Public universities spend 4 times as much annually per student as TVET institutions

A study titled 'Expenditure review of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions in Bangladesh' conducted by Dhaka University Bureau of Economic Research (BER) found that the annual per-student cost in polytechnic institutes is Tk 40,855, while public universities have a significantly higher average cost of Tk 166,859, about four times higher.
 
BER revealed their study report in a roundtable conference, held in the DU Senate building on Monday.
 
Dr K M Kabirul Islam, secretary of TMED at the Ministry of Education, was present as the chief guest, while Prof Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, DU Pro Vice Chancellor (admin), and Mr Shoaib Ahmad Khan, director general of DTE as special guests at the programme.

DU economics department assistant Prof Md Nazmul Hossain gave the finding presentation.
 
He said, "The study aims to analyze expenditure activities, assess cost per student across programs, identify cost drivers, and recommend cost-efficiency improvements. Using a mixed-method approach, it examines 13 polytechnics and 10 TSCs, selected based on program diversity, institutional scale, and geographical location."
 
The study shows that in the government Technical School and College -TSCs Students' enrolment 64 per cent per year, activity-wise yearly per-student operating cost TK 31,840 taka, yearly government contribution Tk 32,075 for per-student in the FY 2022-23.
 
In the government polytechnics institutions, students' enrollment is 77 per cent, activity-wise yearly per-student operating cost Tk 27,911, graduation rate 72.63 per cent and dropout rate 27.37 per cent in the 22-23 session.
 
"The annual per-student cost in polytechnic institutes is Tk 40,855, while public universities have a significantly higher average cost of Tk 166,859, about four times higher. The median university cost is Tk 144,670. Public engineering and technology universities have the highest per-student cost at Tk 179,559, approximately 4.4 times that of polytechnics," finds the study.
 
The study recommends that a systematic approach is needed to boost TVET enrollment, including surveys, feedback, and awareness campaigns. Upgrading the curriculum with industry collaboration, ICT, and soft skills is crucial.
 
Adequate funding for modern labs and alternative financing sources should be explored. Ensuring quality through assessments, stakeholder feedback, and continuous teacher training will enhance TVET's credibility and effectiveness.