Foreign Students in Bangladesh's Public Universities

According to the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 50th Annual Report 2023, released in March and recently in print, there are 633 foreign students enrolled across 21 of Bangladesh's 53 public universities. This marks a decline of 37 from 670 in 2022, continuing a downward trend from 677 in 2021 and a COVID-era peak of 767 in 2020.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur leads with 112 international students, followed by Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh (91), Gopalganj Science and Technology University (87), and Dhaka University (66).

Other notable enrollments include Rajshahi University (28), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) (7), Islamic University (20), Khulna University (36), Bangladesh Medical University (20), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University in Gazipur (46), Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (4), Patuakhali Science and Technology University (50), Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (25), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (2), Noakhali Science and Technology University (3), Jagannath University (1), Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (1), Sylhet Agricultural University (6), Jashore University of Science and Technology (2), Bangladesh University of Professionals (15), and Khulna Agricultural University (11).

Universities with No Foreign Students
The remaining 32 public universities have zero foreign enrollment, including Chittagong University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, National University, Bangladesh Open University, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Comilla University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, Bangladesh Textile University, Barishal University, Rangamati Science and Technology University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Islamic Arabic University, Chittagong Medical University, Rajshahi Medical University, Rabindra University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Digital University, Sheikh Hasina University, Bongomata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Science and Technology University, Sylhet Medical University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, Chandpur Science and Technology University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University in Kishoreganj, Habiganj Agricultural University, Sheikh Hasina Medical University in Khulna, Kurigram Agricultural University, Sunamganj Science and Technology University, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Pirojpur.

UGC attributes the decline to factors like limited promotional efforts, lengthy admission processes, and inadequate facilities, urging enhanced quality and marketing to attract more international students.