The Dhaka University Syndicate has taken a decision to admit students from other universities in regular Master's degree courses of the university, subject to the availability of seats. “Students, who have completed their graduation from any recognised (public and private) university of Bangladesh and are willing take master’s degree from Dhaka University, can apply for admission in DU if there are available seats in the department from 2022-23 academic year,” said a policy paper approved by DU syndicate recently. However, applicants from any university other than Dhaka University can apply for the masters programs in Dhaka University if the minimum requirements set by the individual departments meet as the admission process will be controlled and conducted by individual departments and institutes. Read More: ICT division partners withBrac Kumon to spread Japanese method of learning On the other hand, Dhaka University syndicate, the highest policy making authority of DU, has imposed a minimum requirement that the applicants have to obtain at least CGPA 3.25 in their bachelor program though there is no ban on age and academic session. After fulfilling all the requirements set by individual departments and institutes, applicants have to sit for a 100-mark examination and a viva voce to take final admission. The exam will be held against the available seats and top scorers will be allowed to take admission. However, foreign students can also avail this opportunity with the residential facility while Bangladeshi students will not be able to avail residential facilities as they will be considered as Non-resident. Read More: 6th convocation of Jahangirnagar University on February 25 “DU authority has removed the age and academic session ban from this program so that the students from all walks of life can avail this opportunity. In our country, we have a culture that most of our students take admission in post-graduation courses immediately after completing the bachelor’s degree but in most of the countries of the world, students do their master’s program much later. The decision has been taken to ensure inclusiveness quality education,” prof. Zia Rahman, dean of social science faculty told UNB. “As all general students do not enrol in master's programs after graduation, some seats remain available. To provide our best service, both outsider students and former DU students will get the same opportunity by paying the same tuition for the standard Master's program,” he added. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, “In order to promote inclusiveness and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, we are allowing graduates from other public universities and UGC-approved institutions to enrol in our bachelor's programs.” Read More: World keeps silent as Afghan govt stops education for women: PM Hasina “Private universities are also approved by UGC, so student, who completed the undergraduate courses, will be considered as worthy to admit to these masters’ courses and through this they will have the opportunity so take the subject they like,” he added Earlier, students other than Dhaka University could not avail the opportunity to take master’s degree from Dhaka University but for the first time DU took this academic initiative to provide and create an inter-academic, inclusive and lifelong education system.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Asian University for Women (AUW) have entered into a new partnership to pave the way for female garment workers in Bangladesh to fulfill their dreams of higher studies. BGMEA and AWU will collaborate to expand, enhance and promote the education, leadership and empowerment of female garment workers in Bangladesh. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan and Vice Chancellor of AUW Dr Rubana Huq inked the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on behalf of their respective sides at a hotel in Chattogram on Sunday (January 22, 2023). Also Read: 2022 was a year of turning around: BGMEA From BGMEA, first Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Directors Asif Ashraf, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel and M Ahsanul Hoq, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on UD-Woven & Knit Md Nurul Islam while from AUW its Founder Kamal Ahmad, Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr Beena Khurana, Board of Trustee Member Catherine Watters-Sasanuma, Board Member of AUW Support Foundation Kathy Matsui, and acting Dean of Students Suman Chatterjee were present at the MoU signing ceremony. The collaboration aims to create an opportunity for more female workers from Bangladesh’s garment factories to study higher education at AUW free of cost with support from their respective employers. Under the new partnership, BGMEA will cooperate with AUW to facilitate enrolment of 500 qualified females working in RMG factories in Bangladesh in AUW’s five-year university education “Pathways for Promise” program. Read More: Chattogram BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology starts journey Pathways for Promise, an initiative within the AUW and BGMEA, provides free education to talented women from among Bangladeshi garment factory workers. Already over 90 girls, who are RMG workers, are studying at AUW. During the years of studying, the factory authorities pay regular monthly salary to the workers enrolled in AUW so that their families do not face any hardship, according to BGMEA. AUW provides each Pathways scholar a financial aid package that fully covers all costs of room, board, tuition, books and supplies, primary health care and other basic needs throughout the entire duration of her participation in the Pathways for Promise Program. Read More: Safe Digital Space: AUW, UNDP to promote intercommunal, religious harmony BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the RMG industry is not only the biggest of export earnings but also a means for millions of people to fulfill their dreams. “The Pathways for Promise is a glowing example of how the RMG industry contributes to women realizing their dreams, earning dignity in family and society with education and employment,” he said. “I believe, through today’s MoU signing ceremony, we will take the partnership between AUW and BGMEA to another level and we will be able to contribute more,” he added. Read More: HSBC, AUW launch one-year master of science in apparel, retail management programme Only women who have completed high school are eligible to apply and have to take selection exams. Those who passed are interviewed and successful get admission to the university for higher studies.

