Determinants of Digital Access and Skills among First-Year University Students of Bangladesh

This study investigates the key determinants that influence digital access and essential digital skills among first-year university students in Bangladesh, with the ultimate goal of finding solutions to bridge these digital inequalities. A cross-sectional survey found that logistic regression results underscore digital disparities among students in access to and proficiency with modern technologies. The findings highlight gender, university type, residential background and family income as significant predictors of both digital access and skills acquisition. The study recommends targeted policy interventions, including nationwide infrastructural expansion to enhance affordable device accessibility and structured digital literacy training programmes to strengthen students’ technological competencies. Such proactive initiatives are crucial for fostering inclusive, technology-based learning environments and supporting Bangladesh’s transition towards a digitally empowered education system.