Four Private Universities Among Bangladesh’s Top Six in QS Rankings

Private universities have demonstrated a major shift in the country's higher education landscape, securing four of the top six national positions in the newly released QS World University Rankings 2027.

The annual evaluation, published on Thursday, June 18, by the UK-based higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), featured a total of 13 higher education institutions from Bangladesh, including eight public and five private universities.

The University of Dhaka (DU) maintained its position as the premier institution of higher education in the country. Standing alone at the apex of the domestic table, DU securely anchored its position within the top 600 globally.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) clinched the second position nationally, placing in the 711 to 720 global ranking bracket.

North South University (NSU) secured the third position nationally, while placing in the 901 to 950 bracket globally. This achievement cements its status as the top-ranking private university in Bangladesh. Notably, these three leading institutions successfully sustained their respective positions within the world's top 1,000 universities, mirroring their performances from the previous 2026 evaluation cycle.

The defining feature of this year's rankings is the definitive presence of private institutions within the national top tier. Following North South University, Brac University clinched the fourth position nationally.

Daffodil International University (DIU) secured the fifth position, while American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) rounded out the top six.

The remaining spots on the list of 13 were occupied by prominent public and specialized institutions, illustrating a competitive domestic environment.

The annual QS World University Rankings evaluated 1,504 universities globally this year across 106 countries, utilizing key metrics such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, faculty strength, and internationalization.