The University of Dhaka (DU) has officially invited applications for its PhD Programme for the January–June period of the 2025-2026 academic session. Interested candidates are required to apply through their respective departments or institutes under the supervision of a designated faculty member.

Quick Overview

Programme: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Session: 2025-2026 (January–June)

Application Fee: BDT 1,000 (Non-refundable)

Payment Method: Janata Bank (TSC Branch, DU)

Website: www.du.ac.bd

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for enrolment, candidates must fulfil the following academic requirements:

1. Basic Academic Qualifications

An MPhil degree OR a 4-year Bachelor’s (Honours) followed by a 1-year Master’s degree.

Minimum 50% marks in all public examinations.

CGPA Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5.0 (SSC/HSC) and a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (Graduation/Post-graduation).

2. Publication Requirements

Arts, Social Sciences, & Business Studies: At least two research articles published in recognised journals, with at least one as the sole author.

Other Faculties: At least two research publications in peer-reviewed journals.

3. Alternative Eligibility

(For 3-year Bachelor holders) Candidates with a 3-year Bachelor’s (Honours) and a 1-year Master’s degree may apply if they meet the following:

A minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in a recognised institution OR 2 years of research/professional experience in government/autonomous/private organisations.

The publication requirements mentioned above must still be met.

Application & Admission Process

The admission process involves several layers of departmental and administrative approval:

Form Collection: Download the application form from the official DU website.

Supervisor Selection: Candidates must select a supervisor from their respective department/institute.

Equivalence: Candidates with degrees from foreign universities or private universities (other than DU/Public Universities) must first obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Submission: Submit the completed form along with a Research Synopsis, attested transcripts, and the bank deposit receipt to the office of the Chairman/Director of the respective Department/Institute.

Final Approval: The application must be recommended by the Supervisor, Departmental Academic Committee, PhD Sub-committee, and the Board of Advanced Studies before final approval by the Academic Council.

Programme Duration & Structure

Full-time PhD: 4 years. Researchers must take 1 year of leave from their workplace (if applicable). Thesis submission is allowed after 2 years.

Part-time PhD: 5 years. Thesis submission is allowed after 4 years (special cases after 3 years).

Coursework: Mandatory for Science, Biology, Pharmacy, Engineering, Earth & Environmental Sciences, and Law faculties.

Scholarships & Benefits

Merit Scholarships: 30 monthly scholarships will be awarded based on merit.

Special Scholarships: 2 scholarships are reserved under the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust.

Exemption: DU teachers pursuing PhD/MPhil are excluded from the standard researcher-limit per supervisor.

Important Notes for Applicants

Hall Attachment: Candidates must obtain the signature of the Provost of the Hall they wish to be attached to. Note that students cannot be attached to the same hall from which they obtained their Master’s or MPhil.

Employment Leave: Employed candidates (except DU staff) must secure at least one year of leave for the full-time programme.

Thesis Submission: At least one research article as the 1st or corresponding author must be published in a peer-reviewed indexed journal before the final thesis submission.

Penalties: Late submission of fees will incur a fine of BDT 50 per day.