Things to consider before choosing a private university in Bangladesh

I have learned a lot as a student at a private university, both positive and negative. Looking back, I feel that there were many crucial aspects I should have considered before choosing my university. I might have made a better choice if someone had informed me of these things beforehand.

Many students focus only on the university's name or its advertisements. However, there are deeper issues that can impact both their education and future careers. 

Here are some key factors I have learned from my own experience.

UGC approval and proper recognition

When I first applied to university, I did not think much about University Grants Commission (UGC) approval. I just assumed that if a university was operating, it had to be legitimate.

However, I later discovered otherwise. Without UGC approval, employers and other educational institutions may not recognise a degree. As a result, graduates could face difficulties in finding employment or pursuing higher education. 

To avoid such issues, students should carefully review a university's accreditation before making their choice.

Qualified teachers and student-teacher ratio

I used to believe that all universities must have faculty members with expertise and knowledge. However, I later discovered that some universities have a high turnover rate or hire faculty who are not adequately qualified. 

Faculty members at a good university should have strong academic backgrounds. Ideally, they should hold master's or doctoral degrees from reputable institutions.

Another important factor is the student-teacher ratio. If there are too many students in a classroom and not enough professors, students will not receive sufficient attention. In large classrooms, it becomes challenging to participate in discussions, ask questions, and receive feedback. 

A lower student-teacher ratio ensures a better learning experience and more personalised guidance from professors.

Waivers, hidden fees and academic honesty

Many private universities offer merit-based waivers that can reduce tuition costs. However, what I did not realise was that some universities also have hidden costs. These may include lab fees, exam fees, library charges, or other unexpected costs that increase the overall expense of studying. Some universities even reduce or revoke scholarships after the first semester or in case of backlogs, making education more expensive than expected.

Another issue is academic integrity. A degree from a university with a poor academic standard may not be well respected by employers or other institutions. Before enrolling, students must research these factors and talk to current students to get an idea of the real situation.

Academic process and learning environment

When I was applying to university, I mostly focused on whether I would get accepted. I did not think much about how the admission process impacts the overall quality of education.

A university that admits students without any proper screening process may not have a strong academic environment. If a university accepts students with very low qualifications just to fill seats, it might indicate that they are more focused on profit than on the quality of education.

A good admission process ensures that the students who are admitted are serious and capable. This helps maintain a competitive and inspiring learning environment. It also makes studying more motivating, meaningful, and engaging.

Extracurricular opportunities

After spending some time at the university, I realised that university is not only about attending classes, passing exams, and pursuing a degree. Extracurricular activities play a big role in personal and professional development. Universities that do not have active student clubs, events, or research opportunities may not provide a complete learning experience.

Clubs help students develop leadership skills and teamwork, and expose them to networking opportunities. Events like seminars, workshops, and competitions introduce them to new ideas and practical knowledge. 

Research opportunities are also important, especially for those who want to pursue higher studies. Universities with well-equipped libraries, labs, and research centers can provide better learning experiences than those that lack these facilities.

Alumni support and employability

A good university should have strong connections with industries and companies to help its students find jobs and internships. Universities may offer career counselling services and career fairs that guide students in finding the right career path.

When I started university, I did not think much about what would happen after graduation. But now, I understand that a strong alumni network can make a huge difference. Universities with active alumni networks provide students with valuable guidance and networking opportunities.

Lastly, foreign partnerships and affiliations can add great value to a degree. Some universities have collaborations with international institutions that allow students to participate in exchange programs or pursue higher education abroad more easily.

If I had known all these things before taking admission, I might have made a different choice. Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions in a student's life, so it should be made carefully. Universities often promote themselves with advertisements, but students must look beyond the surface and make the best decision for themselves.