North South University
North South University (NSU) is a private research university located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established in 1992 as the country's inaugural private institution of higher education under the Private University Act of that year.[1][2] Founded by the Foundation for Promotion of Education and Research—a nonprofit comprising industrialists, philanthropists, academics, and civil servants—the university sought to emulate American models through semester-based systems, credit hours, and programs in fields such as economics, business, and computer science.[2] Formally inaugurated on 10 February 1993, NSU transitioned to its permanent 5.5-acre campus in Bashundhara in 2009, featuring over 1.2 million square feet of facilities including laboratories, an auditorium, and wireless connectivity to support up to 22,000 students across schools of business, arts and social sciences, engineering, and life sciences.[2][1] NSU has emerged as Bangladesh's preeminent private university, consistently ranking first among private institutions in national assessments by QS Asia University Rankings and Times Higher Education, with global standings in the 951-1000 range in QS World University Rankings.[3][4] The institution emphasizes modern infrastructure and academic excellence, maintaining accreditation from the University Grants Commission and offering extensive resources like 17 computer labs and specialized research facilities.[1][5] Despite these accomplishments, NSU has encountered notable controversies, including Anti-Corruption Commission charges against former trustees for embezzling over Tk 10.47 crore and broader allegations of misappropriating Tk 304 crore in funds, alongside claims of irregular admissions practices.[6][7][8] More recently, in October 2025, the university expelled a student accused of desecrating the Quran, prompting campus backlash and highlighting tensions over religious sensitivities.[9][10]History and Founding
Establishment and Early Years
North South University (NSU) was established in 1992 as the first private university in Bangladesh by the Foundation for Promotion of Education and Research (FPER), a non-profit organization formed by eminent industrialists, philanthropists, academics, and senior civil servants.[2] The initiative addressed the absence of a legal framework for private higher education institutions, with founders contributing to the formulation and enactment of the Private University Act (PUA) of 1992, under which NSU gained approval.[2] The university was formally inaugurated on 10 February 1993, marking the start of operations in a modest manner from rented facilities in Banani, Dhaka.[2] [11] Initial academic offerings focused on undergraduate programs in Economics, Business, and Computer Science and Engineering, with curricula adapted from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to ensure international standards.[2] In its formative phase through the 1990s, NSU emphasized building foundational infrastructure and faculty recruitment while navigating regulatory and resource constraints typical of pioneering private education in Bangladesh, gradually expanding enrollment and program scope without a dedicated campus until later developments.[2]Expansion and Milestones
The foundation for North South University's permanent campus in Bashundhara, Dhaka, was laid in 2003, enabling significant infrastructural growth beyond its initial rented facilities in Banani.[1] Construction of the campus superstructures accelerated and concluded in early summer 2009, prompting the university's relocation to a 5.5-acre site featuring 1.2 million square feet of floor space across administrative, North Academic, and South Academic buildings, engineered to support up to 22,000 students with over 100 classrooms, 17 computer labs equipped with approximately 1,850 PCs, and ancillary facilities including an auditorium, gym, and medical center.[1] In 2012, the NSU Foundation transitioned to the NSU Trust under the Private University Act of 2010, establishing a Board of Trustees to oversee operations and aligning governance more closely with international standards.[2] This restructuring facilitated enhanced academic programming and administrative scalability. Expansion continued with the April 2025 inauguration of site development for a new 100-acre campus in Pubachal, Rupganj Upazila, Narayanganj district, intended to accommodate growing enrollment and advanced research infrastructure.[12] The university marked academic progress by entering the 801-1000 band in the QS World University Rankings 2026, underscoring advancements in teaching, research output, and international outlook amid its physical and programmatic growth.[13]Governance and Administration
Leadership Structure
