Graduates with specific knowledge and abilities are extremely important for the development of any country, same is the case for Bangladesh. After finishing their studies abroad, a large number of Bangladeshi students return home and make valuable contributions to industries including business, technology, healthcare, and education.
They have fresh ideas and practices that can promote innovation and change in the country. For anyone aspiring to study abroad one of the most common concerns is funding, but scholarships might help reduce the burden to a great extent.
Bangladeshi students are eligible for a variety of scholarships, which include:
Merit-based scholarships
Given to students who have excelled academically, these grants frequently call for a high CGPA and impressive results on standardised tests. In addition to typically needing to submit an academic transcript, students may also require recommendation letters.
Need-based scholarships
These awards assist students from low-income families by taking into account the applicant’s financial situation. Numerous gifted youngsters from low-income families in Bangladesh avail these scholarships every year.
Country-specific scholarships: As part of efforts to promote international cooperation and cultural interaction, several nations provide scholarships that are especially intended for Bangladeshi students. For instance, students from Bangladesh and other Commonwealth or underdeveloped nations are eligible for the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarships.
Programme-specific scholarships
Some programmes provide scholarships to entice gifted applicants, particularly in areas like public policy, business, and STEM. Students who get these scholarships are able to acquire skills that are essential for the advancement of the country.
University-specific scholarships
A lot of universities provide overseas students with financial aid or direct scholarships. Bangladeshi students can apply for special scholarships offered by universities including the University of Toronto, Australian National University, and the National University of Singapore.
Popular scholarship schemes across the world
Commonwealth Scholarship (United Kingdom)
One of the most prominent scholarships available to students from Bangladesh and other Commonwealth countries is the Commonwealth Scholarship. It provides money for living expenses, tuition, and travel for master’s and doctoral programmes in the UK. Due to its emphasis on topics that promote sustainable development, the scholarship is well-liked among students who want to aid in Bangladesh’s development.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarships offered by the UK government are intended for exceptional up-and-coming leaders worldwide. The fellowship, which is supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, includes travel expenses, a monthly stipend, tuition fees, and other benefits. Additionally, the programme places a strong emphasis on leadership development and networking, and Chevening alumni frequently go on to hold significant leadership positions in their own nations.
German DAAD Scholarships
Graduate and postgraduate scholarships are available to Bangladeshi students through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Tuition, travel, and living expenses can all be covered by DAAD scholarships. Bangladeshi students, especially those interested in engineering, science, and technology, find Germany to be an appealing destination due to its tuition-free universities and strong emphasis on research.
Scholarships from Australia Awards
The Australian government funds the Australia Awards Scholarships, which are open to students from Bangladesh and other developing nations. Full tuition, living expenses, and return airfare are all covered by these scholarships. Students studying public policy, environmental science, and healthcare are especially interested in the Australia Awards.
European Erasmus+ Program
Students from Bangladesh and other non-EU nations can apply for scholarships through the European Union’s Erasmus+ Program. The program provides a monthly stipend in addition to covering tuition and travel costs. It is renowned for encouraging cultural interchange and mobility, enabling students to pursue their studies in other European nations. Moreover, this scholarship gives priority to students from developing countries.
Every year more than 150 Bangladeshi are selected for this prestigious scholarship programme. Not only this scholarship covers Master’s programme but also undergrad and Postdoc. in European countries.
The requirements and selection process may vary from year to year. That’s why students should carefully go through the paperwork. This scholarship also opens a golden door for researchers in our country. Scholars who don’t want to settle for less should try their level best with proper strategies and tactics for this programme.
MEXT Scholarship, Japanese Government (Japan)
For Bangladeshi students, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers fully financed scholarships. For students seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees, Japan is a feasible alternative because of this scholarship, which covers tuition, housing, living expenses, and travel expenses. MEXT is particularly well-known for helping students in the social sciences, engineering, and technology fields.
For applying to any university abroad one has to keep track of that particular university’s sessions, which means going to their website and keeping note of the application dates.
University sessions might vary from country to country or region to region but in most European and American countries there are two sessions you can target – one starting in August and the other in January. For most scholarships, the application process begins after you get accepted into any university.
Though it may seem daunting at first, stay strong in your higher studies journey and you too shall excel.