- Scholarships open doors for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in top destinations like the UK, USA, Australia, Ireland, and Canada.
- From government-funded programmes to university-specific awards, students can choose from various scholarships tailored to their academic achievements, financial situation, and career goals.
- For the best chances of winning a scholarship, you need to fully understand the requirements and prepare your application well in advance.
Studying abroad is a big dream for many Bangladeshi students, giving them the chance to learn at top universities, experience new cultures, and explore global career opportunities. Countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Canada are popular destinations, each providing several scholarships that can make this dream a reality. Government scholarships like the UK’s Chevening Scholarships, the US Fulbright Program, and the Australia Awards often cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students in the United Kingdom
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for Bangladeshi students, and it offers numerous scholarships to support their study-abroad dreams.
1. GREAT Scholarships
This prestigious program offers £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate courses at various UK universities. It is specifically tailored for students from Bangladesh and other selected countries. Participating Universities: Institutions like Aston University, Cranfield University, and the University of Manchester are part of this programme.
Who can apply: Students who hold an undergraduate degree, meet the English language requirements and demonstrate a passion for their chosen field of study.
2. Chevening Scholarships
The fully-funded Chevening Scholarships, offered by the UK government, support students pursuing a one-year Master’s degree in the UK. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and extra allowances. Read our guide about the Chevening Scholarship to learn more.
Who can apply: Students who have at least two years of work experience and demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships program funds Master’s and PhD studies for students from Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh. It includes tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
Who can apply: Students must demonstrate academic merit, a strong commitment to contributing to their home country, and research potential (for doctoral candidates).
4. University-Specific Scholarships
UK universities also provide generous scholarships for Bangladeshi students. Some notable examples include:
University of Oxford Clarendon Fund Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for graduate studies.
University of Cambridge Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel allowances for postgraduate students.
University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships: Provides partial and full scholarships for international students in Master's programmes.
University of Warwick Scholarships: Offers funding for doctoral research.
Find more scholarships in the UK
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students in the United States
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships, offering full funding for Master’s or doctoral programmes in the US. It covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. Read our guide about the Fulbright Program to learn more.
Who can apply: Students must have a strong academic record and leadership potential. The program encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
2. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program is designed for mid-career professionals seeking non-degree studies in the US. It includes academic and professional experiences tailored to the applicant’s field of interest.
Who can apply: Strong leadership potential and a minimum of five years of work experience.
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Many US universities offer financial aid and scholarships specifically for international students. Examples include:
Harvard University Scholarships: Needs-based aid for undergraduate and graduate students.
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars: Funding for graduate-level studies at Stanford University, focusing on leadership development.
Yale Young Global Scholars Program: Partial and full scholarships for undergraduate studies at Yale University.
Find more scholarships in the US
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Australia
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
Funded by the Australian government, Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) covers full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare for Bangladeshi students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia.
Who can apply: Students with a strong academic record and a commitment to contributing to Bangladesh’s development.
2. Destination Australia Scholarship
Destination Australia Scholarship supports students studying in regional Australia, offering AUD 15,000 per year towards tuition and living costs.
Who can apply: International students looking for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
3. University Scholarships
Australian universities also provide generous scholarships for Bangladeshi students, such as:
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships: Covers tuition, living allowance, and relocation expenses.
- Monash University International Merit Scholarship: Valued at AUD 10,000 per year for outstanding students.
- University of Sydney International Scholarships: Full tuition and stipend for research-focused students.
Find more scholarships in Australia
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Ireland
1. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
The International Education Scholarships program offers €10,000 towards living expenses and full tuition fee waivers for one year of study in Ireland. It is available for bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes.
Who can apply: Students with exceptional academic achievements and a clear motive for studying in Ireland.
2. Irish Research Council Scholarships For Science, Engineering and Technology
The Irish Research Council Scholarships support students pursuing research-based Master’s or PhD programs. Funding includes tuition, living allowance, and research support.
Who can apply: Students with a strong academic and research background.