The governance of North South University is headed by the Board of Trustees (BOT), the apex policy-making body responsible for strategic oversight, financial management, and appointment of senior leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor and Syndicate members.[14][15] The BOT comprises founder life members, prominent business leaders, and ex-officio representatives, such as the current Vice-Chancellor.[15] As of October 2025, the Chairman of the BOT is Mr. Aziz Al Kaiser (Tito), a founder life member and Vice Chairman of Partex Star Group, who was elected to the position on June 29, 2025, succeeding Azim Uddin Ahmed.[16][17] Key members include Mr. Azim Uddin Ahmed (Chairman, Mutual Group of Companies), Mr. M. A. Kashem (former President, FBCCI), Mr. Benajir Ahmed (former President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry), Mr. A. S. F. Rahman (Chairman, BEXIMCO Group), and Mr. Mohammed Shajahan (Chairman, Shah Fatehullah Textile Mills Ltd.), among others drawn from industry and professional sectors.[15] The Syndicate functions as the primary executive body for academic and administrative policies, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and including BOT representatives, deans, and senior faculty.[18] Current Syndicate members encompass the Vice-Chancellor, BOT Chairman Mr. Aziz Al Kaiser, Mr. Azim Uddin Ahmed, and other trustees like Dr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad.[18] At the operational level, the Vice-Chancellor serves as the chief executive, managing daily administration, academic affairs, and implementation of BOT directives; the position is held by Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, a professor of management with a Ph.D. from Northeastern University, appointed on September 12, 2024.[19][20] The Vice-Chancellor is supported by the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Treasurer, currently Prof. Abdur Rob Khan (Ph.D., University of Kent), who oversees financial operations and acts in an interim capacity for vice-chancellorial duties.[20] School deans, including Prof. Dr. Dipak Kumar Mitra (School of Health & Life Sciences), Prof. Dr. AKM Waresul Karim (School of Business & Economics), Prof. Dr. Shazzad Hosain (School of Engineering & Physical Sciences), and Prof. Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam (School of Humanities & Social Sciences), report to the Vice-Chancellor and handle departmental leadership.[20]Vice-Chancellors and Key Administrators
The vice-chancellor of North South University serves as the chief executive officer, overseeing administrative and academic operations as outlined in the university's governance structure.[2]| Vice-Chancellor | Term |
|---|---|
| Hafiz G. A. Siddiqi | 2003–2013[21] |
| Amin U. Sarkar | 2013–2016 |
| Atiqul Islam | 2016–2024[22] |
| Abdul Hannan Chowdhury | 2024–present[19] |
Campus and Infrastructure
Main Campus Location and Facilities
The main campus of North South University is located at Plot #15, Block B, Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh.[25] [5] This urban site spans 5.5 acres of landscaped grounds, providing a modern educational environment in the capital city.[1] Construction of the permanent campus began with the foundation laid in 2003, and superstructures were completed by early summer 2009, encompassing 1.2 million square feet of floor space.[1] Key buildings include the 7-story Administrative Building on the west side, the 10-story North Academic Building (NAC) housing the Schools of Business, Arts and Social Sciences, and the Confucius Institute, and the 10-story South Academic Building (SAC) accommodating the Schools of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Life Sciences.[1] The campus features over 100 classrooms, lecture theaters, and exam halls equipped with multimedia and computer terminals, alongside 17 computer laboratories containing approximately 1,850 personal computers, most with internet access.[1] Specialized facilities include 8 pharmacy laboratories and 9 life sciences laboratories for biotechnology, microbiology, and biochemistry.[1] Support infrastructure comprises a fully automated library spanning six floors and over 83,850 square feet, a spacious open-air theater, a large auditorium with 1,100 seating capacity, gym and health clubs, student and faculty lounges, multiple cafeterias, a medical center, student club offices, and game rooms.[1] [26] Additional amenities include WiFi coverage across the campus, IP telephone connectivity, 35 administrative offices, 391 faculty offices, a 4-MW captive power generation system, and a three-level basement parking facility for 600 vehicles.[1] Student-oriented facilities feature a sports and fitness center with gym and basketball court, prayer rooms, recreation center with table tennis, an open auditorium for events, a student counseling center, study halls, and lounges.[27] The medical center, located on the fourth floor of the SAC, provides consultations, first aid, emergency services, and medicine supply.[27]Library and Support Resources
