DU to reconsider overseas application fees after Sweden admission row

Dhaka University (DU) is set to reassess its fee structure for students applying to foreign universities.

This decision came after following controversy sparked by the cancellation of a student’s admission to a Swedish institution over unpaid verification charges.

The development was disclosed on Monday by DUCSU Career Development Secretary Md Mazharul Islam in a facebook post after a series of meetings with key university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Controller of Examinations and other concerned authorities.

Currently, students seeking to apply abroad are subject to two separate charges. The first involves fees for sending academic documents, either via official university email or courier, which had previously been set at USD 50 but was reduced to USD 10 after media scrutiny last year. The second is a USD 50 verification fee, imposed when foreign universities request authentication of submitted documents.

The issue drew renewed attention after DU graduate Zinnia Tasnim reportedly lost her admission opportunity at a Swedish university due to non-payment of the verification fee.

In his statement, Mazharul noted that the charges are not arbitrary but stem from a formal syndicate decision. However, DUCSU has formally urged the administration to abolish both fees, arguing that such costs create barriers for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad.

University authorities, according to Mazharul, have acknowledged the concerns and assured that the rationale behind the fees will be reviewed promptly.

NRE/AM