BRAC University
BRAC University is a private non-profit university in Dhaka, Bangladesh, founded in 2001. It serves 21,000+ undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students through 11 schools, 3 institutes, and 5 centers, with international representation from 27 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersDhaka, Bangladesh
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What BRAC University does
BRAC University is a private, non-profit university established in 2001 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, operating under the BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) framework, the world's largest NGO. Founded by Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the university serves 21,000+ students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs delivered through 11 schools, 3 institutes, and 5 centers, with international representation from 27 countries. The academic portfolio spans business administration, engineering, computer science, architecture, biotechnology, microbiology, pharmacy, law, public health, governance and development, educational development, languages, and the humanities, with English as the medium of instruction and a compulsory Residential Semester at a countryside campus. Notable specialized units include the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (founded 2004), the School of Data & Computational Sciences, BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), and the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER).
The university generates revenue primarily through per-semester tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with pricing varying by department and program (e.g., MBA at 60 credits, EMBA at 45 credits, MPH at USD 12,000 for the 18-month program, SOAS-BRAC Joint PhD at GBP 5,517 per year). The go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via online application portals (separate domestic and international), competitive admission tests and interviews, and outreach through education fairs and the BRAC NGO network. Scholarships and financial aid totaling BDT 381 million annually, plus tuition waivers of up to 50%, are deployed as both social impact instruments and demand-side levers. Research is a significant expenditure line at BDT 644 million in 2023, supported by partnerships with OSUN, SOAS, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, and others. Underlying technology infrastructure includes a Connect student lifecycle management portal, an Atlassian-based online helpdesk, and the Ayesha Abed Library digital portal; no proprietary AI/ML platform or externally documented API exists.
BRAC University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BRAC University
- Legal name
- BRAC University
- Website
- https://bracu.ac.bd
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- BRAC University is a private non-profit university in Dhaka, Bangladesh, founded in 2001. It serves 21,000+ undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students through 11 schools, 3 institutes, and 5 centers, with international representation from 27 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BRAC University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Business & Management Research Universities (EDAHABAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB), Technical Universities with Architecture, Built Environment & Design Engineering (EDAHAEAJ)
Keywords
Where BRAC University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dhaka
- HQ country
- Bangladesh
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
BRAC University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Undergraduate Tuition: Tuition fees charged per semester for undergraduate programs, with different fee structures for various departments. Full-time students typically take 12+ credits per semester.
- Postgraduate Tuition: Graduate programs charge tuition including MBA (60 credits), EMBA (45 credits), and specialized master's programs with varying credit requirements and durations.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: University provides BDT 381 million in annual scholarships. Tuition waivers available for postgraduate programs. Merit-based scholarships awarded each semester.
- Joint PhD Program Fees: SOAS-BRAC University Joint PhD program charges GBP 5,517 per year. The MPH program charges USD 12,000 for the 18-month full-time program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Undergraduate Programs - Merit-based scholarships and waivers |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | MPH Program - Full-time 18-month |
| Subscription | Annual | SOAS-BRAC Joint PhD Program |
| Subscription | Annual | MBA Program - 60 credits |
| Subscription | Annual | EMBA Program - 45 credits |
| Subscription | Annual | MSc in Medical Physics |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
BRAC University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BRAC University delivers higher education services across 11 schools, 3 institutes, and 5 centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offering undergraduate degrees (BBA, BSc Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Architecture, Biotechnology, Law, and humanities), graduate programs (MBA, EMBA, MPH, MSc, MA), and a joint PhD with SOAS University of London. The university operates an English-medium liberal arts curriculum supported by a residential semester program, research institutes, and student services such as the Connect portal and on-campus medical centre.
Product overview
BRAC University is a private university in Bangladesh established in 2001, offering a portfolio of educational programs across 11 schools, 3 institutes, and 4 centers. The university's product portfolio consists primarily of academic programs including undergraduate degrees (BBA, BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Architecture, and more), graduate programs (MBA, MPH, MS in various fields), and doctoral programs. The institution operates several specialized schools including the BRAC Business School, James P Grant School of Public Health, BSRM School of Engineering, and School of Data & Computational Sciences. Key institutes include BRAC IED (Educational Development), BIGD (Governance and Development), and BIL (Languages). Supporting services include the Connect student portal, Online Student Helpdesk, Ayesha Abed Library portal, student transport, medical centre, and residential semester program. The university follows a liberal arts approach with English as the medium of instruction.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- BRAC Business School (BBS) School offering Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Executive MBA programs for students seeking business and management degrees.
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH) School of public health offering Master of Public Health (MPH) program, founded in 2004 to address public health challenges in Asia, Africa and South America.
- BSRM School of Engineering School of engineering hosting the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with programs in EEE, ECE, and related engineering fields.
- School of Data & Computational Sciences School hosting the Department of Computer Science and Engineering offering BS in Computer Science and BS in Computer Science and Engineering programs.
- BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED) Institute offering Master of Science in Early Childhood Development, Master of Science in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and PGD/Master of Education programs.
- BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) Institute offering Master of Development Studies, MA in Governance and Development, and Masters in Procurement and Supply Management programs.
- BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) Institute offering BA in Applied English Language Studies, MA in TESOL, Certificate in TESOL, and various modern language courses.
- Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) Multi-disciplinary post-graduate institute focused on peace and justice studies.
- Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) Centre established in 2011 to encourage Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and develop entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.
- Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) Research centre working on climate physical science and natural resources management for sustainable and adaptive solutions.
- SOAS-BRAC University Joint PhD Program Joint PhD program with SOAS University of London in Political Economy of Development, offering joint supervision and mobility between institutions; three-year program at GBP 5,517 per year.
- Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Full-time 18-month MPH program with USD 12,000 tuition and up to 50% waiver on tuition fees based on merit; multiple scholarships available.
- MBA Program 60-credit (19 courses and internship) two-year full-time MBA program with up to 24 credits waiver available based on academic background.
- Executive MBA (EMBA) Program 45-credit part-time EMBA program expected to complete within two years, with waiver of up to 12 credits available; offered on weekends/evenings for working professionals.
- MSc in Medical Physics 48-credit, 2-year (4 semesters) MSc in Medical Physics program with 25% tuition fee waiver available for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
- Residential Semester Program Unique higher education experience involving practical activity at a specially designed countryside campus, compulsory for all students.
- Connect Student Portal Student lifecycle management system providing access to course registration, grade tracking, billing information, and faculty/staff communication for enrolled students.
- Online Student Helpdesk Portal Centralized platform for students to submit queries, track issue resolution, and access frequently asked questions.
- Ayesha Abed Library Portal Digital library resource portal providing access to academic journals, e-books, and research tools for students and faculty.
- Student Transport Service Affordable, safe, and comfortable transport facilities for students through air-conditioned buses operating on eleven routes across Dhaka city.
- Medical Centre On-campus medical assistance services available to students.
Quantifiable outcome
- 26,000+ graduates serving in various sectors globally
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use BRAC University
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
BRAC University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
BRAC University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
45 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Open Society University Network (OSUN)coreBRAC University is the first university from South Asia to be part of the Open Society University Network. This partnership provides access to global classroom courses, student exchange programs, OSUN summer courses at CEU Budapest, Social Impact Lab, OSUN Science Shop, and Global Fellows program with yearly stipend and travel opportunities.
- SOAS University of LondoncoreJoint PhD program in Political Economy of Development combining SOAS's world-class academic programme with BRAC University's field research opportunities. Students are jointly supervised and spend time at both institutions. SOAS is ranked third globally for development studies.
- Asian Institute of Management, ManilaminorPartnership under BRAC Business School for academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Asian Institute of Technology, BangkokminorAcademic partnership under BRAC Business School for education and research collaboration.
- Bloomsburg University of PennsylvaniaminorInternational partnership under BRAC Business School for academic exchange.
- University of South AustraliaminorInternational partnership under BRAC Business School for academic collaboration.
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins UniversitycoreJames P Grant School of Public Health maintains extensive partnership with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for public health research and education collaboration.
- Harvard School of Public HealthcoreCollaboration with Harvard University for public health research and academic programs through the James P Grant School of Public Health.
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicinecorePartnership with LSHTM for public health research and academic collaboration.
- Columbia UniversitycoreMailman School of Public Health partnership under James P Grant School of Public Health, plus broader collaboration through BRAC Institute.
- University of CambridgeminorPartnership under School of General Education for academic collaboration.
- Princeton UniversityminorPartnership for faculty connections and academic collaboration under School of General Education.
- University of Texas at AustinminorPartnership under School of General Education for academic collaboration.
- Tufts UniversityminorDepartment of English & Humanities partnership for academic exchange.
- Stockholm UniversityminorDepartment of English & Humanities partnership for academic collaboration.
- University of DhakaminorPartnership under Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences for academic collaboration.
- ICDDR,BminorResearch collaboration under Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
- CNRS/CEA, GrenobleminorInternational research collaboration under Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
- Bangladesh Atomic Energy CommissionminorPartnership under Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences for research collaboration.
- Aga Khan Foundation, CanadaminorPartnership under Institute of Educational Development for education research.
- Yale UniversityminorPartnership under Institute of Educational Development for academic collaboration.
- Columbia University, New YorkminorBRAC Development Institute partnership for development research collaboration.
- Institute of Development Studies, SussexminorPartnership under BRAC Institute of Governance and Development for development studies research.
- School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of LondoncorePartnership for joint PhD program and academic research collaboration.
- Karolinska Institutet, SwedenminorPartnership under James P Grant School of Public Health for public health research.
- Makerere University, UgandaminorPartnership under James P Grant School of Public Health for cross-regional public health collaboration.
