Fahima Rahman, a final-year student of Management Information Systems (MIS) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has been financing her education for almost four years now. For her, managing both studies and expenses have always been a challenge. However, the recent relaxation of the minimum CGPA required for availing financial aid at IUB has made things a little easier for her.

“I wish this scholarship policy had been introduced when I joined IUB. Nonetheless, better late than never!” said Fahima. She urged her juniors not to take this opportunity for granted and to commit themselves to academic excellence to fully benefit from the support IUB now provides.

While students appreciated the previous scholarship policy, the revised version has been welcomed even more for offering greater support. To better meet student needs, IUB announced a revision to its financial scholarship policy through the Office of Admission, Financial Aid, and International Relations (AFAIR) in Summer 2025, lowering the eligibility threshold from a CGPA of 3.80 to 3.70.

“The initiative not only recognises a wider range of students for their academic performances, but also provides more students with relief in terms of finances,” said officials from AFAIR. 

For Sporsho Roy, a second-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student, the announcement brought a deep sense of relief. He said it was a “much-needed change”, especially for students from middle-class backgrounds like himself. The policy has provided tangible financial support, significantly easing the burden of funding his education. 

Both students have urged the IUB authorities to continue with this policy, as it would greatly benefit students who are taking charge of their education.

Sporsho also suggested that further lowering the eligibility threshold could make the programme even more inclusive. His suggestion points to a broader debate: how inclusive should and can merit-based scholarships be?

Officials from AFAIR explained that while inclusivity is the key priority, achieving it requires balancing students’ needs with the university’s financial sustainability. Implementing such a policy requires making adjustments to both IUB’s short-term and long-term plans, making it a gradual process rather than an immediate one, they emphasised.

According to AFAIR, the purpose of the revision was to encourage healthy competition and recognise the achievements of responsible and deserving students.

Beyond merit scholarships, the university also offers financial support through various approaches, including extracurricular achievements, aid for underprivileged communities, on-campus employment opportunities, and insurance policy benefits. These diverse options ensure that students can access support in multiple ways depending on their circumstances.