Every year a huge number of students move abroad for the purpose of higher studies. Among these departing students, a significant percentage are undergraduate students. The prospect of better education, lifestyle, security, and potential career are some of the key drivers for the outbounds.  Even several decades ago students only from financially well-off families could afford the high cost of education abroad. However, in recent years, students from middle and lower-middle-class families are also traveling abroad for higher studies. Scopes like Scholarships, low tuition fees, or tuition-free waivers have opened the door for many students to study in overseas countries.  With that in mind, we focused on the best countries around the world to study bachelor degree. Read along if you’re planning on studying your undergraduate abroad. Read Top European Countries Offering Free Education for International Students Top 7 Countries for Undergraduate Studies in 2023 The countries in this list are in no particular order. Each country has its own offerings and requirements. So rather than looking at a countdown, go for the countries that best match your needs and abilities. Almost every country mentioned in this list requires at least 12 years of formal education unless mentioned otherwise. United States of America The first country on the list is the land of the free and American Dreams. Currently, about 1 Million international students are studying in the USA. A large share of these students is pursuing their bachelor's in different branches like Business, Data Analytics, Engineering, and other STEM opportunities. The primary requirement for admission to a bachelor's program in the USA is to clear the SAT. After that, a student can choose their desired stream based on application and offer letters. The average tuition fee per year is $ 45,000 or 45,41,481 BDT (1 USD = 100.98 BDT). Read Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies However, there are a host of scholarships along with campus job opportunities. After graduation, the STEM OPT extension process allows students to get 1 whole year for job searching to settle in the USA. As a whole, the USA is an excellent destination for higher studies given the cosmopolitan nature of its cities. United Kingdom The UK is home to nearly half a million international students and half of them are enrolled in undergraduate courses. By volume, the UK houses 11% of the total international students across the globe in its multitude of colleges and universities. The country has been flourishing in education for several centuries now. It has always attracted students from all corners of the world because of the quality and global acceptance of a UK degree. Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider The average tuition fee in the UK is relatively high compared to other European countries. Expect to pay anywhere between 11,000 euro or 10,70,763 BDT to 67,000 euro or 65,21,920 BDT per year depending on programs and streams. Living cost is also very high with an average starting at around 1000 euro or 99,340 BDT per month (1 Euro= 99.34 taka). However, the UK also offers a good number of scholarships at the undergraduate level. There are also ample part-time job opportunities with a secured career track after graduation. Read How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education Australia There has been a recent surge in Bangladeshi outbounds to Australia, especially at the undergraduate level. There are nearly 850,000 international students studying in Australia. A lion’s share of these students is studying at the bachelor's level.  To apply to an Australian university, students will have to submit required scores at IELTS/TOEFL as proof of English proficiency. The other requirements depend on specific subject bases admission requirements. Business, science, management, and other STEM streams are popular choices for international students. Average tuition fee ranges from 20,000 to 45,000 AUD which is equivalent to 13,10,078 BDT to 29,47,676 BDT (1 AUD = 65.50 BDT). Read Study in Australia: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students In Australia, the overall living cost is around 20,000 AUD per year which can be managed through part-time work opportunities. After graduation, a student can easily settle in Australia  if s/he can manage a full-time job relevant to his/her stream. Germany Are you looking for a country where standard education is offered at a low or no tuition fee? If yes, choose Germany. German Universities are known for their engineering stream majors as they are some of the best in the world. In recent years, Germany has become a prospective destination for bachelor's degrees for international students.  