Massive Scholarship Boost for Jagannath University Students — Are YOU Eligible?

Jagannath University has formally approved a comprehensive new financial support framework titled the Special Scholarship Policy 2025, designed to expand educational assistance for students across multiple departments. The announcement was made on Monday through an official notice signed by the university’s Acting Registrar, Professor Sheikh Rafiqul Islam. The decision follows the institution’s 104th Syndicate meeting, held last Thursday, where the policy received final approval.

The newly adopted policy will apply to students enrolled in the five regular academic years beginning from the 2019–20 session. This includes four years of undergraduate study and an additional year covering postgraduate programmes. Administrators emphasise that the scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate academic merit but face financial barriers.

To determine eligibility, the university plans to use a multi-layered evaluation system. Core criteria include financial hardship, academic performance, classroom attendance, and consistency in overall results. By combining these measures, the university aims to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need while also rewarding diligent and committed students.

However, not all students will qualify under the policy. The guidelines clearly exclude certain categories, such as students who have secured hall accommodation, those living comfortably with family in the capital, individuals who have violated disciplinary regulations, and students who have undergone re-admission for academic reasons. University officials argue that these exclusions are meant to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of funds.

The selection process will begin at the departmental level. Each department will conduct an initial screening of applicants, after which the Central Special Scholarship Committee will review the shortlisted names. The final list of beneficiaries will be published only after receiving approval from the Vice-Chancellor, ensuring that the process remains transparent and institutionally accountable.

Scholarship funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of selected students, a measure intended to minimise administrative delays and ensure that students receive money when they need it most. The new policy is set to take effect from 1 July 2025, and—subject to the availability of government funding—up to 70 per cent of the university’s students may receive scholarship benefits.

Speaking about the policy, the university’s Treasurer, Professor Sabina Sharmin, clarified a typographical mistake in the initial public notice. She stated, “We have finalised the Special Scholarship Policy 2025. There was a typing error in the announcement. Instead of 1 July 2026, it should correctly state 1 July 2025.”

The introduction of this scholarship scheme represents a significant step for Jagannath University, particularly as rising living and education costs continue to challenge the financial stability of many students. By offering targeted assistance, the university aims to ease some of those burdens, enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their studies without interruption.

Moreover, academics and student leaders have welcomed the initiative as a long-overdue reform. Many believe the policy will reduce dropout rates, improve academic performance, and foster a more inclusive learning environment. Although questions remain regarding the final government allocation and the exact number of beneficiaries, the announcement has already generated considerable optimism.

With implementation set to begin in the next academic cycle, the focus will now shift to ensuring that the policy is applied fairly and efficiently. If executed as planned, the Special Scholarship Policy 2025 could transform access to higher education at Jagannath University and serve as a model for other institutions across Bangladesh.