Top Private University in Bangladesh in THE Asia University Rankings 2025
The Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2025 have been released, highlighting the top-performing institutions across the continent. Among Bangladeshi private universities, five institutions have earned notable positions in the rankings based on key performance indicators such as teaching quality, research environment, research impact, industry collaboration and international outlook.
Here are the Top 5 Private Universities in Bangladesh According to THE Asia Rankings 2025:
Daffodil International University (DIU)
Ranked in the 301–350 band in Asia
Best-ranked private university in Bangladesh in 2025
North South University (NSU)
Placed in the 351–400 range
Continues to maintain strong academic and research performance
Brac University
Although ranked higher in 2024, it still holds a position among the top 5 in 2025
Known for its global partnerships and research initiatives
American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB)
Retains a spot in the top 5 list
Noted for academic excellence and student support services
Dhaka International University (DIU)
Also featured in the top 5
Recognized for steady academic growth and industry engagement
Bangladesh’s Position in the Asia University Rankings 2025
While no Bangladeshi university secured a spot in the top 300 in Asia, the inclusion of these five private institutions in the 2025 rankings is a significant achievement. The performance of these universities reflects the rising quality of higher education in Bangladesh’s private sector.
Ranking Criteria
The Times Higher Education Asia Rankings evaluate universities based on the following five key areas:
Teaching (learning environment)
Research (volume, income, and reputation)
Citations (research influence)
Industry Income (knowledge transfer)
International Outlook (staff, students, and research)
North South University (NSU) has remained a top institution in the Asia University Rankings 2025, ranking in the 351-400 band
North South University (NSU) has retained its position for the third consecutive year in the Asia University Rankings 2025 published by Times Higher Education (THE). This year, the university has been ranked in the 351-400 band, which is considered a significant achievement in the country’s private higher education sector.
A total of 853 universities from 35 regions of Asia have been ranked in this 13th edition of the ranking, where NSU has managed to retain its previous position, despite the fact that several institutions from Bangladesh are listed.
NSU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury expressed gratitude to the support of the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for this success. He said, “Despite national and international changes, we have remained steadfast in improving the quality of research and education. This achievement is a significant step forward for NSU.”
He added, “We are not only focused on strengthening our existing strengths but also exploring new possibilities and avenues for development.”
Since its inception, NSU has been working to ensure the holistic development of students by providing world-class education and encouraging creativity, innovation, leadership, and teamwork.
This position of the university is considered an important recognition not only in the domestic context but also in the international higher education arena. Academicians and analysts say that the recognition is a positive indication of the qualitative progress of the higher education sector in Bangladesh.
North South University (NSU) recently organized a thought-provoking lecture titled “Reciprocal Tariffs: Challenge or Opportunity?”
North South University (NSU) recently organized a thought-provoking lecture titled “Reciprocal Tariffs: Challenge or Opportunity?”, focusing on the growing trade dynamics between Bangladesh and the United States. The event brought together experts, academics, and policy analysts to discuss the implications of reciprocal tariffs and how they may impact Bangladesh’s economy, especially its key export sectors.
Key Highlights: Bangladesh–US Trade Relationship The session explored the current trade relations between Bangladesh and the U.S., emphasizing the strategic importance of the American market for Bangladeshi exports, particularly in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.
Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs on the Economy Experts discussed how potential reciprocal tariffs could pose a challenge to Bangladesh’s export-driven economy. The discussion highlighted risks such as reduced competitiveness and increased production costs for local exporters.
Strategic Responses and Policy Solutions Speakers at the lecture stressed the need for proactive trade policies, diversification of export destinations, and diplomatic efforts to negotiate favorable trade terms. These measures could help turn trade challenges into long-term economic opportunities.
Conclusion: The NSU-hosted event shed light on a crucial issue affecting Bangladesh’s global trade position. As the U.S. considers implementing or adjusting tariffs, Bangladesh must evaluate both the risks and potential advantages to secure sustainable growth. Thoughtful engagement, strategic policymaking, and global collaboration were underscored as essential tools for navigating these emerging economic challenges.
United International University (UIU) located in Dhaka, Bangladesh is rapidly emerging as a top choice for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. With a focus on modern teaching methods, practical learning and global standards; UIU’s Civil Engineering program offers a well-rounded, career-ready education.
🌟 Top Reasons to Choose Civil Engineering at UIU
✅ Outcome-Based Education (OBE) System
UIU’s Civil Engineering Department, established in 2020, follows an internationally recognized Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach. This ensures students graduate with both strong theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills that meet global engineering standards.
