Studying in Bangladesh can offer a meaningful academic and cultural experience for international students. Education in the country extends beyond books and classrooms, giving students opportunities to learn from different cultures, traditions, and communities while developing practical and globally relevant skills.
Bangladesh continues to strengthen its higher education sector through recognized public and private universities, international partnerships, and cross-border learning initiatives. In this article, we will be looking at some of the best universities in Bangladesh for international students.
Top Universities in Bangladesh for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | NOTABLE STUDY AREAS |
|---|
| Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology | Engineering, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning |
| University of Dhaka | Business Studies, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science and Engineering |
| BRAC University | Business Administration, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| North South University | Business and Economics, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences |
| Daffodil International University | Computer Science, Business, Engineering |
1. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
- Admissions
- Notable Study Areas: Engineering, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology is one of Bangladesh’s oldest institutions for engineering, architecture, planning, and science education. Its history dates back to Dhaka Survey School, which was established in 1876 to train surveyors for the then Government of Bengal.
Today, BUET is a public engineering university in Dhaka, with academic departments offering degree programs in engineering, architecture, planning, and science disciplines. Its teaching and research activities are supported by faculties, departments, institutes, and research centers.
BUET remains one of Bangladesh’s strongest choices for students interested in engineering, architecture, and planning. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, BUET is ranked #711-720 globally, while QS also lists it in the #101-150 band for its World University Rankings by Subject.
2. University of Dhaka
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Notable Study Areas: Business Studies, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science and Engineering
The University of Dhaka, or Dhaka University, is the oldest university in modern Bangladesh, having opened its doors on July 1, 1921. It has made significant contributions to the country’s intellectual, cultural, and political life and has produced many distinguished alumni. Today, the University of Dhaka is one of Bangladesh’s leading public universities and is ranked #=600 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Comprising 13 faculties, 83 departments, 12 institutes, 20 residential halls, 3 hostels, and more than 56 research centers, the University of Dhaka offers programs across a wide range of fields, from the sciences and arts to business, medicine, engineering, and law. It also provides student facilities such as residence halls, scholarships and financial aid, and health-related services.
3. BRAC University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Notable Study Areas: Business Administration, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
“Inspiring Excellence” is the motto of BRAC University, a private university in Bangladesh established in 2001. The university follows a liberal arts approach to higher education and offers programs through 10 schools and 8 departments, along with institutes and centers covering a broad range of disciplines.
BRAC University promotes a holistic approach to education through student clubs and societies, academic advising, career services, counseling and wellness, accommodation support, and an international and scholarship office. Its current international applicant pages include undergraduate and postgraduate admission, scholarship and financial aid, international fee details, and accommodation information.
4. North South University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Notable Study Areas: Business and Economics, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences
North South University is Bangladesh’s first private university, established in 1992. NSU follows an American-style system with semesters, credit hours, letter grades, and a one-examiner system, making its academic structure familiar to many international students. Students familiar with the U.S. higher education model, including institutions such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, may find NSU’s semester and credit-hour framework more familiar.
Its academic areas are organized around schools including Business and Economics, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Health and Life Sciences. NSU’s School of Business and Economics is ACBSP-accredited, and the university is ranked #901-950 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
5. Daffodil International University
Another notable university in Bangladesh for international students, Daffodil International University is a private university established on January 24, 2002. DIU offers 38+ programs across 6 faculties and is based at Daffodil Smart City in Dhaka. It has developed international links and places strong emphasis on technology-driven education, research, innovation, and sustainability.
DIU states that it works to adopt sustainable practices in its development activities as part of its SDG policy. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, DIU is ranked #1001-1200 globally and #=221 in the Asian University Rankings.
Bangladesh may be a less common study destination than some other Asian countries, but its leading engineering, public, and private universities offer a range of programs and international student services. If you prefer a destination with fewer international students than major global study hubs, Bangladesh may be worth considering, especially after comparing each university’s program quality, admission requirements, tuition, and student support.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Bangladesh for international students was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
