Online degrees: Are they any good?

In 2016, Wasef Rana sat for his A Levels — for the fourth time. By then, hopes of a traditional university admission had begun to slip through his fingers. "I got a D and an E," he said, recalling the final blow that sealed his fate with on-campus institutions. "No university accepted me, so I started looking for alternatives."

He eventually found one — in a somewhat unexpected place: an online degree programme. Today, he holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from UK universities, completed from Bangladesh in just three years. "In my family, I am the first and youngest MBA holder," he said. "Graduating with an MBA at the age of 25 from a UK university felt like redemption."

But applicants should proceed carefully. The rapid growth of online education has also created space for diploma mills — institutions offering degrees with little to no academic credibility. Before enrolling, students should verify university accreditation, check for approval by relevant education boards (like UGC in India or Ofqual in the UK), and read reviews or join forums to understand the actual student experience.

Wasef's comeback did not stop there. He is now pursuing his PhD in Strategic Management and Innovation at Xi'an Jiaotong University, China, which is ranked just below 300 in the QS world university rankings.

Stories like Wasef's are becoming more common in Bangladesh, where rising education costs, academic gatekeeping, and shifting career demands are pushing students toward digital classrooms.

With universities across India, the UK and the US offering full-fledged degrees online, Bangladeshi students now have access to alternative paths — some legitimate, some dubious, but many worth a closer look.

Pros and cons

The primary appeal of online degrees, according to students like Wasef and Khairul Bashar Naeeim, lies in accessibility. 

"There are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled for traditional on-campus degrees, which are not required for online degrees," said Naeeim, a Bachelor of Computer Application student at Lovely Professional University in India. "Plus, it is comparatively much easier to manage alongside a job."

Time and cost are also major factors. "This online program allowed me to complete my Bachelor's in two years and my Master's in just one year," said Wasef. "That helped me save time."

Naeeim mentioned that his degree cost him around Tk32,000 per semester — far lower than what many private universities in India or Bangladesh would charge. "In India, private universities can cost up to 10-12 lakh rupees in total for an on-campus degree," he said. "Online degrees are cheaper in comparison."

"Additionally, to complete the online degree, you typically need three years, while a traditional on-campus degree requires four."

The curriculum, students noted, is generally aligned with traditional courses. Naeeim said the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India ensures parity. "The only difference is that one happens on-campus, and the other online. Since UGC oversees the entire system, there is not much of a difference."

But the digital route is not without its headaches. 

Naeeim struggled with support. "It was difficult — nearly impossible — to communicate with teachers outside of class time. Even during class, many teachers did not take questions." Technical issues also cropped up. "Occasional internet issues from the university's end made it tough to be attentive in classes."

These problems can compound for students without reliable internet access or those unfamiliar with self-paced learning. And while online degrees are increasingly accepted globally, the job market in Bangladesh can still carry a bias in favour of traditional degrees.

Getting in

Enrolling in an online degree from Bangladesh is simpler than most imagine. Many Indian universities — such as Amity, Manipal, and LPU — offer international portals where students from South Asia can apply directly. "Their websites usually have specific information for students from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal," said Naeeim. Tuition fees are often the same as those for local students, with separate rates for applicants from outside the region.

Admission typically requires SSC and HSC transcripts, or A Level results. English proficiency may be required, depending on the university. Some institutions also offer recognition of prior learning (RPL), allowing work experience or previous coursework to count toward a degree.

But applicants should proceed carefully. The rapid growth of online education has also created space for diploma mills — institutions offering degrees with little to no academic credibility. Before enrolling, students should verify university accreditation, check for approval by relevant education boards (like UGC in India or Ofqual in the UK), and read reviews or join forums to understand the actual student experience.

The road ahead

Online degrees are no longer just a second choice for students who did not make the cut. For many, they are a deliberate decision. "In India, many people do online MBAs to get promotions," Naeeim said. "And even for undergrad programs, many students are opting for online learning because it is cost-effective."

The global pandemic and a surge in remote work culture have accelerated this trend. Digital credentials — when backed by reputable institutions — are gaining acceptance among employers and academic institutions alike.

According to Wasef, "If someone from Bangladesh wants to get into top universities abroad — with good scholarships — they should consider doing an online Bachelor's from a reputed foreign university and focus on producing high-quality research."

Research, indeed, is a crucial piece of the puzzle. "Aim for excellent grades, and try to publish a paper from your university — or better yet, develop a strong thesis that can attract the attention of foreign universities," he advised.

For working professionals or those juggling family obligations, online degrees offer unmatched flexibility. "There is no hassle of commuting to campus or dealing with paperwork," said Naeeim. "Plus, classes are held only two days per week, so it saves a lot of time."

Still, success in online learning requires discipline, self-motivation, and a willingness to fill the gaps left by the absence of traditional classroom structures. As Wasef put it, "Because of the fast-paced structure, we had to quickly adapt to managing our studies and research. It taught us valuable time management skills."

As online education becomes more sophisticated and degrees from reputable universities continue to gain traction, Bangladeshi students may come to see the virtual classroom not as a fallback, but as a preferred choice. And for individuals like Wasef Rana, who once struggled to pass A Levels, online education means more than a degree — it offers a second chance.