The 16 states of Germany eliminated undergraduate tuition costs at all public German institutions in 2014. Therefore, both domestic and foreign undergraduates presently have access to free education at public institutions in Germany, with only a nominal fee per semester to cover administrative and other costs. Read IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for studying abroad? To study for a bachelor's in Germany, a student will need two things besides the standard requirements – IELTS/TOEFL score and German Language B2/C1 clearance. A bachelor's degree in Germany requires the student to finish at least 1 year of an undergraduate degree in their home country after the usual 12 years of schooling. Besides these, the requirements are international. Germany also requires a block account for tuition and living cost purposes. Currently, the amount is 10,332 euros (10,26,413 taka) which is subject to change. Every month, a portion of the money will be given back to the students for their living costs. However, students can easily manage part-time jobs once they settle in. Read IELTS Preparation: Best Online Free Resources, Mock Tests, and Guidelines for IELTS Academic and General However, private universities in Germany charge tuition fees. The average tuition fee is between 750 to 7500 euros or 74,507 to 74,50,731 BDT per semester (1 Euro= 99.34 taka). The living cost is also around 750 euros per month if you live in the city area. To know more about study opportunities in Germany, check out our detailed review. Denmark Those prospective bachelor's students who don’t want to show a lumpsum bank deposit or want to take a spouse with them can choose Denmark. This beautiful Schengen country allows students to reach Denmark by submitting tuition fees for the first semester only.  Study opportunities in Denmark have been on the rise as the country now consistently ranks on top of the best higher study destinations in the world. Read IELTS Practice Tests: 7 Full Free IELTS Mock Tests to Take Online Like Germany, for admission to a bachelor's degree, Denmark requires the student to complete 13 years of education. So, Bangladeshi students must study for at least 1 year for an undergraduate degree in the home country in addition to the standard 12 years of education.  Tuition fee ranges from 6000 euro or 5,84,052 BDT  to 12,000 euros or 11,68,105 BDT per year depending on programs. Denmark has a low living cost between 600 euros (58,405 BDT) to 800 euros (77,873 BDT). There are also scopes for some scholarships for international students. Moreover, students get part-time work opportunities to support their education and living costs. Read TOEFL Preparation: Best Free Online Resources, Guidelines, and Mock Test Opportunities To know more about studying in Denmark, check out our comprehensive take on the country. Spain Spain is often termed the ever-sunshine country of Europe. The temperate climate, beautiful cities, and rich cultural history make Spain a lucrative destination for many. Students coming to Spain are mainly concentrated in the Business and Arts stream. But recently, the country is pushing STEM education for international students with generous offers. The best thing about bachelor's in Spain is the world-class education and relatively cheaper tuition fees. A non-EU student needs to pay about 650 to 2100 euros per year for a bachelor's program depending on the stream. The amount roughly translates to about 63,271 to 2,04,481 BDT (1 EUR = 97.82 BDT). Read TOEFL Practice Tests: 7 Full Free TOEFL Mock Tests to Take Online The living cost is also moderate. Students can easily get by with around 650 to 800 euros almost anywhere in Spain. Low living costs combined with high minimum wage and work opportunities for students easily make Spain a top choice for a bachelor's abroad. Italy The country of Neapolitan pizza and la Dolce Vita, Italy is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the rivers of Venice to the chapels of Rome, the country exudes culture and heritage unlike any other. The common streams for foreign students in Italy are mostly concentrated between fine arts and applied sciences. These streams are offered in almost all the universities and also have the most scholarship opportunities. Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose? The average tuition fee at a government university in Italy is around 1000 euros or 97,820 BDT per year.  Combine that with an average 950 euro or 92,475 BDT living cost and you have a pretty sweet deal for yourself. Part-time jobs are abundant but it is capped at 20 hours per week. Even with that, a student will be easily able to support their living cost in any Italian city. To top it off, there are government and private scholarships at the bachelor's level making Italy another potential outbound destination. Final Words Many meritorious student in Bangladesh dream to study at a prestigious university abroad. Compared with master's and Ph.D. programs, there are fewer support and scholarship opportunities for international students in the bachelor's degree programs. However, the situation is now changing as more and more developed countries are offering scholarships and tuition fee waivers to prospective international students. Read What should Bangladeshi students pack and bring with them to Western Countries? The key here is to figure out which country aligns with personal interest as well as study stream. There is also the potential settlement aspect after graduation. So far, we have discussed the top countries for studying a bachelor's program abroad. All in all, the countries on this list are probably the best bet when it comes to quality education. Hope it helps!