- George Washington UniversityminorPartnership under James P Grant School of Public Health for public health research.
- University of Illinois, ChicagominorDepartment of Architecture partnership for academic exchange.
- Lancaster University, UKminorDepartment of Architecture partnership for academic collaboration.
- Kyoto UniversityminorPartnership under Disaster Management programs for research collaboration.
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, ThailandminorPartnership for postgraduate disaster management programs and research.
- Bard CollegecorePart of OSUN network with multiple Bard College campuses (Berlin, Annandale, NYC, Simon's Rock) participating in global classroom and exchange programs.
- Central European UniversitycoreOSUN network partner for global classroom courses, summer programs, and collaborative research.
- UN WomenminorPartnerships under School of General Education and various departments for gender studies and women's empowerment research.
- World BankminorResearch collaboration with various faculty members under Department of Economics and Social Sciences.
- ILO (International Labour Organization)minorResearch collaboration with faculty members on labor rights and employment studies.
- RAND CorporationminorResearch collaboration with faculty under Department of Economics and Social Sciences.
- Bangladesh Legal Aid and Service TrustminorPartnership under Centre for Peace and Justice for legal aid and justice sector collaboration.
- ActionAid BangladeshminorPartnership under Centre for Peace and Justice for development and humanitarian work.
- Amnesty InternationalminorPartnership under Centre for Peace and Justice for human rights research and advocacy.
- UNDPminorPartnership under Centre for Peace and Justice for development initiatives.
- The Asia FoundationminorPartnership under Centre for Peace and Justice for governance and development work.
- USAIDminorPartnership under Centre for Peace and Justice for development projects.
- Northumbria University, UKminorPartnership under Disaster Management programs for academic exchange.
- BANGLACRAFTminorMoU signed to strengthen Bangladesh's handicraft sector through collaborative research and development initiatives.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BRAC University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- North South University: North South University is Bangladesh's first private university and a direct competitor for the same domestic and international student pool, offering comparable undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, and humanities.
- Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB): IUB is a leading Bangladesh private university with similar liberal arts orientation, English-medium instruction, and comprehensive program offerings spanning business, engineering, and sciences — competing head-to-head with BRACU for top-tier students.
- East West University: East West University is a top-ranked Bangladesh private university offering comparable undergraduate and graduate programs with similar quality positioning, competing with BRACU in Dhaka for the same applicant pool.
- IBA Dhaka (Institute of Business Administration): IBA Dhaka is the University of Dhaka's business school and a direct competitor for MBA and BBA students, with similar English-medium instruction and corporate-recruitment positioning.
- Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST): AUST is a Bangladesh private university with strong engineering and applied science programs, competing with BRACU's BSRM School of Engineering and School of Data & Computational Sciences.
- United International University (UIU): UIU is a Bangladesh private university offering comparable undergraduate and graduate programs, frequently benchmarked against BRACU on local rankings and competing for the same student segment.
- Daffodil International University: Daffodil International University is one of Bangladesh's largest private universities, competing with BRACU across multiple disciplines including computing, business, and engineering.
Broad incumbents
- University of Dhaka: University of Dhaka is Bangladesh's oldest and largest public university, serving as the dominant incumbent in the Bangladesh tertiary education market and the principal low-cost alternative to BRACU's private offerings.
- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET): BUET is Bangladesh's premier public engineering and technology university, serving as the dominant low-cost incumbent competing with BRACU's engineering and architecture programs.
Regional players
- Aga Khan University: Aga Khan University is a private research university operating across South Asia and East Africa with a similar NGO-affiliated development-focused model, offering comparable health sciences and graduate programs — though primarily in Pakistan and Kenya rather than Bangladesh.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BRAC University social profiles
Digital presenceBRAC University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BRAC University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
BRAC University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BRAC University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BRAC University
What does BRAC University do?
BRAC University delivers higher education services across 11 schools, 3 institutes, and 5 centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offering undergraduate degrees (BBA, BSc Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Architecture, Biotechnology, Law, and humanities), graduate programs (MBA, EMBA, MPH, MSc, MA), and a joint PhD with SOAS University of London. The university operates an English-medium liberal arts curriculum supported by a residential semester program, research institutes, and student services such as the Connect portal and on-campus medical centre.
Is BRAC University a public or private company?
BRAC University is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was BRAC University founded?
BRAC University was founded in 2001. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is BRAC University based?
BRAC University is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the Asia region.
How does BRAC University make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Undergraduate Tuition is the primary driver. The others are postgraduate Tuition, scholarships and Financial Aid and joint PhD Program Fees.
Who are BRAC University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), East West University, IBA Dhaka (Institute of Business Administration), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), United International University (UIU) and Daffodil International University. Broad incumbents are University of Dhaka and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Aga Khan University is listed as a regional player.
Does BRAC University have an API?
No public API is recorded for BRAC University.
What industry is BRAC University in?
BRAC University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHABAE, Business & Management Research Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHAEAB, Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.