University of Hyogo (UH) is a public university in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, established in 2004 after merging three previous institutions. It has nine campuses, including the Kobe Campus for Commerce, Himeji Campus for Engineering, Harima Campus for Science, Akashi Campus for Nursing, Art and Science, and Awaji Campus for Landscape Design and Management.
UH has six undergraduate schools, 14 graduate schools, and four affiliated laboratories. The newest faculty is the Graduate School of Disaster Resilience and Governance, established in 2017 to draw on the region’s experience after the 1995 Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake. UH is home to Japan’s largest astronomical telescope and a medium-sized synchrotron radiation facility. It is close to state-of-the-art research facilities, including the SPring-8 facility and the K computer. The university’s emblem, blue and gold, represents “profound wisdom and a bright future” and consists of three pillars: education, research, and social contribution.
University of Hyogo offers various programs for non-degree students, auditing students and research students; apply now: https://www.u-hyogo.ac.jp/prospective.
NSU Celebrates ‘Spring and Pitha Festival 1431’ with Cultural Fervor
North South University (NSU) embraced the spirit of spring with the vibrant celebration of the Spring and Pitha Festival 1431 featuring music, poetry recitations, dance performances and an array of traditional delicacies.
Jointly organized by North South University Social Services Club and North South University Sangskritik Sangathan (NSUSS) – the event transformed the university’s Bashundhara campus into a festive spectacle. Colorful festoons, handmade banners and artistic flyers adorned the venue while thousands of students dressed in bright red and yellow attire carried flowers to welcome the season with enthusiasm.
NSU Plaza became the heart of the celebration, alive with traditional dance performances, folk songs and a Pitha Festival showcasing a delightful assortment of sweet, sour and spicy pithas (traditional Bengali cakes). Adding to the excitement, NSUSS students delivered a lively flash mob performance, captivating the audience.
NSU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Abdul Hannan Chowdhury inaugurated the festival with encouraging students to embrace and uphold Bengali culture. Emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions he remarked, “Spring Festival is a celebration of our culture and heritage. It is a part of our identity, and our responsibility is to preserve and promote it. North South University will always encourage students to engage in cultural activities.”
Event saw the presence of Pro Vice-Chancellor (IC) and Treasurer Abdur Rob Khan, deans of various faculties, department heads, faculty members, university officials and students making it a grand and memorable occasion.
Digital Environment Committee at North South University (NSU) held a seminar on “Introducing Marketing Database and AI Tools” on February 12, 2025
Digital Environment Committee of the Department of Marketing and International Business at North South University (NSU) organized a seminar titled “Introducing Marketing Database and AI Tools” on February 12, 2025, at AUDI 801, NSU. In this session aimed to equip students and faculty with essential skills in leveraging marketing databases and AI tools for market research, industry analysis, competitive benchmarking and trend forecasting.
Dr. Khandker Md Nahin Mamun assistant professor and chair of the Department and Dr. Tamhid Ul Islam assistant professor led the seminar, providing insights into data-driven marketing strategies.
Dr. Tamhid introduced Statista a widely used German-based market intelligence platform, demonstrating how it offers extensive datasets, industry insights and visualized statistics to enhance research and academic projects. He emphasized the growing role of secondary data in strategic decision-making.
Dr. Mamun explored various AI-powered tools that streamline marketing research, content creation, and branding. He highlighted platforms such as Jeda AI, Avidnote.com, ChatGPT and KLING AI, showcasing their potential in generating data-driven insights and optimizing marketing efforts.
Seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to deepen their understanding of marketing analytics. Dr. Mamun thanked all participants for their enthusiasm, reinforcing the importance of embracing AI and data analytics in today’s evolving marketing landscape.
Brac University Launches Net Zero and Plastic-Free Campus Initiative
Brac University, in collaboration with Brac and the Bangladesh Sustainability Alliance (BSA) has launched the “Net Zero Project and Plastic-Free Zero-Waste Campus” initiative to transform its campus into a sustainable, waste-free environment.
This initiative focuses on eliminating single-use plastics, enhancing recycling programs, and promoting sustainable alternatives. It aligns with the mission of BSA, a platform formed in November 2023 by Brac, Unilever, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, PRAN-RFL Group, and Marico Bangladesh to implement practical solutions for reducing plastic pollution.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Md. Liakath Ali, Director of Climate Change, Urban Development, and Disaster Risk Management Programme at Brac, and Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of Brac University, formalizing the commitment to sustainability.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan adviser of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change lauded Brac University’s leadership in fostering a culture of sustainability. She emphasized the role of educational institutions in changing mindsets and habits to combat climate change and reduce ecological footprints.
