What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Bangladesh? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Bangladeshi University Ranking of 160 Bangladeshi higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:
Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 160 Universities in Bangladesh
The People's Republic of Bangladesh is divided into 64 districts (Bengali: zila), which are further subdivided into sub-districts (Bengali: upazila). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in Dhaka District (Bengali: Dhaka jela), situated in the central part of the country. Dhaka District is home to Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, and is the most populated district in the country. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all districts with at least one Bangladeshi higher education institution that fulfill the uniRank selection criteria.
Barisal (6)
Chittagong (25)
Dhaka (87)
Gazipur (1)
Jessore (1)
Khulna (11)
Mymensingh (2)
Narayanganj (1)
Rajshahi (15)
Rangpur (2)
Sylhet (9)
Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.
Bangladesh's higher education system comprises public and private institutions regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Public universities receive government funding and typically offer lower tuition fees, while private universities operate independently with higher fees. Universities are categorized as comprehensive (offering diverse disciplines) or specialized (focusing on fields like engineering or technology). Higher education programs include Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees across humanities, sciences, business, engineering and health sciences. Academic sessions generally follow a semester system, with English and Bengali as primary languages of instruction.
Bangladesh hosts 160 universities. Public universities constitute 34% (54 institutions), while private universities dominate with 66% (106 institutions). Dhaka region contains the highest concentration of institutions, reflecting urban demand for higher education. Private universities have expanded rapidly since the 1990s to meet growing enrollment needs.
Currently, no Bangladeshi universities rank in the global top 200 (0% of total institutions). Similarly, none feature in the top 1,000 globally. This highlights opportunities for enhanced research investment and international collaboration to boost global competitiveness.
Q: What is the oldest university in Bangladesh?
A: University of Dhaka (established 1921) is the oldest and most prestigious institution.
Q: Are private universities in Bangladesh recognized internationally?
A: Degrees from UGC-approved private universities are nationally recognized, though international recognition varies by institution and program.
Q: Which university is best for engineering in Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is the top choice for engineering studies.
Q: How many public universities exist in Bangladesh?
A: There are 54 public universities (34% of all higher education institutions).
Q: Do Bangladeshi universities offer scholarships for international students?
A: Select universities offer limited scholarships, primarily through bilateral agreements or specialized programs.
Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Bangladeshi universities and their online presence.