Dhaka University admission: Guidelines for international students
Founded in 1921, the University of Dhaka began its voyage on 1 July of the year with 12 departments under three faculties -- Arts, Science and Law. Over the years, the university’s academic activities have been expanded to 13 faculties and 83 departments.
Under the leadership of its first vice-chancellor Sir PJ Hartog, Dhaka University opened its doors for both the national and international students since the day of its inception. Since then DU has been disseminating knowledge through studies, research and its students.
Though, in course of time, the number of foreign students has fallen significantly, the university is on the top of the list for some international students.
There are the complete guidelines for admission of international students into the university:
How to apply
The international students have to apply through the Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in their respective countries or their own country's diplomatic mission in Bangladesh.
“Applications are to be submitted in triplicate to the Ministry of Education, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in prescribed form through the Bangladesh diplomatic mission in the country of domicile of the candidate or his/her country's diplomatic mission in Bangladesh,” reads the Dhaka University’s website.
Documents required
The admission seekers will have to send their notarized certificates and transcripts to the university authorities.
“All certificates and transcripts need to be notarized by an authorized official of the foreign ministry of the candidate's own country without which no application will be entertained,” according to the university.
Six-step admission procedure
Once the application is granted, the applicant must follow a simple series of procedures for admission.
Firstly, as per the Dhaka University’s documents, ‘on receipt of the application from the Bangladesh education ministry, the equivalence committee of the concerned faculty of the University of Dhaka will verify the eligibility of the student for admission in the desired programme.’
Secondly, once the student is found eligible for the programme, the DU authorities added, the application will be sent to the academic committee of the concerned department/institute for their opinion.
Thirdly, “The pro-vice chancellor (academic) of the university will approve the admission. This decision will be forwarded to the Ministry of Education,” the DU website reads.
Fourthly, following the approval from the university, the education ministry will issue a no objection certificate to the concerned applicant in favour of his/her admission.
Fifthly, the applicant then will be allowed to be admitted by paying fees and other charges for the admission.
Finally, on completion of all these necessary formalities, the DU website added, the application should reach the office of the Registrar, University of Dhaka by 31 December (of the year of applying).
Academic session
According to the DU authorities, normally, the graduate programme is offered between January and December while post-graduation programme is between January and December (one year regular Bachelor degree and master's degree) or January and December (two year evening and professional master's) and applications for M. Phil. programme are ‘generally invited in October-November every year.’
Duration of the programmes
Dhaka University offers graduate programme for 4 years while post-graduate programme stretches for one year.
M.Phil is a 2-year programme and Ph.D programme is 3-year.
Tuition and other fees
Dhaka University offers degrees to the international students and SAARC nationals, at very low cost.
According to the Dhaka University authorities, the applicants from SAARC countries have to pay only US $500 for a year.
The cost is a bit higher for international students outside of SAARC countries.
“Citizens of other countries have to pay US$ 1,200/00 per annum plus other fees,” reads the DU website.