Tamara Hasan Abed chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Brac University reaffirmed the university’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its core education. She highlighted the importance of embedding environmental conservation across all disciplines, stressing that sustainability is a shared responsibility.
Chairing the event, VC Syed Ferhat Anwar reiterated the university’s dedication to waste reduction, responsible resource management, and environmentally friendly campus operations. He expressed Brac University’s aspiration to lead the Global South in sustainability practices.
Event also featured speeches by David Dowland registrar of Brac University and Sankalita Shome chief coordinator of BSA who spoke on collective efforts toward a zero-waste campus.
Additionally, seed funding was awarded for the “Zero-Waste University Challenge” a student pitch contest run by the Social Impact Lab of Brac University – encouraging innovative sustainability projects.
Attendees explored poster presentations by students from various schools and colleges, showcasing eco-friendly product alternatives and insights into a zero-waste lifestyle. These presentations were a culmination of awareness sessions conducted by BSA and the Brac University Outreach Program on responsible consumption, waste reduction and segregation.
This initiative marks a significant step in Brac University’s journey toward sustainability, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in environmental responsibility and action-driven change.
Brac University’s Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations hosted a session on “Classroom to Career: Goal Setting for a Successful Academic & Professional Life”
Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations at Brac University held a session on February 10th, 2025, titled “Classroom to Career: Goal Setting for a Successful Academic & Professional Life.”
Event aimed to help first-year students make informed academic and career choices. Prof. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir Director of the Learning and Teaching Innovation Center highlighted the importance of early career planning and the role of university resources in supporting professional growth.
Umme A. Tasnim Talent Acquisition Country Manager—Bangladesh Standard Chartered Bank provided insights on transitioning from classroom learning to professional success through strategic planning and proactive decision-making.
Key discussion points included choosing the right major, participating in extracurricular activities, gaining work experience through part-time jobs and continuously developing essential skills to adapt to the dynamic job market.
North South University (NSU) is making significant strides in cementing its position as a global academic powerhouse by establishing over 300 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across multiple stakeholders. These MoUs include agreements with universities, organizations, institutions, and corporations in over 30 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Malaysia, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Singapore. These agreements allow Bangladeshi students to access world-class education and research facilities. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury vice chancellor of NSU emphasized the significance of these collaborations, stating that partnerships are key to academic excellence and research innovation.
United States remains a key hub for NSU’s academic partnerships, boasting the highest number of collaborations. Over 30 US universities have joined forces with NSU, including The George Washington University, University of Maryland, NYIT, Colorado State University, UC Berkeley, Penn State, St. Xavier University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M, UT Arlington, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Notable corporate and philanthropic partners include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
United Kingdom hosts one of the most extensive expatriate Bangladeshi populations and remains a favorite destination for students from Bangladesh. NSU has inked agreements with 18 universities in the United Kingdom, among others. Canada remains a key partner, with NSU collaborating with nine universities, one organization, and one institute. In Australia, the university has forged ties with 14 institutions, enabling student mobility and joint academic ventures.
Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, has not been left out by NSU in its collaborations in continental Europe. University tie-ups include the International University of Applied Sciences, Humboldt University zu Berlin, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research, and others.
Shehrina Kamal a former Bachelor of Science in Economics student at NSU shared her experience of pursuing a career abroad. She landed an internship opportunity at the DHL global headquarters in Bonn, Germany through AIESEC, an international ‘youth-run’ and led, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization. Later, she was hired into the Corporate Communications team at Deutsche Post DHL.
In China, NSU has established partnerships with seven universities and one corporate entity, including Yunnan University, Yunnan Radio and Television University, Hubei University, China Three Gorges University, and Communication University of China. The university’s Office of External Affairs (OEA) bridges NSU and renowned global institutions, aiming to elevate the university’s image and reputation locally and abroad.
NSU’s domestic partnerships are equally noteworthy, with 104 MoUs signed within Bangladesh, including agreements with 44 NGOs and INGOs. Strategic local alliances include the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Grameenphone, The City Bank, and icddr,b. These collaborations provide industry exposure, internship opportunities, and hands-on training to prepare students for an evolving job market.
NSU’s robust MoU network reflects its vision to elevate Bangladesh’s standing in the global education landscape. By bridging academia with industry and fostering global partnerships, NSU is empowering its students and contributing to the nation’s broader socio-economic progress.
