🎓 The Top 10 Universities in Dhaka: A Hub of Academic Excellence

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Jul 1
3 min read

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, stands as the nation’s academic and intellectual heart. It is home to a diverse array of public and private universities offering programs that meet global standards. Whether you are interested in engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, or liberal arts, Dhaka has a university that matches your aspirations.

Here is a closer look at the top 10 universities in Dhaka, each playing a vital role in shaping the country’s academic and professional future:

1. University of Dhaka (DU)

Established in 1921, DU is the oldest and most respected university in Bangladesh. It offers degrees across a vast array of disciplines including arts, sciences, business, law, and medicine. The university is known for its research output, historic contributions to national movements, and a vibrant student community. Its central campus in Shahbagh is both a cultural and academic landmark.

2. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

BUET is the country’s most prestigious engineering and architecture university. With highly selective admissions, it trains the best minds in civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, and chemical engineering. Its graduates are prominent in academia, government, and multinational companies around the world.

3. North South University (NSU)

Founded in 1992, NSU is Bangladesh’s first private university and one of the most prominent. Known for its modern campus in Bashundhara, NSU offers competitive programs in business, computer science, engineering, law, and public health. It maintains strong industry ties and emphasizes international collaboration.

4. BRAC University

Established by the world’s largest NGO, BRAC University is a leader in socially conscious higher education. With a strong focus on development studies, public policy, business, and information technology, the university promotes innovation and ethical leadership. It is recognized for its research in poverty alleviation and development economics.

5. Jahangirnagar University (JU)

Although technically located just outside Dhaka, JU is considered part of the capital’s academic network. It is the only full residential public university in Bangladesh. Known for its beautiful green campus and academic depth, JU has strengths in environmental science, economics, English, and public administration.

6. Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)

IUB, located in Bashundhara, is a private university recognized for its liberal arts education and modern curriculum. It offers programs in business, environmental science, engineering, international relations, and English literature. The university is also known for its cultural diversity and vibrant student life.

7. East West University (EWU)

East West University, founded in 1996, has grown into one of Dhaka’s top private universities. Its programs in business administration, computer science, and economics are well regarded. EWU emphasizes ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital fluency.

8. American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

AIUB is known for its tech-focused programs, especially in computer science, IT, and engineering. With a modern campus in Kuril, it also provides strong offerings in business administration and media studies. The university nurtures innovation through events, competitions, and international exchanges.

9. United International University (UIU)

UIU is a rising private university known for excellence in business, economics, and engineering. With a mission focused on research and professional development, the university has gained recognition for its projects in renewable energy, software engineering, and data science.

10. Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)

Run by the Bangladesh Armed Forces, BUP is a unique public university offering programs in business, security studies, law, and social science. It attracts highly disciplined and focused students and integrates leadership development into its curriculum.

🔍 Summary Table

University	Key Focus Areas	Type
University of Dhaka	Arts, sciences, law, business	Public
BUET	Engineering, architecture	Public
NSU	Business, CS, health	Private
BRAC University	Development, IT, business	Private
Jahangirnagar University	Sciences, economics, humanities	Public
IUB	Liberal arts, business, IR	Private
EWU	Business, CS, economics	Private
AIUB	Computer science, engineering	Private
UIU	Energy, tech, business	Private
BUP	Law, security, business	Public

📌 Conclusion

Dhaka’s academic landscape reflects a balance between heritage and modernity. From century-old institutions like DU and BUET to new-generation leaders like BRAC, NSU, and UIU, the city fosters innovation, critical thinking, and global competence. Choosing a university in Dhaka means joining a vibrant ecosystem of future leaders and changemakers.