Each course is identified by a two-part numbering system. The first part with three alphabets represents the subject area and the second part refers to the level of the course as follows:
The series 100, 200, 300 and 400 numbers are intended to indicate progressively more demanding content of the course and correspondingly increasing competence on the part of the students enrolled in the course. For example, ACT 301 Intermediate Accounting is a third year course and it is assumed that a student registering in this course has already attended one or more second year (200 levels) courses in Accounting. A student may register in this course before third year if he has already fulfilled the prerequisites for the course. The course may be taken after third year also when the student has fulfilled the prerequisites. Courses numbered 001-099 are remedial or non-credit courses.
Students enrolled in the undergraduate programs of BRAC University are classified as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior and Advanced Senior based on the number of credit hours earned towards a degree. The basis and classification are as follows:
Level |
Earned Credits |
Freshman |
0 to 30 |
Sophomore |
31 to 60 |
Junior |
61 to 90 |
Senior |
91 to 140 |
Advanced Senior |
140+ |
A student who registers for 12 credits or more is considered to be a full time student. A full-time student taking 12 credits in each semester will be able to complete the program in less than four years. Fee waivers, scholarships and academic honors are considered for full time students only.
Maximum period to complete the undergraduate program is eight years from the date of first admission to the university and minimum period to complete the undergraduate program is three years.
Students take courses each semester and these courses have credits assigned to them and the credits are counted towards the degree. Credit hours for a course are assigned on the basis of a 13-week semester. One (1) credit hour means that the course meets for 50 minutes in a class each week; Three (3) credits mean that the class will meet twice a week for 80 minutes in each session. The tutorial/lab/workshop sessions meets for 100 - 150 minutes each week. Two (2) credit courses mean that the course meets twice every week for 50 minutes in each class.
A student should take 4 or more courses per semester and must take at least 9 credits per semester to maintain full time student status. Full-time students of Law and Architecture are required to take a minimum of 12 credits per semester and full-time students of Pharmacy are required to take a minimum of 18 credits per semester. With the approval of the Dean or Chair of Department, a student may take fewer than 12 credits per semester (for Law and Architecture) and 18 credits per semester (for Pharmacy) subject to completing the programme of study within the maximum registration period; the student will then be classified as part-time for that semester only.
The maximum period to complete the undergraduate program is eight years from the date of first admission to the university and the minimum period to complete the undergraduate program is three years (with the exception of the Bachelor of Architecture degree). The maximum period to complete the Bachelor of Architecture degree is ten years from the date of first admission to the University; a student may not complete the Bachelor of Architecture degree in less than the five-year standard period. In addition to that, the working group approved the following regulations on course load.
A freshman is required to take maximum of nine (9) credits/ three (3) courses, whether these are credit or non-credit unless s/he is authorized by the Dean/ Chairperson of respective programs. Engineering programs may allow more than three courses as required by the program structure.
All Programs (except Architecture and Pharmacy) |
i. Minimum Course Load: Nine (9) credits ii. Maximum Course Load: Fifteen (15) credits iii. However, in special cases a student may register for eighteen (18) credits or more (see below). The applicability of the exception will be allowed only if recommended by the respective academic department. The advisor of the student in the respective program may propose the additional credits as a special case and the student may then take approval from the Dean/ Chairperson. The special case then needs to be approved by the Registrar. |
Architecture Program |
i. Minimum Course Load: Nine (9) credits ii. Maximum Course Load: Twenty-One (21) credits with studio course |
Pharmacy Program |
iii. Minimum Course Load: Eighteen (18) credits iv. Maximum Course Load: Twenty-Four (24) credits |
Attendance in class is mandatory for all undergraduate students.
A student may be granted leave of absence or semester drop for a period of up to three consecutive semesters or one academic year, subject to the student meeting academic requirements. This arrangement does not apply to students who received academic probation or who have been expelled from the university on disciplinary grounds or excluded on academic grounds. The decision to grant leave of absence will rest with the Dean or Head of Department in consultation with the Registrar. A student granted leave of absence must register in the following semester immediately after the expiry of the leave period.
A student who has been expelled from the University for a disciplinary cause will not be re-admitted to the University except with the exceptional approval of the Vice-Chancellor, who will specify any conditions for re-admission. Any re-admission will be reported to the Admissions Committee. The student will be entitled, on expulsion, to a transcript with details of any academic credit awarded, subject to paying any outstanding fees or other dues to the university.
