As of the report’s publication in October 2023, Bangladesh boasted 53 public universities and 110 private universities, engaging in academic activities across 100 institutions. The total student population in these universities, including affiliated colleges and madrasas, stood at 4,756,747.
The latest annual report released by the University Grants Commission (UGC) has shed light on a concerning trend: the gradual decline in the number of international students coming to study in Bangladesh universities.
The report, based on data from 2022, highlighted a decrease in international student enrollment, sparking discussions about potential causes and necessary measures to address the issue.
As of the report’s publication in October last year, Bangladesh boasted 53 public universities and 110 private universities, engaging in academic activities across 100 institutions. The total student population in these universities, including affiliated colleges and madrasas, stood at 4,756,747.
Fluctuating numbers
According to the UGC data, the number of international students enrolled in both public and private universities witnessed a decline over the years. In 2020, there were 2,317 international students, which decreased to 2,281 in 2021 and further dropped to 1,957 in 2022.
Former UGC Chairman Abdul Mannan expressed concern over this trend, noting the simultaneous increase in Bangladeshi students pursuing education abroad. Mannan suggested that factors such as the absence of quality education and a conducive atmosphere might contribute to the decline in international student enrollment.
Highlighting the challenge of retaining competent teachers amidst the growing number of universities, Mannan lamented the struggle to attract meritorious students to the teaching profession. He also pointed out the rise in universities in countries like Malaysia, Nepal, and Bhutan, potentially diverting prospective international students away from Bangladesh.
However, amid this decline, stories like that of Ibrahim from Nigeria shed light on the appeal Bangladesh still holds for some international students. Ibrahim, pursuing postgraduate studies in disaster science and climate resilience at Dhaka University, cited the challenges and expenses associated with securing admission to top universities in Europe and North America as reasons for choosing Bangladesh as his destination.
The UGC report detailed the distribution of international students across different universities, revealing that 26 public universities hosted a total of 670 international students, with 166 of them being female. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University recorded the highest enrollment with 191 international students, followed by Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University and Bangladesh Agriculture University in Mymensingh.
Enrollment in private HEIs
In addition to public universities, private institutions also witnessed fluctuations in international student enrollment. While 2021 saw 1,604 international students in private universities, the number decreased to 1,287 in 2022 across 32 universities. These students hailed from 37 countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
In response to the declining trend, UGC chairman Professor Muhammad Alamgir pinpointed the need to enhance the quality of education and create a conducive environment to attract foreign students. Alamgir’s remarks showed the importance of addressing the underlying issues to reverse the decline in international student enrollment and uphold Bangladesh’s position as a viable destination for higher education.
“Maybe the quality education cannot be given for which they would be attracted. Moreover, the environment which is needed for the international students does not exist,” he said.
