What steps is Islamic University Kushtia taking to improve its global reputation?

Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia, Bangladesh, has actively transitioned from its traditional roots to a modern, comprehensive research institution. To elevate its global reputation and transform into a globally recognized university, the institution has implemented several strategic initiatives focusing on internationalization, curriculum modernization, and research infrastructure.

The key steps Islamic University Kushtia is taking include:

1. International Student Support via ISAC

The university established the International Student Affairs Cell (ISAC) to actively recruit and support foreign students. ISAC serves as a one-stop service center that handles:

• • Full visa support and streamlined admission processes.

• • Financial incentives such as tuition fee waivers and merit-based scholarships.

• • Modern, fully-furnished international student accommodation, specialized healthcare, and dedicated campus facilities (like a gymnasium and transport).

     

2. Global Academic Partnerships (MoUs)

To build academic and research bridges across borders, IU has signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading foreign universities and institutes. These collaborations facilitate student exchange programs, joint research projects, and cultural integration. Notable partnerships include:

• • Japan: Nagasaki University

• • South Korea: Chonbuk National University and Kangwon National University (Wildlife Research Lab)

• • China: Yunnan University and the Confucius Institute (offering Chinese teaching programs and proficiency HSK tests)

• • Brunei: Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA)

• • Turkey: The Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture

3. Comprehensive Modernization of Curriculum

The university is aggressively shifting away from rigid, legacy structures to meet global academic standards:

• Semester and Grading Systems: Departments have systematically transitioned to the international letter-grading and semester systems to allow seamless credit transfers for students looking to study abroad.
• Expanding Global Disciplines: In recent years, IU has introduced globally relevant technical and social science departments, including Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Environmental Science & Geography, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Mass Communication & Journalism.
• Language and Soft Skills: The Institute of Islamic Education and Research (IIER) now offers specialized language and certificate programs (including English, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese) specifically to boost the global employability of its graduates.

4. Upgrading Digital Infrastructure and Research Access

To improve its citation metrics and research footprint—key components of global university rankings like QS—the university has upgraded its IT and library resources:

• Digital Libraries: Students and faculty now have remote access to elite global academic databases through the EBSCO Discovery Service and RemoteXs.
• ICT Cell Support: The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Cell has deployed multimedia and virtual classrooms across departments to support remote international seminars, workshops, and digital learning.

Through these targeted moves in global collaboration and modernization, Islamic University Kushtia has progressively earned placement in global indices, mapping within the #362 spot in the QS Asian University Rankings for Southern Asia.