Are you a Bangladeshi student dreaming of studying in countries like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia but struggling with the challenges they present? With limited spots and rising expenses, it’s not impossible to feel overwhelmed.
Hence, it might be a good time to consider shifting your focus to BRICS nations, where education is much more accessible.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS now includes South Africa, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and very recently, Indonesia (2025). This bloc currently represents half of the world’s population and is growing economically faster than the mighty G7. As BRICS nations challenge Western dominance and discuss a new currency, their rising influence makes them attractive destinations for international students.
Here are some of the scholarships and affordable educational opportunities available in BRICS nations for Bangladeshi students.
Russia
Bangladeshi students can apply for Russian government scholarships, which cover tuition fees, leaving only Tk1-2 lakh per year for living expenses. For 2025-2026, Russia offered 124 scholarships across various degrees.
Notable universities like Lomonosov Moscow State University (QS Rank 87) provide merit-based scholarships. Popular fields of study include medical science, social sciences, history, humanities, business studies, etc.
Key scholarships include the BASIS Scholarship at Moscow State University for physics and mathematics, the Tomsk Polytechnic International Scholarship, the Open Doors Scholarship Project for master’s students, and the ASEAN-Russia Cooperation Fund Scholarship covering tuition, allowances, and travel costs. Additionally, the Global Education Program supports master’s and PhD students in priority fields.
China
Some of the appealing scholarships that China offers include the Chinese Government Scholarship, Confucius Institute Scholarship, and university-specific options like Tsinghua and Peking University Scholarships. These cover engineering, medicine, business, humanities, and Chinese language studies.
Other options include the Great Wall Program (one-year study), CAS-TWAS President’s PhD Fellowship (PhD studies), and Zhejiang University Asian Future Leaders Scholarship (Master’s in Public Administration). Provincial scholarships from Jiangsu and Beijing, along with private programmes like the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship, also provide financial aid for tuition, housing, and living costs. Students can study a range of subjects, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, traditional Chinese medicine, and international trade.
South Africa
South Africa offers great opportunities for Bangladeshi students, with scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs. Top universities like the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Pretoria excel in medicine, engineering, environmental studies, and social sciences.
Scholarships include Stellenbosch University Graduate School Scholarships for PhD studies, Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarships, and the Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship, which offers a $2,000 prize through an essay competition open to all nationalities.
Brazil
Brazil offers scholarships for international students through the Student-Covenant Program (PEC), covering tuition, housing, and stipends at over 100 universities. The PEC-G program is for undergraduates, and PEC-PG is for postgraduates. Top universities like the University of São Paulo (USP), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) offer programs in engineering, agriculture, health, and social sciences. TWAS Fellowships also support PhD and postdoctoral research.
India
India is an accessible option for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education due to its proximity, cultural similarities, and affordable opportunities. The country offers various scholarships like the ICCR, SAARC, and Commonwealth schemes, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Prestigious institutions such as IITs, IIMs, the University of Delhi, and JNU are known for their excellence in fields like engineering, medicine, and business.
Egypt
Institutions like Cairo University and Alexandria University attract students through scholarships such as the Egyptian Government Scholarship for international students, particularly in fields like archaeology, Arabic studies, medicine, and engineering.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Home to globally ranked universities like Khalifa University and the American University of Sharjah, UAE provides scholarships for STEM, business, and renewable energy programs, often funded by government initiatives like the UAE Golden Visa for scholars.
Ethiopia
The country offers opportunities with Addis Ababa University leading in agriculture, public health, and development studies.
Iran
Iran provides scholarships in Persian literature, petroleum engineering, and Islamic studies through the Iranian Ministry of Science, with top institutions like the University of Tehran and Sharif University of Technology emphasising research in energy and technology sectors.
Indonesia
Through its Darmasiswa Scholarship, Indonesia invites international students to study Indonesian language, arts, and culture at universities like Universitas Gadjah Mada, while institutions such as Bandung Institute of Technology excel in engineering and environmental sciences.
But one important thing here is the language barrier. These countries offer education mostly in their native language. Although there are courses available in English, you must check before applying.
With BRICS and its expanding membership, including countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba and others in the process of joining, the group will continue to offer more opportunities for international students. Bangladeshi students should take advantage of these emerging prospects for a brighter educational future.