Many Bangladeshi students are interested in gaining higher education. Scholarships are one of the facilities that can help them fulfill their desire to study at some of the most famous and prominent universities.
It creates an idea that a person can get a certain degree in a higher learning institution without much struggle and cost by matching some eligibility factors. One of the eligibility criteria for the scholarships is that students have to meet specific academic performance requirements, where the sponsors usually set high-grade standards.
Additional records, such as family income statements and an explanation of available financial resources, might be required to demonstrate the need. Restrictions such as age and nationality are usually applied to scholarships for Bangladeshi students to ensure that they are considered only for specific groups. Such criteria ensure that only rightful and deserving students from Bangladesh can benefit from the scholarships.
Types of Scholarships
Various kinds of scholarships are available for Bangladeshi students. The recipients of these scholarships are classified based on their unique talents.
Merit-based scholarships are forms of financial aid given to students in appreciation of their achievements in academics, arts, athletics, and other fields. Students who want to apply for these scholarships must score exceptionally well.
The financial needs of the family or student are not necessary for this. Some universities, such as Albion College, Johns Hopkins University, The University of Tulsa, Susquehanna University, and many others, provide merit-based scholarships.
Funding for need-based scholarships is given to students according to their financial needs, which is usually established by family income. Unlike merit-based scholarships, which are offered only based on achievement, need-based scholarships frequently require financial need and some degree of extracurricular or academic achievement.
Commonwealth Scholarship
Prestigious scholarships, or Commonwealth Scholarships, are provided to talented people from Commonwealth nations like Bangladesh who cannot pay for their education in the UK.
The Commonwealth Scholarships are listed below-
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed and fragile states)
- Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries)
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for high-income countries)
- Commonwealth Professional Fellowships
Every kind of scholarship supports a variety of study styles and seeks to further unique development topics.
Erasmus Scholarship
Students can pursue dual master’s degrees at several European universities with funding provided by the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. It pays for living expenses, travel, tuition, and insurance for up to two years. It covers many programs and is open to students holding Bachelor’s degrees from EU and non-EU countries. Awards are given out based on academic merit and motivation.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Scholarships provided by the national or local government to help students pursue higher education are known as government-funded scholarships.
United States Government Scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
UK and British Commonwealth Government Scholarship
- British Chevening Scholarships
- UK Commonwealth Scholarship for Developing Commonwealth Countries
Australia and New Zealand Government Scholarship
- Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)
- Australia Awards Scholarship
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
The government of Hungary launched the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program to encourage international students to pursue higher education in Hungary.
This scholarship is fully funded, pays for the entire cost of tuition, offers a monthly living stipend, usually pays for housing, and includes health insurance. The application starts from October to January. Results come at the end of March.
If students choose engineering as their subject, then excellent or maximum scores in both SSC and HSC are required. They need an IELTS score of 6 overall, and each section has to be over or equal to 5.5. Students who select the Professional Pilot topic must have an overall IELTS score of 7, with each area scoring at least as high as 6.
University-Specific Scholarships
UD International Scholarship
The Hungarian government launched the UD International Scholarship program to offer financial support to international students not now enrolled in Hungary. Because of this scholarship, they can attend Hungarian universities, such as the University of Debrecen (UD).
The UD International Scholarship program provides a Tuition fee discount for the Medicine and Dentistry programs up to 30% and all other programs up to 90% of the full annual tuition fee. Applications are submitted via the Stuart portal and automatically considered for the scholarship.
The application deadline for the scholarship is not specified. Applications may be received continuously until the scholarship fund and program seat capacity permit.
University of Tasmania Scholarship
For exceptional students, the scholarship offers a 50% up-to-tuition cost discount. It is given to students who show academic excellence and is distributed according to merit. Application for a scholarship does not need to be submitted separately.