Almost every meritorious student in Bangladesh dreams of going abroad for higher education. However, not everyone can afford to study in an overseas country due to the high cost of education and living. Some countries offer excellent education as well as job opportunities to foreign students at a very low cost. While in some countries the universities do not charge tuition fees to the international students in bachelor, masters and PhD level. Stay with us to know about some overseas countries where the cost of education and living is cheap and affordable for the Bangladeshi students.  12 Cheapest Countries for Bangladeshi Students Germany Undoubtedly, Germany offers the cheapest higher education among developed countries. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. Rarely a very small fee is payable. Bangladeshi students can get admission in bachelor, masters or PhD programs. At bachelor level, the students need to complete 13 years of schooling. This means you will need to study for one year at the undergraduate level if you are from a non-European country.  Everyone has a fear of learning German. But this fear should not be your priority. At bachelor level most programs are offered in German; but at Masters or PhD level, courses are mostly offered in English. However, German language is needed in everyday activities as well as for part-time jobs.  Read Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students The average monthly living cost in Germany is around 800 euros. However, you can earn this amount by working part-time as the government allows international students to work about 20 hours a week. Norway Norway, the land of midnight, awaits various opportunities for higher education. There is no need to spend money to study at the postgraduate PhD level in this country as the government pays the education expenses from the public treasury. However, Norway doesn’t take international students for bachelor’s studies. Bangladeshi students can do Masters and PhD in Norway. Most of the universities in Norway are equipped with modern facilities and are technology oriented. You can work 20 hours per week while studying. The average living cost in Norway is 500-700 euros per month.  Read Free Education Scopes in Norway for International Students at Masters, PhD Programs However, if you want to study in Norway, you have to learn the language of that country. Because language will help you to get a part-time job as well as a permanent residence.  Italy Italy, one of the leading countries in Europe, now offers a wide range of opportunities for higher education. Every year students from different countries fly to Italy for higher education. They study in graduation, masters, and PhD programs. Students are also coming at the undergraduate level, but their numbers are comparatively low.  You will need to spend 1800-8000 euros per year to study in Italy. On top of that, you can also get scholarships. The living cost will be around 500-700 euros or less, which you can manage by working part-time. Read What should Bangladeshi students pack and bring with them to Western Countries? Austria Another country where you can get higher education at a very low cost is Austria. Foreign students in the country only have to pay a small fee at the time of admission. Various universities in Austria offer degrees in higher and applied subjects. The favorable climate and affordable cost of living have established Austria as an ideal higher education destination for students from around the world.  Among the top universities in Austria are the famous ‘University of Vienna’ and ‘The University of Innsbruck.’ An international student may need to pay 727-7,500 EUR/semester, depending on the university. When it comes to the living cost, you may need to spend anywhere between 500-1000 euros depending on the location. Students can work part-time 20 hours/ week in Austria. Belgium Belgium provides students with quality education in both theoretical and practical subjects. Apart from the advanced education, students can also get jobs in Belgium after completing higher education at a very low cost. Ghent University and the University of Brussels are two of the country’s top higher education institutions.  Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose? The average tuition fee for international students is 940-6,000 EUR depending on the program and university. The average living cost will be around 600 to 800 Euros per month. A student can work 20 hours per week in Belgium. Greece Greece is one of the most traditional centers of higher learning, dating back to Plato and Aristotle. The cost of living in this country is very low. Most of the courses there are taught in English. Don’t think that Greece can be your destination just for studying philosophy. In modern Greece, modern education is provided in various subjects of science.  The average living cost is 450-750 euros per month, while you will need to pay 1,500 and 2,000 EUR per academic year for tuition. Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider Czech Republic As of 2019, more than 50,000 foreign student study at universities in the Czech Republic. The best universities in the country offer higher education in medicine, engineering, and science. Most universities offer higher education in the Czech language. However, English is also taught in many universities in the country.  