Update Regarding Student Academic Withdrawals at Asian University for Women

Asian University for Women (AUW) recently made the difficult decision to withdraw a number of students who, following an extended period of academic support, were unable to meet the University’s minimum academic requirements. The students affected are of several nationalities and include 13 Afghan students.

The decision was made in accordance with AUW’s established academic policies (linked here), which apply to all students regardless of nationality. These policies are intended both to maintain the academic standards of the University and to identify students who may be struggling so that appropriate intervention and support can be provided.

AUW does not take the decision to withdraw a student lightly. Students experiencing sustained academic difficulty receive warnings and opportunities to improve, alongside academic advising and other forms of support. Undergraduate students placed on academic probation meet with the Academic Actions Committee to establish a plan for improvement, with their progress subsequently monitored and supported by their academic advisor.

AUW recognizes that the consequences of losing student status can be particularly serious for students from refugee and conflict-affected backgrounds. In such circumstances, the University has sought to exercise considerable care and flexibility, including providing extended opportunities for students to improve their academic standing and individualized academic support where possible.

Of the 13 Afghan students affected by the recent academic decisions, eight have returned to Afghanistan and five currently remain at AUW while considering their next steps.

Supporting Students from Afghanistan and Other Conflict-Affected Communities

For many years, AUW has provided educational opportunities to women whose access to higher education has been restricted by conflict, displacement and other circumstances. More than 800 Afghan women have attended AUW, with over 480 who are currently enrolled, making AUW the single largest host of Afghan women at any university in the world.

Afghan students attend AUW on full scholarships covering tuition, room and board, healthcare, educational materials and travel, and receive a monthly stipend. Many also participate in the University’s Work-Study Program. Afghan students and graduates have gone on to pursue further education at universities including Oxford, Stanford, Cornell and Brown, as well as internships and employment internationally.

In recognition of the particular needs of the many students AUW enrolls from refugee, displaced and conflict-affected communities, the University has invested in strengthening mental health and wellbeing support on campus. AUW maintains a mental health team supported by psychiatrists, clinical and counseling psychologists, as well as sexual and reproductive health coordinators. Students also have access to wider wellness services through the University’s Goodlife Center. These services form part of AUW’s broader commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their health and wellbeing.

Student Visas and Continued Enrollment

International students at AUW reside in Bangladesh under student visas. Maintaining student status and the University’s ability to provide the necessary documentation and recommendation are therefore important to the visa-extension process.

When a student is no longer enrolled at AUW following an academic exit, the University is no longer able to support an extension on the basis of continued study at AUW. The University recognizes that this can have particularly serious consequences for students who may face difficult circumstances in returning to their home countries, particularly Afghan women given the current restrictions on women’s education in Afghanistan. For this reason, academic dismissals are rarely issued and are considered only after significant efforts have been made to support a student’s academic progress.

Town Hall with Afghan Students

Following recent media reports concerning Afghan students, AUW held a town hall with its Afghan student community to provide information directly to students, clarify the University’s academic policies and discuss the academic and wellbeing support available at AUW.

The meeting brought together the Vice Chancellor and representatives from Student Affairs, the Academic Registry, Admissions, the Health Center and academic programs, with support from the AUW Afghan Students Association. The discussion also addressed inaccurate information circulating publicly about the number and circumstances of Afghan students who had been withdrawn. Students and Afghan graduates shared their perspectives and experiences, while University representatives reaffirmed AUW’s commitment to supporting students to make academic progress and successfully complete their degrees.

AUW remains deeply committed to Afghan women’s education and to expanding access to higher education for women from refugee, displaced and conflict-affected communities. At the same time, the University has a responsibility to uphold the academic standards that underpin the integrity and value of an AUW degree. The University will continue to work closely with its students to provide the academic, health and wellbeing support they need to succeed.