1. What are the programs offered at Asian University for Women (AUW)?
The Asian University for Women (AUW) offers two programs: Access Academy and the Undergraduate Program for different target groups.
2. What are the difference between the Access Academy (AA) and the Undergraduate Program (UG) of Asian University for Women (AUW)?
AUW offers two programs: Access Academy and Undergraduate Program. The Access Academy is a year-long academic program, which focuses on strengthening students’ skills in English and Mathematics, broadening students’ worldview through a course in World History and Geography and encouraging creativity through the arts. The undergraduate program offered at the Asian University for Women blends the best of liberal arts educational traditions into a curriculum that speaks to Asia and beyond.
The AUW undergraduate program is open to both Academy and non-Academy students. Access Academy students who have successfully completed the year-long Academy curriculum and achieved a designated level of proficiency may enroll directly into AUW. Students with proficiency in English and Mathematics are encouraged to apply directly to Undergraduate program.
3. How many countries are students at AUW from?
Currently, there are about 450 students from 13 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
4. Is there a quota for the number of students from any country?
A minimum of 25% of all students will be taken from Bangladesh. However actual number of students taken from each country will depend on the number of applicants and the Admission Test results.
5. Is the Access Academy required in order to gain acceptance into Undergraduate Program?
No, the Access Academy is not a mandatory program to gain acceptance into the University. Students with proficiency in English and Mathematics are encouraged to apply directly to Undergraduate program.
6. If I am admitted into the Access Academy, does this mean I am automatically admitted into Undergraduate Program?
No, students will be required to successfully complete the Access Academy program , pass it’s exit exam as well as demonstrate a designated level of proficiency to qualify for entrance into UG.
1. Who can apply to the Access Academy?
In order to apply for admission to the Access Academy, an applicant should:
*Students who will appear for 2012 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/equivalent examinations are also eligible to apply, provided they submit their test results and recommendations from the Head of the Institution.
2. How do I apply for the Access Academy?
The application process is similar for both Access Academy and Undergraduate Program.
You can either:
Step 2: Fill the Application Forms
Step 3: Send the form to the Office of Admissions
Attach the following documents with the completed application forms:
And Send:
Directly to the Office of Admissions (20/G, M. M. Ali Road, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh), or
To your Country Coordinator (for International Applicants)
3. Is there any application cost? If yes, how much?
No, there is no application cost.
1. What is the timeline for admission?
Application Deadline:
Each applicant should submit her application to the office of Admissions or the Country Coordinator (at least one week prior to the deadline). We review only completed applications accompanied by full English translations (as necessary).
(Applicants who took official SAT exam can apply for early admissions. Early Admissions applicants do not need to sit for AUW-administered entrance exam however will be required to appear for a personal interview in person or through Skype. Applicants will receive admissions notification by January)
Entrance Test date: March - April 2012 (Shortlisted candidates will be notified of exact dates)
*(May vary from country to country, Please check website for further information)
Classes start: September 2012
2. If I send an application, will I be contacted for the Entrance Test?
No. There will be an initial screening of the Application Forms. After initial screening, only selected candidates will be invited for the entrance test.
3. What will be the basis for the initial screening?
During the initial screening all the applicants will be rated on the basis of academic performance, leadership potential, commitment to positive societal change and other additional qualifications.
4. What will be tested in the Entrance Test?
The Entrance Test will consist of a written portion and a personal interview. The written portion will test the students’ English and Mathematics proficiency.
5. I am from a Science/Commerce/Humanities background. Which subjects do I need to study for the Admission Test?
Only English and Math skills will be assessed in the Entrance Test.
6. Where can I get a sample of the questions?
Sample questions are available to download here.
7. Does sitting for the Entrance Exam ensure admissions?
No, there will be a screening based on Entrance Exam result.
8. What are the next steps after being offered admissions?
Students must submit a reply form indicating their interest in being enrolled at AUW. Students who accept their admission to AUW will be required to submit a Health Form.
9. What if I accept admission and then want to reject it after sending the Reply Form?
If you are doing so, you should know that you are depriving another potential candidate from this unique opportunity.
10. Why is the Health Form required? Do I need to do a complete health check for completing this Form?
The Health Form is needed to evaluate your general state of health and prepare AUW for any health issues. Preliminary tests should be conducted by a certified doctor, whose address and seal should be indicated clearly on the Health Form
11. Will my admission status be influenced by the information provided in the Health Form?
No. As the University is a residential facility, it is important for us to keep the health related information of each of its students. The health form is only for the purpose of keeping information regarding your health needs. For example, if you mention that you have allergy to certain foods, we will try to provide you diet accordingly. However, there might be an exception in case of severe transmittable disease(s), if it is a matter of risk for the other students.
