The National University has announced admission to its full time MPhil and PhD programmes in 30 subjects for the 2025-26 academic session, according to a report by Prothom Alo.

Interested candidates must complete and submit their online preliminary application forms through the university’s admission portal by 30 September at midnight. For the MPhil programme, applicants are required to pay Tk1,500, while for the PhD programme the application fee is Tk2,000. Applicants must also collect a printed copy of the application form by 5 October.

Research topics related to Bangladesh’s social needs and development, cultural heritage, nation-building process, the Liberation War, political or economic progress, business and trade expansion, education and social challenges will receive priority.

The MPhil programme has a duration of two years, including one year of coursework, while the PhD programme is three years long. MPhil students are required to present one seminar, while PhD students must present two. Those directly admitted to the PhD programme will need to complete coursework alongside MPhil researchers.

Each year, five fellows will be awarded for MPhil and five for PhD under this scheme. MPhil fellows will receive Tk15,000 per month, while PhD fellows will receive Tk20,000 per month.

The programmes cover a wide range of disciplines. The MPhil subjects include Arts (Bangla, English, Arabic, Pali, Sanskrit, Islamic Studies, History, History and Culture of Islam, Philosophy), Social Sciences (Sociology, Economics, Library and Information Science, Social Work, Political Science, Anthropology), Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science), Life and Earth Sciences (Botany, Zoology, Home Economics, Psychology, Geography) and Business Studies (Accounting and Information Systems, Management Studies, Marketing, Finance and Banking, Tourism and Hospitality Management).

The PhD programme includes the same 30 subjects across these five groups.

Eligibility for MPhil requires a minimum second division or GPA 2.75 in SSC and HSC, and at least 50 percent marks or CGPA 2.50 in both bachelor’s (honours) and master’s. For graduates of pass courses with master’s, a minimum of 55 percent marks or CGPA 2.75 is required. Applicants in Bangla and English may apply with 50 percent marks or CGPA 2.50 in master’s.

Eligibility for PhD includes holding an MPhil or equivalent degree from any public or private UGC recognised university in Bangladesh, or a foreign university, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and at least one research publication in a recognised journal. Alternatively, holders of the National University’s Advanced MBA or MAS degree with a CGPA of 3.00 and one publication are also eligible. University teachers with strong academic records, three years of teaching experience, and at least one publication as the principal author may apply directly. Foreign students who meet equivalent standards are also eligible for admission.

The revised admission schedule sets the last date for online application as 30 September 2025, with the payment window through Sonali Seba open from 4 September to 8 October. The written examination will take place on 15 October at the Gazipur campus, with results due on 23 October. Interviews will be held from 27 to 30 October, and the merit list will be published on 9 November. Selected candidates will download pay slips and complete admission between 12 and 20 November, while coursework and research activities will begin on 25 November.

The university has said the fellowships and programmes are aimed at advancing high quality research to address national priorities while supporting promising scholars.