Dhaka University charges USD 50 for document verification through vendor companies, overseen by the Registrar's Office, while emailed transcripts, processed by the Office of the Controller of Examinations, cost USD 10. Many students remain confused by this distinction, despite some foreign universities accepting only emailed transcripts. The fee structure was approved by the university syndicate.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha clarified that document verification via vendor companies has long been a standard practice for students seeking admissions to foreign universities. While the fee remains USD 50, emailed transcripts, previously charged at USD 50, were reduced to USD 10 after discussions with the Deans' Committee. She stated that further reductions or waivers are currently not feasible but could be reconsidered in the future.
Growing student concerns have raised questions about the role of vendor companies in the verification process for overseas education. At present, students pay USD 50 (Tk 5,900) per document for verification, while emailing transcripts costs USD 10 (Tk 1,200). Dhaka University has contracts with international document verification vendors, including World Service Authority, AMS India, Accurate, and DataFlow Group.
Students pursuing higher education abroad often rely on these vendors, whose charges vary, frequently causing financial strain. Complaints about slow processing, errors, and excessive costs persist. Many note that private universities or the National University offer similar services either free of charge or at a much lower cost, typically Tk 400-600.
DU student Jubayer Hasan voiced frustration, stating that while transcript fees were lowered from USD 50 to USD 10, document verification still costs Tk 5,900. Senior Deputy Registrar Nabila Nur Us Saba defended the charges, arguing that vendor companies sometimes charge students as much as USD 270 (around Tk 32,804) for their services. She stressed that while students willingly pay such amounts to external vendors, they often challenge the university's USD 50 fee, asserting that they should take pride in contributing to their institution.
She further clarified that vendor-handled documents fall under the Registrar's Office, while emailed transcripts are managed by the Exam Controller's Office. This distinction often confuses students. Some foreign universities accept admissions based solely on emailed transcripts, requiring a USD 10 payment, while verification through vendor companies costs USD 50. All payments are processed through the university's central treasury via the banking system.
Despite university officials defending the fee structure, students argue that the charges create unnecessary financial hardship, particularly given the significantly lower or nonexistent fees at comparable institutions in Bangladesh. This has fueled a growing movement advocating for the complete removal of verification charges.
