North South University’s (NSU) Office of External Affairs hosted the IELTS Scholarship Award Ceremony on 25 August 2025 at its Dhaka campus, celebrating the achievements of outstanding students in English proficiency.
North South University and IELTS
This year’s IELTS scholarship was awarded to Syeda Fatema Rahman, who was recognized for her remarkable accomplishment in English proficiency. In her remarks, Fatema shared that her IELTS preparation was instrumental in securing admission to the prestigious University of Chicago.
Ceremony was attended by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury vice chancellor of NSU, who presented the award and highlighted the importance of English proficiency in today’s global education landscape.
Maxim Raimann exams director of the British Council Bangladesh also attended the event. He praised the strong collaboration between NSU and the British Council in fostering international opportunities for students. Raimann further noted that initiatives like the IELTS scholarship encourage students to aim higher and reflect the transformative impact of quality English language education.
Scholarship carries a cash prize of Tk 25,000.
For IELTS preparation, join Bright Admission Coaching.
Brac University law alumna Mahbuba Kamal has received a BIICL scholarship to attend a summer school on public international law in London. Learn more about this global opportunity.
Mahbuba Kamal of BracUniversity Wins BIICL Scholarship for Public International Law Summer School
Mahbuba Kamal an alumna of the School of Law at BracUniversity, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) to attend its highly regarded summer school on public international law.
The BIICL summer schools are globally recognized programs that offer law students, early-career professionals, and legal scholars the chance to deepen their knowledge of international and comparative law. These programs are delivered both in-person at BIICL’s London office and online, attracting participants from across the world.
Kamal has been selected for the five-day Public International Law Summer School, which provides a comprehensive introduction to international legal frameworks, institutions, and real-world applications. This intensive course is designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and critical tools necessary for advanced study and research in international law.
In light of ongoing global challenges—including climate change, humanitarian crises, cybersecurity, and international cooperation—the relevance of public international law continues to grow. The summer school focuses on how international legal mechanisms address issues such as environmental disasters, food and energy security, the protection of human rights, and cross-border infrastructure development.
BIICL awards scholarships to three key groups:
Individuals from under-represented backgrounds in the legal profession, both in the UK and internationally
Students who have recently received a needs-based bursary from an academic institution
Representatives of small NGOs, charities or community-based organizations
Kamal currently serves as a Research Associate at the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and is also a legal advisory member of the Dhaka North City Corporation. She co-founded the Bangladesh Society of International Law, a youth-led platform focused on international legal advocacy and research in Bangladesh.
This achievement reflects both her dedication to the legal field and the growing recognition of Bangladeshi legal scholars on the global stage.
For more information about the BIICL summer schools on international law, visit the official website: https://www.biicl.org/summer-schools and contact Bright Admission Coaching for guidance on applying to law schools in London along with exploring study opportunities in the UK.
Seoul has been named the world’s best student city in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, ending London’s six-year streak at the top. The South Korean capital climbed two spots this year, praised for its international appeal, outstanding universities, and rich student experience.
The QS ranking evaluates 150 cities across 58 countries based on factors such as university quality, affordability, student diversity, and desirability. While the United States and the United Kingdom each have 16 cities represented, Seoul’s rise to the top highlights the growing global recognition of Asia’s education hubs.
London fell to third place due to a decline in affordability, while Vienna entered the top 10 for the first time. Kuala Lumpur (12th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong (17th) also made notable gains, reflecting Asia’s increasing prominence in global education.
Ju-Ho Lee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education for South Korea, celebrated the ranking, saying:
“We are proud that Seoul has been recognized as the best student city in the world. This reflects global confidence in Korea’s higher education system and Seoul’s unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment.”
With this recognition, Seoul solidifies its status as a leading destination for international students, combining world-class academics with a dynamic and inclusive urban experience.