The North South University Library occupies six floors spanning over 70,000 square feet and maintains collections exceeding 51,000 printed books, 87,903 e-books, 64,624 online journals, 1,900 CD-ROMs, 229 DVDs, and 159 audio cassettes.[28][29] As the first RFID-automated library in Bangladesh, it employs radio-frequency identification technology for efficient inventory management and circulation.[29] Services encompass lending, reference assistance, readers' advisory, internet access, database searching, printing, CD writing, and audio-visual resources, with online repositories of faculty and student works initiated in 2003.[30] The facility includes a dedicated study hall with spacious seating and designated group areas to support collaborative learning.[31] Support resources at North South University include the Counseling & Wellbeing Center, which provides individual psychotherapy, couple and family counseling, group therapy, psychological assessments, psychiatric referrals, and life skills workshops, staffed by four professional counselors.[32] Access is available through self-referral via email to counseling.center@northsouth.edu or walk-in appointments at the center located on Level-4 of the Admin Building.[32] The Financial Aid Office coordinates scholarships, tuition waivers, loans, and employment opportunities to assist students with costs, prioritizing aid distribution annually.[33] A campus medical center offers health services, while the Office of Student Affairs facilitates extracurricular engagement through clubs such as the Cine & Drama Club and Human Resource Club.[27][34]Academic Programs and Departments
Schools and Departments Overview
North South University organizes its academic programs into four primary schools, each encompassing multiple departments that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees across diverse disciplines.[35] The School of Business and Economics (SBE) focuses on business administration and economics, with departments including Accounting and Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing and International Business; it provides Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs with majors such as accounting (120 credits), economics (120 credits), finance (120 credits), human resource management (120 credits), marketing (120 credits), and supply chain management (120 credits), alongside a general BBA (120 credits) and BS in Economics (120 credits).[35][36] The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (SEPS) emphasizes engineering, architecture, and applied sciences, featuring departments in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering, and Architecture; undergraduate offerings include Bachelor of Architecture (170 credits), BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering (149 credits), BS in Computer Science and Engineering (130 credits), BS in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (130 credits), and BS in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering (130 credits).[35][37] In the School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS), departments cover biological sciences, public health, and pharmaceutical studies, such as Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Environmental Science and Management, Microbiology, Public Health, and Pharmacy; key programs comprise BS in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (120 credits), BS in Environmental Science and Management (130 credits), BS in Microbiology (120 credits), BS in Public Health (130 credits), and BPharm Professional (199 credits).[35][38] The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) addresses liberal arts, media, law, and social studies through departments including English, Media and Journalism, and Law; it offers BA in English (123 credits), Bachelor of Laws (LLB Honors, 130 credits), and BSS in Media and Journalism (129 credits).[35] These schools collectively support NSU's emphasis on interdisciplinary education and practical skills development, with departments structured to align with industry demands in Bangladesh and globally.[3]Undergraduate and Graduate Offerings
North South University provides undergraduate and graduate programs through its four primary schools: Business and Economics, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Health and Life Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences.[35][39] Undergraduate degrees generally span 120 to 199 credit hours, emphasizing foundational knowledge, practical skills, and major-specific coursework, while graduate programs range from 33 to 60 credits, often incorporating research components, theses, or professional orientations such as executive tracks.[35][39]Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate offerings focus on bachelor's degrees tailored to professional and academic preparation in Bangladesh's context.- School of Business and Economics: Includes the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with majors in accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, human resource management, international business, management, management information systems, marketing, and supply chain management (each 120 credits); a general BBA (120 credits); and BS in Economics (120 credits).[35]
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences: Encompasses Bachelor of Architecture (170 credits); BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering (149 credits); BS in Computer Science and Engineering (130 credits); BS in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (130 credits); and BS in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering (130 credits).[35]