✅ Modern & Comprehensive Curriculum
The program covers all core areas of Civil Engineering including Structural Engineering, Transportation, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Water Resources. It also integrates management and entrepreneurship courses to prepare students for leadership roles in both industry and academia.
✅ Cutting-Edge Laboratory Facilities
Students benefit from hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs. Facilities include advanced equipment for:
Fluid Mechanics
Open Channel Flow
Structural Analysis
Geotechnical Testing
These labs not only support academic learning but also encourage research and innovation.
✅ Highly Qualified Faculty
UIU’s Civil Engineering Department is led by a team of experienced professors and researchers. Notable faculty members like Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman and Dr. Farzana Rahman are actively involved in mentoring students and leading impactful research.
✅ Dynamic Campus Life
With over 48 active student clubs and forums, UIU offers a vibrant student life. From academic clubs to cultural events, students enjoy opportunities to grow beyond the classroom and build strong networks.
✅ Global Recognition & Rankings
UIU has earned national and international recognition for academic excellence, research, and student outcomes. It consistently ranks among the top private universities in Bangladesh for engineering education.
📢 UIU Admission Coaching – Summer 2025
UIU is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 intake. If you’re passionate about building the future with a career in Civil Engineering, this is your chance to join one of Bangladesh’s leading universities.
A 14-member higher education delegation from Yunnan Province, China attended a symposium on education cooperation at North South University (NSU)
Dhaka, Bangladesh – April 21, 2025: A 14-member higher education delegation from Yunnan Province, China attended a symposium on education cooperation at North South University (NSU). The delegation was led by Zhao Derong, Deputy Director of the Department of Education of Yunnan Province. The delegation was attended by directors and senior officials of the international cooperation offices of the top ten universities in Yunnan.
NSU Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said in his welcome speech, “Our academic relations with China are deepening day by day. We have seen significant progress, especially in learning the Chinese language and cultural exchange. We want to further expand this relationship with universities in Yunnan Province.”
Zhao Derang expressed his enthusiasm in his speech and said, “The educational bridge between Yunnan and Bangladesh is getting stronger day by day. We want to further promote academic exchanges, joint research, and language learning. We especially want to increase cooperation in three areas: talent development, institutional exchanges, and the expansion of language learning.”
NSU’s Director of External Affairs Dr. Cynthia McKinney highlighted the university’s international collaborations. “Our Confucius Institute has become an important center for learning Chinese language and culture. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with China,” she said.
Representatives from various universities in Yunnan presented the specialties of their institutions and potential areas of cooperation. Duan Jingwu, vice president of Yunnan University, proposed opening a Chinese language department at NSU. “We are interested in launching joint programs in various fields, including business administration,” he said.
Pan Xuejun, vice president of Kunming University of Science and Technology, came up with a novel proposal. He said, “We want to create a special cooperation model based on ‘education, technology, and humanities,’ where student exchanges, joint research, and cultural exchanges will come together.”
“We want to launch a joint degree program in pharmacy. We can also launch special training courses to teach acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine,” said Ms. Yu Ji, vice president of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, which is renowned for teaching Chinese medicine.
Zhao Ruji a representative of Honghe University emphasized cultural exchange. He said, “Along with education, cultural exchange will strengthen the bond between the people of our two countries. We want to continue this work through the Confucius Institute.”
Shen Yuqiong, vice president of Yunnan Vocational College of Finance and Economics and an expert in vocational education, said, “We are working on a special model called ‘Chinese language + vocational education.’ We want to work with NSU to build skilled manpower in the finance and technology sectors.”
Deans and department heads of various schools of NSU welcomed the proposals. Professor AKM Warsul Karim, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, said, “China’s experience in business education is very valuable for us. We are interested in launching joint research and student exchange programs.”
After the seminar, the delegates visited the NSU Confucius Institute. They were impressed by the students’ Chinese songs and poems. Zhao Derong said, “These young people will be the ambassadors of the bond between our two countries in the future.”
The visit is not just a formal meeting but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Experts believe that such cooperation will play an important role in elevating Bangladesh’s higher education sector to international standards.
Bangladeshi undergraduate Fabliha Ahmed began her one-semester exchange program at Kobe College in Japan, becoming the first IUB student to participate in this academic collaboration
Fabliha Ahmed, an undergraduate student majoring in Global Studies and Governance at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has become the first IUB student to participate in the prestigious Kobe College Japan Exchange Program. She began her one-semester study abroad journey on April 14, 2025, at Kobe College, a renowned liberal arts institution located in Hyōgo, Japan.