Here is a complete list of the Top 50 Student Cities in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking including overall scores and countries:
Top 50 Student Cities – QS 2026
Rank
City
Country
Overall Score
1
Seoul
South Korea
100
2
Tokyo
Japan
99.9
3
London
United Kingdom
97.1
4
Munich
Germany
96.3
5
Melbourne
Australia
95.7
6
Sydney
Australia
94.7
=7
Berlin
Germany
93.3
=7
Paris
France
93.3
9
Zurich
Switzerland
91.5
10
Vienna
Austria
90.8
11
Singapore
Singapore
90.6
12
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
90.3
13
Beijing
China (Mainland)
89.7
14
Taipei
Taiwan
89.1
=15
Boston
United States
88.5
=15
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
88.5
17
Hong Kong SAR
Hong Kong SAR
88.3
=18
Kyoto
Japan
87.8
=18
Montreal
Canada
87.8
20
Amsterdam
Netherlands
87.4
21
Lausanne
Switzerland
87.1
22
Toronto
Canada
87.0
23
New York
United States
86.1
24
Stockholm
Sweden
85.2
25
Auckland
New Zealand
84.7
26
Brisbane
Australia
84.3
27
Shanghai
China (Mainland)
84.0
28
Madrid
Spain
83.9
=29
Prague
Czech Republic
83.4
=29
Vancouver
Canada
83.4
31
Adelaide
Australia
82.9
32
Buenos Aires
Argentina
82.8
33
Leuven
Belgium
82.5
34
Copenhagen
Denmark
82.3
=35
Barcelona
Spain
82.2
=35
Glasgow
United Kingdom
82.2
37
Perth
Australia
81.4
=38
Canberra
Australia
81.2
=38
Dublin
Ireland
81.2
40
Manchester
United Kingdom
80.8
=41
Newcastle Upon Tyne
United Kingdom
80.7
=41
San Francisco
United States
80.7
43
Los Angeles
United States
79.5
44
Milan
Italy
78.3
45
Coventry
United Kingdom
76.2
46
Rome
Italy
75.9
=47
Bristol
United Kingdom
75.4
=47
Chicago
United States
75.4
49
Nottingham
United Kingdom
75.3
50
Santiago
Chile
75.2
How QS Ranks These Cities
QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranks urban study destinations based on six equally weighted lenses (each ~16.7% of total score):
University Rankings – Count & quality of universities via QS World University Rankings.
Student Mix – Proportion and volume of students, including international diversity and tolerance.
Desirability – Safety, pollution, transport, healthcare, climate, and student preference.
Employer Activity – Employer surveys on graduate recruitment and youth employment levels.
Affordability – Tuition costs, cost of living, and purchasing power.
Student Voice – Surveys of student satisfaction across culture, sustainability, nightlife, etc.
To qualify, cities need ≥250,000 people and at least two universities ranked by QS
📅 7–9 October 2025 📍 KAUST, Thuwal, Jeddah Governorate, Saudi Arabia
World Academic Summit 2025
🌟 The Premier Global Higher Education Conference
Times Higher Education (THE) is proud to host the World Academic Summit 2025 in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) — marking the event’s first appearance in the Middle East.
This prestigious summit brings together leading university presidents, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to examine how higher education institutions drive global progress, innovation, and sustainable development.
🔑 Why Attend the World Academic Summit 2025?
✅ Exclusive Launch of the THE World University Rankings 2026 ✅ Data Masterclass by THE analysts with ranking insights & research trends ✅ Network with global academic leaders and decision-makers ✅ Explore strategies for regional development, innovation, and sustainability ✅ Join discussions on how universities shape global and local communities
🎟 Early bird and group discounts available — use code GROUP for 20% off 3+ tickets.
🧭 Key Agenda Themes
💡 1. Universities as Engines of Innovation and Economic Growth
Explore how research universities fuel economic development by aligning with industry needs, advancing technology, and promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.
🌍 2. Regional Collaboration Through Higher Education
Learn how universities serve as hubs for local partnerships, regional planning, and inclusive innovation to address societal and economic challenges.