Free higher education is also available in this country, which is a unique blend of modernity and its own culture.If you go to public or state universities in the Czech Republic, education is almost free. On top of that, you can work 20 hours/ week and 40 hours/ week during summer and semester breaks. The average living cost is 350-750 euros per month in the Czech Republic.  India In recent times there has been a great interest among students to pursue higher education in the neighboring country India. Every year a large number of students enroll in various universities in India to pursue higher education. Also, there are various scholarships available for Bangladeshi students to study in India at a low cost. The cost of education in India is quite cheap compared to other countries.  Read How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education The cost of living and other things are also low in this country. Anyone can easily live a good life in India at a low cost. The cost of studying at Indian universities is cheaper than at private universities in Bangladesh. Education cost in India starts from $3000 a year, and if you can manage a scholarship, it will be less than $3000. Denmark Denmark is one of the most developed countries in Northern Europe. Denmark is known to all for its natural scenic beauty as well as its advanced civic life. Also, it is home to some of the top universities in the world.  Masters and PhD students can get admission easily. Like Germany, for admission in bachelor programs, the international students need to complete 13 years of schooling. This means a Bangladeshi student is required to study for one year at the undergraduate level before applying for admission.  Read IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad? The education cost in Denmark starts from 3,500 euros per semester. Besides, you can also get a scholarship. Students can work 20 hours/ week and full-time during summer. The average living cost is around 300 to 500 euros per month. Mexico According to QS Top University Ranking, Mexico is considered one of the five most affordable countries for students. Depending on location and your lifestyle, you may need to spend $600 to $1200 on living costs in Mexico. Tuition fees depend on the universities. For example, a public university may cost as low as $378 per year. However, Mexico doesn’t allow international students to work in the country. Malaysia Malaysia is another destination for international students due to its cheap cost. An international student can study bachelor's for $1500 a year, while a Masters study will cost $2500 per year. International students can work 20 hours per week. You will need to spend around $300 per month on living costs in Malaysia. Read IELTS Preparation: Best Online Free Resources, Mock Tests, and Guidelines for IELTS Academic and General South Korea As an international student, studying in South Korea can become quite interesting for you. Because, in addition to the world-class education system in the country, you can get close to interesting Korean culture, pleasant weather surrounded by an excellent clean environment and advanced lifestyle.  Education costs start from $1500 per semester, and you will need to spend around $500-$600 on living expenses. However, you can manage some of these costs by working part-time. Bachelor students can work 20 hours a week while Masters students can work 30 hours a week. Final Words In the foreign universities, there are numerous courses in various branches of education. Besides this, a reputed international degree can add value to the academic and professional career of a student or professional. Studying abroad does not have to mean spending a fortune, at least not always. If you are willing to put in a little effort and a little hard work, you can study abroad for a manageable cost. However, the cost of living varies depending on individual preferences.  Read How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know So far we have discussed the top 12 cheapest and affordable countries for Bangladeshi students. Education loans and various scholarships are also easily available in almost all these countries. So if you wish to pursue higher education abroad, you can apply to any of these. 

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) authorities decided to take classes online one day in a week to save power and energy. The decision was taken on Thursday at a meeting of the deans and faculty heads chaired by SUST Vice-Chancellor Farid Uddin Ahmed. According to the decision, on Thursday the classes will be held online and on other four days of the week the classes will be taken physically. The decision will be effective from next Thursday. Read: SUST closed till June 25 amid flooding Besides, transportation facilities of the university will remain suspended on Thursday and on other days it will remain limited, according to university authorities. “We are trying to stand beside people amid the national crisis caused by a global crisis. We will try to save 20 per cent fuel,” said VC Farid Uddin Ahmed.   He requested the department heads and teachers to ensure that the decision does not cause harm to the students. 

