Three Private Universities Jointly Lead Bangladesh in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027
Three private universities in Dhaka—American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Daffodil International University (DIU) and North South University (NSU)—have jointly secured the country’s highest position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, placing in the 801–1000 band.
UK-based higher education journal Times Higher Education published the 2027 rankings on September 30, 2026. The ranking evaluated 2,297 universities across 118 countries using a range of performance indicators, including teaching quality, research environment, research excellence, industry engagement and international outlook.
Assessment also considered factors such as education quality, student-to-staff ratios, research quality, citations, and the presence of international students.
Among Bangladesh’s leading institutions, five of the top 12 are private universities. AIUB, DIU, and NSU jointly occupy the 801–1000 band, making them the highest-ranked Bangladeshi private universities in this edition.
Brac University (BRAC) and the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) are placed in the 1001–1200 band, while United International University (UIU) falls within the 1201–1400 band.
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) are jointly ranked in the 1401–1600 band.
East West University (EWU) appears in the 1801–2000 band.
Several other private universities participated in the ranking exercise but did not receive a formal ranking because they did not meet the criteria required to enter a ranked band. These institutions include Dhaka International University (DIU), Green University of Bangladesh (GUB), State University of Bangladesh (SUB), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Uttara University, Varendra University, and World University of Bangladesh (WUB).
Overall, 35 Bangladeshi universities participated in or were represented in the 2027 ranking exercise, with 25 receiving ranked positions and the remainder appearing outside the formal ranked bands.
THE World University Rankings assesses universities across five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook. The rankings are intended to provide a global comparison of university performance based on these indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Bangladeshi universities ranked highest in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027?
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Daffodil International University (DIU), and North South University (NSU) jointly secured Bangladesh’s highest position, placing in the 801–1000 band.
2. How many Bangladeshi universities are included in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027?
According to the reported figures, 25 Bangladeshi universities secured ranked positions, while 10 others participated but did not receive a formal ranking.
3. What is the ranking of BRAC University in 2027?
BRAC University is placed in the 1001–1200 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
4. What is the ranking of East West University in 2027?
East West University (EWU) is placed in the 1801–2000 band in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
5. Which Bangladeshi private universities ranked in the 801–1000 band?
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Daffodil International University (DIU) and North South University (NSU) jointly secured positions in the Times Higher Education 801–1000 band.
6. What is the ranking of United International University in 2027?
United International University (UIU) is placed in the 1201–1400 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
7. What is the ranking of Independent University, Bangladesh?
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) is jointly placed in the 1401–1600 band alongside International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC).
8. Which criteria are used in Times Higher Education World University Rankings?
THE evaluates universities across five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement and international outlook. Its methodology uses multiple performance indicators to assess institutional performance.
9. How many universities and countries were covered by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027?
According to the reported figures, the rankings evaluated 2,297 universities across 118 countries.
10. Why were some Bangladeshi universities not formally ranked?
Some participating universities did not receive a formal ranking because they did not meet the eligibility or performance requirements for inclusion in a ranked band.