- School of Health and Life Sciences: Features BS in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (120 credits); BS in Environmental Science and Management (130 credits); BS in Microbiology (120 credits); BS in Public Health (130 credits); and BPharm Professional (199 credits).[35]
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences: Offers BA in English (123 credits); Bachelor of Laws (LLB Honours, 130 credits); and BSS in Media and Journalism (129 credits).[35]
Graduate Programs
Graduate programs build on undergraduate foundations, with options for thesis-based research or professional development, including executive formats for working professionals.- School of Business and Economics: Master of Business Administration (MBA, 60 credits); Executive MBA (EMBA, 50 credits); MS in Economics (39 credits); and Master in Development Studies (MDS, 39 credits).[39]
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences: MS in Computer Science and Engineering (33 credits); MS in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (33 credits); MS in Civil Engineering (40 credits); and MS in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science (40 credits).[39]
- School of Health and Life Sciences: MS in Biotechnology (36 credits); MPharm in Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics (36 credits); MPharm in Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy (36 credits); Master of Public Health (MPH, 51 credits); Executive MPH (EMPH, 51 credits); and MS in Environmental Science and Management (36 credits).[39]
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences: MA in English (36 credits); Master in Public Policy and Governance (MPPG, 36 credits); Master of Laws (LLM, 36 credits); Executive Masters in Policy and Governance (EMPG, 36 credits); and MA in History and Asian Studies (36 credits).[39]
Teaching Methodology and Curriculum
North South University employs a credit-hour system modeled after North American academic structures, with undergraduate programs typically requiring 120 credits for a bachelor's degree, completed over four years through a combination of general education, major-specific, and elective courses.[42] [35] The curriculum includes a mandatory General Education Division (GED) component, comprising 28-30 credits in areas such as English composition, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities, designed to foster broad intellectual development and foundational skills like analytic reading, writing fluency, and critical thinking.[43] [44] Teaching methodology emphasizes interactive and student-centered approaches aligned with North American higher education standards, incorporating lectures, seminars, group discussions, laboratory work, and project-based learning to promote practical application and research-informed instruction.[45] [46] Faculty members, often research-active, integrate cutting-edge knowledge into coursework, with assessments including continuous evaluation through assignments, midterms, finals, and presentations rather than relying solely on end-of-term exams.[46] Student feedback plays a key role in quality assurance, as systematic teacher evaluations are conducted regularly to gauge preparation, class management, and communication effectiveness.[47] Graduate curricula build on this foundation, offering master's programs with 30-36 credits focused on advanced specialization, thesis research, and professional skills, while maintaining consistency in pedagogical rigor across disciplines like business, engineering, and sciences.[41] Updates to curricula, such as those implemented from Spring 2019 onward, ensure equivalence and progression without retroactive substitutions, reflecting ongoing adaptation to academic standards.[48] The university operates on a trimester system as of late 2024, allowing accelerated completion and flexibility in course sequencing.[49]Research Initiatives and Institutes
Major Research Institutes
The NSU Global Health Institute (NGHI), established in 2016 under the School of Health and Life Sciences, serves as a platform for collaborative research addressing public health challenges in Bangladesh and beyond. Its mission emphasizes innovation and advocacy in areas such as climate change effects on health, gender-based violence, infectious diseases, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and occupational health. NGHI has produced 108 peer-reviewed publications and secured funding from international bodies including USAID, the World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health, while maintaining memoranda of understanding with 18 national and global partners.[50] The NSU Genome Research Institute (NGRI), inaugurated on May 14, 2017, represents Bangladesh's inaugural facility dedicated to genomic research. It employs advanced technologies including Next Generation Sequencing, high-throughput biology, metagenomics, genome engineering, genotyping, cytogenetics, and single-cell genomics to pursue objectives like genomics epidemiology, functional genomics, precision medicine, epigenetics, population genetics, biobanking, computational genomics, and bioinformatics tool development. NGRI's vision centers on elevating genomic science to enhance health outcomes in South Asia and globally, with contributions such as sequencing Bangladeshi COVID-19 genomes comparable to international variants.