Studying abroad is the dream of most Bangladeshi students. It opens up new opportunities, international exposure and improved careers.
But the greatest concern is money. Fees, travel, rent, food and lots of other expenses can appear too costly. The silver lining is that there are plenty of smart approaches to cover them.
This blog will provide step-by-step guidance on how to finance your studies abroad. We will be examining costs, scholarships, loans and budgeting.
You will discover easy steps to prepare and finance your studies with less stress. Your dream is possible if you plan ahead and use the appropriate tools.
Understanding the Full Cost Structure for Bangladeshi Students
Before you apply, you should also know the overall cost of pursuing studies overseas. Students usually only consider tuition fees. But accommodation, health insurance and travel can cost significantly. Planning ahead will enable you to make a superior decision.
Tuition Fees by Popular Study Destinations
Tuition fees differ across nations. Undergraduate courses in the UK can be anywhere between £13,000 and £35,000 per annum. Master's courses may be higher.
In the USA, the fees are between $20,000 and $50,000 annually based on the course and institution.
Canada and Australia are slightly lower, with typical fees between $25,000 and $38,000 per annum.
Germany provides low or zero tuition fees in many public universities. It makes Germany cheap and accessible for Bangladeshi students.
Breakdown of Living Expenses
Living expenses are sometimes as high as tuition fees. You need to show at least £1,483 monthly in London or £1,136 monthly outside of London to obtain a visa in the UK.
In Canada or Australia, budget $10,000–$15,000 annually for living.
Germany and Poland are lower, typically $10,000 annually.
You can cut living costs in smaller cities or by sharing accommodations. Always use a study abroad cost calculator for Bangladeshi students before applying.
Hidden Costs Bangladeshi Students Often Miss
There are many additional costs that most students do not remember:
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Hidden cost category
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Approx. cost (USD)
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Cost-saving tips
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Visa application fees
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$160 to $500
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Apply early and online
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Health insurance
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$500 to $2,000/ year
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Use the student health plan
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Airfare (Dhaka to abroad)
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$800 to $2,000
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Book early for discounts
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Security deposits (housing)
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1- or 2-months’ rent
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Share housing with friends
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Transaction and bank fees
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1-3% per transfer
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Open student-friendly account
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Always budget for these hidden costs so you are not surprised.
Country-Specific Financing Landscapes - Where Bangladeshi Students Can Study Affordably?
Every study destination has its own regulations, scholarships and visa requirements. Having this knowledge assists you in determining which country is the best value for your money.
United States - High Cost but High Reward
The USA has top-class universities but costs a lot. You need to provide evidence of full funding for your first year of study for your F-1 visa. Most universities have merit scholarships.
Top choices among Bangladeshi students are Fulbright and institution-specific scholarships. You can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) on campus. Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation allows you to recoup some expenses.
United Kingdom - Prestigious and Structured
The UK is home to the best universities to study finance in UK and many other subjects. For a UK student visa, you need to demonstrate living expenses of around £1,483 per month. You can work for 20 hours a week in term time.
International students benefit from scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships. UK universities automatically provide discounts for international students.
Germany - High Quality, Low Cost
Germany has nearly free education at state universities. You need to open a "blocked account" reflecting approximately €11,904 annually for living expenses. The DAAD scholarships are highly beneficial. Master basic German to enhance employment and scholarship opportunities. The majority of Bangladeshi students opt for Germany due to the combination of quality and cost.
Canada and Australia - Work and Stay Options
Both nations are student-oriented and have a good post-study work visa. Canada permits up to 24 work hours a week during the term, and full-time during vacations. Australia permits up to 48 hours a fortnight in term times. Both nations provide numerous provincial and university-based scholarship schemes. They are suitable for long-term migrating students.
Emerging Destinations
Countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan, and Norway are gaining popularity. They offer cheaper living and excellent academic programs. Several universities provide university-specific scholarships for Bangladeshi students. These locations can save you while pursuing quality courses.
Comparison of Top Study Destinations for Bangladeshi Students
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Country
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Tuition fee
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Monthly living expense (USD)
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Work limit
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Scholarship level
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USA
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USD 20,000 to 45,000/year
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$15,000
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20 hrs week
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High
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UK
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£12,000 to £20,000/year
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$1,500 to $3,000
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20 hrs week
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Moderate
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Germany
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Free up to €3,000/year
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$12,000
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120 full days
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Moderate
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Canada
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CAD 15,000 to 25,000/year
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$12,000
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24 hrs week
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Moderate
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Australia
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AUD 20,000 to 35,000/year
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$18,000
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48 hrs fortnight
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Moderate
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Scholarship Strategies: How Bangladeshi Students Can Fund Education Without Loans
Types of Scholarships
There are numerous types of scholarships for Bangladeshi students:
- Merit-based for achievements or high grades.
- Need-based for lack of funds.
- Country-specific such as Fulbright or Commonwealth.
- University-specific automatic grants.
- Subject-based scholarships for business, STEM, or arts.
You must look for international student scholarships for Bangladeshi students on university websites and official websites.
How to Find the Right Scholarships?
- Start planning at least 12 -18 months before the commencement of your course.
- Use sites like DAAD, Chevening and university scholarship portals.
- The Bangladesh Education Ministry website and the embassies provide the most recent news.
- Keep a list of all the deadlines and required documents.
- Always match your achievements and goals with the scholarship demands.
Composing an Effective Application
- Write a brief self-statement of your desire, achievement and how the scholarship will benefit you and your country.
- Get powerful letters of recommendation.
- Turn in all paperwork early.
- Be positive and truthful.
- Do not submit applications at the last moment.
Other Funding Options
In case you fail the scholarship, you can do the following:
- Apply for research or teaching assistantships.
- Find fellowships or grants in the field you are studying.
