Daffodil International University
Daffodil International University is a private Bangladeshi university founded in 2002, part of the Daffodil Group, offering 38 programs across 6 faculties to domestic and international students. It generates revenue through tuition, operates as Bangladesh's #1 ranked private university globally, and is transitioning to an AI-Native University model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersSavar (Birulia), Bangladesh
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Daffodil International University does
Daffodil International University (DIU) is a private university in Bangladesh founded in 2002 and headquartered at Daffodil Smart City in Birulia, Savar, Dhaka. It is the higher education arm of the Daffodil Group conglomerate and operates 38 academic programs across 6 faculties (Science & IT, Engineering, Humanities & Social Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Business), with both undergraduate and postgraduate pathways. The university has 10,000+ employees and over 55,000 alumni across 19 countries, and is positioned as Bangladesh's top-ranked private university in multiple global indices including THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026 (87th globally) and QS Asia University Rankings 2025 (280th in Asia, Very High Research-Intensive status).
DIU's technology footprint centers on an 'AI-Native University' strategy, with named proprietary systems including AI Professors, AI Proctors, StudentsHub (student management), Perfect HR, and an Embedded System Research Center that built a Smart Biogas Plant (20-30 kWh/day) at the main campus. The institution maintains 700+ international academic partnerships and active research collaborations with Microsoft, IEEE, WHO, Google, and AWS. It is currently hosting the IAUP Semi-Annual Conference 2026 in Dhaka.
DIU's revenue model is tuition-driven (subscription/recurring) across its 38 programs, augmented by fees from wholly-owned subsidiaries including Daffodil Computers Limited (hardware/tech), Daffodil Institute of Languages (DIL), and Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences (DISS). Customer acquisition combines direct campus-based admissions, an online self-serve admission portal, international student recruitment through partnerships, and a community-led referral motion powered by its 55,000+ alumni network. A scholarship program covering up to 100% of tuition across 25+ categories supports enrollment volume but creates revenue variability. Specific tuition pricing is not publicly disclosed.
Daffodil International University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Daffodil International University
- Legal name
- Daffodil International University
- Website
- https://daffodilvarsity.edu.bd
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Daffodil International University is a private Bangladeshi university founded in 2002, part of the Daffodil Group, offering 38 programs across 6 faculties to domestic and international students. It generates revenue through tuition, operates as Bangladesh's #1 ranked private university globally, and is transitioning to an AI-Native University model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Daffodil International University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International & Global Research Universities (Multi-Campus/International Footprint) (EDAHABAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA), STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)
Keywords
Where Daffodil International University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Savar (Birulia)
- HQ country
- Bangladesh
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Daffodil International University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Tuition and Academic Fees: Revenue generated from undergraduate and postgraduate program tuition fees across 38 programs in 6 faculties. The university offers various scholarship tiers covering up to 100% tuition for top achievers and eligible students, with over 25 scholarship categories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Up to 100% Tuition Coverage for Top Achievers |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Daffodil International University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Daffodil International University is a private university in Bangladesh that delivers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across 38 programs in 6 faculties. It offers scholarships covering up to 100% tuition across more than 25 categories, supports research and innovation through dedicated research centers, and runs AI-integrated learning and administration platforms. The university is positioned as an AI-Native institution, integrating artificial intelligence across teaching, assessment, and operations.
Product overview
Daffodil International University (DIU) is a private university in Bangladesh offering a comprehensive educational platform with 38 programs across 6 faculties. The core educational offerings include undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs designed around a technology-driven, learner-centric approach. The institution supplements its academic programs with scholarship opportunities (offering up to 100% tuition coverage), research and innovation services with global partnerships (Microsoft, IEEE, WHO, Google, AWS), and dedicated portals for parent engagement (DIU Parents Experience Portal) and news/media coverage (DIU Media Corner). The university positions itself as an AI-Native University, integrating artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, assessment, and administration to enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Undergraduate Programs Undergraduate degree programs spanning multiple disciplines including Science and Information Technology, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences, designed to prepare students for global careers through technology-driven education.
- Postgraduate Programs Graduate-level degree programs including master's and doctoral degrees across various faculties, focusing on advanced research, specialized knowledge, and professional development for career advancement.
- Scholarship Programs Comprehensive scholarship program offering up to 100% tuition coverage for top achievers and eligible students, with more than 25 categories of scholarships and waivers to support diverse student needs.
- Research & Innovation Services University research ecosystem supporting peer-reviewed publications, patents, intellectual property filings, research centers, and PhD scholars with partnerships including Microsoft, IEEE, WHO, Google, and AWS.
- DIU Parents Experience Portal Online community platform providing parents and families with resources, announcements, student activity updates, safety information, hall accommodation details, payment portals, and support services.
- DIU Media Corner / News Portal Official university news portal featuring campus events, academic achievements, partnership announcements, and media coverage of DIU's activities and milestones.
Quantifiable outcome
- 4th in the World — SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Daffodil International University
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Daffodil International University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Daffodil International University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- KePei Education Group (China)coreHigh-level delegation visit from June 24 to July 4, 2026 to strengthen collaboration in education, skills development, innovation, and technology-driven learning. Focus areas include AI, Robotics, IoT, Renewable Energy, Smart Campus Management, and Industry-Oriented Education Systems.