Please note that any information provided in the Health Form will be considered as confidential and will not be disclosed to any other student/guardian unless there is an emergency need.
1. What is the cost of education for the Access Academy?
The cost of education for the Access Academy program is US $12,000 per year **. This includes:
In brief:
Program: Access Academy Program
Duration: 1 year
Consolidated Total Fees: US $12,000
Payment at admissions: US $ 2,400 (20% of first year’s fees, which is non refundable)
However, a substantial amount of financial aid is available for academically qualified students with genuine financial need. Students who receive AUW financial assistance must maintain a CGPA of 2.0 to maintain their financial aid each year.
** Subject to change depending on socio-economic situation
2. What are the guidelines for Financial Aid for Access Academy program?
The Criteria to Evaluate Initial FA Application:
3. If I am considered for financial aid, does it mean I will be receiving travel grants for traveling to and back from Chittagong?
Travel grants may be awarded to international students who need them, but will be restricted to a one-way ticket to Chittagong at the beginning of the program of studies and a one-way ticket home after graduation( ie.5 years) from AUW. Any other travel in between will be at the student’s own expense. Students receiving partial financial aid will pay for their own travel expenses to Bangladesh and back.
4. If I get a financial aid for the Access Academy, does it mean financial aid will be provided for my Undergraduate Program as well?
Yes, Students accepted to the Access program with financial aid and who are subsequently accepted into the undergraduate program will be supported throughout the course of their studies at AUW as long as they maintain acceptable academic performance. Similarly, students with partial financial aid will continue to receive the same amount of aid throughout their course of study at the University.
5. Will students receive a monthly stipend at the Access Academy?
No. There are opportunities for students to engage in student employment program on the campus, where they will be able to earn some money to meet their basic needs. These on-campus jobs, if available, are limited to maximum number of hours per week when the school is in session.
A. General Information
1. What subjects are offered at AUW?
Courses will be offered in Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Natural Sciences. Please click here for a more specific list of courses in the undergraduate program.
2. What is a Liberal Arts education?
The AUW curriculum is based on the U.S. system of liberal arts education. This kind of education enables students to focus on one area of expertise, known as the major, as well as gain important skills in communication, logic, and critical thinking necessary for a successful career in any field. Students also have the opportunity to study academic subjects of their own personal interest; giving students a more broad and in-depth understanding of the world. AUW graduates will have wide variety of soft skills, allowing them to function in many diverse roles and providing them with a greater avenue of employment opportunities.
Students have the opportunity to major in the following subjects:
3. I am interested in studying business/law. How do I get a degree in these subjects at AUW?
We prepare our students to compete for admittance and scholarships to the best graduate programs around the world in public health, biology, economics, politics, philosophy, public policy, international relations, law, and journalism to name just a few. We have a Graduate School Resource Office that helps students become aware of their options for graduate school and assists them throughout the application process.
4. What are the Master’s Programs offered in AUW?
We are exploring opportunities for Masters Programs through a School of Management and a School of Environmental Engineering, as well as other areas. Please check our website for the latest updates on the graduate curriculum.
1. What are the requirements for admission into the Undergraduate Program at AUW?
In order to apply for the Undergraduate Program of AUW, an applicant must:
*Students who will appear for 2012 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/equivalent examinations are also eligible to apply, provided they submit their test results and recommendations from the Head of the Institution.
2. How do I apply to the Undergraduate Program?
The application process is similar for both Access Academy and Undergraduate Program.
You can either:
3. Is there any application cost for applying to the Undergraduate Program? If yes, how much?
No, there is no application cost.
1. What is the timeline for Admissions?
Each applicant should submit her application to the office of Admissions or the Country Coordinator (at least one week prior to the deadline). We review only completed applications accompanied by full English translations (as necessary).
(Applicants who took official SAT exam can apply for early admissions. Early Admissions applicants do not need to sit for AUW-administered entrance exam however will be required to appear for a personal interview in person or through Skype. Applicants will receive admissions notification by January)
* (May vary from country to country, Please check website for further information)
2. How will my application be assessed for admission into the Undergraduate Program of AUW?
Admission to UG is based on a combination of factors such as: academic performance, academic and other references, admission test results, leadership experience and intent, community involvement, student interview, involvement in extracurricular activities and more.
3. What will be tested in the Entrance Test?
The Entrance Test will comprise of a written portion and a personal interview. The written portion will test the students’ English and Math proficiency.