Bright Admission Coaching student exchange support is available for credit transfer to North South University affiliated universities abroad.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (PHR) program at Brac University requires a minimum aggregate GPA of 8.00 out of 10 with no grade lower than 3.5 in SSC/O Level/Equivalent and HSC/A Level/Equivalent. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 4.00 in Chemistry and Biology and 3.5 in Mathematics and Physics in both examinations. For “O” Level and “A” Level candidates, a B grade in Chemistry and Biology and a minimum C grade in Mathematics and Physics are required.
Candidates with no mathematics or a failed grade in mathematics at HSC/”A” level or recognized equivalent exam may be admitted but must take an extra 3-credit course on mathematics relevant to the B.Pharm. curriculum. They must pass HSC/”A” level or recognized equivalent examinations in the current year or the previous year. Foreign students must have passed 12 years of education with the same grades in recognized equivalent examinations from foreign institutions and obtain an equivalence certificate from the Pharmacy Council before admission.
Credit transfer from an educational institution following a system similar to Brac University may be considered after passing the admission test. Candidates must apply with the required documents and the decision will be determined by the credit transfer policy of Brac University.
Brac University Domestic Programs for Pharmacy will commence academic sessions in Spring 2025, with application processes starting on 13 February, last submissions date on 20 February and admission tests on 22 February.
International Talents @Unibo Scholarships for International Students a.y. 2025/26
University of Bologna (Unibo) is offering 30 new scholarships to deserving international students enrolled in second-cycle degree programs in 2025/26. These scholarships are worth €6,500 gross and include full exemption from tuition fees. Applications are made based on GRE test scores and verification of financial status, with payment of instalments subject to conditions of merit.
To apply for International Talents @Unibo, applicants must meet the following requirements: qualification from a non-Italian education system, merit from taking the GRE test by the deadline, having an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) of between €16,000 and €35,000, or equivalent financial status if your family has income outside Italy.
Applicants must be aged no older than 30 years on the closing date of the call for applications. The call for applications will be published on 17 January 2025, with the deadline for submitting applications (complete with test results and documentation on the family’s economic situation) on 30 May 2025 at 12:00 CEST. Results will be published in July 2025.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via Studenti Online, and applicants must have already taken the GRE test by the deadline. To receive results, applicants must send their results to the University of Bologna using code 7850.
For admission to degree programs, students must follow the procedures published on the second cycle degree program websites. Contacts for assistance include ASES—Area Servizi Studenti—International Desk, which can be reached at Via Filippo Re 4 – 40126 Bologna (Italy), email at internationaldesk@unibo.it, or phone at +39 051 2082550.
Missouri S&T Professor Dr. Kathryn Northcut Joins NSU as Fulbright Specialist
Dr. Kathryn Northcut a professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology has been appointed as a Fulbright Specialist at North South University’s Office of Research.
She will conduct workshops on research grant writing for faculty members in all four schools and offer individual consultations. Northcut will also engage undergraduate and graduate students in seminars. Vice Chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury welcomed Northcut and expressed gratitude to her and U.S. Embassy Dhaka for her six-week visit. Workshops aim to enhance faculty capacity for extramural research grants.
American International University-Bangladesh Visits Philippine Embassy
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy to formally extend greetings to the newly appointed Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms. Nina P. Cainglet, and Vice Consul Judienne S. Capiz. This visit aimed to strengthen academic and diplomatic relations, fostering collaboration in education and cultural exchange.
Leading the AIUB delegation was Board of Trustees member Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, accompanied by senior Filipino university officials Ms. Dulce L. Mazumder and Ms. Carlin Noelle L. Alcanzare, as well as faculty members Mr. Eduardo Alcanzare, Mr. Danilo Morgia, and Ms. Rani Ellen V. Ramos. The delegation was warmly received by Ambassador Cainglet and Vice Consul Capiz, setting the stage for meaningful discussions on potential collaborations.
Key topics included student exchange programs, educational fairs, lecture series, and partnerships with Philippine institutions. AIUB representatives expressed their strong commitment to expanding academic ties, emphasizing shared educational objectives and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
Ambassador Cainglet welcomed AIUB’s initiatives and underscored the vital role of academic diplomacy in fostering stronger bilateral relations. She reiterated the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to supporting educational endeavors that enhance mutual understanding and excellence in higher learning.
Both parties agreed to explore future collaborations, including faculty and student mobility programs, academic conferences, and joint research projects. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to sustained engagement and cooperation in education and diplomacy.
This visit marks another milestone in AIUB’s ongoing efforts to establish international academic linkages, reflecting the university’s dedication to global partnerships and meaningful collaborations with diplomatic missions worldwide.
