North South University

About North South University

North South University (NSU) is a private, nonprofit university located in Bashundhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1992 and formally inaugurated in 1993, it was the first private university in Bangladesh. NSU provides undergraduate and postgraduate education across business, engineering, science, healthcare-related disciplines, humanities and social sciences.

The university operates under Bangladesh's private higher education framework, with oversight from the University Grants Commission (UGC). Its academic model incorporates features commonly associated with American universities, including credit-based courses, semesters and letter grading.

Academic Schools and Programs

North South University organizes its academic activities into four main schools, each covering related disciplines and qualifications.

School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics provides education in business administration, management, finance, marketing, economics and related fields. Its graduate offerings include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA and master's-level economics and development studies programs.

School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

This school covers computer science and engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, architecture and mathematical sciences. Students can pursue relevant undergraduate degrees, while selected disciplines offer postgraduate education and research opportunities.

School of Health and Life Sciences

The School of Health and Life Sciences covers areas such as biotechnology, pharmacy, public health and environmental sciences. Its postgraduate offerings include public health, biotechnology and specialized pharmaceutical studies. Students pursuing regulated health professions should separately verify the professional recognition of their intended qualifications.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

This school includes academic areas such as English, law, public policy, governance and history. Graduate study options include the Master of Laws, Master in Public Policy and Governance, and other specialized degrees.

Qualifications and Teaching System

NSU offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a range of academic fields. The university uses a credit-based academic structure with course assessments and degree requirements determined by individual programs.

English is the university's medium of instruction. Students who require additional English preparation may be assigned remedial courses according to the university's placement policies.

Accreditation and Recognition

North South University was established with government approval under Bangladesh's original Private University Act of 1992. Its governance subsequently developed under the Private University Act of 2010, with the NSU Trust responsible for institutional management through its Board of Trustees.

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh is an important authority for verifying institutional recognition and the approval of academic programs. Students should distinguish institutional recognition from any additional accreditation or professional registration requirements that apply to individual degrees.

Applicants intending to use an NSU qualification outside Bangladesh should check the recognition requirements of the destination country's universities, employers, credential evaluation organizations or professional licensing authorities.

Admissions and Entry Requirements

North South University offers application pathways for undergraduate and graduate students. Entry requirements depend on the qualification level, academic background and intended program.

Undergraduate applicants may apply with recognized secondary-school qualifications, including eligible Bangladesh and international education credentials. Graduate applicants generally require an appropriate prior university degree. Certain engineering, science and other specialist programs have additional subject prerequisites.

The university uses admission assessments for relevant applicant categories and programs. International qualifications may require equivalency verification, and English-language evidence may be necessary depending on the applicant's educational background.

Applicants should consult the official North South University admissions portal to confirm their program's current requirements, eligibility and application procedure.

International Students

North South University provides admission information for applicants educated outside Bangladesh. International candidates should confirm whether their previous qualifications meet the relevant program requirements and whether academic documents require verification or equivalency assessment.

Foreign nationals should also confirm the applicable Bangladesh student visa or immigration procedures through official government channels. Admission to a university does not automatically guarantee immigration permission or employment authorization.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

North South University operates a Financial Aid Office that administers different forms of student assistance. Its published categories include merit-based tuition waivers, financial need-based assistance, combined merit-and-need support and certain work-study arrangements.

Scholarship and tuition-waiver eligibility depends on the applicable university policy, academic performance, applicant category and available awards. Students should verify current requirements directly with the NSU Financial Aid Office.

Campus and Student Life

The university's permanent campus is situated in Bashundhara, a residential and commercial area of Dhaka. NSU moved to this campus in 2009, bringing its academic schools and central university services together in one location.

Its academic environment includes teaching spaces, laboratories, library resources and student activity facilities. NSU also has student societies covering professional interests, entrepreneurship, debate, cultural activities and community engagement.

Students relocating to Dhaka should independently assess accommodation options, daily travel, transportation and living expenses. Housing arrangements should not be assumed to be included in university enrollment.

Research and Graduate Education

North South University supports academic research through its departments, graduate programs and specialized research initiatives. Research activity covers subjects including engineering, biotechnology, public health, economics, environmental studies and governance.

The Office of Graduate Studies coordinates postgraduate academic activities and research-related processes. Students interested in research projects or graduate assistantships should contact the relevant department to determine what opportunities are available.

Internships and Career Development

NSU operates a Career and Placement Center that supports student career preparation through counseling, workshops, employer engagement, career events and internship-related activities.

Internship or practical training requirements differ by academic program. The availability of career services does not guarantee job placement, employment or eligibility for professional registration.

What Students Should Know Before Applying

North South University may be relevant to students seeking English-medium undergraduate or postgraduate education in Dhaka, particularly in business, engineering, computer science, public health and social science disciplines.

Before choosing a course, prospective students should compare its curriculum, degree recognition, academic prerequisites, tuition structure, available financial support and potential career pathways. International applicants should additionally verify credential equivalency, immigration requirements and recognition in their intended country of employment or further study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North South University a public or private university?

North South University is a private, nonprofit higher education institution in Bangladesh. It was established in 1992 as the country's first private university.

Where is North South University located?

Its permanent campus is located at Plot 15, Block B, Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.

Does North South University teach in English?

Yes. English is the university's established medium of instruction, with additional English preparation available for students who need it under university academic policies.

Can international students apply to North South University?

Yes. The university publishes admission guidance for international applicants. Eligibility depends on previous qualifications, program requirements and applicable document verification procedures.

Does North South University offer scholarships?

Yes. The university administers merit-based and need-based financial assistance, including tuition-waiver categories. Awards are subject to the relevant eligibility rules.

Are North South University degrees recognized internationally?

International recognition depends on the qualification, institution and receiving country. Professional degrees may require additional accreditation checks, examinations or licensing procedures.