The University of Wolverhampton provides up to £2000. The academic requirements for undergraduate study are 60% marks in both SSC and HSC, and the postgraduate study is 55% in the Bachelor. The University of Bedfordshire provides a £3,000 scholarship.
Roehampton University provides up to £4,000. Academic criteria for postgraduate study is a minimum of 60% marks or a 3.00 GPA in a bachelor’s degree and 70% marks or higher in the HSC for undergraduate research.
Ravensbourne University gives a maximum of £4000. For undergraduate study, a minimum 3.0 GPA or 60% of HSC marks are required, and for postgraduate research, 60% of Bachelor’s degree marks must be earned within four years of graduation.
Gloucestershire University contributes £2000. A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited public or private university with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or more than 55% is required for postgraduate study. In contrast, undergraduate study requires a GPA of 4.5 or an A or above in the HSC.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) issues £1500. Academic standards for postgraduate education are at least 50% for the Bachelor’s degree and 65% for both the SSC and HSC for undergraduate studies.
Private Scholarship
MPower Financing
MPOWER Financing offers education loans to international students pursuing their education in the United States of America or Canada. In contrast to most conventional financing institutions, MPOWER does not demand a co-signer, completion of a collateral form, or credit history.
It is further pointed out that most loans offer hail from tuition fees to accommodation expenses, with a relatively lenient repayment schedule and a fixed interest. In addition to its career support services, MPOWER is also devoted to social impact as a certified B Corporation. That makes it a popular option for students with difficulties obtaining conventional loans.
STEM Woman British Council
This scholarship is eligible for women with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, financial necessity, appropriate work experience or interest, and English proficiency. Those with dual British citizenship or previously received scholarships from the UK government are ineligible.
The scholarship pays for all living expenses, travel expenses, health and immigration fees, complete tuition, and an IELTS test refund if required. Through the websites of participating UK universities, the direct application process meets each university’s unique requirements and deadlines.
Application Process for Scholarships
Applicants should explore scholarship options early with sufficient time. They should focus on searching for scholarships to choose the most suitable opportunities. Those steps help to collect all information and fulfill the applications before the end date of submission.
Every scholarship program strongly follows deadlines for submitting documents. Anyone who misses that deadline is no longer eligible for the scholarship. So, being aware of the deadline is a must. The required documents are:
- Official academic transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- A statement of purpose.
- Recommendation letters.
- A research proposal for research-based scholarships only.
They have to check all information thoroughly to avoid repeatedly submitting wrong documents. Each scholarship may need specific forms. So, it is essential to follow the scholarship provider’s instructions carefully.
Most scholarship applications may be completed online through a provided website, while some may only allow applications via mail or email. Applicants must ensure that the documents’ copies are in the right format and not leave out any vital information.
The chances of getting the scholarship are increased by providing the correct information in due time with the proper format and following the instructions for submitting it.
Tips for Successful Applications
People should be requested early who can highlight the strengths and achievements to overcome the weaknesses of the applicants. Candidates should provide recommenders with at least two weeks’ notice and check if they need any other additional information about the scholarship themselves.
Applicants should be careful with the essay. They have to address the question and use it to share unique aspects of them00self with the awareness that aren’t covered elsewhere. Candidates should edit for any grammatical errors and spelling by themselves.
It should not look like any other person does the job for themselves. A strong GPA is essential for a scholarship application to be accepted. The chances of being chosen might be greatly increased by having a high academic record because it shows that applicants are dedicated students who consistently perform well.
Scholarship Resources and Support
The educational institution’s financial aid office assists students with loans, college payment plans, and scholarships. Students can visit the office to check financial aid offers, sign loan documents, and finish any necessary counseling.
They also help with learning about grants and scholarships, reapplying for aid, and addressing problems with aid distribution. They also regulate emergency assistance programs for students who are struggling financially.
Students may quickly discover scholarships and apply for those that best suit their requirements and qualifications by using online scholarship databases such as Unigo and Cappex. Only the searcher’s understanding of their profile decides how useful these databases are.