- World AI Alliance (WAA)coreCollaboration for hosting AI Hackathon 2026. World AI Alliance will provide mentorship and incubation support to winning teams for transforming projects into startups. Prize pool of BDT 200,000.
- Văn Lang University (Vietnam)coreCooperation agreement signed during APAIE 2026 for student mobility and dual-degree pathways. Part of Vietnam's emerging destination for international academic engagement.
- FCoEE, Malaysia and Global PartnerscoreDIU joins hands with FCoEE Malaysia and global partners to launch DEFFUUZ Consortium for collaborative educational and research initiatives.
- Dutch Bangla Bank LimitedminorPlatinum sponsor for ICPC 2024 Asia Regional Dhaka Site, providing direct financial sponsorship for the programming competition.
- Adamson University (Philippines)coreMoU signed during AUAP 17th General Conference for joint research, academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- Bataan Peninsula State University (Philippines)coreMoU signed for collaboration in joint research, new academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- Our Lady of Fatima University (Philippines)coreMoU signed for joint research, new academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- Liceo de Cagayan University (Philippines)coreMoU signed for collaboration in joint research, academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- Vikrant University (India)coreMoU signed during AUAP conference for joint research, academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- IES University (India)coreMoU signed during AUAP conference with additional visit on November 21 where both institutions agreed to jointly carry out various activities for education sector improvement.
- Mainz University of Applied Sciences (Germany)coreMoU signed for joint research, academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- Washington University of Science and Technology (USA)coreStrategic MoU signed for academic collaboration including joint research, faculty and student exchange programs, and academic innovations.
- Danubius University (Romania)coreMoU signed for joint research, academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- University of Saint Joseph (Macau, China)coreMoU signed for collaboration in joint research, academic innovations, faculty and student exchange programs, virtual learning platforms, and scholarship opportunities.
- World Health Organization (WHO)minorResearch and Innovation Partner as listed on DIU's official website partner logos section.
- NestleminorResearch and Innovation Partner as listed on DIU's official website partner logos section.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Daffodil International University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB): ULAB is a private Bangladeshi university with liberal arts and social sciences programs, overlapping with DIU's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the same domestic student segments.
- Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB): IUB is a private Bangladeshi university with multi-disciplinary programs, active international partnerships, and a similar tuition-driven business model, competing directly with DIU for quality-conscious students.
- BRAC University: BRAC University is a top-ranked private research university in Bangladesh with multi-disciplinary programs, strong social enterprise orientation, and international accreditation footprint, directly comparable to DIU's positioning and scale.
- North South University: North South University is Bangladesh's leading private university and DIU's closest domestic peer, offering comparable undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple faculties with similar tuition-based revenue models and a focus on international partnerships.
- East West University: East West University is a leading Bangladeshi private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong research focus, serving the same domestic and international student market as DIU.
- University of Asia Pacific: University of Asia Pacific is a private university in Bangladesh offering programs across multiple disciplines, comparable in scale and target market to DIU's undergraduate offerings.
- Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST): AUST is a Bangladeshi private university with a strong STEM and engineering focus, competing with DIU's Faculty of Science and Information Technology for the same technical student pool.
- American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB): AIUB is a long-established private university in Bangladesh with similar engineering, business, and science programs, competing with DIU for the same domestic student base and offering comparable tuition-based degree pathways.
Regional players
- Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU): APU is a Malaysia-based private technology university offering STEM and computing programs with international student focus, serving as a relevant regional peer for DIU's internationalization trajectory and AI/technology positioning.
Broad incumbents
- University of Dhaka: University of Dhaka is Bangladesh's largest and oldest public university, the dominant incumbent in Bangladeshi higher education that sets the competitive ceiling for top private universities like DIU in terms of prestige and graduate outcomes.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Daffodil International University social profiles
Digital presenceDaffodil International University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Daffodil International University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Daffodil International University subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Daffodil International University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Daffodil International 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 Daffodil International University
What does Daffodil International University do?
Daffodil International University is a private university in Bangladesh that delivers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across 38 programs in 6 faculties. It offers scholarships covering up to 100% tuition across more than 25 categories, supports research and innovation through dedicated research centers, and runs AI-integrated learning and administration platforms. The university is positioned as an AI-Native institution, integrating artificial intelligence across teaching, assessment, and operations.
Is Daffodil International University a public or private company?
Daffodil International University is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Daffodil International University founded?
Daffodil International University was founded in 2002. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Daffodil International University based?
Daffodil International University is headquartered in Savar (Birulia), Bangladesh, in the Asia region.
How does Daffodil International University make money?
One revenue line is on record: tuition and Academic Fees.
Who are Daffodil International University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), BRAC University, North South University, East West University, University of Asia Pacific, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is listed as a regional player. University of Dhaka is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Daffodil International University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Daffodil International University.
What industry is Daffodil International University in?
Daffodil International University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHABAI, International & Global Research Universities (Multi-Campus/International Footprint), with a secondary code of EDAHABAA, Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary). Its NAICS code is 6113.