This academic exchange marks a significant milestone in the IUB-Kobe College partnership, the only such collaboration Kobe College maintains in South Asia. The initiative aims to promote international education, foster cultural understanding, and offer diverse academic exposure to students.
During her semester abroad, Fabliha will be enrolled in six interdisciplinary courses, including:
Japanese Language
Japanese Culture
Asian Studies
International Relations
Gender Studies
She began preparing for this international exchange by independently learning Japanese through the IUB Library resources and later passed an online language placement test covering hiragana and katakana.
“Over the next six months, I will be living at the Kobe College dormitory in Hyogo. I’m excited to explore Japan’s vibrant culture, rich history, and make new friends,” said Fabliha.
Before her semester began, Fabliha attended the Kobe College semester orientation on April 3, where she had her first immersive experience with Japanese culture.
Groundbreaking MoU Between IUB and Kobe College
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IUB and Kobe College was signed in February 2024, establishing a long-term collaboration focused on student exchange programs and joint academic research.
Earlier this year, from February 7-13, 2025, students and faculty from both institutions conducted a seven-day research project in Bangladesh’s Manikganj and Rajshahi districts, focusing on agricultural research. Fabliha actively contributed to this fieldwork as a student researcher and co-authored the final report.
“As Global Studies and Governance students, international exposure is essential. It enhances our understanding of global communication, foreign policy, and governance frameworks,” Fabliha said. “I’m incredibly grateful to both IUB and Kobe College for this life-changing opportunity.”
Embracing Cultural Exchange in Japan
With no prior knowledge of Japanese, Fabliha’s commitment to self-learning is a testament to her dedication. Now, she is also learning to ride a bicycle—an essential skill for getting around campus and the local area.
“In Japan, bicycles are a common and practical mode of transportation. Unlike in Bangladesh, I never had to learn how to ride one before. But it’s one of the first things I picked up here,” she shared.
Encouragement for Future Exchange Program Applicants
Fabliha strongly encourages other IUB students, especially women in the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS), to take advantage of this study abroad opportunity.
“It’s an excellent chance to broaden your perspective on international relations and prepare for graduate or PhD studies. I highly recommend it to fellow students,” she said.
About Kobe College, Japan
Founded in 1875, Kobe College is a historic private liberal arts university in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo, and the first women’s college in Western Japan to receive university status. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in English, culture studies, music, psychology, and biosphere sciences.
How to Apply for the IUB-Kobe College Exchange Program
Applications for the IUB-Kobe College Student Exchange Program are open year-round. Female students from SLASS in their freshman, sophomore, or junior years are eligible to apply. For more information, interested students should contact the Office of Admission, Financial Aid, and International Relations at IUBor Bright Admission Coaching.
Brac University team in the White & Case International Rounds in Washington, D.C.; they also achieved a global ranking of 117th, ranking among the world’s most competitive law schools.
Brac University School of Law proudly represented Bangladesh at the prestigious White & Case International Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition held in Washington, D.C., from March 29 to April 5, 2025. The team—Nasreen Alam, Syed Abdullah Jabeer, and Mahia Rahman—earned this honor after winning the 9th Bangladesh Qualifying Rounds, becoming National Champions for the first time in the university’s history.
Brac University Among Global Legal Elites
Competing against 805 teams from 104 countries, Brac University stood tall, proudly carrying the Bangladeshi flag at the opening ceremony and demonstrating legal excellence on the global moot court stage.
Preliminary Round Competitions
In the preliminary rounds, Brac University faced top-tier institutions from:
Uzbekistan: Westminster International University in Tashkent
India: Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law
Norway: University of Oslo
Azerbaijan: ADA University
Their victory over ADA University of Azerbaijan—a team that advanced to the next round—was especially notable. This decisive win highlighted Brac University’s advocacy skills, legal acumen, and global competitiveness.
Individual Achievements: Global Recognition for Oralists
Nasreen Alam was recognized as the top oralist from Bangladesh, outperforming participants from renowned global institutions such as UCL, the University of Sydney, Peking University, and the University of Chicago Law School.
Syed Abdullah Jabeer, the team’s second oralist, earned the title of third-best oralist from Bangladesh, ranking higher than competitors from Emory University, the University of Helsinki, Georgetown University Qatar, LUMS, and others.
Global Rankings and Memorial Excellence
Brac University achieved an impressive 117th place in the global rankings, placing above prestigious law schools from Japan, the USA, China, and beyond.