🎨 3. Cultural Preservation and Transformation in Academia
Discover how universities balance traditional knowledge and modern education, shaping culture while protecting heritage and fostering creative expression.
♻️ 4. Universities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Uncover how institutions contribute to solving global issues through interdisciplinary research, sustainability education, and community engagement aligned with the UN SDGs.
👥 Featured Global Speakers
Sir Edward Byrne – President, KAUST
Shitij Kapur – President & Vice-Chancellor, King’s College London
Carmen Lamagna – Academic Adviser, AIUB
Address Maukowa Malata – Vice-Chancellor, Malawi University of Science and Technology
Tebelelo Mazile Seretse – Chancellor, University of Botswana
Julián Rodríguez – Rector, Austral University
🗨 Host’s Invitation
“Join us in Saudi Arabia for this groundbreaking event. Together, we will explore partnerships and innovations that redefine the university’s role in shaping our future.” — Sir Edward Byrne, President, KAUST
🎟 Book Now: World Academic Summit 2025
Save your spot at the leading international higher education conference. 🔖 Group booking discount: 20% off with codeGROUP
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 assess how well global universities are contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 2,500 universities from 130 countries ranked this year, Australia stands out as a global leader in sustainability-focused education.
Top 20 Australian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, along with their overall scores:
📊 Top 20 Universities in Australia in THE Impact Rankings 2025
Rank
University
Overall Score
1
Western Sydney University
98.7
=4
Griffith University
97.7
=4
University of Tasmania
97.7
11
UNSW Sydney
96.2
=21
Flinders University
95.0
=25
Central Queensland University
94.7
=31
University of Wollongong
94.2
33
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
94.1
39
University of Newcastle
93.4
=50
Macquarie University
92.4
=56
RMIT University
91.9
101–200
Australian Catholic University
~86.5
101–200
Charles Sturt University
~86.5
101–200
James Cook University
~86.5
101–200
Queensland University of Technology
~86.5
101–200
Victoria University
~86.5
201–300
Charles Darwin University
~81.7
201–300
Federation University Australia
~83.6
201–300
University of Canberra
~83.6
401–600
Southern Cross University
~76.1
📌 Notes:
Ranges (e.g., 101–200) indicate placement bands used by THE when exact ranks are not disclosed.
Approximate scores are inferred from band score ranges provided (e.g., 83.7–89.4).
FAQ:
📌 Why the Impact Rankings Matter
For employers: It signals graduates from values-driven institutions.
For students: They highlight universities committed to global challenges like climate change, poverty reduction and equal education.
For universities: A high SDG score boosts reputation, funding opportunities and partnerships.
🌿 What Are the THE Impact Rankings?
The THE Impact Rankings measure universities’ social and environmental impact based on their progress towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include critical issues such as climate action, gender equality, quality education and sustainable cities.
Unlike traditional rankings, the Impact Rankings highlight institutions making a difference in the world—not just academically, but through their commitment to sustainability and equity.
Western Sydney University and Times Higher Education Rankings
Western Sydney University Ranked #1 Globally for Impact in Times Higher Education Rankings
Western Sydney University has once again been named the #1 university in the world for impact by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings – for the fourth consecutive year. This global ranking assesses how universities are driving progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as climate action, gender equality, sustainable communities, and quality education.
Championing Access, Diversity and Equity in Higher Education
At Western Sydney University, two-thirds of students are the first in their family to attend university. Many come from refugee or disadvantaged backgrounds, bringing with them powerful stories of resilience, ambition, and hope. Their success shows the transformative power of education, with positive ripple effects across families, communities, and countries.
A Global Leader in Sustainability and Innovation
WSU is deeply aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, embedding them into everyday campus life, research, and community initiatives. Our campus network is fully powered by 100% GreenPower-accredited electricity, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.
