KOICA, ERD sign RoD to launch Bangladesh’s first PhD Program on Nursing Education and Advancing Research
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) of the Republic of Korea and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Government of Bangladesh signed a Record of Discussions (RoD) for the project titled “Education and Research Capacity Building of the National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) in Bangladesh, 5.9 Million USD (2025–2029).”
The RoD was signed by Mr. Jihoon Kim, Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh Office, and Ms. Mirana Mahrukh, Additional Secretary, Wing Chief, Asia and JEC, F&F, Economic Relations Division (ERD), at the ERD in Dhaka on Sunday.
The signing ceremony was also attended by other officials from KOICA, the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division (MEFWD) and Directorate General of Nursing Midwifery (DGNM), and ERD, underscoring the high-level commitment of both countries.
This landmark project marks a new chapter for nursing education and healthcare in Bangladesh. It introduces the country’s first-ever PhD program in nursing education while also enhancing broader educational and research capacities at NIANER.
The initiative includes: Establishing advanced opportunities for postgraduate study and research. Strengthening the capacity of nursing faculty through training and development programs. Modernizing education and research facilities. Introducing new academic resources. Promoting international collaboration, including the creation of a regional nursing journal
With these components, the project is set to transform Bangladesh into a regional hub for advanced nursing education and research in South Asia, while preparing the next generation of leaders in healthcare and academia.
This second phase project builds upon the significant achievements of the preceding ‘Establishment of National Institute of Advanced Practice Nurses in Bangladesh (2012-2019)’. This initial project, supported by KOICA with a budget of USD 13.75 million, laid the foundational groundwork for advanced nursing education in Bangladesh.
Through the 1st phase, the National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) established the country's first master's degree program in nursing. This program began with 6 specialized fields and an enrollment capacity of 60 students, significantly enhancing the quality of nursing education.
The standard master's curriculum developed by NIANER was disseminated to numerous public and private nursing education institutions across Bangladesh, contributing significantly to the professionalization of nursing education. Following this initial project, the number of master's degree programs in nursing in Bangladesh rapidly grew to 23 institutions (2 public, 21 private), with an expanded annual enrollment capacity of 1,900 students.
Mr. Jihoon Kim, Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh said, KOICA is honored to support Bangladesh in realizing its vision for advanced nursing education and research. By launching the country’s first PhD program in nursing, this project is building the future leadership needed to transform healthcare and education.
Ms. Mirana Mahrukh, Wing Chief of ERD, said, this project is a milestone in Bangladesh’s journey to strengthen its healthcare system. On behalf of ERD, I would like to sincerely thank KOICA and the Government of Korea for their continuous support and partnership. The establishment of the first PhD program in nursing education will significantly enhance academic and research excellence in the country, while also improving the quality of healthcare services for our people.
Since its establishment in 1991, KOICA has contributed to peace and prosperity in the international community through diverse forms of development cooperation projects, as a global development cooperation agency that pursues universal values and inclusive growth. KOICA has closely partnered with Bangladesh across health, education, ICT, rural development, and transportation etc. sectors. The signing of this RoD adds an important milestone to this enduring relationship, highlighting the shared vision of Korea and Bangladesh to nurture human resources and foster sustainable development.