Their written memorial also garnered international praise, outranking globally respected institutions such as:
New York University (NYU)
Arizona State University
University of California–Irvine
University of Georgia
Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Boston College
University of the Philippines
These results reflect Brac University’s dedication to excellence in legal education, both in oral advocacy and memorial writing, further establishing the university as a rising powerhouse in international moot court competitions.
15th ULAB Fair Play Cup T20 Cricket Tournament Kicks Off at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
The 15th ULAB Fair Play Cup T20 Cricket Tournament 2025 officially began on 16 April 2025 at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) campus, launching an exciting series of matches among the top private universities in Bangladesh. The highly anticipated T20 tournament promotes youth engagement, sportsmanship and the spirit of fair play in university-level cricket.
A total of top 10 private universities is participating in this year’s tournament:
Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT)
Brac University
Dhaka International University (DIU)
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)
International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
International Standard University (ISU)
North South University (NSU)
United International University (UIU)
Uttara University
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
The tournament will run from 16 April to 2 May 2025, with matches held at ULAB’s cricket grounds.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including ULAB Acting Vice-Chancellor Jude William Genilo and Senior Manager of External Affairs Muhammad Taufiq Aziz alongside faculty, staff and students who gathered to support the event.
In the opening match, ULAB faced off against Uttara University, delivering a powerful performance to claim a 129-run victory. The win set a strong precedent for ULAB and heightened excitement for the matches ahead.
The ULAB Fair Play Cup 2025 continues its tradition of promoting teamwork, leadership and healthy competition through sports. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect high-energy games, standout performances and a celebration of university cricket talent across the country.
This much-anticipated annual inter-university T20 cricket tournament brings together ten leading private universities in Bangladesh.
NSU Seminar Highlights Strategic Shift in Bangladesh-China Relations
Dhaka, April 13 – The South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU) hosted a high-profile seminar titled “Reassessing Bangladesh-China Relations: The Chief Advisor’s Historic Visit” at the university’s Syndicate Hall on Sunday. This event brought together prominent policymakers, diplomats, academics and researchers to discuss the evolving dynamics of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman, National Security Advisor and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs, attended as the chief guest. In his remarks, he hailed the Chief Advisor’s recent China visit as a “historical milestone” in the country’s foreign policy, emphasizing Bangladesh’s pursuit of strategic independence. He highlighted future collaborations in healthcare, including patient treatment opportunities in Kunming and plans for Chinese hospitals in Bangladesh.
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, guest of honor, noted that the visit had deepened bilateral ties, not just at the government level but also among the people. He announced increased cooperation in education, healthcare, and the labor market.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Mohammad Nuruzzaman of NSU, discussed the strategic recalibration of Bangladesh’s foreign policy following the July Revolution, pointing out how tensions with India are influencing the country’s tilt toward China.
Senior Research Fellow Dr. Liu Zhongyi from the Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS) stressed that Bangladesh-China relations hold cultural and strategic importance, particularly in light of Bangladesh’s upcoming transition from LDC status. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to long-term engagement through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Senior Research Fellow at SIPG, identified key sectors for future partnership, including water resource management, agriculture, and vocational training. He also urged for greater efforts to stabilize the Rakhine region to facilitate Rohingya repatriation.
Foreign policy analyst Syed Shehnawaz Mohsin cautioned against viewing the visit in isolation, framing it instead as part of an ongoing realignment of Bangladesh’s international priorities.
SIPG Director Professor Sheikh Tawfiq M. Haque moderated the session, and NSU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury concluded by highlighting new opportunities arising from the MOUs signed with China, particularly in investment, technology and health sectors.
North South University (NSU) is preparing for Summer 2025 undergraduate admissions, with a document verification schedule available on their official website. Successful applicants are advised to attend the process as per the specified schedule.
📅 Document Verification Schedule
The schedule for document verification for Summer 2025 undergraduate admissions is available on the official NSU admissions website. Successful applicants are advised to attend the verification process at NSU as per the specified schedule.
📄 Required Documents for Verification
For Students:
Admit Card
All original certificates, mark sheets/transcripts (originals will be returned after verification)
One full set of photocopies of all certificates and transcripts
HSC registration card/NID/passport copy
One passport-size photograph
For Parents:
NID copy
One passport-size photograph (one of each parent)
💰 Admission Fees
Admission Fee (Nonrefundable): Tk. 25,000.00
Caution Money (Refundable after completion of degree): Tk. 10,000.00
RFID Card: Tk. 1,000.00
O & A Levels Certificate Verification Fee (per certificate): Tk. 700.00
Pharmacy Registration Form (only for B.Pharm): Tk. 300.00
