Studying abroad is a dream for many students in Bangladesh, but the cost can be a major challenge. However, scholarships provide an excellent opportunity to fund your education. In this guide, we will discuss how to secure a scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh, the types of scholarships available, eligibility criteria, application process, and tips for success.
Please visit: Study Abroad Guide for 2025
Types of Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students
- Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded to students with outstanding academic records.
- Need-Based Scholarships – Provided to students with financial difficulties.
- Government-Funded Scholarships – Offered by governments to international students.
- University Scholarships – Provided by universities based on merit or need.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships – Available for students pursuing studies in specific fields.
- Country-Specific Scholarships – Offered by some countries to students from Bangladesh.
- Private & NGO Scholarships – Funded by private organizations and non-profits.
Top Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students
1. Commonwealth Scholarship
- Funded by: UK Government
- Covers: Tuition fees, airfare, and living costs
- Eligibility: Excellent academic record, IELTS required
2. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
- Funded by: US Government
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, and living expenses
- Eligibility: Strong academic background, leadership skills
3. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
- Funded by: UK Government
- Covers: Full tuition, travel, and monthly stipend
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of work experience
4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
- Funded by: German Government
- Covers: Tuition, living costs, and health insurance
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, research proposal (for postgraduate students)
5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)
- Funded by: European Union
- Covers: Full tuition, travel, and living costs
- Eligibility: Strong academic background, motivation letter
6. Australian Awards Scholarship
- Funded by: Australian Government
- Covers: Tuition, travel, and living allowance
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, return-to-country requirement
7. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
- Funded by: Japanese Government
- Covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and airfare
- Eligibility: High academic achievement, Japanese language proficiency (for some courses)
8. Schengen Scholarships (Europe)
- Funded by: European Governments
- Covers: Tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
- Eligibility: Varies by country and program, often requires IELTS/TOEFL
9. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
- Funded by: Malaysian Government
- Covers: Tuition, living allowance, and airfare
- Eligibility: Excellent academic background, research proposal for postgraduate students
10. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Funded by: Chinese Government
- Covers: Tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and stipend
- Eligibility: Strong academic records, research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Scholarships
1. Research and Shortlist Scholarships
- Use websites like scholarships.com, DAAD, and Chevening
- Check eligibility requirements
2. Prepare Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation (2-3 from professors/employers)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT scores (as required)
- Research proposal (for Ph.D. applicants)
3. Meet Language Requirements
- Most scholarships require English proficiency
- IELTS (6.5–7.5) or TOEFL (90–100) scores
- Some scholarships require German, Japanese, or French proficiency
4. Submit Online Applications
- Apply through the official scholarship portals
- Attach all required documents
- Follow deadlines strictly
5. Prepare for Interviews
- Some scholarships require an interview
- Practice common interview questions
- Be confident and clear about your goals
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
✔ Start Early – Apply at least a year in advance. ✔ Maintain a Strong Academic Record – Most scholarships are merit-based. ✔ Write an Outstanding SOP – Clearly explain why you deserve the scholarship. ✔ Obtain Strong Recommendation Letters – Ask professors or employers who know your work well. ✔ Gain Extracurricular Experience – Volunteer work, internships, and leadership roles can strengthen your profile. ✔ Apply for Multiple Scholarships – Don’t rely on just one scholarship. ✔ Improve Your English Skills – Higher IELTS/TOEFL scores increase your chances.
Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh requires dedication, preparation, and persistence. By researching scholarships, preparing strong applications, and meeting eligibility criteria, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving funding for your education. Start your journey today and take a step closer to achieving your dreams!
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FAQs
Q: Can I get a full scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh?
A: Yes, many scholarships, such as Chevening, DAAD, and MEXT, offer full tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for scholarships?
A: Most scholarships require IELTS/TOEFL, but some universities offer waivers if you studied in an English-medium institution.
Q: When should I apply for scholarships?
A: Start researching at least 12-18 months before your planned admission and apply before deadlines.
Q: How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship?
A: Maintain high grades, get involved in extracurricular activities, write a strong SOP, and apply for multiple scholarships.