A student who has been excluded from the University on account of academic failure may be re-admitted to the University only with exceptional approval from the Chair of the Admissions Committee, the Registrar and the Dean or the Chair of Department to which the applicant seeks admission. Any such re-admission will be reported to the Admissions Committee.
Good advising is critical for successful graduation. For most students, University will be the first time that they will be responsible for things such as selecting courses or choosing a major. An academic advisor a faculty member can help with these and other decisions; however, advising is a two-way street. Students and advisors share the responsibility for successful advising.
The Registrar may withdraw a student who does not register for two consecutive semesters without prior approval. The student will be entitled to apply for a transcript of any credits obtained subject to paying any outstanding fees or other dues to the university. The Registrar will inform the school/department of the withdrawal.
Any student so withdrawn must apply for readmission as a new student if s/he wishes to return to the university. The applicant will write to the Registrar who, together with the Chair of the Admissions Committee and the Dean or Chair of Department, will decide the form of any admissions assessment to be undertaken and any other conditions attached to readmission. The standard admissions fee will be payable. The student will resume the student number previously allocated to him or her. The student will receive any academic credit previously awarded provided s/he remains within the maximum registration period.
The Registrar may only allow the students to register beyond the published deadline after consultation with the Dean or Head of Department. The student will be subject to a late registration fee, to be determined from time to time by the university management. The Registrar may excuse the late registration fee on the grounds of mitigating circumstances that prevented the student from registering on time because of significant reasons beyond his or her control.
The Dean or Head of Department, in consultation with the Registrar, may exceptionally authorize a student registered during any time of his or her programme of study to take up to (6 credit) two Independent Study Courses in order to complete studies in due time, or for any other authorized purpose. An independent study course is a specially designed course not usually offered through the programme. The student will take the independent study course through private study and a series of tutorials subject to a course plan approved by the Dean or the Head or Department. The number of students on an independent study course will be limited to two. The Course Plan will include the following details.
Once approved by the Dean of Head of Department, the Course Plan will be sent to the Registrar/Examination Controller to be retained on record. The student must complete the course within the specified semester or will otherwise receive an F Grade unless the Dean or Head of Department and the Registrar agree that there are mitigating circumstances arising from significant factors beyond the student’s control. The Registry/Examinations Office will inform the Academic Council periodically of the numbers of Independent Study Courses authorized.
The performance of the students will be evaluated throughout the semester by class tests, quizzes, assignments and midterm exams. End of semester evaluation includes comprehensive final exams, term papers, project reports etc. Numerical scores earned by a students in tests, exams, assignments etc are cumulated and converted to letter grades at the end of the semester.
The grades at the university will be indicated in the following manner:
97 - 100* = A+ (4.0) Exceptional
90 - <97* = A (4.0) Excellent
85 - <90 = A- (3.7)
80 - <85 = B+ (3.3)
75 - <80 = B (3.0) Good
70 - <75 = B- (2.7)
65 - <70 = C+ (2.3)
60 - <65 = C (2.0) Fair
57 - <60 = C- (1.7)
55 - <57 = D+ (1.3)
52 - <55 = D (1.0) Poor
50 - <52 = D- (0.7)
<50 = F (0.0) Failure
* Grading system introduced from Fall 2020 Semester.
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is computed in the following manner:
Sum of (Grade points H Credits)
GPA = -----------------------------------
Sum of Credits attempted
The Committee on Academic Standard administers the Grading Regulations and reviews course grades submitted by the Departments.
The university follows modern teaching methods including interactive Internet, simulation, lab work, case analysis and field study. A special feature of BRAC University teaching is the workshop/lab sessions designed to assist students in learning application of concepts and theories. The medium of instructions in BRAC University is English.
P: Pass
I: Incomplete
W: Withdrawal
Pass/Fail Option: A course may be taken for a pass/fail grade, providing that the instructor approves the option and the student carries 12 credits for regular letter grades in that semester. A maximum of 16 credits may be taken for credit with the pass/fail grading option. No more than four credits may be taken with the pass/fail grading option in any one semester. Departments may not approve the pass/fail grading option for some courses counting towards the major.
Incomplete Grade: An Incomplete (I) grade is assigned only when a student has failed to complete one or more requirements of the course for an unavoidable reason/accidental circumstance and has applied for I grade. The students who are permitted to appear in make up examination(s) will be assigned an 'I' grade for that course and this grade will stay until the student appears in the make up examination at the first available opportunity; if s/he fails to appear in the make up examination the 'I' grade will automatically be converted to 'F' grade.