3. University Scholarships
Many Irish universities also provide scholarships for Bangladeshi students:
- Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships: Offers up to €5,000 for outstanding international students.
- University College Dublin Global Scholarships: A range of partial and full scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- National University of Ireland Galway Scholarships: Tailored funding for Bangladeshi and other South Asian students enrolled at the University of Galway.
Find more scholarships in Ireland
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This program supports doctoral students by offering CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years. It aims to attract world-class researchers to Canadian institutions.
Who can apply: Students with a strong academic record and research potential.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Awarded by the University of Toronto, this scholarship covers tuition, books, living expenses, and full residence support for undergraduate students.
Who can apply: Students with exceptional academic performance and leadership abilities.
3. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships Program
Funded by the Canadian government, this program offers financial assistance for graduate studies.
Who can apply: Open to students who are citizens of Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh.
4. University Scholarships
Several Canadian universities offer scholarships for Bangladeshi students, such as:
- British Columbia Institute of Technology One World International Scholarship: Financial support based on need and merit.
- University of Alberta International Student Scholarships: A range of funding opportunities for undergraduates and graduates at the University of Alberta.
- McGill University Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students at McGill University.
Find more scholarships in Canada
Tips for applying to scholarships
Applying for scholarships is a competitive process, but if you consider these tips, your chances will increase considerably:
- Start early: Scholarship deadlines often precede university admission deadlines. Begin researching options at least a year in advance.
- Tailor applications: Clearly explain how you meet the scholarship’s requirements, focusing on academic achievements, leadership potential, and future aspirations.
- Prepare supporting documents: Gather academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a compelling motivation letter, and proof of English language proficiency.
- Take on extracurricular activities: Demonstrating involvement in community service, research, or leadership roles can strengthen your application.
Popular Master’s disciplines for Bangladeshi students abroad
Students from Bangladesh study all types of disciplines abroad, but according to out data, these are the most popular programmes:
1. Data Science and Big Data: These degrees give you skills in analytics, machine learning, and data visualisation, making them valuable in industries like finance, IT, and healthcare.
2. Public Health: Master’s programmes in Public Health prepare you to work with critical healthcare challenges, focusing on areas like epidemiology, healthcare management, and policy development.
3. Business Administration (MBA): An MBA remains one of the most sought-after programmes for Bangladeshi students looking to advance their careers in management, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
4. Civil Engineering and Construction: As Bangladesh undergoes rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development, students are keen to specialise in Civil Engineering and Construction to contribute to national projects and the growing construction industry.
5. Computer Science: Programs in Computer Science attract Bangladeshi students interested in cutting-edge technology, software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scholarships offer Bangladeshi students a great opportunity to achieve their dreams of studying at world-class universities in the UK, US, Australia, Ireland, and Canada. Careful planning, early preparation, and a solid academic record are essential to winning a scholarship. So, stay dedicated, and you can turn your aspirations into reality, contributing to the progress of your home country in the process as well.
Additional Resources
- What Is a Scholarship?
- All You Need to Know About How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad
- How Are Scholarships, Grants, and Student Loans Different, and Which Is the Best for You?
- Scholarships for International Students
- Scholarships for Women
- Essay Scholarships Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What scholarships are available for Bangladeshi students to study abroad?
There are numerous scholarships for Bangladeshi students, including government-funded scholarships (such as the UK’s Chevening Scholarship or the Australian Awards), university-specific scholarships, and need-based or merit-based programs. These scholarships often cover tuition, living expenses, and other related costs to make studying abroad more affordable.
2. What are the most popular destinations for Bangladeshi students looking to study abroad?
The most popular destinations for Bangladeshi students include the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Canada. These countries offer excellent scholarship opportunities and have some of the world’s best universities, making them attractive choices for international students.
3. How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship to study abroad?
To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, start your research early—ideally, at least a year in advance. Tailor your applications to highlight how you meet the requirements, prepare all necessary documents, and engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership skills and community involvement. These steps can make your application more competitive.
