UGC Plans "Two-Plus-Two" Model in Higher Education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has initiated the formulation of a comprehensive national policy framework aimed at elevating the country's higher education system to international standards. Under this proposed national framework, the UGC plans to introduce a "Two-Plus-Two" model for undergraduate honors programs.

Under this model, students will complete the first two years of their bachelor's degree in Bangladesh and the final two years at a partner international university. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive separate degrees from both participating institutions.

Significant policy progress on the initiative was achieved during a high-level meeting held at the UGC office on Wednesday (June 24). The meeting, presided over by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, included representatives from the US Embassy, the British High Commission, and the British Council.

According to the UGC, this national framework will facilitate the academic operations of foreign universities within Bangladesh while expanding global institutional partnerships for domestic universities. Dr. Grace Mukupa, a higher education policy expert and Fulbright Specialist, is actively collaborating on designing the policy framework.

To expedite the drafting and review process, a specialized working committee has been formed, consisting of representatives from the UGC, various universities, the US Embassy, and the British Council. The committee has been directed to submit its final evaluative report within a strict, accelerated timeframe. Once fully implemented, the proposed structural framework will enable dual degrees, joint degrees, student-faculty exchange programs, and collaborative research initiatives between Bangladeshi universities and their counterparts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed emphasized that the core objective of the initiative is to strengthen international collaboration across the country's higher education sector. He noted that the framework aims to ensure globally competitive, high-quality education locally while developing an attractive academic environment for inbound international students.

The high-level strategy meeting was attended by UGC Members Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain and Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, alongside Director of the International Cooperation Division Jasmine Parveen. International dignitaries present included Scott Hartmann, Public Engagement Director at the American Center, alongside Public Engagement Specialist Raihana Sultana and Public Engagement Coordinator Faroha Suhrawardy. Representing the British delegation were Sakib Ershad, Director of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission, Trade and Investment Manager Syeda Habibur Rahman, and Toufiq Hasan, Head of Education at the British Council, among other senior officials.