Bangladesh, Australia eye stronger higher education partnership

Bangladesh and Australia have expressed keen interest in further strengthening partnerships between their higher education institutions, aiming to expand collaboration in research, skills development and academic excellence.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) said the enhanced cooperation would focus on improving the quality of higher education through strategic academic engagement and joint initiatives between universities of the two countries.

The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting held in Dhaka on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) between UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and a delegation from the Australian High Commission and the Australian Consulate General.

The three-member Australian delegation included Australian Consulate General in India’s Trade and Investment Commissioner Vic Singh, Australian High Commission in Dhaka’s Trade and Investment Commissioner Megha Gupta, and Senior Director of Trade and Investment Mostafizur Rahman.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to deepen long-term collaboration and strategic partnerships between Bangladeshi and Australian universities.

The Australian representatives said Australia’s cooperation in Bangladesh’s higher education sector has been ongoing for years and would continue in the future. As part of that engagement, several roundtable discussions, academic dialogues and joint initiatives have already been undertaken.

They also revealed plans to organise a high-level roundtable meeting in Dhaka this June, where senior leaders from seven to eight leading Australian universities are expected to participate.

In addition, Bangladeshi higher education representatives have been invited to attend the Australian International Education Conference scheduled to be held in Australia in October.

Speaking at the meeting, UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said Bangladesh is working to establish internationally standard higher education institutions and upgrade several universities to global standards.

He added that Bangladesh aims not only to remain a source country for international students but also to emerge as an attractive higher education destination for foreign learners.

Both sides agreed to further expand cooperation in education, research, skills development and strategic academic partnerships, according to the UGC.