often offered job opportunities at the Abul Khair Group. Last year, approximately 300 students from our university were recruited by the group, including 140 from the Civil Engineering department alone," mentions Jahid Hasan, Deputy Director & Head (Acting) of Admission, Promotion & PR, Presidency University.

Despite the growing presence and influence of private universities in Bangladesh, challenges in consistently maintaining high educational standards continue to be a concern for many educators.

"In our country, both public and private universities often struggle to maintain consistent educational standards. These challenges require targeted initiatives to improve the situation. While a handful of private universities meet qualitative benchmarks, the majority face significant difficulties in upholding these standards," says Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Professor Emeritus at BRAC University. "It is crucial to prioritize educational quality, implement effective student assessment methods, and ensure efficient university management. These efforts are essential to enhance graduates' competitiveness and prepare them to meet the demands of the modern age," he adds.