Our flagship environmental project, EucFACE (Eucalyptus Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment), is Australia’s largest climate change research facility, based at our Hawkesbury campus. It simulates future CO₂ levels to study the impact of climate change on native forest ecosystems – producing world-leading research that shapes environmental policy.
Creating Global Impact Through Community Programs
Western’s international initiatives, such as the MARVI project in India, train local women as groundwater knowledge leaders. These women – known as Bhujal Jaankars – help their communities make informed agricultural decisions based on water availability, promoting female leadership and sustainable water use.
Empowering Women and Girls in STEM
WSU is a hub for gender equality in education, welcoming students from over 170 cultures and countries. Through programs like WiSE (Women in STEM Education), we support women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These graduates are now leading key infrastructure projects like the Western Sydney International Airport and the Sydney Metro transforming our region and beyond.
Why This Ranking Matters
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess how over 2,300 universities in 130 countries address global challenges. Unlike traditional rankings that focus on reputation or research income, this ranking reflects real-world outcomes — how universities change lives, support communities and build a sustainable future.
At Western Sydney University, we are proud to lead by example. Our commitment to inclusion, sustainability and social justice is embedded in everything we do.
A Category Private University in Bangladesh / Top private universities in Bangladesh
7 Private Universities in Bangladesh Among Top 15 in QS World University Rankings 2026
Seven private universities in Bangladesh have been ranked among the top 15 higher education institutions in the country, according to the 2026 QS World University Rankings published by UK-based education and research firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
North South University (NSU) has maintained its status as the highest-ranked private university in Bangladesh, placing third nationally. However, its global rank shifted slightly from 901–950 last year to the 951–1000 band this year.
A category private university ranked in the top 15 from Bangladesh are:
3rd: North South University (951–1000)
4th: Daffodil International University (1001–1200)
5th: Brac University (1201–1400)
9th: American International University-Bangladesh (1400+)
11th: East West University (1400+)
12th: Independent University, Bangladesh (1400+)
A total of 15 Bangladeshi universities both public and private made it into the global ranking, which included 1501 universities worldwide.
Global Top 10 Universities:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – USA
Imperial College London – UK
Stanford University – USA
University of Oxford – UK
Harvard University – USA
University of Cambridge – UK
ETH Zurich – Switzerland
National University of Singapore (NUS) – Singapore
University College London (UCL) – UK
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – USA
The rankings were published on Thursday, June 19 and provide a comprehensive global assessment of universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio and international student ratio.
AIUB ranked 4th among private and 9th among all universities in Bangladesh in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Discover how this achievement reflects AIUB’s academic excellence and global impact.
American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) has proudly achieved a prestigious milestone by ranking as the 4th highest-ranked private university and 9th among all universities in Bangladesh in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This recognition highlights AIUB’s growing reputation in both Bangladesh’s higher education sector and the global academic landscape.
📈 A Rising Leader in Education
AIUB’s strong performance in the QS rankings is a result of its consistent efforts in:
Academic excellence
Research development
Graduate employability
International collaboration
These are key metrics evaluated by QS World University Rankings, which analyze thousands of institutions worldwide based on:
Academic reputation
Employer reputation
Research output and citations
Faculty-student ratio
International student and faculty presence
🌍 Global Recognition: Top 1400+ Universities Worldwide
AIUB now proudly stands among the top 1400+ universities globally, marking a significant achievement not just in numbers, but in strategic academic growth. The university’s investment in quality curriculum, impactful research, and global partnerships reflects its mission to develop future global leaders.
“This ranking is a collective success for our students, faculty, alumni, and staff. It inspires us to reach even higher,” — AIUB Leadership
📚 Why This Matters
This milestone enhances AIUB’s position as a leading private university in Bangladesh, attracting:
Daffodil International University (DIU) Achieves Top Rankings in Global University Lists 2025–2026
Daffodil International University (DIU) has once again proven its excellence in higher education by achieving top positions in the Times Higher Education (THE) University ImpactRankings 2025 and QS World University Rankings 2026—two of the most prestigious global ranking systems based in the UK.