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers unexpectedly decided against reopening schools Wednesday to girls above the sixth grade, reneging on a promise and opting to appease their hard-line base at the expense of further alienating the international community. The surprising decision, confirmed by a Taliban official, is bound to disrupt efforts by the Taliban to win recognition from potential international donors at a time when the country is mired in a worsening humanitarian crisis. The international community has urged Taliban leaders to reopen schools and give women their right to public space. The reversal was so sudden that the Education Ministry was caught off guard on Wednesday, the start of the school year, as were schools in parts of the Afghan capital of Kabul and elsewhere in the country. Some girls in higher grades returned to schools, only to be told to go home. Aid organizations said the move exacerbated the uncertainty surrounding Afghanistan's future as the Taliban leadership seems to struggle to get on the same page as it shifts from fighting to governing. Read:Taliban nixes girls higher education despite earlier pledges It also came as the leadership was convening in Kandahar amid reports of a possible Cabinet shuffle. U.S. Special Representative Thomas West tweeted his “shock and deep disappointment” about the decision, calling it “a betrayal of public commitments to the Afghan people and the international community.” He said the Taliban had made it clear that all Afghans have a right to education, adding, “For the sake of the country’s future and its relations with the international community, I would urge the Taliban to live up to their commitments to their people.” The Norwegian Refugee Council, which spends about $20 million annually to support primary education in Afghanistan, was still waiting for official word from the Taliban about canceling the classes for girls above the sixth grade. The NRC also provides emergency shelter, food and legal services. Berenice Van Dan Driessche, advocacy manager for the council, said their representatives had not gotten official word of the change as of Wednesday night, and that girls in the 11 provinces where they work had gone to school but were sent home. The committee's staff in the provinces “reported a lot of disappointment and also a lot of uncertainty” about the future, she said. They said that in some areas, teachers said they would continue to hold classes for the girls until the Taliban issued an official order. Waheedullah Hashmi, external relations and donor representative with the Taliban-led administration, told The Associated Press the decision was made late Tuesday night. “We don’t say they will be closed forever,” Hashmi added. U.N. special representative Deborah Lyons will try to meet Thursday with the Taliban to ask them to reverse their decision, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Earlier in the week, a statement by the Education Ministry had urged “all students” to return when classes resumed Wednesday.

In a surprise decision the hardline leadership of Afghanistan’s new rulers has decided against opening educational institutions to girls beyond Grade six, a Taliban official said Wednesday on the first day of Afghanistan's new school year. The latest setback for girls' education is certain to receive widespread condemnation from the international community that has been urging the Taliban leaders to open schools and give women their right to public space. The unexpected decision came late on Tuesday as Afghanistan’s education ministry prepared for the new year opening of school, which was expected to herald the return of girls to school. A statement by the ministry earlier in the week urged “all students” to come to school. Read: Optimistic female Afghan students attend university classes However the decision to postpone a return of girls going to school in higher levels appeared to be a concession to the rural and deeply tribal backbone of the hardline Taliban movement, that in many parts of the countryside are reluctant to send their daughters to school. Girls have been banned from school beyond Grade 6 in most of the country since the Taliban returned to power in mid-August. Universities opened up earlier this year in much of the country, but since taking power the Taliban edicts have been erratic and while a handful of provinces continued to provide education to all, most provinces closed educational institutions for girls and women. In the capital Kabul private schools and universities have operated uninterrupted. The religiously-driven Taliban administration fears going forward with enrolling girls beyond Grade 6 could erode their base, said Waheedullah Hashmi, external relations and donor representative with the Taliban-led administration. “The leadership hasn't decided when or how they will allow girls to return to school,” Hashmi said. While he accepted that urban centers are mostly supportive of girls education, much of rural Afghanistan is opposed, particularly in tribal Pashtun regions. In some rural areas a brother will disown a brother in the city if he finds out that he is letting his daughters go to school,” said Hashimi, who said the Taliban leadership is trying to decide how to open education for girls beyond Grade 6 countrywide. Read: Afghanistan world's unhappiest country, even before Taliban Most Taliban are ethnic Pashtuns. In their sweep through the country last year, other ethnics groups such as Uzbeks and Tajiks in the north of the country either joined the fight to give the Taliban their victory or simply chose not to fight. “We did everything the Taliban asked in terms of Islamic dress and they promised that girls could go to school and now they have broken their promise,” said Mariam Naheebi, a local journalist who spoke to the Associated Press in the Afghan capital. Naheebi has protested for women's rights and says “they have not been honest with us."

