Verified Facts
The education system in Bangladesh is a complex and multifaceted entity, with a strong emphasis on primary and secondary education, as well as a growing tertiary sector, offering a range of options for both local and international students to study.
Quick Facts
Education System Overview
The education system in Bangladesh is structured into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education, which is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 10, is provided by government-run schools as well as private institutions. Secondary education, which is also compulsory, is divided into two stages: secondary (ages 11-14) and higher secondary (ages 15-17). The quality of education in Bangladesh is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. However, there are significant disparities between public and private schools, with private schools generally offering higher-quality education and better resources.
The public education system in Bangladesh is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for setting curricula, administering exams, and allocating funding to schools. However, the system is often criticized for being overly bureaucratic and inefficient, with many schools lacking basic resources such as textbooks, furniture, and sanitation facilities. In contrast, private schools in Bangladesh are often well-equipped and offer a more comprehensive education, but are also generally more expensive and inaccessible to many students from low-income backgrounds.
Despite these challenges, the education system in Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent years, with enrollment rates increasing and dropout rates decreasing. The government has also implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education, including the introduction of free textbooks for all primary school students and the establishment of a national curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Top Universities
| University | Location | Known For | Est. Tuition (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dhaka | Dhaka | Business, engineering, and social sciences | 1,500 |
| Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology | Dhaka | Engineering and technology | 1,000 |
| University of Chittagong | Chittagong | Business, law, and social sciences | 1,200 |
| American International University-Bangladesh | Dhaka | Business, engineering, and computer science | 6,000 |
| Independent University, Bangladesh | Dhaka | Business, engineering, and social sciences | 5,000 |
| BRAC University | Dhaka | Business, engineering, and social sciences | 4,000 |
| Daffodil International University | Dhaka | Business, engineering, and computer science | 3,000 |
International Schools
- International schools in Bangladesh offer a range of curricula, including International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American systems, and are generally located in major cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong.
- The International School Dhaka is one of the most well-known international schools in the country, offering an IB curriculum to students from preschool to grade 12.
- Tuition fees for international schools in Bangladesh can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the school and the level of study.
- Many international schools in Bangladesh also offer extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art, as well as language support for students who are non-native English speakers.
- Some international schools in Bangladesh also offer boarding facilities for students who are not local to the area.
Studying as a Foreigner
- To study in Bangladesh, foreign students must obtain a student visa, which can be applied for through the Bangladeshi embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Foreign students must also demonstrate proficiency in English, as it is the primary language of instruction at most universities in Bangladesh.
- There are a number of scholarships available to foreign students who wish to study in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Government Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.
- Living costs for students in Bangladesh are generally relatively low, with rent, food, and transportation costs ranging from $200 to $500 per month.
- Foreign students must also register with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit in order to study in Bangladesh.
- Many universities in Bangladesh also offer language support and cultural orientation programs for foreign students.
Education Quality & Challenges
- One of the major challenges facing the education system in Bangladesh is access, with many students in rural areas lacking access to quality schools and resources.
- The education system in Bangladesh is also often criticized for being too focused on rote memorization, rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Despite these challenges, the education system in Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent years, with enrollment rates increasing and dropout rates decreasing.
- The government has also implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education, including the introduction of free textbooks for all primary school students and the establishment of a national curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- However, more needs to be done to address the disparities between public and private schools, as well as to improve the overall quality of education in Bangladesh.