- Seek corporate sponsorship or funding by NGOs.
- Consider part-time work for international students from Bangladesh to meet living expenses.
Education Loan Options: Smart Borrowing for Bangladeshi Students
Loan Types
The overseas education funding for Bangladeshi students is characterised by the use of scholarships. Options include:
Selecting the Best Loan
Before you select, compare:
- Interest rates (variable or fixed).
- Grace time and period of repayment.
- Processing and hidden fees.
- Collateral or cosigner requirements.
You must always check the interest rates of education loans in respected banks in Bangladesh.
Apply for the Loan
- Prepare all the documents: admission letter, bank statements and guarantor information.
- It does not have to be late in applying because it can take time to process.
- After approval, the bank will pay your tuition directly or transfer money to your account.
Repaying Wisely
- After graduation, repayment starts.
- Create a monthly budget to maintain payments.
- If employed overseas, review income-based repayment plans.
- Pay promptly to have a good credit history.
- Some lenders provide low-interest education loans for Bangladeshi students, so compare and borrow.
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Lender
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Interest rate
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Cosigner
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Max loan
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Feature
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Govt. banks (Bangladesh)
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8 to 14%
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Yes
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Variable
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Low rates for public programs
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Prodigy finance
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9.09%
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No
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Full cost
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No collateral required
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MPOWER
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8.5 to 13%
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No
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$100,000
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Global support
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Sallie Mae
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2.89 to 17.49%
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Yes
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Full cost
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Better rate with cosigner
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Creative Financing Approaches - Beyond Traditional Funding Sources
If the scholarships and loans are insufficient, there are still innovative ways to finance your studies abroad.
Income-Sharing Agreements (ISA)
An ISA allows you to study now and repay a portion of your income in the future. The payments are based on your future income, not a fixed amount. It is helpful for students seeking flexibility.
Crowdfunding Your Education
You can fundraise through platforms such as GoFundMe. Be truthful in your story, describe your dream, and post it on social media. Many small donations could add up to make a significant difference.
Part-Time Work During Studies
Part-time work will assist you in covering living expenses. You can work on campus, in coffee shops, or through online freelance work. Make sure to check visa regulations for your country before seeking any employment.
Corporate Sponsorships
Some companies sponsor your studies if you commit to working for them later. This is common in business, IT and engineering. Inquire from employers about such schemes.
Financial Planning Roadmap - From Application to Graduation for Bangladeshi Students
18-Month Timeline
- 18 months prior: Study countries, make a budget.
- 12 months before: Apply for scholarships.
- 9 months prior: Apply for loans.
- 6 months before: Open a foreign bank account, prepare currency exchange.
- 3 months ago: Pay deposits, buy tickets and create an emergency fund.
Budgeting and Money Management
- Keep a monthly expense calendar with entries of rent, food, transport, and books.
- Have an emergency fund for a minimum of two months of expenses.
- Compare cities' prices before settling on accommodation.
Banking and Currency Tips
- Open a low-fee student bank account in the country you are studying abroad.
- Less exchange of currencies is ideal; transfer money in bulk when the rate is favourable.
- Use apps for cheaper international money transfers.
- Have one Bangladeshi account active for savings and supporting family.
After Graduation
- When you start working, come up with a strategy that you will use to repay loans.
- Set aside some of your earnings monthly.
- Invest once your finances normalise.
- Your foreign degree will assist you in getting a well-paying job; therefore, utilise it accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I study abroad with limited financial resources from Bangladesh?
You can select affordable locations (e.g. Germany or Norway), start early to apply for grants, do part-time work while studying, employ grants and crowdfunding, borrow wisely, and opt for low-cost living cities.
What is the simplest scholarship to obtain for Bangladeshi international students?
University-targeted scholarships tend to have less competition. Country-targeted scholarships for Bangladeshi students can be competitive but specific. Further, leadership or service-based (not academic only) scholarships can also have less competition.
Are there any education loans available for Bangladeshi students that don't require a cosigner?
Yes, there are some lenders ("no-cosigner education loans") available for international students, though at a higher rate. For instance, lenders such as Prodigy Finance or MPOWER Financing are specifically for international students, but check eligibility and rates thoroughly.
How much bank balance is required for a student visa from Bangladesh?
It varies by destination. For the UK under the student route, you need to demonstrate living funds: £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 a month outside of London for a maximum of 9 months. Additionally, you need to demonstrate tuition fees for the first year. Always use latest the figures.
Which are the best part-time jobs for Bangladeshi international students?
On-campus work (library, tutoring, admin), hospitality in the host country, freelance digital work (writing, coding, design), internships in line with your course of study. Ensure they meet your visa work regulations.
How do I prove financial support for student visa applications as a Bangladeshi student?
You provide bank statements showing funds held for a continuous period (often 28 days). You may also present loan approval letters, scholarship award letters, sponsor affidavit, or official fund documentation. For the UK, the funds must have been held for at least 28 days.
How do I demonstrate financial support for student visa applications as a Bangladeshi student?
You can offer bank statements with funds maintained for a sustained period (usually 28 days). You can also provide loan approval documents, scholarship award documents, sponsor affidavits or formal funds documents. In the UK: the funds must have been held for 28 days at least.
Can I obtain a scholarship without IELTS as a Bangladeshi student?
Yes, certain universities or countries exempt English proficiency tests if you qualify under some conditions (e.g. prior studies in English, interview). Look for "study abroad without IELTS from Bangladesh". Always verify with the university.
Over to you
Planning how to finance your studies abroad is not easy, but you can achieve this by taking the right steps. Plan early and remain organised. Find countries that fit in your budget and goals. Remember, your education is an investment that yields all your lifetime. Build your funding plan now and take a first step with all the confidence towards your future.