Chittagong, Bangladesh, offers excellent private university options for students seeking world-class higher education opportunities in the bustling port city. Compared to public universities in Bangladesh, which strictly adhere to government-set tuition rates and curricula, private universities have greater flexibility and resources to invest in campus facilities, partnerships, faculty, and programs, thereby creating a more robust learning environment.
This article will provide an overview of 6 of the top private universities available to students in Chittagong, including East Delta University, University of Creative Technology Chittagong (UCTC), Taylor’s ADTP, Southern University Bangladesh, Chittagong Independent University and The Asian University for Women.
Whether you want to study business, engineering, sciences, arts or technology programs, these universities offer diverse quality degrees.
We reviewed the programs, campus features, tuition rate information and more below to learn all about the prime private universities in Chittagong.
| University | Founded | Key Programs | Website |
| East Delta University | 2003 | Business, Economics, Engineering, Pharmacy | www.eastdelta.edu.bd |
| University of Creative Technology Chittagong | 2003 | Engineering, Architecture, Design, Business | uctc.edu.bd |
| Taylor’s ADTP | 2018 | Business, Finance, Economics | taylorsadtp.org |
| Southern University Bangladesh | 2003 | Engineering, Business, Law | www.southern.edu.bd |
| Chittagong Independent University | 1995 | Business, Textiles, Technology | www.ciu.edu.bd |
| Asian University for Women | 2008 | Computer Science, Public Health, Environmental Studies | asian-university.org |
1. East Delta University
East Delta University (EDU) is a leading private research university located right in Chittagong, Bangladesh, focused on subjects including business, economics, engineering, sciences and more.
Founded in 2003 by educationist, MD. Alimullah Miyan, EDU currently has over 5000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs taught by over 300 faculty members. The 51-acre smart campus has state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, auditoriums, dorms and dining facilities.
Some highlights of East Delta University include:
Programs Offered
EDU has four faculties offering diverse degree options:
- Faculty of Business & Economics
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
- Faculty of Sciences & Engineering
- Faculty of Law
Undergraduate programs available cover subjects like Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE), English, Economics, Pharmacy and more.
The university also offers graduate programs including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master’s in English, Master’s of Social Science, and more.
Campus Facilities & Clubs
East Delta University offers excellent facilities across its 51-acre campus, including:
- Smart classrooms with multimedia
- Multiple computer labs
- Engineering workshops
- Lexis hub library
- Auditorium and amphitheatre
- Sports complex, fields and gymnasium
- Student lounges and cafeterias
In terms of extracurricular activities, EDU has diverse clubs covering:
- Debating
- Photography
- Volunteer organizations
- Performing arts (dance, music, drama)
- And more
This allows students to explore their interests and build leadership, communication and collaboration skills outside of just their core studies.
Book Your Free Consultation With Our Expert Counsellors
2. University of Creative Technology Chittagong (UCTC)
The University of Creative Technology Chittagong (UCTC) is a leading private university in Chittagong focused on creative industries like technology, design, media and business.
Established in 2003 by UCTC Foundation, the university aims to develop skilled graduates ready for Bangladesh’s rapidly growing creative economy sectors. It has over 5000 students and offer programs in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, Architecture, Design, Business and more across two modern campuses.
Some key facts about UCTC include:
Faculties & Degree Programs
UCTC has four faculties providing diverse undergraduate and graduate-level programs:
- Faculty of Business & Entrepreneurship
- Faculty of Science & Engineering
- Faculty of Architecture & Design
- Faculty of Media, Arts & Communication
Specific subjects covered span software engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, English, journalism, animation, interior design, and more.
The university focuses on hands-on teaching methods using industry-standard tech and tools. Students get practical experience through lab work, internships, and projects.
Partnerships
UCTC partners with leading global companies and education organizations including:
- Microsoft: Offers specialized training in .NET applications.
- Autodesk: For architecture and design software training.
- North South University: Credit transfer options.
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM): Certification pathway.
This allows students access to an international standard curriculum, software and credentials.
Rankings
In national university rankings, UCTC is consistently top 10 in Bangladesh. It scores highly for campus facilities, clubs, extracurriculars and graduate employability.
Internationally, it has partnerships allowing credit transfers to over 200 universities worldwide.
3. Taylor’s ADTP
Taylor’s ADTP is a private university in Chittagong focused on financial and business education operated by the Malaysian university Taylor’s University. Located in Agrabad, Chittagong the campus has state-of-the-art academic, recreation and dormitory facilities across ten buildings covering 2.4 acres.
Key information on Taylor’s ADTP includes:
Courses and Specializations
Taylor’s ADTP university currently offers two undergraduate degree options:
- BBA in Banking & Finance: Bachelor of Business Administration specialized on banking, investment finance and risk management.
