Southern University Bangladesh originated from the establishment of an Institute in 1998 as an affiliated higher educational center of USA and UK Universities. After successful operation for a number of years, the promoters of the institute namely Mr. Sarwar Jahan & Mrs. Ishrat Jahan conceived the idea of establishing a private University at Chittagong to cater to the increasing higher educational needs of this port city. On the recommendation of University grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education the Government of Bangladesh accorded approval to this private University on January 14, 2003.The University is presently administered by Southern University Trust.

Southern University offers higher educational programs under three faculties namely (i) Faculty of Arts, Social Science & Law, (ii) Faculty of Business Administration and (iii) Faculty of Science & Engineering. All programs have been carefully designed in keeping with the needs of job market at home & abroad. Efforts have been made to enhance the practical orientation of the courses so that effective products can be developed. Programs develop the student’s knowledge of the theory and practice and an understanding of the codes of professional responsibility. Interactive teaching methods, case study, internship and research project assignments are employed to develop the graduates properly in keeping with the demand of time. The University emphasizes on the arrangement of co-curricular activities on a regular basis to develop the inherent potentialities of the students. In order to ensure quality education, Southern University emphasizes on creating a conducive learning environment through notable infrastructural developments, employment of highly qualified & experienced faculty members, and creation of modern laboratory facilities and regular arrangement of seminars, workshops and discussion programs.

Southern University has developed organization culture comprised of certain unique values including teamwork, cooperation, empathy, non-discrimination, skill development and accountability. The University indoctrinates its employees in these values. There exists hearty relationship among the organizational members of this University who are motivated and committed to work for attaining increasingly better organizational performance. The University has National Cadet Corps Army Unit, Free Legal Advice Center, Career Planning & Development Center, and Business & Society Forum which differentiate this University from other private Universities of Bangladesh. In essence, these organizational units perform corporate social responsibility for the University.