University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (; abbreviated as UGC) is the apex body responsible for overseeing higher education in Bangladesh, ensuring quality standards, and advising on university development. It was established on 16 December 1972, according to the Presidential Order (P.O. No 10 of 1973) of the Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh. It regulates public and private universities, promoting academic excellence and supporting research initiatives across the country.
In 2010, the Government of Bangladesh announced reform in the UGC, deciding to change UGC into Higher Education Commission of Bangladesh (HEC), which would supposedly develop, expand and enhance the quality of tertiary education in the country.
The UGC is the apex body of all the affiliated public, private and international universities of Bangladesh.
It provides funds for "Government Funded Universities" of Bangladesh. Its mission is to ensure the quality of higher education throughout the country. Private universities must obtain permission from UGC before they are eligible to operate. UGC was designed to maintain the autonomous nature of the universities. The underlying principle is that the government should not engage directly with universities, either individually or collectively; rather, it should interact through the UGC, which in turn liaises directly with the universities. UGC offers scholarships to outstanding students, funds research, and organizes seminars.
BUGC consists of the following members:
There are 57 Public Universities, 116 Private Universities, 3 International Universities, and 2 special universities registered under UGC, Bangladesh.