- BBA in International Finance & Economics: Bachelor of Business Administration focused on global trade, economics and financial markets.
The degree programs aim to develop business leaders skilled in fintech, investment strategy, risk analysis, global trade and more through case study teaching methods.
International Student Body
As Bangladesh’s first transnational university, Taylor’s ADTP has an incredibly diverse study body with students coming from Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Syria and more alongside locals. This allows for rich cultural exchange and networking.
Campus Culture & Facilities
The urban campus has exceptional academic, sports, dining and dorm facilities across ten contemporary buildings covering 2.4 acres in Agrabad.
Student life is vibrant with 30+ clubs like photography, volunteer programs, literary groups, a Wave community radio station and more. Events like cultural festivals, conferences, and workshops also happen regularly.
4. Southern University Bangladesh
Southern University Bangladesh (SUB) is a leading private university located 20 minutes from Chittagong city center, focused on business, engineering, sciences and law programs. Founded in 2003, the 120-acre suburban campus has cutting-edge academic, recreation and accommodation facilities catering to over 5000 students.
Programs Offered
SUB has four faculties providing diverse degree options:
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Science & Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Arts
Popular majors cover subjects like Computer Science & Engineering (CSE), Textile Engineering, Law, English Literature, Accounting, Marketing, Finance and more at undergraduate and graduate degree levels.
Sports and Recreation
The 120-acre campus has huge sports and recreation facilities including:
- Football and cricket fields
- Basketball, tennis, badminton courts
- Gymnasium and fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Auditorium for arts and culture
- Lakeside walking trails
This provides students with access to a wide range of fitness activities, competitive sports, and performing arts opportunities beyond their academic pursuits.
5. Chittagong Independent University
Chittagong Independent University (CIU) is a leading private research university located 20 minutes from central Chittagong focused on business, technology, and textile programs.
Founded in 1995 by educationist Dr. Mohammed Shamsul Alam, CIU is one of the oldest private universities in Chittagong with over 5000 graduates across undergraduate and graduate degree programs to date.
Notable facts about CIU:
Rankings
CIU ranks among the top 150 universities in Asia according to Times Higher Education Asia rankings.
It’s #1 in Bangladesh for curriculum, graduate employability, infrastructure and innovation as per UniRank’s 2022 private university rankings.
Admissions Criteria
CIU has very competitive admissions with students requiring high marks on public exams.
Minimum standards are:
- GPA 3.5 on SSC/O Levels
- GPA 3.5 on HSC/A Levels
Candidates then take an admission test and interview before selection.
As CIU is globally-affiliated, many students come from Nigeria, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka alongside Bangladeshis.
6. The Asian University for Women
The Asian University for Women (AUW) is an elite private international university located 20 km north of Chittagong, Bangladesh focused entirely on women’s higher education founded in 2008.
With a highly selective admissions process open to students worldwide, AUW has a diverse student body representing over 20+ countries across Asia and the Middle East. The university aims to develop the next generation of women leaders in areas like business, public health, tech and human rights.
Mission and Approach
AUW aims to provide a rigorous liberal arts and sciences education while empowering women to realize their potential and drive positive change in their local communities and home countries after graduating.
The approach focuses on:
- Critical thinking skills
- Leadership training
- Communication abilities
- Cultural exchange
Alongside their major, all students take courses in English, math, philosophy, ecology, economics, public health and more.
Undergraduate Subjects
Undergraduate majors available:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Public Health
- Politics, Philosophy & Economics
- Environmental Sciences
There are also minors and concentrations possible in areas like sociology, creative writing, journalism, psychology and more.
Current Student Body
As of 2022, AUW has over 800 students enrolled from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam and more.
FAQs
What are the most popular programs at private universities in Chittagong?
Some of the most popular programs at Chittagong private universities include: computer science and engineering, business administration, English and literature, economics, pharmacy, architecture, design, and media programs.
Which private university in Chittagong is the highest ranked?
Based on recent national and global university rankings, some of the highest ranked private universities in Chittagong are: Chittagong Independent University, Premier University Chittagong, the Asian University for Women, University of Creative Technology Chittagong, and East Delta University.
Which private universities offer undergraduate programs in Chittagong?
Many of the private universities featured in this article offer diverse bachelor’s degree programs, including East Delta University, the University of Creative Technology Chittagong, Southern University Bangladesh, and Chittagong Independent University.
How much are the tuition fees at private universities in Chittagong
Tuition fees range between BDT 60,000 and BDT 120,000 per semester at most Chittagong private universities. Research individual school fees and financial aid options
Do all private universities in Chittagong teach classes in English?
Many leading private universities in Chittagong, like East Delta University and the Asian University for Women, teach all classes completely in English throughout undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Others, such as SUB and UCTC, offer some programs in Bangla.