Former officials and lecturers at Afghanistan universities have called on the Taliban to maintain and upgrade the country’s education system instead of creating a new one. Former minister of higher education Abas Basir said Sunday at a conference on higher education held by the Taliban that starting over is a mistake made by previous governments. He says: “Lets not reject everything, starting a new system, we should work more on what we already have.” Taliban caretaker higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani criticized the current education system founded by the international community, saying that religious education was considered insignificant. Read: Taliban guard airport as most NATO troops leave Afghanistan “World tried to take religion out of scientific education which harmed the people,” Haqqani said. He added that “every item against Islam in the educational system will be removed.” The Taliban policy on women’s education was not clear but Tariq Kamal, chancellor of a private university, said women were very interested in some higher education fields and “we need the guidance of Taliban leadership on them.” Kamal spoke for private universities in Afghanistan. HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: LONDON — Military planes carrying British troops and diplomats from Kabul are landing at a U.K. air base after the U.K.’s two-week evacuation operation ended. The U.K. ambassador to Afghanistan, Laurie Bristow, was among those who arrived Sunday at RAF Brize Norton northwest of London, hours after the government announced that all British personnel had left Kabul. Britain says it has evacuated more than 15,000 U.K. citizens and vulnerable Afghans in the past two weeks but that as many as 1,100 Afghans who were entitled to come to the U.K. have been left behind. Vice Adm. Ben Key, who was in charge of the British operation, said: “We tried our best.” In a video message, Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the “colossal” effort, saying it was “a mission unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes.” Read: Taliban takeover prompts fears of a resurgent al-Qaida But he is facing strong criticism over the failure to bring to safety all those Afghans who helped British forces during the 20-year deployment in Afghanistan that began in the wake of 9/11. Johnson acknowledged that Britain “would not have wished to leave in this way,” but said “we have to recognize that we came in with the United States, in defense and support of the U.S. and the U.S. military did the overwhelming bulk of the fighting.” ___ TIRANA, Albania — Two more planes have brought Afghans fearing the Taliban to Albania, bringing the total number of evacuees to 457. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday the two planes landed at dawn with 154 and 28 Afghans, respectively. Most of them will be temporarily housed at a student campus in the capital Tirana, while others were sent directly to hotels. Albania aims to shelter all the evacuees in hotels instead of camps to give them a sense of normalcy. Albania was among the first countries to offer housing to Afghans who have worked with U.S. and NATO forces and others fearing revenge following the Taliban takeover. The Afghans in Albania come from different backgrounds, including activists and university staff, and include children. ___ MADRID — The U.S. Embassy in Spain says that a third flight sent by American forces to Spain has arrived at the Rota military base. Read: Deadly gunfire at airport; Taliban insist on US pullout date The flight arrived early Sunday with 220 evacuees from Afghanistan. ___ KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. State Department is urging all Americans in the vicinity of the Afghanistan’s Kabul airport to leave the area immediately because of a specific, credible threat. The warning early Sunday morning says U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to the airport and avoid all airport gates at this time. It specifically noted the South (Airport Circle) gate, the new Ministry of the Interior, and the gate near the Panjshir Petrol station on the northwest side of the airport. A suicide bombing at the airport on Thursday killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members.

Canada has made significant strides in higher education in recent times. The North American country has been on the choice list of many prospective students looking to pursue their graduation and/or postgraduation in a foreign country. And it's rightly so. The country houses 28 of the top QS-ranked universities in the world. But the cost of studies and accommodation plays a huge factor in choosing a university. So, what are the best cheapest universities in Canada? And are they the right choice for you? Let’s find out. Why choose Canada for higher studies? According to the global index of the ‘Best Country’ to live in the world, Canada came first in 2021. The country had a good track record coming in at number 2 in 2020 and number 3 in 2019. The high standard of living combined with the security and warmth of the Canadian people easy makes it a top choice for aspiring immigrants. In addition to its living standards, education is also top-notch in the country. Canada has some of the cheapest higher education costs among the developed countries. You’ll be surprised to know that education is much more affordable in Canada than in its neighboring country, the US. There are also ample job opportunities both as part times while studying and after graduation. Considering all these aspects, Canada easily ranks as a top choice for higher studies in a foreign country. Read: How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education Top 10 Best Affordable Universities in Canada for International Students in 2021 Simon Fraser University Located in British Columbia, Simon Fraser University is a public research university founded in 1965. Since its inception, the university has focused on the development and patronage of science. It also happens to be the only research university accredited by the US Northwest commission. The university offers undergraduate and post-graduate opportunities for foreign students. The application fee is $125. You will need a minimum of IELTS 7 with 6.5 in each of the bands. The TOEFL requirement is 93 and PTE is set at 65 with a minimum band score of 60. The tuition fee is also quite affordable