NSU Ranked #1 Private University in Bangladesh at QS Asia University Rankings 2026

North South University (NSU) has achieved a historic milestone by securing the 149th position in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, published on November 4, 2025. This marks the first time a Bangladeshi private university has entered the Top 150 in Asia, solidifying NSU’s position as the number one private university in Bangladesh and the second-best university in the country overall, trailing only the University of Dhaka.

The QS Asia University Rankings 2026 evaluated a record 1,526 universities from 25 Asian countries and regions, with 46 institutions from Bangladesh making the list. NSU’s climb from 155th last year to 149th this year reflects sustained excellence across key indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, research citations, international faculty, and internationalization.

In the QS World University Rankings: Southern Asia regional breakdown, NSU secured 18th place, just behind the University of Dhaka (17th), further establishing its leadership in South Asia’s higher education landscape.

Professor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, expressed pride in the achievement:

“This ranking is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the entire NSU community — our students, faculty, staff, and alumni — whose relentless pursuit of quality, innovation, and academic excellence continues to propel the university forward. We are also delighted to see a growing number of Bangladeshi universities represented in the QS rankings this year, reflecting the rising global visibility of higher education in our country.”

Founded in 1992 as Bangladesh’s first private university, NSU has grown into a leading institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. With over 20,000 students, a robust research ecosystem, and strong industry partnerships, NSU has consistently prioritized global standards, innovation, and employability.

This year’s ranking comes amid a broader trend of increasing recognition for Bangladeshi universities on the global stage. A total of 21 private and 25 public institutions from Bangladesh were featured, with NSU leading the private sector, followed by Daffodil International University (221st), BRAC University (260th), and East West University (491st).

NSU’s success is expected to boost its international student recruitment, research collaborations, and employer confidence, particularly in sectors like IT, business, and engineering — where its graduates are highly sought after.