University of Dhaka

About the University of Dhaka

The University of Dhaka (DU), also known as Dhaka University or ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, is a public research university located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established on 1 July 1921, it is one of the country's oldest universities and provides undergraduate, postgraduate and research-based education across a broad range of academic disciplines.

The university began with three faculties: Arts, Science and Law. It subsequently expanded into a multidisciplinary institution offering education in the humanities, social sciences, business, biological and physical sciences, pharmacy, engineering-related subjects and specialized professional fields.

Located in the Ramna area of central Dhaka, the university has also played a significant role in Bangladesh's intellectual and political history, including the Bengali Language Movement and the country's independence movement.

Academic Programs and Qualifications

The University of Dhaka offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and research qualifications, including Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Some departments and institutes also provide specialized professional and postgraduate programs.

Major Areas of Study

• Arts and Humanities: Bengali, English, history, philosophy, languages and cultural studies.
• Social Sciences: Economics, political science, sociology, international relations, public administration and related disciplines.
• Business and Management: Accounting, finance, management, marketing and business administration.
• Physical and Natural Sciences: Physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and earth sciences.
• Biological Sciences: Botany, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Engineering and Technology: Selected engineering, applied science and information technology disciplines.
• Law: Undergraduate and postgraduate legal education.
• Pharmacy and Health-Related Sciences: Pharmaceutical education, biomedical and other health-related academic subjects.
• Education: Teacher education, educational research and educational development.
• Fine Arts: Visual arts and related creative disciplines.

Individual departments determine the qualifications and academic specializations they offer. Applicants should consult the relevant faculty or institute to confirm available degree programs, teaching arrangements and research opportunities.

Academic Faculties, Institutes and Research

The University of Dhaka is organized into faculties, academic departments, specialized institutes and research centres. This structure allows students to pursue both discipline-based education and advanced research.

Notable academic institutes include the Institute of Business Administration, the Institute of Education and Research, the Institute of Statistical Research and Training, and the Institute of Modern Languages.

Its research activities cover fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, environment, biotechnology and other areas. Research opportunities differ by department and academic level.

Students considering MPhil, PhD or other research-based qualifications should investigate the relevant department's research interests, supervision arrangements and eligibility policies.

Recognition and Academic Status

The University of Dhaka is an established public university in Bangladesh and is listed by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), the national authority responsible for higher education oversight.

The institution's legal development includes the Dacca University Act of 1920 and the Dhaka University Order of 1973.

Institutional recognition should not be confused with professional licensing or international qualification equivalency. Graduates seeking professional registration or further education abroad may need to satisfy additional requirements established by the destination country's regulators, employers or credential evaluation authorities.

Applicants to regulated fields, including pharmacy, engineering and legal professions, should check any applicable program-specific recognition and professional requirements.

Admissions and Academic Entry Pathways

The university provides different educational routes for undergraduate students, postgraduate applicants and research candidates. Admission eligibility and selection procedures depend on the intended academic program and applicant category.

Undergraduate applicants generally need relevant prior secondary education, while postgraduate applicants must hold appropriate previous academic qualifications. Research applicants may also need to demonstrate academic preparation related to their proposed field of study.

Applicants should review the official admission information for their chosen faculty or department, particularly where competitive selection procedures, entrance assessments, academic equivalency checks or additional eligibility conditions apply.

The university's official website provides admission information and links to relevant academic departments. Application instructions should be confirmed directly before submission.

International Students at the University of Dhaka

The University of Dhaka has an established admission route for international students. Its published international admission procedure involves the Bangladesh Ministry of Education, the university's Office of International Affairs and the relevant academic faculty or department.

International applicants may be required to submit authenticated academic documents for equivalency assessment. The concerned faculty evaluates eligibility, and the relevant academic authorities review the application before the necessary government and university approvals are completed.

Prospective international students should confirm whether their intended program accepts applicants from their country and whether their previous qualifications meet the academic requirements.

Language of Instruction

Teaching and assessment languages can differ across departments and programs. Applicants should not assume that every course is taught entirely in English or Bengali.

International students should confirm the teaching language, assessment requirements and any applicable language proficiency conditions with the department offering their intended program.

Student Visa and Immigration Considerations

International students who require immigration permission to study in Bangladesh should check the applicable visa requirements with an official Bangladesh diplomatic mission or immigration authority.