Workshops on Scholarship Preparation offer vital advice on finding scholarships, understanding deadlines, and writing engaging essays. By revising their applications, students who attend these sessions increase their chances of receiving financial aid.
Educational consultants should know adequately about the scholarship’s occurring and ending times. They also help students understand which scholarship is more suitable for them. With that, they also provide mental support and help applicants fulfill the whole scholarship application, increasing the chances of availing it.
Study Abroad Scholarships
UK Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarships
Bangladeshi students are among the international students who benefit from special scholarships offered by UK universities. Those universities are-
- Aston University
- Bangor University
- Birkbeck, University of London
- Birmingham City University
- Cardiff University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Heriot-Watt University
- Keele University
- Kingston University
- Lancaster University
USA Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Fulbright Scholarships
- East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship
- International Youth Foundation
- Microsoft Scholarships
- Humphrey Fellowship Program
- MPOWER Financing
Some universities provide scholarships in the USA. They are-
- University of Denver
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of South Carolina
- Rice University
- Illinois State University
- University of South Florida
- Michigan State University
- University of California, Berkeley Law
- University of Washington
- Northern Arizona University
Denmark Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Danish Government Scholarships
- Erasmus Programme
- Nordplus Programme
- Aarhus University International PhD Recruitment Scholarships in Health
- Fulbright Denmark
Hungary Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Stipendium Hungaricum
Canada Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
- National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
There are also several non-government scholarships offered.
- Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
- Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
Australia Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)
- Australia Awards
- Endeavour Leadership Program
- John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)
Some Australian institutions offer university-specific scholarships with certain conditions.
Sweden Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP)
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Scholarships
- Sida Scholarships
- Swedish Institute Study Scholarships
- The Global Horizons Fellowship Programme 2024-25
- Linnaeus-Palme Exchange Program
Malaysia Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP)
Specific scholarships are available at particular Malaysian universities, according to certain requirements.
Managing Scholarship Funds
Recipients of the Scholarship need to ensure that they meet the conditions set by the scholarship. In practice, they need to be more aware of fulfilling the scholarship requirements on the GPA level, the field of study, the institution, etc. These conditions not being met caused the scholarship to be lost.
The primary reasons for using this money include fees, educational overheads including books or instruments, food, and transport. Next are other expenses such as clothing, medical needs, and the internet. Either way, budgeting is essential to wise financial management for students.
Renewing Scholarships
Some scholarships are renewable, meaning students can win the scholarship once, which continues throughout the study years. Not all scholarships are renewable, and not all renewable scholarships renew automatically.
Renewed scholarships usually include ongoing requirements that students must fulfill to be eligible to keep receiving the funding. Typical requirements include maintaining a set GPA, completing required classes, and using funds for approved expenses.
It could also be required to continue education at a particular institution. These are general considerations; however, individual scholarships may have additional requirements, so reading the details carefully is critical.
Success Stories: Bangladeshi Scholarship Recipients
After completing a Bachelor of Computer Science from Daffodil International University, Md Nafis Sadik Islam planned to do an MSC in Computing and Information Systems at the University of South Wales, UK. He found a friendly and comfortable agency, Eduvisors, because he did not know about the process of studying abroad. After getting a visa, he also gets mental support from Eduvisors.
Arpita Tasneem Business wanted to study Administration and Management at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, after completing HSC. She was looking for a famous and affordable university. After researching, she founded the University of Debrecen but did not know how to apply.
From the university’s website, she learned about Eduvisors, which is the institution’s official partner. Eduvisors helped her through the process, choosing the proper subject and providing mental support. Finally, she got the visa and recommended Eduvisors.
Md. Alif went on to complete Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton in January 2021 intake. He got the visa with the help of Eduvisors. This agency helped him with visa application and university processing and provided guidance. He suggested Eduvisors to students who want to study abroad.
