Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Bangladeshi Students

Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Bangladeshi Students

The goal of attending a famous university abroad is a dream for many students from Bangladesh. Nevertheless, those dreams are sometimes overshadowed by financial limitations. It makes the parents wonder, “Can we truly afford this?” Naturally, this leads families to explore the cheapest country to study abroad for Bangladeshi students.

Adding to these concerns is the recent shift in immigration policy. Canada, for instance, has implemented a new cap on study permits. It has reduced available places by 10% for 2025 compared to 2024. This development has now intensified the search for alternative, cost-effective options.

The scale of this ambition is undeniable, given that in 2023 alone, a striking 52,799 Bangladeshi students pursued education overseas, turning their dream into a reality. But again, the financial barrier is still too excessive for many.  

That is why this article aims to assist students and parents with low-cost study abroad options. We will discuss critical details, such as tuition, scholarships, and living expenses, country-wise.

So, jump in and make the dream a reality by making better choices.

Methodology to Select the Right Country

The journey to locating the cheapest country to study abroad for Bangladeshi students mandates more than just looking at the tuition fees. While tuition fees may seem manageable, there are hidden costs like living expenses, visa hurdles, and even limited job opportunities. All of these factors make certain destinations less practical.  

This is why it is so important to combine quantitative data and qualitative insights. Here are some areas to look at and their weightage-

Factor	Details	Weighting (%)
Tuition fees	The annual cost of education varies enormously between countries.	40%
Living costs	Monthly expenses cover accommodation, food, transportation and personal convenience.	30%
Financial aid	What's the prospect for financial aid, like a scholarship?	15%
Work after studies	How likely are you to find a job, and how do careers develop after graduation?	10%
Visa success rate	How likely are you to win a student visa? It depends on diplomatic relations as well as immigration policies.	5%

With this data, you can figure out which country is ideal for your foreign education plans.

Even though countries like the UK, US and Australia offer high-quality education, their inclusion in the “cheapest” category is limited. The reason is that their tuition fees and living costs are high.

Comprehensive Country Profiles: Budget-friendly Study Destinations

Just because your budget is low doesn’t mean you cannot study in Bangladesh. There are still many countries that offer affordable education abroad opportunities. Let us look at some of the best education abroad places for Bangladeshi students.

Germany: Tuition-Free Excellence in the Heart of Europe

Germany is renowned for its high-quality education system and robust economy. Public universities in most states here offer tuition-free education for international students. Sounds impressive, right?

Tuition fee: Public universities charge a semester fee ranging from €100 to €400. However, some states like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria impose a tuition fee of approximately €400 to €1500 per semester for non-EU students.

Living Costs: Projected living expenses for students usually go up to around €1000.

Scholarship Opportunities: Programs grant scholarship support to international students. These programs also include those sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service in cooperation with various German universities.

Application: Either through UniAssist or directly to universities. When applying, proof must be supplied that one holds the appropriate academic qualifications, a command of the German or English language and sufficient financial resources.

Employment After Study: Graduates in such fields may be granted an extension of up to one year. During that time, they can work in an area related to their field of study at any German university.

Suitable for: Students seeking high-quality education in the fields of Engineering, Natural Science, Applied Science and the Humanities.

Norway: Free Tuition and a High Standard of Living

Living costs: The projected living expenses for students are approximately €1000.

Scholarship opportunities: There are several scholarships available for international students. These also encompass those provided by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Services) and various universities.

How to Apply: Applications are often made through UniAssist or directly to universities. Proof of academic qualifications, German or English proficiency, and financial means are all required when applying.

Employment after completion of studies: Graduates may extend their permits here by up to 18 months. In this period, they can engage in work relevant to the area of learning at a university.

Best for: Students desiring high-quality education in Engineering, Environmental Science and Humanities. 

France: Low Tuition Fees with Rich Culture

France is a well-known destination for its rich cultural heritage. But when it comes to high-quality education at low-cost universities, France has a well-built reputation. Public universities offer affordable tuition fees for international students.

