Overview
Bangladesh Open University (BOU), established in 1992, is Bangladesh's only public university dedicated to open and distance learning. It delivers degree, certificate and school-level programmes to learners across the country who cannot attend a conventional campus-based university full time.
Who can take it
BOU serves working adults, teachers and other learners across the country, through a network of 12 regional centres, 63 sub-regional centres and 1,452 study centres. The university reports around 302,777 students across its programmes.
Structure
BOU organises its programmes under seven academic schools.
| School | Example programmes |
|---|---|
| School of Education | Bachelor of Madrasa Education |
| School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Languages | BA / BSS degrees, Arabic language certificates |
| Open School | Secondary and Higher Secondary Certificate programmes |
| School of Business | Master of Business Administration |
| School of Agriculture & Rural Development | Bachelor of Agricultural Education, certificates, Master's programmes |
| School of Science & Technology | Computer Science Engineering, Food Science and Nutrition, Medical Ultrasound diplomas |
| School of Law | No programmes currently listed |
How to register
Admission runs through BOU's online admission system, OSAPS. The process has three broad steps: choosing a programme from the current listings, completing the application through the online system, and following the instructions in that programme's admission circular to finalise enrolment. Each programme has its own start dates and application deadlines, set out in its individual circular.
Scoring and results
BOU's Examination Division administers assessment for its programmes, with results published through dedicated result portals; the university does not publish a single university-wide assessment method, since this varies by programme and school.
Recognition
BOU is a public university in Bangladesh; its degree programmes carry the standing of a public university degree within the country.
Preparation tips
Because BOU teaches primarily through open and distance learning, prospective students should confirm the delivery format, regional/sub-regional/study centre they will be assigned to, and the specific circular deadlines for their chosen programme before applying, since these details are set programme by programme.
Is BOU a distance-learning university?
Yes. BOU describes itself as the only public university in Bangladesh committed to providing education through open and distance learning.
How do I apply to a BOU programme?
Through BOU's online admission system, OSAPS, following the steps and deadlines published in that programme's own admission circular.
Does BOU offer only bachelor's degrees?
No. Its seven schools offer a mix of certificates, diplomas, bachelor's and master's programmes, plus Secondary and Higher Secondary Certificate study through the Open School.