In the early 1990s, higher education in Bangladesh was limited to a few public universities, leaving many qualified students without access to local degree programs. Recognizing the constraints this placed on national development, Professor Dr. M. Almimullah Miyan initiated plans in 1989 to establish a new private university that could meet international standards while addressing the country’s educational needs. Founded in 1991, the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) was designed to combine global academic partnerships with a focus on expanding educational access across Bangladesh.

IUBAT’s formation was marked by collaborative agreements with Kansas State University in the United States, Assumption University, and the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand. These partnerships helped shape the university’s curriculum, quality assurance protocols, and overall academic framework, giving it an international perspective from its inception. The approach proved influential, setting a precedent embraced by subsequent private universities nationwide.

At the core of IUBAT’s mission is the goal of producing at least one professional graduate from every village, ward, and neighborhood in Bangladesh, thereby contributing to the creation of a knowledge-based society. The university actively promotes educational inclusion through extensive scholarship programs that provide tuition waivers based on secondary school examination results—up to full coverage for top performers. Female students benefit from a mandatory 15% tuition waiver, and additional financial supports such as grants, campus employment, loans, and deferred payment options help ensure access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Situated on a seven-acre campus in Uttara, Dhaka, IUBAT offers an environment designed for holistic learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, cultural and sports areas, and wireless internet coverage. The campus incorporates sustainable design features such as renewable energy use and waste management, earning it top rankings in national sustainability assessments.

Supporting students extends beyond academics: the university provides free transportation services across several regional routes to ease commuting challenges and operates on-campus medical, security, and dining services. These resources contribute to student retention and success, particularly for those traveling from remote areas.

IUBAT offers undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business, engineering, agriculture, nursing, tourism, hospitality, and social sciences. Its engineering degrees hold accreditation from BAETE-IEB under the Washington Accord, and its business school boasts ACBSP accreditation from the United States. Research efforts are coordinated through the Miyan Research Institute, emphasizing national priorities such as agricultural productivity and public health. The university has gained recognition for its research output, ranking fourth among private Bangladeshi universities in the 2024 Scopus Index and featuring in several international rankings, including THE World University Rankings and QS Asia University Rankings.

The university’s student body includes approximately 165 international students from 20 countries, supported by specialized services and global academic partnerships with institutions in Malaysia, Canada, and the U.S. This international presence enriches the campus culture and broadens the educational experience for all students.

With a current enrollment exceeding 10,000 and a growing alumni network employed domestically and abroad, IUBAT continues to expand its programs and research initiatives. Guided by the vision of its founder, the institution remains committed to increasing educational access and fostering a skilled workforce essential for Bangladesh’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy. Thirty-five years after its establishment, IUBAT sustains its role as a catalyst for educational opportunity and national development.