Tuition fee: It ranges from €170 to €380 for a bachelor’s program. The master’s program might cost more.

Living costs: The estimated monthly living expenses are between €700 and €900. Chosen city plays a role here, too.

Scholarship opportunities: The French government offers the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program for international students.

Application process: Applications are submitted via the Campus France Portal. Proof of academic qualifications, financial resources, and proficiency in either French or English are all prerequisites.

Employment after completion of studies: Graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit for up to two years to seek employment.

Best for: Students with interests in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Malaysia: Asian Destination with Cultural Familiarity

Malaysia is, in fact, an appealing and cost-effective destination for students from Bangladesh. But that is not it. Here, students can experience cultural familiarity similar to that of Bangladesh.

Tuition fee: It ranges from $3000 to $6000.

Living costs: The estimated monthly living expense is approximately $9400 every year. This, of course, includes all your expenses.

Scholarship opportunities: Various scholarships are available. These include those provided by the Malaysian government and individual institutes.

Application process: University applications are submitted directly to the university. Proof of academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and financial resources are all prerequisites.

Employment after completion of studies: Graduates can apply for a work permit for up to one year.

Best for: Students seeking the cheapest country to study abroad for Bangladeshi students with cultural similarities.

Poland: EU Education at Asian Price

Poland is yet another place for high-quality education at affordable rates. And that is what makes it an attractive destination for many international students.

Tuition fee: It ranges from €2000 to €4000 per year.

Living costs: Students can happily live in Poland with an average budget of €500 to €700.

Scholarship opportunities: Both government-provided and individual university-provided scholarships are accessible for international students.

Application process: Applications are directly submitted to the universities. Requirements include evidence of academic qualifications, financial means, and proficiency in either English or Polish.

Employment after completion of studies: Graduates can obtain a residency visa for up to three years to look for work.

Best for: Students seeking an affordable education in the fields of engineering, medicine, and business. 

The following is a concise evaluation of the top 5 cheapest countries to study abroad for Bangladeshi students:

Country	Annual Tuition (USD)	Monthly living expense (USD)	Visa financial proof	Post-study work
Germany	$110-$1650 (depending on state)	Approx $1100	€11,208 (~$12,000)	18 months
Norway	Free	$15,355/12 ≈ $1280 per month	NOK 166,858 (~$15,355)	1 year
France	$185-$415 (bachelor’s)	$770-$990	€6,000 (~$6,400)	2 years
Malaysia	$3000-$6000	$9400	$9,400 ≈ 42,770 RM	1 years
Poland	$2000-$4000	$550-$770	€2,000 (~$2,140)	3 years

Beyond Tuition: Comprehending the Total Cost of Studying Abroad

When it comes to studying abroad, don’t just account for the tuition fees. The cost of studying overseas is often a mix of various components. And they, eventually, contribute to a student’s monthly budget.

Accommodation: Monthly rent can differ largely depending on the country and city. Choosing to share your space can save a lot of money.

Food: Your eating habits play a significant role in budgeting. Cooking at home is more economical than dining out.

Transportation: Public transportation is a common mode of travel. In France, monthly passes can be less than €80. In Malaysia, it costs between MYR 100 and MYR 200. 

Health insurance: It is essential for international students. Health insurance can range from €80 to €150 monthly, depending on the country and coverage.

Books and supplies: Academic materials might cost between €30 and €50 per month. The exact sum will depend on the institute and the course.

Money-saving strategies

Student discounts: Many countries give students discounts on things like food, transportation, and entertainment.  

Cooking at home: Preparing meals can largely reduce food expenses.

Part-time work: In countries like Germany and France, students are permitted to work part-time and thus offset the costs of living there.

Financial Strategies: Scholarships, Part-time Work & Budgeting

Scholarships for Bangladeshi students are easily accessible across the globe. For example, DAAD supports Master’s and PhD candidates from Bangladesh. It covers tuition (if any), monthly stipend (≈ €992 for students, €1300 for doctoral candidates) and health insurance.