4. I am from a Science/Commerce/Humanities background. Which subjects do I need to study for the Admission Test?
Assessment will be of English and Mathematics only.
5. Where can I get a sample of the questions?
Sample questions are available for download here.
6. Does sitting for the Entrance Exam ensure admissions?
No, there will be a screening based on Entrance Exam result.
7. What are the next steps after being offered admissions?
Students will be required to submit a reply form indicating their interest to get enrolled at AUW. Students who accept their admission to AUW will be required to submit a Health Form.
8. What if I accept admission and then want to reject it after I sent the Reply Form?
If you are doing so, you should know that you are depriving another potential candidate from this unique opportunity.
9. Why is the Health Form required? Do I need to do a complete health check for completing this form?
The Health Form is needed to evaluate your general state of health and prepare AUW for any health issues. Preliminary tests should be conducted by a certified doctor, whose address and seal should be indicated clearly in the Health Form
10. Will my admission status be influenced by the information provided in the Health Form?
No. As the University is a residential facility, it is important for us to keep the health related information of each of its students. The health form is only for the purpose of keeping information regarding your health needs. For example, if you mention that you have allergy to certain foods, we will try to provide you diet accordingly. However, there might be an exception in case of severe transmittable disease(s), if it is a matter of risk for the other students.
Please note that any information provided in the Health Form will be considered as confidential and will not be disclosed to any other student/guardian unless there is an emergency need.
1. What is the cost of education for the Undergraduate program at AUW?
The cost of education for the Undergraduate program is US $12,000 ** per year. And can be paid in three installments each year. This includes:
In brief:
Program: Undergraduate
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor’s)
Consolidated Total Fees: US $48,000 (US $12,000 per year)
Payment during first year: US $12,000
Payment at admissions: US $ 2,400 (20% of first year’s fees, which is non refundable)
However, substantial need-based financial aid is available for academically qualified students. Students who receive AUW financial assistance/scholarships must maintain a CGPA of 2.0 to maintain their financial aid each year.
** subject to change depending on financial and economical situation
2. How do I qualify for a scholarship? What does "need-based" mean?
All students are required to fill out the Financial Information in the AUW Application Form and Recommendation Forms. If the student is accepted to the university the financial aid application may be reviewed and evaluated each year. The tuition amount will be determined based on the family’s financial situation. Students will be granted a financial aid for the balance amount. Aids may be full or partial.
[For example, if a student’s tuition fees is determined to be $5,000 per year, then the remaining balance of $7,000 shall be considered as “financial aid” from AUW.)
3. If I fill out the Financial Aid Form will I be guaranteed the support?
No. The financial aid shall depend on the parents and family’s financial situation. The financial aid can be full or partial depending on their financial situation. The students who are from affluent family shall not be offered any financial aid; thereby they may have to pay full cost of education in the form of tuition fees. Students may qualify for “work-study” subject to the availability of such job on the campus. AUW reserve the right to review and reevaluate the financial aid status annually.
4. What are the guidelines for Financial Aid for Undergraduate program?
The Criteria to Evaluate Initial FA Application:
5. On what condition can my financial aid be revoked?
A student’s financial aid can be revoked under the following conditions:
1. Is there a hostel at the university?
No. Our University is fully residential.
2. Do I have the option of living at home and attending classes?
Yes, if you are getting chance in Undergraduate Program might live at home and attend the class but Students are required to live on campus during the Access Academy program
3. I heard the campus is still under construction. Where are the students going to be located meanwhile?
Currently, the campus is located in a group of rented buildings in the center of Chittagong. These buildings are equipped with modern amenities.
Construction of our own campus will start in near future. Students will be located there once the construction has been completed.
4. Are students allowed to go out during the day?
Not during class hours. Students are allowed to go when classes are over, from 3-30 pm to sunset.
5. Are students allowed to stay at their own/relative’s house overnight?
Yes, during weekends & holidays. But they must inform the Resident Faculty.
6. Am I allowed to be employed in any outside job (e.g. a private tuition)?
Foreign students are not allowed to work, according to Bangladesh law. Bangladeshis can seek outside employment, as long as they return to the university at prescribed times. Students must keep in mind that study should always be their priority.
7. Are there any other residential policies that students should follow?
1. How many books are in the library?
The library contains:
The Library has access to 23,000 (over) Full Text Online Journal access through online databases--INASP/PERI consortium, HINARI, JSTORE, J-Stage, Pub Med Central, EBSCO host, Chronicle of Higher Education etc; 6,200 (over) Full Text e-Books; 2,000 (over) Online Magazines /Periodicals/Newspapers and thousands of Primary Source Documents and Working papers.