at $5300 per year. Simon Fraser University is situated in British Columbia which has the BC provincial nominee program. The program allows for easy PR with just over 2 years of work experience after graduation. Read: Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider University of Saskatchewan Founded in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan is a premier public university located in the Saskatchewan province. The university is known for its affordable tuition fees and a host of scholarship opportunities for international students. The application fee for the university is $90. You will need a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS to be eligible for admission. This is also one of the lowest entry requirements among the top universities in Canada. The TOEFL requirement stands at 86 with a minimum of 19 in each band. The tuition fee is also reasonable at $6536 per year. On top of that, you will have access to different on-campus and provincial scholarships. The living cost in Saskatchewan is a bit on the upper side. However, the province offers the easiest PR option in all of Canada. Fluency in English with a permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer will make you eligible for PR in just 6 months. Read Pros and Cons of Reopening Educational Institutions during Pandemic Carleton University Ranked 19th in North America, Carleton University is one of the leading and first private universities in Canada. Even though the university is a private one, it still has an affordable tuition structure compared to its counterparts. The university also offers the highest range of computer sciences, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines. You will need to score IELTS 6.5 to be eligible for admission. Other denomination includes a TOEFL 86 and PTE 60. The application fee is standard at $100. The tuition fee is a bit more compared to the public universities at $7397 per year. However, you will have access to various on-campus opportunities. The living cost in Ontario can be covered with part-time jobs if you spend wisely. The province is the IT hub of Canada. So if you are majoring in computer sciences, you will have easy access to PR. Dalhousie University Situated in Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University is a leading public university in Canada. The university was ranked 279th in the world QS ranking due to its high infrastructure world-class teaching. You will need a minimum IELTS of 7 to be eligible for admission. The TOEFL requirement is a bit higher at 92 and the PTE requirement is at 65 with 54 in each band. The tuition fee is $9192 per year. The PR opportunity in Nova scotia is quite easy thanks to the Nova Scotia Express Entry Experience stream. You can expect to be eligible for PR within 12 months of work experience in the province. Read Govt ready for any regional collaboration in fostering higher education: FM Memorial University of Newfoundland The Memorial University of Newfoundland is known for its high teaching standard and research opportunities. The university has several campuses across Canada and it happens to be the only university in the Newfoundland and Labrador province.

The ferocious second wave of the pandemic has further disrupted the higher education landscape across the world. And Bangladesh is no exception. Here too, Covid-19 has exacerbated uncertainty for over a million-plus students preparing for admission tests to get into colleges and universities, with most of them deferred to curb the spread of the virus. The uncertainty has left these admission seekers scrambling to figure out what else they might consider in case they fail to bag a seat in the university of their choice. Read:DU to hold UG admission test from Oct 1, affiliated college test from Oct 29 The most sought-after Dhaka University, for instance, has deferred the admission test for all its undergraduate courses for the third time this academic year, citing the worsening Covid-19 situation in the country. The other leading academic institutions -- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, and the three public technical universities (CUET-RUET-KUET) -- have all put on hold the admission tests. Forget the admission tests, a number of the 49 public universities in Bangladesh has not been able to conduct internal examinations since the pandemic broke out, resulting in sessions jam. Read JU admission seekers can pay application fees through bKash In fact, in the year 2020, a total of 13,67,377 students successfully completed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent examinations, and by now they were supposed to complete six months of university education. This uncertainty over university admissions and the consequent anxiety have taken a toll on the mental health of many students and made some of them more vulnerable to drug use, UNB has learnt. Female students in the rural areas of Bangladesh are the worst hit, with many of their parents losing their life savings during the pandemic. Many such parents have been forced to marry off their daughters at an early age in the past one year -- dashing their dreams of a higher education. Read HC turns down writ seeking cancellation of MBBS admission test results “I had a dream, a dream to complete my graduation. But the academic sessions jam and the pandemic changed my life forever,"  Saifa Nasrin, one such sufferer, told UNB over the phone from rural Bangladesh. Last month, Saifa's parents married her off to reduce the financial burden on the family. "My husband has made it clear to me that he's not in favour of my higher studies." Of the 49 public universities, 30 are supposed to conduct admission tests for undergraduate programmes.  Read: HC questions exclusion of SSC-2016 passed students from admission test Some 20 of these universities -- barring the top five -- have decided to implement a cluster admission test system. Seven agriculture and three technical universities will also follow the same cluster system. Bangladesh also has 107 private varsities and about 2,254 colleges affiliated to National University. Moreover, these 20 public universities -- excluding Dhaka University, BUET, Rajshahi University, Jahangirnagar University and Chittagong University -- are said to have received a total of 3,81,406 applications for 2020-21 UG admission tests.  Read DU admission tests rescheduled amid pandemic