UGC plans third-language centres at 30 universities

The University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to introduce third-language learning programmes at 30 public and private universities by January 2027 to improve students’ multilingual skills, boost their competitiveness in the international job market and support national human resource development.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said this while chairing a meeting on the programme at the UGC office on Wednesday, according to a press release.
The UGC has reconstituted a committee to select universities, determine languages and assess required resources and locations, ensuring all eight divisions are covered.
The eight languages selected are Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish and Italian.
In the initial phase, new language centres will be established or existing centres modernised at the selected universities. The selection will consider regional demand for skilled workers, local interest, university capacity, infrastructure and prospects in regional and international labour markets.
Mamun said the initiative would improve students’ linguistic and professional skills, expand international communication and employment opportunities and contribute to building a skilled workforce.
The UGC will also formulate a common policy covering language selection, course management, trainer development, quality assurance, infrastructure, technology use and supervision.