When I first enrolled in the University of Asia Pacific, like many middle class students in Bangladesh, I was anxious about the financial burden of the private university education. Public universities are lauded for their affordability but getting into one is extremely competitive. Private universities, on the other hand, are considered too expensive for students like me. However, that idea has slowly changed for me, thanks to the merit based waiver system.

At UAP, I receive a tuition waiver between 25% to 100% depending on my academic performance of each semester. This has made a huge difference. It not only reduces the financial pressure on my family but also motivates me to study harder. The motivation comes from knowing that my grades directly impact the amount of waiver I receive. In many ways, it feels like I am paying off my education with the grades I earn.

Changing the game and reputation

For a long time, private universities in Bangladesh has been seen as “money making institutions”. A place where education comes at a high price. But with the rise of merit based waivers policies, this notion has started to change. These policies are helping to rewrite the narrative. Instead of being institutions that cater only to those who can afford them, many private universities are now opening their doors to merit, regardless of financial background.

This system also creates a sense of healthy competition among the students. When students know that their academic performance can directly affect their tuition fee, it makes them take their studies more seriously. It is a kind of pressure that rewards their hard work and encourages them to aim higher.

What top universities are doing

Different private universities have adopted their own merit based policies to support the high achieving students. BRAC University offers full scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds and provides monthly stipends. They specially focus on women, minorities and students with disabilities. North South University (NSU) offers up to 100% tuition waivers for top academic performers by rewarding the top 3% in each department. East West University (EWU) provides both full and partial waivers based on CGPA and runs a “Medha Lalon Fund” to assist financially struggling students. Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) offers 25% to 100% merit based support along with other waivers for siblings, alumni and special categories. United International University (UIU) also offers up to 100% tuition waivers for meritorious students and extends financial aid through multiple ways. In American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) waivers are based on CGPA and include additional support for children of freedom fighters and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Together, these policies are slowly transforming the student population and academic culture within these institutions.

As someone who has benefitted directly, I believe these waiver systems are not just financial aid but are a part of a shift in higher education. The impact of these waivers are both psychological as well as financial. For middle class and lower middle class families, this can mean savings of over Tk50,000 to Tk100,000 per semester. This is a significant reduction that turns higher education from a luxury into a realistic goal.

Moreover, when top private institutions allocate anywhere from 10% to 20% of their annual budget for scholarships and waivers, it reflects a growing institutional equity. The merit based waivers not only broaden the access of education but also raises the academic standards of the institutions. Because a student population driven by performance and not privilege will contribute to a more intellectually vibrant environment.

If this continues, we may see a major shift in the perception of private universities, from being viewed as commercial platforms to being respected as inclusive academic institutions that reward merit over affluence.

In short, merit based waivers are not just financial relief, they are rewriting the curriculum of opportunity.