Bangladesh is home to the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, which spans Bangladesh and India. It is also one of the world’s most populous countries. Agriculture remains important for many households and is sensitive to weather conditions, although it no longer employs a majority of the workforce. Bangladesh’s export economy is strongly linked to ready-made garments, which account for most of the country’s merchandise export earnings.
Many global clothing brands source products from factories in Bangladesh, making apparel manufacturing one of the country’s most important industries. Bangladesh is also a Muslim-majority country: the 2022 census reported that Muslims account for about 91% of the population. In this article, we’ll take a look at the cheapest universities in Bangladesh for international students.
Affordable Schools in Bangladesh for International Students
1. University of Dhaka
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: US$500/year for SAARC students or US$1,200/year for students from other countries, plus other fees; some departments may publish separate per-credit charges
Opened on July 1, 1921, the University of Dhaka began with three faculties, 12 departments, 60 teachers, 877 students, and three residential halls. The university was created to open new areas of knowledge and share that knowledge with society through its students.
Today, the University of Dhaka remains one of Bangladesh’s most recognized public universities and appears in major international rankings, including Asian university rankings. To keep up with the modern world, DU continues to update its academic programs, research work, and student services, making it a strong option for students looking for an affordable public university in Bangladesh.
2. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Non-SAARC undergraduate foreign students pay US$50/credit hour, plus a US$200 admission fee; SAARC students are charged according to Government of Bangladesh regulations
One of Bangladesh’s most prestigious engineering institutions, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology is located in Dhaka. It is the country’s oldest institution for the study of engineering and architecture. Its history dates back to the Dhaka Survey School, which was established in 1876 to train surveyors for the Government of Bengal.
The institution later became Ahsan Ullah Engineering College and was upgraded in 1962 to East Pakistan University of Engineering and Technology. After Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, it was renamed the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. The university is especially known for engineering and architecture programs, including long-established areas such as civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and metallurgical engineering.
3. American International University – Bangladesh
American International University-Bangladesh offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across areas such as arts and social sciences, business, engineering, health and life sciences, and science and technology. Its current tuition page lists per-credit fees starting from 4,500 BDT for selected programs, with additional admission, verification, semester, and lab or studio fees.
AIUB’s official accreditation information lists several program and professional accreditations, including PAASCU accreditation for business and CSE programs, BAETE and IEB accreditation for engineering programs, and IAB accreditation for Architecture. These quality-assurance details make AIUB a practical option for students looking for a private university in Bangladesh.
4. BRAC University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from 8,250 BDT/credit hour for most undergraduate programs; higher rates apply to Law and Architecture studio courses
Established in 2001, BRAC University follows a liberal arts approach to education. Its General Education program gives students a common foundation before they move into major and minor courses, encouraging broad knowledge, critical thinking, and transferable skills.
BRAC University’s current undergraduate tuition page lists most programs at 8,250 BDT per credit, with Law and Architecture studio courses at 8,800 BDT per credit. For international students, BRAC University states that students from developing and SAARC countries pay local tuition rates, while students from developed countries pay double the local tuition rate.
5. Daffodil International University
There are several reasons why Daffodil International University stands out, including its large campus and broad range of programs. DIU’s admissions page lists undergraduate and graduate programs across six faculties, along with admissions requirements, scholarships, financial-aid details, and campus information for applicants.
For international students, DIU’s official materials state that bachelor’s programs are generally four years, while Architecture is five years, and master’s programs usually range from one to two years depending on credit hours. Because tuition can vary by program, credits, and semester load, international applicants should confirm the latest amount through DIU’s official tuition-fee calculator or international tuition-fee page before applying.
For students comparing study costs in Asia, Bangladesh may offer relatively low-cost options, but exact affordability depends on the university, program, tuition category, scholarship or waiver eligibility, and living costs. The universities above include public and private options, so applicants should always check the current fee page for their chosen program before applying.
Those are some of Bangladesh’s affordable universities, and we hope this article was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