[51][52] The NSU Center for Business Research (NSU-CBR) promotes research and innovation to expand business knowledge and support economic development in Bangladesh. It facilitates studies on contemporary business challenges, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary projects involving faculty and industry collaborators.[53] In June 2025, North South University inaugurated the NSU Center of Quantum Computing (NCQC), Bangladesh's first specialized quantum research facility, under the founding directorship of Dr. Mahdy Rahman Chowdhury effective July 1, 2025. NCQC targets advancements in quantum information processing, communication technologies, and quantum machine learning, positioning the university at the forefront of emerging computational paradigms amid global investments in quantum infrastructure.[54][55] The Research Center (RC) coordinates university-wide research efforts, including academic projects, seminars, conferences such as BIABEIT, journal publications, and a centralized database for scholarly outputs, with the goal of publicizing findings and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.[56]Key Research Outputs and Collaborations
North South University has produced over 500 research publications indexed in the Web of Science in 2024 alone, reflecting a growing emphasis on scholarly output across disciplines such as business, engineering, public health, and environmental sciences.[57] The university's Strategic Research Plan for 2024-2028 sets ambitious targets, including 345 Scopus-indexed publications from the School of Business and Economics (SBE) and 1,179 from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (SEPS) by 2028, alongside goals for interdisciplinary outputs in areas like genomics and policy analysis.[58] Faculty members have contributed significantly, with tracking of publications since 2010 and requirements for PhD-holding faculty to publish at least one article in Scopus-indexed journals during recent cycles.[59] Key funded projects highlight practical outputs, including the 2022-2023 "Mapping Study and Size Estimation of Key Population in Bangladesh for HIV Programs," which received BDT 1.6 crore from the government's AIDS/STD program to identify high-risk areas for sex workers, transgender communities, and drug users.[60] From 2019 to September 2025, NSU secured external funding for projects such as the optimization of perishable agro-food supply chains (UGC HEAT grant, August 2025–August 2027) led by Dr. Zerin Tasnim, and biodiversity initiatives for resilient livelihoods (CNRS/Swedish Embassy, June 2025–May 2028) under Dr. Md. Jakariya.[61] Overall, 126 externally funded projects were active or completed between 2018 and 2024, supported by agencies including UGC, NIH, USAID, and BMRC, focusing on topics from mental health tech interventions to agricultural value chains.[61] Collaborations span national and international partners, enhancing research scope and funding access. Domestically, NSU partners with institutions like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on public health mapping and BRAC on policy projects.[60] Internationally, agreements include an MOU with Western Sydney University for business research exchange, a cooperation pact with the University for Business and Technology (UBT) for academic and scientific collaboration, and joint work with Cornell University on human-computer interaction projects led by Dr. Nova Ahmed alongside researchers Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed and Dr. Steven J. Jackson.[62][63][64] The 2024-2028 plan outlines further MoUs with entities like the University of Nottingham, University of Pittsburgh, and Stony Brook University to foster joint grants and interdisciplinary studies.[58]Rankings, Accreditations, and Reputation
National and Global Rankings
North South University (NSU) holds the joint first position among all universities in Bangladesh in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, achieving a global band of 801-1000.[65][66] This ranking evaluates institutions on teaching (14.8 score), research environment (11.3), research quality (80.3), industry engagement (29.4), and international outlook (48.7).[65] In the THE Asia University Rankings 2025, NSU is placed in the 351-400 band.[67] In the QS World University Rankings 2026, NSU ranks in the 951-1000 global band and retains its position as the top private university in Bangladesh.[4] QS assessments emphasize academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, and international faculty and student ratios, with NSU scoring 6.6 overall among Bangladeshi institutions.[68]| Ranking Organization | Year | National Position (Bangladesh) | Global Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings | 2026 | Joint 1st | 801-1000 |
| QS World University Rankings | 2026 | 1st (private) | 951-1000 |
| EduRank | 2025 | 8th | 3053rd |