Withdrawal (W): is assigned to a student who withdraws from the course within the deadline for withdrawal with 'W' grade. A student who withdraws after this date will earn the grade based on his performance before his withdrawal. Exception to this rule may be made on medical ground and on terms and condition imposed by the University.
Students will be expected to maintain standards in their academic work. They should be taking the requisite number of courses and maintain satisfactory grades in these courses. In particular, students are expected to maintain a GPA of 1.5 (both semester and cumulative), otherwise the student will be put on probation for the following semester. If a student on probation fails to raise CGPA to 1.5 in two consecutive semesters s/he will be dismissed from the University. Students whose grade point average is below 1.0 in their first semester may be asked to withdraw from the university.
Students will be allowed to continue with a CGPA of 1.50 up to sixth semester, (in case of Pharmacy students up to fourth semester). However, at the end of the sixth semester/fourth semester for Pharmacy, students must have a CGPA of 2.00 in order to continue his/her studies in the undergraduate programs.
Probation: Students are expected to maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.5, otherwise the student will be put on probation for the following semester. If a student on probation fails to raise CGPA to 1.5 in two consecutive semesters s/he will be dismissed from the University. Students whose grade point average is below 1.0 in their first semester may be asked to withdraw from the university. Students will be allowed to continue with a CGPA of 1.50 up to sixth semester, (in case of Pharmacy students up to fourth semester). However, at the end of the sixth semester/fourth semester for Pharmacy, students must have a CGPA of 2.00 in order to continue his/her studies in the undergraduate programs.
Probation policy would be effective to all students enrolled in Summer-2022 and onward as followed:
Each student will be required to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 otherwise s/he will be placed on probation for the following semester. The student will then have up to 3 consecutive semesters to achieve a CGPA of 2.0, with two consecutive semesters for Pharmacy.
The student will not have the option to drop a probationary semester, except in case of serious illness or other major circumstances beyond his or her control, as accepted by the Head of Department in consultation with the Registrar, and with confirmation of any medical evidence by the university Medical Centre. In this case the semester will be dropped as approved above.
A student who fails to achieve a CGPA of 2.00 within 3 consecutive semesters (or 2 semesters for Pharmacy) will be considered for withdrawal from the university. The withdrawal will be subject to review by the Dean or the Head of Department in consultation with the Registrar. The Dean or the Head of Department may recommend to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor that the student should continue for a defined period with a further opportunity to reach a CGPA of 2.
Such a recommendation may be made on the basis that the student was affected by major, adverse circumstances beyond his/her control (e.g. serious illness); that the student had a borderline failure to meet the 2.0 CGPA standard, or on the basis of an assessment of the overall student profile (such as transcript GPA). The Registry will retain a record of decisions and their reasons and the Academic Council will receive periodic reports on the numbers of exceptions approved.
Retake: A student who receives an “F” grade in a course may retake a course twice. By exception, the Head of the Department or the Dean may justify and arrange with the Registrar to allow students (such as those on probation) to take three retakes in order to safeguard their progression.
The student will be allowed only one retake in the case of a non-credit course (091/092) category) taken in the first or second semester.
No further attempt will be allowed except with the permission of the Head of the Department in consultation with the Registrar. The decision to allow a further attempt may be made only on the basis that the student was affected by major adverse circumstances beyond his/her control (e.g. serious illness). The best of the grades received will be counted for calculation of the CGPA.
Repeat: The current regulations allow a student to repeat a course in order to improve the grade. A student may repeat a course once in order to improve the grade, however, s/he must repeat the course within 2 semesters of the initial enrollment on the course. There will not be any cap on the grade of the repeated course and the latest grade earned would be counted for the CGPA calculation.
This Retake and Repeat policy is effective for all students.
Audit is a registration status allowing students to attend a course without receiving credit. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in BRAC University may audit courses. Graduates of BRAC University or other universities acceptable to BRAC University may enroll for "Audit" of courses. The performance of students auditing a course will not be evaluated or graded and they will receive a grade 'AU'.
Students and alumni of BRAC University will have to pay 50% of tuition fees and other fees. All other students will have to pay full tuition and other fees.
Students currently enrolled in universities acceptable to BRAC University may enroll as a credit student in at best 10 courses (30 credits) on payment of full tuition and other fees of the university. Candidates seeking admission in one or more audit/credit course(s) must apply in prescribed form and the applications will be considered as individual cases. The university reserves the right to accept or reject the applications.
