Low-Income, Rural Students Face Higher Dropout Risk Due to English Gaps and Cultural Shock, BUBT Study Finds

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mahboob Ali – A new study at Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) has found that student attrition in private universities is driven by a combination of financial, academic, social, and institutional factors—with rural, low-income students facing particularly high risks due to English language deficiencies, math-related learning gaps, and rural-urban cultural shock.
The research, titled “A Field Investigation Report on Pupils’ Perceptions of Economic and Non-Economic Factors Influencing Admission and Non-Completion of Studies at BUBT,” was conducted between July 2025 and April 2026. It surveyed 2,389 students and included 40 in-depth case studies. Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Syed Masud Husain, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, called the study timely. “This helps us make proper decisions in light of the growth of private universities,” he said. “Private universities will gradually develop in the country. BUBT is committed to research-driven policy solutions for national education challenges.” ‘Research Will Help Authorities, Guardians’ Prof. Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan, who chaired the session, said, “This research will definitely help the authorities as well as guardians in making informed decisions to support student retention.”
The keynote was presented by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mahboob Ali; Ms. Farhana Easmin Mitu (Assistant Professor, Dept. of English); former lecturer Mizanur Rahman (Dept. of Economics, in absentia); Tasfiunnoor Pinky (Dept. of Economics).

According to the findings presented at BUBT’s International Conference Hall on May 20, logistic regression analysis showed that family income above 40,000 BDT, a positive learning environment, campus accessibility, and higher CGPA significantly reduced the likelihood of dropping out.
Factor analysis identified four major satisfaction drivers: academic & mentor climate; infrastructure & welfare deficit; psycho-social & safety environment; and fairness & career support. Students who expressed intent to migrate scored significantly lower on all four factors.

The study identified financial constraints, English language difficulties, and rural-urban cultural shock as the strongest predictors of migration intent. While students reported satisfaction with BUBT’s proctorial system, qualitative interviews revealed strong demand for PhD programs, senior faculty mentors, career services, and better infrastructure. The strategic plan to introduce a PhD program at BUBT within the next five years was found to be highly positively correlated.
Researchers noted a synergistic effect: rural students from low-income families who struggled with English showed migration intent between 58 and 65 percent, compared to the sample average of 34.9 percent.

The research team recommended tiered financial aid, English bridge programs, peer mentorship, recruitment of senior PhD faculty, and tutorial support through the career development sector. They also proposed establishing a “BUBT Hub”—a private, secure dormitory—to reduce risks associated with unsafe private housing, including substance abuse reported in a small percentage of students.

Discussants included Dr. Kazi Naeema Binte Faruky (Accounting), Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Khan (Textile Engineering), Tahmina Akter (Economics), Asma-Ul-Husna (Economics), and research assistant Chayon Dev Nath.
Prof. Ali expresses gratitude to the BUBT authority for enabling the research work and for entrusting him and his team members with the responsibility to conduct it properly.