# Singapore Considers Dhaka University Bachelor’s Degree Same as Foundation Course

> Bangladeshi degrees, including those from Dhaka University and National University, are increasingly facing recognition issues abroad. In Singapore, DU degrees are treated below their actual level, affecting Employment…

Published: 2026-09-17 · Desk: Latest · Source: Bonik Barta

Shamsul Islam (pseudonym), who works at a financial institution in Singapore, recently applied to renew his Employment Pass. In Singapore, professionals must accumulate at least 40 points to qualify, with 10 points specifically allocated for academic qualifications. From this year, academic credentials must be evaluated by designated assessment agencies. Despite submitting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Dhaka University, the Ministry of Manpower informed him that, according to UK standards, his Dhaka University master’s degree is only considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, while his bachelor’s degree is regarded as equivalent to a foundation course. Consequently, he did not receive any points for his educational background. The ministry noted that he could appeal the decision, but approval would still depend on meeting the minimum 40 points based on salary, contribution to local employment, and workforce diversity.

This problem is not confined to Singapore. Other Bangladeshi professionals have reported similar difficulties, such as certificates from Bangladesh’s National University being treated merely as “diplomas,” complicating the renewal of Employment Passes. Comparable situations have been observed in other countries as well. For instance, Rajib Ahmed, a student pursuing a master’s degree in the United States, explained that degrees from Bangladesh, including those from Dhaka University, are often not recognized as equivalent to master’s degrees, particularly in social sciences. As a result, students frequently need to complete additional graduate courses before being eligible for PhD programs. Education experts attribute this lack of international recognition to several factors, including the rapid expansion of universities in Bangladesh without adequate quality control, outdated curricula that fail to meet global standards, and the absence of formal agreements with international accreditation bodies. Consequently, the higher education system in Bangladesh struggles to achieve recognition and equivalence on the global stage.

Original reporting: https://bonikbarta.com/bangladesh/4IOKULbnBg0CMwxO?fbclid=IwdGRjcANAc91jbGNrA0ByW2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeGucqRsU--1qKjIfFIHo0Er8lI0BeKuOVkeDP_ySbgU1YJlIePbq5xjEIRME_aem_IuVx9Kw89W1_XQQd3hQs-g
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