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In an increasingly interconnected world, North South University (NSU) is making significant strides in cementing its position as a global academic powerhouse. With over 300 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across multiple stakeholders, NSU bridges borders, creates research collaborations, and avenues for student and faculty exchanges.
NSU's MoUs encompass agreements with universities, organisations, institutions, and corporations in over 30 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, Malaysia, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Singapore. These agreements allow Bangladeshi students to access world-class education and research facilities.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice chancellor of NSU, emphasised the significance of these collaborations: "At NSU, we believe that partnerships are key to academic excellence and research innovation. Our extensive network of collaborations reflects our commitment to providing our students and faculty with opportunities that transcend borders."
He also stated, "Our goal has always been to enhance NSU's image and reputation both at home and abroad through strategic partnerships and effective communication."
The United States remains a key hub for NSU's academic partnerships, boasting the highest number of collaborations. Over 30 US universities have joined forces with NSU, including The George Washington University, University of Maryland, NYIT, Colorado State University, UC Berkeley, Penn State, St. Xavier University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Texas A&M, UT Arlington, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Notable corporate and philanthropic partners include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The United Kingdom hosts one of the most extensive expatriate Bangladeshi populaces and remains a favourite destination for students from Bangladesh; NSU has inked agreements with 18 universities in the United Kingdom, among them the globally reputed University of Cambridge, Plymouth University, University of Luton, ACCA Institute, University of Hull, University of Nottingham, University of Essex, University of Kent, The University of Sheffield, the Manchester Metropolitan University.
Canada remains a key partner, with NSU collaborating with nine universities, one organisation, and one institute, including the University of Manitoba, Saint Mary's University, Brock University, and the Global Institute for Water Security-University of Saskatchewan.
In Australia, the university has forged ties with 14 institutions, including the University of Canberra, the University of Adelaide, the University of Tasmania, the University of Newcastle, the University of South Australia, the University of Western Australia, Western Sydney University, and Macquarie University, enabling student mobility and joint academic ventures.
Germany, Europe's economic powerhouse, has not been left out by NSU in its collaborations in continental Europe. University tie-ups include the International University of Applied Sciences, Humboldt University zu Berlin, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research, and others.
Shehrina Kamal, a former Bachelor of Science in Economics student at North South University who currently serves as the vice president of Product Management at Everstream Analytics, shared her experience of pursuing a career abroad. Shehrina Kamal said,"After finishing my Bachelor's, I landed an internship opportunity at the DHL global headquarters in Bonn, Germany, through AIESEC (an international 'youth-run' and led, non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation), which I was active in during my time at NSU. Later, I was hired into the Corporate Communications team at Deutsche Post DHL. The path wasn't always linear, but curiosity and willingness to try anything twice kept me going and led me to where I now realise I always wanted to be."
In China, NSU has established partnerships with seven universities and one corporate entity, including Yunnan University and Yunnan Radio and Television University, Hubei University, China Three Gorges University, and Communication University of China, which facilitate cross-border academic cooperation.
The university's extensive network of partnerships underscores its commitment to globalising education while strengthening local industry-academia linkages through its Office of External Affairs (OEA). The OEA bridges NSU and renowned global institutions, aiming to elevate the university's image and reputation locally and abroad. It comprises two divisions: the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the Office of Alumni Affairs (OAA). The OIA is dedicated to developing liaisons, mutual understanding, and agreements with universities and organisations overseas, while also providing support to international students at NSU.
Director of External Affairs Dr Cynthia McKinney stated, "NSU envisions an aggressive approach to internationalisation; we intend to deepen our presence in Bangladesh and broaden our impact globally."
Recognising the importance of regional integration in Asia, NSU has also signed MoUs with 12 universities and three institutes in India, including the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and the University of Calcutta. The university maintains academic ties in Malaysia with leading institutions like INTI International University and Colleges and Taylor's University.
Boosting local linkages: While NSU's international reach continues to expand, its domestic partnerships are equally noteworthy. The university has signed 104 MoUs within Bangladesh, including agreements with 44 NGOs and INGOs. Strategic local alliances include the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Grameenphone, The City Bank, and icddr,b. These collaborations provide industry exposure, internship opportunities, and hands-on training to prepare students for an evolving job market.
Talha Bin Hossain Tanvir's recent employment as an NSU's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate as a Quality Control Officer at Renata Pharmaceuticals highlights the strength of NSU's academic-industry collaboration. His success underscores the university's commitment to producing highly skilled graduates equipped for the competitive pharmaceutical sector. Talha said, "my achievement reflects NSU's rigorous academic training and reinforces the importance of fostering stronger industry linkages to create more opportunities for future graduates."
NSU's robust MoU network reflects its vision to elevate Bangladesh's standing in the global education landscape. As the university intensifies its efforts to forge new collaborations, it reinforces its role as a catalyst for research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. By bridging academia with industry and fostering global partnerships, NSU is empowering its students and contributing to the nation's broader socio-economic progress.
With its sights set on the future, NSU is poised to redefine Bangladesh's academic landscape, ensuring that its graduates are equipped with the skills and expertise necessary to thrive in a globally competitive environment.