Building international competence at Presidency University

At Presidency University, we firmly believe that education must extend beyond the classroom. In today's interconnected world, the value of international exposure cannot be overstated. Over the years, our strategic partnerships with foreign universities have been deliberately designed to deliver tangible benefits to our students, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to thrive in both local and global arenas.

Translating collaborations into real student benefits

Through our partnerships, students gain direct access to a range of opportunities that broaden their academic and professional horizons. These include carefully tailored student exchange programmes, short-term research internships, and access to specialised online courses offered by partner universities. In addition, we are actively working on developing dual-degree programmes in high-demand disciplines such as Engineering and Computer Science. These initiatives ensure that our students are not only exposed to international curricula but also experience different pedagogical approaches and research methodologies.

For instance, a student in Computer Science might spend a semester at a European partner university, participating in workshops on Artificial Intelligence while simultaneously contributing to a joint research project. Similarly, our engineering students often engage in collaborative projects with universities in Southeast Asia, gaining practical exposure to industry-standard practices that are not always available locally. These experiences cultivate adaptability, technical competence, and confidence, which are essential for students entering a competitive job market.

Raising Academic Quality and Global Competitiveness

Our collaborations have had a profound effect on the academic standards at Presidency University. By benchmarking our curriculum and teaching methods against global standards, we are compelled to continuously improve and innovate. This process ensures that our graduates emerge as internationally aware professionals, capable of excelling in multinational companies both within Bangladesh and overseas.

Exposure to global academic environments allows our students to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives. They learn to work in culturally diverse teams, navigate complex projects, and develop solutions that meet international standards. Such experiences are invaluable, particularly in an era where employers are increasingly seeking candidates who combine strong technical skills with cross-cultural competencies.

Addressing the Challenges of International Collaboration

Forming and maintaining active international Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) is not without its challenges. Aligning academic calendars, navigating visa processes, and securing sustainable funding for student mobility are among the most pressing obstacles. We have addressed these challenges through a multifaceted approach. Virtual collaborations and faculty-led research projects have allowed us to maintain active engagement despite logistical hurdles. Furthermore, we actively seek grants from both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and our partner institutions to support mobility and joint initiatives.

This proactive approach ensures that our collaborations remain dynamic and mutually beneficial. While the traditional model of physical exchanges remains important, online programmes and joint research have opened new avenues for global engagement that are cost-effective and highly impactful.

Advancing research, innovation, and faculty development

International partnerships have also enriched our research output and faculty development. Collaborative projects in critical areas such as climate change, Artificial Intelligence, and economics have increased our presence in internationally recognised journals. Faculty members benefit from guest lecturing opportunities, training workshops, and joint research initiatives at partner universities, enhancing their own expertise while contributing to global knowledge creation.

These experiences are not one-way. Our faculty bring back insights and best practices to Presidency University, which inform teaching, curriculum design, and mentoring. In effect, our international collaborations create a cycle of continuous improvement that benefits both students and educators.

Preparing students for the global job market

Beyond academic learning, international exposure develops the soft skills that are increasingly sought after in the global job market. Interaction with international peers and faculty fosters cross-cultural communication, collaborative problem-solving, and a global mindset. Students learn to navigate diverse teams, manage projects in unfamiliar environments, and adapt to evolving industry requirements. These competencies give them a competitive edge, whether they pursue careers in multinational corporations, start-ups, or research institutions.

Moreover, our alumni who have succeeded abroad often return virtually to participate in academic seminars, webinars, and mentorship programmes. Their insights provide current students with practical knowledge of industry trends, global work culture, and emerging technologies. This continuous engagement strengthens our students' readiness for both local and international career opportunities.

Strategic focus on global regions and institutions

Looking ahead, we are prioritising partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, which offer cost-effective models for technical education. Europe, especially Germany and Finland, remains a focus for their excellence in applied sciences and renewable energy research—areas that align closely with Bangladesh's national development priorities. These strategic alliances ensure that our students benefit from the best practices in education while also contributing to areas critical for national progress.

International collaborations are not only about preparing students for overseas opportunities—they also enhance their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the Bangladeshi job market. By integrating global best practices, case studies, and modern pedagogical approaches into our curriculum, we ensure our graduates are equipped with contemporary skills, ethical frameworks, and innovative thinking needed to excel in local companies, banks, and the rapidly growing IT sector.

This approach is reinforced by active engagement with our alumni community. Many of our graduates who are now established in developed countries regularly share their experiences and knowledge through online sessions. Their contributions provide new insights, inspiring our current students to aim high and think globally while acting locally.

Strengthening Industry Linkages in Bangladesh

We recognise that many graduates still face challenges with local job placements. To address this, we have established a dedicated Career Placement Cell that collaborates with leading Bangladeshi corporations to provide internships, career fairs, and guest lectures. We are also introducing industry-specific capstone projects, giving students practical experience that mirrors real-world professional challenges.

These initiatives ensure that our graduates are not only academically competent but also "job-ready" from the moment they step into the workforce. By maintaining close ties with industry leaders and continuously updating our curriculum to reflect market needs, we create a seamless transition from education to employment.

At Presidency University, our international partnerships are more than just agreements on paper—they are transformative platforms for learning, research, and professional development. By exposing our students and faculty to global standards, practices, and perspectives, we cultivate a generation of leaders who are capable, adaptable, and ethically grounded.

Our mission is clear: to prepare students who can navigate both the opportunities and challenges of a globalised world, while also contributing meaningfully to Bangladesh's growth. International engagement is central to this mission, shaping graduates who are competent, confident, and globally competitive.

Through careful planning, strategic collaborations, and a focus on tangible outcomes, we are creating an educational ecosystem that equips our students to succeed on any stage—locally, regionally, or internationally.

Prof Md Anowarul Kabir is Principal Adviser to the board of trustees, Presidency University