2. What are the Library hours? Can I borrow/return books at any time?
The library hours are: 9:00am to 12:00 midnight everyday
Students are allowed to borrow/return books: Sunday-Wednesday: 9:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday and Saturday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Books cannot be borrowed or returned on Fridays.
3. How many books am I allowed to borrow at a time?
Students can borrow up to 4 books for 10 days and 1 DVD for 2 days at a time with a single library card. Each book must be returned or renewed within 10 days. Faculty members/staff can borrow 6 books for 15 days and 1 DVD for 2 days.
4. Are we going to be provided with our text books, or do we need to borrow the text books from the library?
When print textbooks are required, the university will provide them.
1. How many computer labs and computers are there at the AUW?
We have 6 labs & 120 computers in the IT labs.
2. Are all the computers connected to the Internet?
Yes, all the computers are connected to the Internet with high speed internet facility.
3. What is the timing of the Computer Lab?
The lab is open from 8am to midnight each day.
4. Can I use a microphone to talk with my family/friends at home using the AUW computers?
Yes, you can. One Lab will be allocated for this facility.
5. I have a desktop/laptop computer of my own. Can I bring it to AUW?
A laptop is acceptable, but not a desktop.
6. Will I be given Internet connection to my own computer?
To be given Internet connection to your own laptop you need to have licensed Antivirus software, and has to be purchased from AUW.
7. Where do I store my data in the computer?
You will be given space in the server of 1GB.
Student Employment
1. What is the student Work-Study Program?
Formerly known as the Student Employment Program, this program is AUW’s centralized effort to provide part-time and on-campus employment to students. It is designed by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The idea is to empower our students by enabling them to earn their pocket money without hampering their academic endeavors.
2. Is there any limit for the working hours of a student employee?
Yes, students can work a maximum of 8 hours per week. (Although it seems short, three hours per week leaves enough time for students to do their assignments, engage in various club activities, maintain their social ties, and study on their own)
3. Approximately what is the maximum amount of money I can make through the student employment program?
Three hours per week translates into 12 hours per month. Each student will earn BDT 600 (at the hourly rate of BDT 70) per month, which is enough for a student’s pocket money in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
4. What sort of job will I be able to do as part of the work-study program?
The employment work-study program offers positions depending on the needs of the different departments and offices of AUW. For example, almost all offices need administrative assistance. Some offices have more specialized job descriptions. Thus, a student’s job can be mostly making copies and putting up posters around campus; for someone, it can be taking photos in discussions and sessions outside classroom; for someone else, it can be mainly academic (i.e., helping the faculty members with their research activities, per se); yet for some other person, it can be database creation and maintenance. It is necessary that the students apply for the jobs they feel they are most interested in.
Student Clubs
1. What student clubs are there at the moment?
From last year, AUW has Independent Publishing Club, Yoga Club, Art and Photography Club, Community Service Club, Film Club, and Sustainability Club. Guitar Club, Basket Ball Club, Karate Champions’ Club are some of the new ones in the making.
2. Are there opportunities for students to open new clubs?
Yes, students are encouraged to form clubs and student organizations according to their hobbies and interests. As long as membership is open to all students and the purpose of club activities are in accordance with the AUW mission, students can form any club they want.
3. Is there a maximum or minimum number of clubs students can enroll in?
There is no maximum number; students can enroll in as many clubs as they want. Similarly, there is no minimum enrolment requirement either. While it is encouraged that students join at least one club of their choice, this is not mandatory.
4. Will the club activities be counted as a part of academic performance?
No, club activities will not be part of academic performance. Clubs and student organizations focus on extracurricular activities – these are all outside the curriculum
Student Government
1. What is the student government program?
Student Government is the representative body that directly deals with the university administration to highlight issues as well as to come up with solutions or ideas. Student government also engages the entire student body and leads various meaningful and fun endeavors. Being a member of the Student Government requires commitment, strong sense of responsibility, watching out for fellow students, and putting extra hours. Proper execution of the duties also gives great satisfaction and notable recognition among fellow students, faculty, and staff.
2. How is the student government chosen?
Student Government officers are elected by AUW students though the democratic process. Following the UN model, AUW students also elect a Country Representative from each member country; these Country Representatives are an integral part of the Student Government.
3. Who can run for Student Government?
All upper and lower division undergraduate students are eligible to run for the positions of President, AUW Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Access Academy students may run for the positions of Access Academy Class Representative. All students are eligible for Country Representative Positions as well. Students need to have a GPA of 3/3.5 to run for the above positions
Page updated: 10 Noverber 2011
