A new study by Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) has found that students from low-income and rural backgrounds face significantly higher risks of dropping out from private universities due to weak English skills, academic gaps, and rural-urban cultural adjustment challenges.

The research, conducted by BUBT between July 2025 and April 2026, identified financial hardship, English language deficiencies, poor mathematics preparation, and social integration problems as the leading causes behind student attrition and transfer intentions in private higher education institutions.

Titled “A Field Investigation Report on Pupils’ Perceptions of Economic and Non-Economic Factors Influencing Admission and Non-Completion of Studies at BUBT,” the study surveyed 2,389 students and analyzed 40 detailed case studies.

The findings were presented on May 20 at BUBT’s International Conference Hall on Thursday, where academics described the report as a timely contribution to understanding the growing challenges facing Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding private university sector.

Chief Guest Syed Masud Husain, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, said the research would help institutions make informed policy decisions at a critical stage in the development of private higher education.

“Private universities will continue to expand gradually in Bangladesh, and BUBT remains committed to research-driven policy solutions to address national education challenges,” he said.

The study revealed that students from families earning above Tk 40,000 per month, those enjoying supportive learning environments, easy campus accessibility, and higher CGPAs were significantly less likely to discontinue their studies.

Researchers used logistic regression and factor analysis to identify four key dimensions shaping student satisfaction and retention: academic and mentoring climate, infrastructure and welfare support, psycho-social and safety environment, and fairness and career support.

Students who expressed interest in transferring to other universities scored substantially lower across all four indicators.

The report found that rural students from low-income families who struggled with English showed transfer intentions ranging between 58 and 65 percent—almost double the overall sample average of 34.9 percent.

Despite expressing satisfaction with BUBT’s proctorial and disciplinary system, many students interviewed during the study called for stronger academic mentoring, better career services, improved infrastructure, and the introduction of PhD programs.

Researchers also found strong positive support for BUBT’s strategic plan to launch PhD programs within the next five years.

The study recommended several policy interventions, including tiered financial aid, English bridge courses, peer mentorship programs, recruitment of senior PhD-qualified faculty, and expanded tutorial support for school and college students through career development initiatives.

Researchers also proposed establishing a secure residential facility named “BUBT Hub” to reduce risks linked to unsafe private accommodation, which the study associated with substance abuse and other student welfare concerns.

The keynote paper was presented by Muhammad Mahboob Ali alongside faculty members and researchers from BUBT’s English and Economics departments.

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