The University of Dhaka demonstrates a comprehensive approach to supporting students from economically disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds, ensuring that poverty or social exclusion does not impede academic success. Building on admission, financial, and non-academic support measures, the university implements targeted programs and initiatives designed to enable students from the bottom income quintile and underrepresented groups to complete their studies successfully.

Targeted Admission Programs

To increase access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the University of Dhaka implements targeted admission initiatives, including a competitive quota system for indigenous and other marginalized communities. This initiative ensures that historically underrepresented and economically vulnerable groups are admitted and provided a pathway to academic success, directly addressing structural barriers to higher education.

Financial and Academic Support Initiatives

Students from low-income households benefit from a range of financial support mechanisms, including trust fund scholarships, need-based stipends, and a monthly allowance of BDT 5,000 for first-year students, which helps meet living and accommodation costs. The university also facilitates part-time employment opportunities for financially vulnerable students, allowing them to support themselves without compromising academic engagement. Additionally, departments and faculty provide mentoring and academic counselling to monitor student progress and provide guidance tailored to individual needs.

Non-Academic Welfare Programs

The University of Dhaka ensures a supportive environment through a range of non-academic initiatives:

• Housing: subsidized residential halls with affordable meals
• Food: regular hall dining subsidies and low-cost meal options in International Hall
• Transportation: free or low-cost bus services for daily commuting
• Healthcare: free medical consultations and essential medicines at the University Medical Centre
• Counselling and mental health: professional support through the Student Guidance and Counselling Office and department-based mentors
• Legal and administrative assistance: coordinated support via the Office of the Proctor and academic departments
• Emergency response: rapid intervention for issues related to fees, accommodation, or food insecurity, coordinated by hall provosts, house tutors, department chairs, faculty deans, and, if necessary, the Registrar’s and Accounts Offices

Outcome and Impact

Through this integrated ecosystem of targeted admission, financial support, welfare programs, academic mentoring, and rapid emergency response, students from the bottom financial quintile, as well as underrepresented indigenous and marginalized groups, are able to continue their studies without interruption and successfully complete their degrees. The university’s approach exemplifies a holistic, multi-dimensional commitment to ensure that both economic disadvantage and social marginalization do not hinder access to or completion of higher education.