Admission to the university and permission to enter or remain in Bangladesh are separate processes. Applicants should verify the required admission documentation, visa category, financial evidence and any additional immigration conditions before traveling.

Student status should not be interpreted as automatic permission to work or remain in Bangladesh after graduation.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support

Tuition and other university charges depend on the program, qualification level and student category. The university publishes separate information for international students, including fee arrangements that distinguish certain applicant groups.

Students should check the applicable academic year's official fee schedule rather than relying on undated estimates.

The university has scholarship and trust-fund arrangements associated with academic departments and institutional activities. Financial assistance may depend on academic merit, financial circumstances, program eligibility and available funding.

Postgraduate researchers should investigate any relevant scholarships, fellowships or research funding opportunities through their departments or the university's official announcements.

Campus Location and Facilities

The University of Dhaka's main campus is located in central Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital city. Its urban setting connects the university with government institutions, cultural landmarks, libraries and other educational organizations.

The campus includes academic buildings, departmental facilities, libraries, research centres and student residential halls.

University Library

Dhaka University Library provides academic and research resources for students and faculty members. Its collections include books, journals, manuscripts, historical documents and specialized research materials.

The library's historical collections are particularly relevant to research in Bengali literature, history, culture and South Asian studies.

Student Accommodation

The university operates residential halls and hostels as part of its campus structure. Residential accommodation is administered through the relevant university authorities.

Students should verify accommodation eligibility, availability, application procedures and residential regulations directly with the university. Admission does not necessarily guarantee a residential place.

Research and Postgraduate Opportunities

The University of Dhaka offers research-oriented academic pathways through its departments, institutes and research centres.

Students interested in postgraduate research can explore subjects spanning science, technology, social policy, economics, language, culture and other areas.

Research applicants should review departmental expertise and available academic supervision before selecting a proposed research topic. The availability of projects, funding and research positions should be confirmed directly.

Career Relevance and Further Study

Degrees from the University of Dhaka provide academic preparation for professional, research and further-study pathways associated with the chosen discipline.

Depending on their qualifications, graduates may pursue opportunities in business, education, public administration, research, technology and other fields.

For students intending to work or continue their education outside Bangladesh, qualification recognition depends on the country, profession, awarding qualification and applicable institutional or regulatory policies.

No academic qualification should be interpreted as guaranteeing employment, professional registration or admission to another university.

What to Know Before Applying

Prospective students should review the university's official information and confirm the following matters before making an educational decision:

• Whether their intended degree or specialization is currently available.
• Which faculty or institute administers the program.
• The academic qualifications required for entry.
• Any relevant selection examinations or eligibility assessments.
• The language used for teaching and examinations.
• Program-specific recognition or professional licensing considerations.
• Applicable tuition charges and possible financial support.
• Accommodation availability and student services.
• International qualification equivalency requirements, where applicable.
• Visa and immigration requirements for foreign applicants.

The University of Dhaka may be relevant to students interested in multidisciplinary public university education, advanced research and academic study in Bangladesh's capital. Its suitability depends on the particular program, academic objectives and personal circumstances of each applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the University of Dhaka a public or private university?

The University of Dhaka is a public university in Bangladesh. It is listed by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.

When was the University of Dhaka established?

The university began academic activities on 1 July 1921, originally operating through three faculties: Arts, Science and Law.

What degrees does Dhaka University offer?

It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including bachelor's, master's, MPhil and PhD qualifications. Specific qualifications vary across departments and institutes.

Can international students apply to the University of Dhaka?

Yes. The university publishes an international admission procedure involving the Ministry of Education, the Office of International Affairs and the relevant academic authorities. Eligibility depends on the intended program and the applicant's qualifications.

Does Dhaka University offer research degrees?

Yes. Research pathways include MPhil and PhD programs administered through relevant university departments and institutes.

Does the University of Dhaka provide accommodation?

The university operates residential halls and hostels. Accommodation eligibility and availability should be confirmed with the responsible university office.

Are University of Dhaka degrees recognized internationally?

The university is an established public institution in Bangladesh. Recognition of a particular degree outside Bangladesh depends on the destination country's education authorities, credential evaluation rules and any professional licensing requirements.

Where can applicants find official information?

Applicants can visit the university's official website at www.du.ac.bd. International applicants can also consult the university's international admission information.