As BRAC University is based on the US University system, all undergraduate degrees are for about four years duration. For each degree at least 120 credits are required. Students are responsible for meeting degree requirements. Before selecting the courses in each semester students should consult their academic advisor. The university reserves the right to bring in change into programs and curricula without notice whenever circumstances warrant such changes.
A minimum of 120 credits for a bachelor's degree out of which at least 70 must be earned at BRAC University. For students of Architecture Department at least 134 credits must be earned at Brac University.
Attending Residential semester is compulsory for all BRAC University students. Students must complete all course requirements for the degree including General education courses, non-major area courses, major area courses, elective courses, courses for double major or minor.
A student must complete the requisite number of credits of course work and meet other requirements depending on the program in which he/she is enrolled and must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
A student must have clearance from BRAC University Accounts, Library and Registrar's Office.
Fulfillment of the above conditions does not necessarily mean that a degree will be conferred on the student. The University reserves the right to refuse the awarding of degree on disciplinary or similar grounds.
Transfer of credits from institutions having equivalent curriculum grading system and grading standard may be allowed for a maximum of 30 credits provided that the student has obtained at least B+ grade(s) in the course(s) eligible for transfer. The university will consider applications for transfer of credit on a case-by-case basis.
The grades at the university will be indicated in the following manner:
90 - 100 = A (4.0) Excellent
85 - <90 = A- (3.7) --
80 - <85 = B+ (3.3) --
75 - <80 = B (3.0) Good
70 - <75 = B- (2.7) --
65 - <70 = C+ (2.3) --
60 - <65 = C (2.0) Fair
57 - <60 = C- (1.7) --
55 - <57 = D+ (1.3) --
52 - <55 = D (1.0) Poor
50 - <52 = D- (0.7) --
<50 -- -- = F (0.0) Failure
Grades without numerical value:
P: Pass
I: Incomplete
W: Withdrawal
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is computed in the following manner:
Sum of (Grade points H Credits)
GPA =------------------------------------
Sum of Credits attempted
Requirements for the Degree
For graduation, a student must complete the requisite number of credits of course work and meet other requirements depending on the program in which he/she is enrolled and must maintain a CGPA of 2.50. The University, however, reserves the right to refuse the awarding of degree on disciplinary or similar grounds.
Student Advising
When students first join the university, they are assigned an advisor, a faculty member who helps them in choosing their courses for the first year. Later students are assigned an advisor who then guides the student in choosing the courses of his/her major. Students will develop the direction of their study in consultation with their advisor.
The university follows modern teaching methods including interactive Internet, simulation, lab work, case analysis and field study. A special feature of BRAC University teaching is the workshop/lab sessions designed to assist students in learning application of concepts and theories. The medium of instructions in BRAC University is English.
A course may be taken for a pass/fail grade providing that the instructor approves the option and the student carries 12 credits for regular letter grades in that semester. Within the total credits required for a degree, a maximum of 16 credits may be taken for credit with pass/fail grading option. No more than 4 credits may be taken with the pass/fail grading option in any one semester. Departments may not approve the pass/fail grading option for some courses counting towards the major.
Incomplete Grade: An Incomplete (I) grade is assigned only when a student has failed to complete one or more requirements of the course for extreme medical conditions OR death in the immediate family during the semester and has applied for I grade. The students who are permitted to appear in Make up examination(s) will be assigned an 'I' grade for that course and this grade will stay until the student appears in the make up examination at the first available opportunity; if s/he fails to appear in the make up examination the 'I' grade will automatically be converted to 'F' grade.
Withdrawal (W): is assigned to a student who withdraws from the course within the deadline for withdrawal with W grade. A student who withdraws after this date will earn the grade based on his performance before his withdrawal. Exception to this rule may be made on medical ground and on terms and condition imposed by the University.
Review Procedure
The Committee on Academic Standard administers the grading regulationand reviews course grades submitted by Departments.
Academic Standing
Students are expected to maintain a consistently high standard in their academic work. They should be taking the requisite number of courses and maintain satisfactory grades in these courses. In particular students are expected to maintain a CGPA of 2.50 (both semester and cumulative), otherwise they will be put on probation for the following semester. If a student fails to maintain a CGPA of 2.50 in the two consecutive semesters then the university will review the student's record and recommend further action which may include withdrawing from the university.
Remedial Courses
Many students joining the university would be coming from Bangla medium schools and therefore would have to adjust to English as the medium of instruction. They may be asked to attend Remedial English courses during or proceeding the semester in which they take regular courses. Students from non-science background or who are weak in Mathematics may be asked to attend a remedial course in Mathematics. The University may ask the students to attend other remedial courses if necessary.