Private Universities in Bangladesh Shine in QS Asia Rankings 2026
Journey of private universities in the country began in 1992. Over the past three decades, their role in higher education has expanded steadily. At present, there are 114 private universities, of which 105 are conducting academic activities. According to the latest annual report of the University Grants Commission (UGC), a total of 358,414 students are currently enrolled in these institutions. Alongside UGC policies to ensure quality education, private universities have undertaken various initiatives to enhance academic standards and research capacity. These efforts are increasingly being reflected in international rankings.
UK-based education and research organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) recently published the Asia University Rankings 2026. Out of 1,529 universities across Asia, 46 universities from Bangladesh—both public and private—have been included. Among all Bangladeshi universities, Dhaka University secured the top position, while North South University ranked second overall.
In this ranking, four private universities from Bangladesh entered the top 500, and a total of twelve made it into the top 1,000. North South University (NSU) emerged as the highest-ranked private university, securing the 149th position in Asia. Daffodil International University followed in second place among private universities with a rank of 221. BRAC University and East West University placed third and fourth, ranking 260th and 491st respectively. Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology ranked 518th, while Independent University Bangladesh stood at 574th. International University of Business Agriculture and Technology and United International University ranked 644th and 651st, securing the seventh and eighth positions among private universities.
Additionally, Southeast University was ranked between 741 and 750, American International University Bangladesh between 771 and 780, Stamford University Bangladesh between 781 and 790, and the University of Asia Pacific between 901 and 950.
According to QS data, several universities have demonstrated notable improvement over recent years. In the QS international rankings, North South University was placed in the 1001–1200 band in 2022 and has now advanced to the 951–1000 band. Similarly, Daffodil International University improved from the 1200–1400 band in 2022 to the 1001–1200 band this year.
Commenting on this progress, NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury stated,
“To improve our ranking, we are focusing on high-impact research publications and increasing citations. We are attracting international students and faculty and strengthening industry-linked research. These initiatives directly influence our rankings. We have always performed strongly in the Times rankings, and now, for the first time, we have reached 149th position in Asia in the QS ranking. Being among the top 150 universities in Asia reflects the global recognition of our research and academic programs.”
UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Fayez also acknowledged the progress, saying,
“Some private universities are performing very well and advancing rapidly in education quality and research. Their students are also succeeding internationally. However, some institutions are still lagging behind, which is a matter of concern. The Commission is actively working on strategies to support and uplift those universities.”
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