Top University in Bangladesh – THE Rankings 2025
In the THE University Impact Rankings 2025, published on June 18, DIU ranked first among Bangladeshi universities, securing a position in the 801–1000 band globally. This is the highest placement for any Bangladeshi university, public or private, in this year’s ranking.
4th in Bangladesh – QS World University Rankings 2026
On June 19, DIU was ranked 4th in Bangladesh in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Among private universities in the country, DIU holds a leading position, marking a historic achievement in the landscape of higher education in Bangladesh.
Daffodil’s International Rankings at a Glance
Ranking Body
Year
Position (Global)
Position (Bangladesh)
Notable Highlights
Times Higher Education
2025
801–1000 band
1st
Highest-ranked Bangladeshi university
QS World Rankings
2026
1201–1400 band
4th
Among top 3 private universities
EduRank
2025
3119th
8th
1011th in Asia
QS Asia Rankings
Recent
280th in South Asia
–
Strong regional performance
THE Impact Rankings
2024
301–400
1st
Excellence in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
UI GreenMetric Rankings
2022
191st
1st
Eco-friendly campus recognition
Scopus Research Output
2022
–
1st (private)
Highest research publication output
Why These Rankings Matter for Students
These global university rankings highlight DIU’s commitment to academic excellence, sustainable development, and research innovation. For students and graduates, this international recognition provides:
Increased value of academic credentials
Greater opportunities for higher education abroad
Improved employability in both local and global job markets
“Earlier, many thought private universities just sold degrees. But now we’re proving our worth with real academic performance,” said Shihab, a third-year student at DIU.
“International rankings matter when applying for foreign universities. They reflect the quality of education,” added Mahmud, a DIU alumnus.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite these achievements, private university students in Bangladesh still face societal and institutional biases. As a fourth-year DIU student noted:
“We’re proud of the rankings, but we still face discrimination in government jobs and in society. Recognition must translate into equal opportunities.”
Conclusion: A Milestone for Bangladesh’s Higher Education
Daffodil International University’s consistent success in global university rankings is not just an institutional milestone—it’s a reflection of the potential of private universities in Bangladesh and the future of higher education in the country. Moving forward, stakeholders must work together to ensure equal recognition, research funding and employment opportunities for students of all institutions.
Varendra University Ranks in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026 for the Second Time
Rajshahi, Bangladesh — June 18, 2025 Varendra University has once again secured its place in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, marking the second consecutive year of recognition for its contributions toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rankings, released last Wednesday, evaluated 2526 universities from 130 countries, assessing how effectively universities are addressing global challenges through education, research, and community impact.
Varendra University Among Top Institutions in Bangladesh
This year, a total of 20 Bangladeshi universities—including 8 public and 12 private institutions—made it to the Impact Rankings. Among them, VarendraUniversity is jointly ranked 6th at the national level, reinforcing its growing reputation as a leader in sustainable development-focused higher education.
Contributions Across Multiple SDGs
Varendra University has demonstrated significant impact in the following Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The university’s inclusion in the overall ranking category further highlights its balanced and broad-based approach to addressing key global development goals.
Leadership Reactions
Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Khademul Islam Molya, expressed pride in this achievement:
“This is an important achievement for us. This recognition proves that a university outside Dhaka can lead in international quality education and research.”
Professor Dr. AHM Rahmatullah Emon, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research, stated:
“Barendra University has achieved the highest score among the 17 SDG indicators for ‘Ensuring Quality Education.’ This result bears witness to the university’s relentless efforts to ensure quality in education, research, and knowledge expansion. We are hopeful that Barendra University will secure an even higher position in future rankings.”
Significance of THE Impact Rankings
The THE Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN’s 17 SDGs, offering insights into how universities are contributing to solving global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and access to education. Varendra University’s consistent performance emphasizes its commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, particularly in the context of South Asia.
