UCBD turns global dreams into confident journeys

Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi students enrol in foreign universities, their eyes filled with dreams of earning a global degree and a secure career path. Among them, many struggle to cope with a new learning method or cultural environment. They often lack confidence as well. These challenges significantly affect their academic journeys, which eventually leaves a lasting impact on their professional lives.

However, for many Bangladeshi students, the experiences are different. Instead of being thrown straight into an unfamiliar atmosphere, they begin their journey at Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD), the country's exclusive partner of Monash College.

Through offering the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) and Monash College Diploma programmes right here in Dhaka, UCBD prepares students within a global academic curriculum and context, while securing their pathway into the world-renowned Monash University.

UCBD equips its learners with a global outlook, confidence, and makes them adept at different extracurricular activities, making it easier for the students to adapt and excel in their higher education journey at Monash campuses worldwide.

Take the story of Intisar Mahmud, now in his third year at Monash University, Australia. His academic journey began at UCBD, where he enrolled in the Monash University Foundation (MUFY) programme.

While his peers struggled to adjust to Monash's online academic system upon arrival, Intisar was already well-versed in Moodle, the digital platform used by the university for courses, assignments, and learning resources. "It felt seamless. At UCBD, we were already Monash students. It felt just like that; I resumed my academic journey in Australia exactly from where I had paused in Bangladesh. The foundation year programme made the transition much easier for me," said Intisar.

This early exposure was not just about the convenience it offers—it was a head start. By completing 48 of his required 144 credits from the comfort of his home, Intisar was well ahead of others in facing academic hurdles without crumbling under the workload.

The UCBD graduate now successfully juggles his academic tasks, co-curricular activities, and internship while maintaining excellence in all these fields. Intisar is now pursuing his Bachelor's in Business Analytics, a field he deliberately chose for its growing global demand, and is interning with the Food Microbiology Academy, an opportunity he secured thanks to his previous similar experience at Monash's Industry Expo.

Beyond academics, the UCBD degree also helps Intisar grow his leadership capabilities. His experience at UCBD in different leadership positions helped him become the Vice President of the Islamic Society Club at Monash University.

Leveraging his leadership experiences at UCBD, Intisar successfully spearheaded a collaboration with the global charity MATW Project, raising an unprecedented USD 24,000 for Palestinian relief.

"That leadership journey began with the confidence I built during my UCBD years," he reflects.

If Intisar's story speaks of confidence and preparation, another UCBD graduate named X highlights resilience and growth. A former student of the Monash College Diploma at UCBD, now pursuing studies at Monash University Malaysia, describes her journey as 'transformational'.

Her journey began with the Monash College diploma at UCBD, which laid the foundation for her current success at Monash University Malaysia.

"When I began my academic journey at Monash University, adapting to its demanding academic style, managing the workload felt overwhelming. That was when the education and preparation I had received at UCBD truly proved their worth. That experience at UCBD was not only about academic credit; it prepared me with the mindset, study habits, and technical foundation I needed for university. Now, as I continue my studies at Monash University Malaysia, I am doing well because of the preparation and growth I gained through my diploma," said X.

The success of UCBD graduates such as Intisar and countless others at Monash University over the years shows that the difference between studying abroad and truly excelling lies in preparation. Its students arrive at Monash not as nervous beginners but as confident learners who are familiar with the system and ready to tackle challenges. This advantage goes beyond the classroom; it shapes careers and builds resilience that others often struggle to develop. By giving Bangladeshi students this head start, UCBD has changed what it means to be ready for global education.