Other scholarships include,

• Stipendium Hungaricum (for Hungary)- offers full funding
• Taiwan ICDF (full fund)
• Erasmus+ (partial support from EU)
• Occasional Bangladeshi Scholarships- offers partial support

Applications typically open 6 to 12 months ahead. Strong academic records, research proposals and recommendation letters are vital.

In many host countries, international students may work part-time (commonly up to 20 hours per week) during semesters and full-time during vacations. Typical roles include café work, library assistant, tutoring or campus services. Earnings vary by country. However, it may range from USD 8 to 15/hour (or local equivalent), which is enough to contribute to monthly living expenses.

Step-by-Step Application Guide: From Choosing a Country to Getting Your Visa

A successful application starts 12-18 months before your intended enrolment. Below is a suggested timeline with key steps. We have also listed the document checklist and visa strategies.

Timeline	Key steps
12-18 months ahead	Research countries and universities. Shortlist programmes
10-12 months	Prepare and sit language tests (IELTS, TOEFL), gather transcripts
8-10 months	Apply to universities. Request letters of recommendation
6-8 months	Receive offers. Accept one and get the admission letter
4-6 months	Prepare a visa application and supporting documents
2-4 months	Submit a visa application. Attend the interview if required
1 month	Finalise travel, accommodation and pre-departure plans

Document checklist

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts and certificates (HSC, SSC, undergraduate)
• Language test score report
• Admission offer/acceptance letter
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of financial resources (Bank statement, sponsor letters, loan letters)
• Passport-size photos
• Health/medical certificates
• English translation of Non-English documents (if required)

SOP Tips: Clearly articulate why the chosen country and programme suit your aspirations. Then, describe your academic/extra-curricular journey, and explain how this fits into your career plan. Strong coherence and authenticity make an impact.

During the visa process, you may have to attend an interview. Here, you should be able to explain your study plans. Let them know how you will fund your education and why you intend to return home afterwards.

Common aspects for visa rejections are:

• Incomplete or false documents
• Insufficient financial proof
• Weak SOP or interview responses
• Lack of academic eligibility

That is why you should ensure completeness and clarity. Maintain credibility in every submission to help minimise the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is the absolute cheapest for Bangladeshi students to study abroad?

Germany remains the cheapest. It makes available tuition-free education at public universities with only semester fees (€150-€300).

Can Bangladeshi students work while studying in these countries?

Yes. Most places, like Germany, France, and Malaysia, let overseas students work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during breaks.

Are there any fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students?

Yes, for sure. Full scholarships are available from DAAD (Germany), Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary), and Taiwan ICDF. They pay for school and living costs.

How much bank balance is required for a student visa?

Germany requires a €11,208 blocked account. Poland needs €2,000 for three months. Malaysia requires a MYR 15,000 bank statement. Proof makes sure that students can afford their living expenses in a responsible way.

Which country offers the easiest PR pathway after study?

Germany has an 18-month job-seeker visa that can lead to permanent residency through the EU Blue Card in 21 to 33 months. After graduation, Poland gives you a residency permit for three years.

Are there affordable options for medical students?

Yes. Affordable medical degrees taught in English are available in Russia, China, and Turkey. Prices are still much lower than in the West.

Should I learn the local language to study in these countries?

Not always. Many Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are English-taught. However, learning the local language eases life and enhances networking.

Conclusion: Making Your Study Abroad Dream a Financial Reality

At first, studying abroad may seem costly. However, with informed planning and wise financial strategies, Bangladeshi students can access world-class education. That, too, at a manageable cost.

Affordable options exist for diverse goals. For instance, Germany and Norway offer tuition-free universities. Malaysia has a familiar culture. Similarly, scholarships, part-time work and budgeting further lower the burden. Lastly, the ROI is strong. That is because international degrees open doors to global careers and lifelong networks.

Choose two or three destinations that are cheapest for Bangladeshi students to study abroad and align with your budget and ambitions. Then, begin preparing documents and applications and proceed as suggested in this blog.

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