Anti-Poverty Support and Inclusion Notes for Students

1. Introduction Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), as a public university under the Government of Bangladesh, is committed to ensuring equitable access to higher education for all segments of society. Recognising that Bangladesh—despite recent advancements—continues to have a large population living below the poverty line, NSTU plays a vital role in providing affordable and inclusive education to students from low- and lower-income families. This policy outlines the university’s commitments, programmes, and support systems aimed at reducing economic barriers and improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged students. 2. Purpose and Scope This policy aims to strengthen NSTU’s institutional framework for supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It covers admission opportunities, financial assistance, academic support structures, and monitoring mechanisms. The policy applies to all undergraduate and graduate students across departments and institutes of the university, ensuring equitable treatment, transparency, and accountability in all anti-poverty initiatives. 3. Admission Opportunities for Students from Low-Income Families Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) is a public university under the Government of Bangladesh, providing accessible and affordable higher education to all segments of society. Bangladesh, as a recently graduated lower-middle-income country, still has a large portion of its population living below the poverty line. NSTU serves as one of the primary destinations for higher education for students from low- and lower-income families across the country. Admission to NSTU is strictly merit-based through competitive national examinations, which naturally attract students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those from the lowest income quantiles. The total tuition cost for a four-year undergraduate program at NSTU remains extremely low—typically below USD 400 including transportation and semester fees—making higher education accessible to even the bottom 20% income group. In addition, NSTU reserves special admission quotas for students from marginalized and underprivileged communities such as ethnic minorities, tribal groups, Dalit, and Harijan communities, who traditionally belong to the lowest household income groups in Bangladesh. Number of students admitted under privileged quota: 2023: 12 students 2024: 22 students 2025: 14 students NSTU, therefore, maintains an open and inclusive admission policy that ensures equitable access to higher education for students from all economic backgrounds, especially those from the most disadvantaged groups. 4. Graduation and Completion Targets for Low-Income Students NSTU is committed to ensuring 100%-degree completion for all enrolled students, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The university follows a strong academic monitoring system and provides continuous academic support through departmental advisors, mentors, and financial aid schemes to minimize dropouts among students from low-income families. The completion rate of students from these backgrounds remains high due to the low tuition structure, supportive learning environment, and financial aid mechanisms in place. 5. Support and Assistance for Low-Income Students To further assist students from low- and poor-income families, NSTU operates a Full Semester Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme. Under this program, financially challenged students can apply for tuition exemption each semester based on verified family income and faculty recommendation. In 2024, among 1,462 new bachelor’s students, 224 students were granted full-semester tuition fee waivers on the basis of financial hardship. This initiative ensures that no student is deprived of continuing their education due to financial limitations. NSTU also provides affordable accommodation, subsidized transport, and access to student welfare funds, ensuring that all students—regardless of socio-economic status—can pursue and complete their studies successfully. 6. Strategic Alignment, Monitoring and Review NSTU’s anti-poverty commitments are implemented in accordance with national higher education regulations and government policies that aim to promote inclusive and equitable education opportunities. The Registrar's Office and respective departments monitor the application, approval, and implementation of these financial assistance schemes and quota-based admissions to ensure transparency and fairness. This statement and associated policy provisions will be reviewed periodically based on government policy updates, economic indicators, and institutional experience to enhance inclusivity and support mechanisms for low-income students.