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How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad from Bangladesh
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Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Updated on: 13-Oct-2026

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How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad from Bangladesh 2027-28

Studying abroad can feel expensive before the application even starts.

Tuition fees, visa funds, living costs, health insurance, flights and bank statements all add up. A scholarship can reduce that pressure. A fully funded scholarship may cover tuition fees, living expenses and other eligible study costs, depending on the award. A partial scholarship can reduce tuition costs, but students should check which expenses remain their responsibility.

If you want to know how to get scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh, start with the right match: your country, course, study level, budget and profile.

Here’s the thing. The students who win scholarships do not always have perfect CGPAs. They usually apply early, prepare strong documents, write a focused SOP and choose funding options that fit their real profile.

If you are still choosing a destination, compare your wider study options abroad before building a scholarship list.

Quick Answer: How Can Bangladeshi Students Get a Scholarship?

To get a scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh, you should:

  • Choose your study level: after HSC, undergraduate, master’s, PhD or research.
  • Shortlist countries where your course, budget and visa plan make sense.
  • Check official scholarship pages for eligibility, deadlines and required documents.
  • Prepare transcripts, certificates, passport, CV, SOP, recommendation letters and English test scores.
  • Start planning 12–18 months before your target intake, where possible, and check each scholarship's official opening date, deadline and application route.
  • Compare fully funded scholarships, partial university awards and other suitable funding options based on your actual study costs and eligibility.

Apply to several well-matched scholarships where you meet the requirements. No number of applications can guarantee an award.

Top Scholarship Programs for Bangladeshi students

Best Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in 2027–28

The following scholarships are worth exploring if you are planning to study abroad from Bangladesh in 2027 or 2028. Some application rounds are already closed, while others have programme-specific deadlines or are awaiting new announcements. Check each official scholarship provider before applying.

Scholarship

Study level

Funding

2027–28 position

Fulbright Foreign Student Programme

Master's

Tuition, living allowance and other eligible benefits

Check the Bangladesh-specific Embassy announcement

Chevening Scholarship

Master's

Fully funded eligible costs

Bangladesh 2027–28 applications closed

Commonwealth Master's Scholarship

Master's

Tuition, airfare and stipend

Open; CSC deadline 20 October 2026, nomination required

GREAT Scholarships

Taught postgraduate

From £10,000 towards tuition in confirmed 2026–27 awards

Check for new 2027–28 announcements

Australia Awards

Postgraduate

Tuition, travel, living support and health cover

Current round closed; reopens early 2027

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Master's

Full scholarships available for selected students

Programme-specific deadlines, often October–January

DAAD EPOS

Selected postgraduate courses

Stipend, insurance and eligible travel support

Programme-specific 2027–28 deadlines

MEXT Scholarship

Undergraduate and research

Tuition exemption, stipend and eligible travel

Bangladesh 2027 Embassy Recommendation applications closed

Scholarship application status checked on 13 October 2026. Funding coverage is conditional on the individual scheme.

For more opportunities, explore our guide to fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students. If the UK is your preferred destination, compare scholarship options in the UK. Students interested in North America can also review USA scholarships for Bangladeshi students.

Study Abroad from Bangladesh with Scholarship: Choose the Right Route

Do not start by collecting random scholarship names from social media.

Start with three questions.

Which country fits your subject? Which universities offer funding for your level? Which scholarship type matches your academic and financial profile?

A public health graduate from Bangladesh may explore Chevening, Commonwealth, Fulbright, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus or DAAD EPOS, depending on their academic qualifications, professional experience and the programme's eligibility criteria. A fresh HSC student will usually need a different route, such as university merit scholarships, MEXT, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) or need-based financial aid at selected US universities.

That difference matters.

A scholarship application works best when your course, past experience and future plan connect naturally. If the story feels forced, the application becomes weak even when your grades are good.

For structured support, you can review scholarship guidance options before choosing where to apply.

Types of Scholarships - Find Your Ideal Funding

Fully Funded vs Partial Scholarships

Many students search only for fully funded scholarships.

That is understandable, but risky.

Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. They often look for academic strength, leadership, work experience, subject fit and a clear future plan. A high CGPA helps, but it cannot save a weak SOP.

Partial scholarships are available at many universities, although award amounts and eligibility vary. For example, a university might offer a £3,000–£5,000 tuition award in the UK, a CAD 5,000–10,000 scholarship in Canada or an AUD 10,000 award in Australia. These are illustrative amounts, not guaranteed offers.

Students should check the remaining tuition and living costs against their available savings, family contributions and other eligible funding sources. Do not assume that part-time work will cover essential expenses, as employment opportunities and work conditions vary by country and course.

Think about it this way: the smartest route is not always the biggest scholarship. Sometimes it is a lower-cost country, a partial award and a course that fits your career plan.

How Much Money Can a Scholarship Save?

A scholarship can make studying abroad more affordable by reducing tuition fees and other education-related expenses. The actual savings depend on the scholarship amount, university, destination and expenses covered by the award.

Some scholarships cover full tuition fees and provide living allowances, while others offer partial tuition discounts. For Bangladeshi students, understanding these differences is essential when comparing study destinations.

Here are the key costs to consider before choosing a country:

Destination

Study Costs to Consider

UK

International undergraduate tuition fees typically range from £11,400 to £38,000, while postgraduate fees may range from approximately £9,000 to £30,000. These are indicative figures, and actual fees vary by university and course. The British Council provides a useful breakdown of typical expenses for students considering the UK.

UK Living Expenses

Accommodation, food, transport and everyday expenses vary considerably between London and other UK cities. Students should compare university accommodation estimates and local living costs to understand how much of their overall budget a scholarship could cover.

Canada

Tuition fees and living costs depend on the province, institution and programme. Some university scholarships reduce tuition fees, while others provide additional allowances. Students can use EduCanada's overview of studying costs across the country to explore typical expenses.

Australia

Tuition, accommodation, health insurance, transport and everyday expenses contribute to the overall cost of studying in Australia. Scholarship benefits differ between institutions and programmes. The Australian government's resources on student expenses can help students compare their options.

Germany

Many public universities offer tuition-free or comparatively affordable courses, although exceptions apply. Accommodation, health insurance, semester contributions and everyday living expenses should also be considered. Students can find a detailed breakdown of common expenses through DAAD.

The value of a scholarship is not always determined by its advertised amount. A partial scholarship at a lower-cost university may sometimes provide better overall value than a larger award at a more expensive institution.

Before accepting an offer, compare the scholarship amount with the remaining tuition fees, accommodation costs and other essential expenses. Always check the official scholarship terms to understand what is included.

If an award covers only part of your expenses, it is worth exploring how to plan for the remaining costs. Students considering additional options can also review important points about borrowing for overseas education before making a decision.

A realistic budget helps you identify scholarships that offer meaningful savings and choose a study destination that suits your academic goals and circumstances.

Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships

Eligibility changes by scholarship, university and country. Still, most study abroad scholarships check five things.

Academic Record

For undergraduate scholarships after HSC, universities may check SSC and HSC results, subject grades and sometimes standardised tests.

For master’s scholarships, your bachelor’s CGPA matters. For PhD funding, research fit matters more than general motivation.

A lower CGPA does not automatically rule out every scholarship. However, some awards have strict minimum academic requirements that additional experience or a strong SOP cannot replace. Where applicants meet the essential criteria, relevant activities, research experience, leadership and a focused personal statement may strengthen the application.

English Language Ability

English language requirements differ between universities and scholarship providers. Depending on the course, accepted evidence may include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test or recognised previous English-medium study. A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is not universally accepted. Check the exact scholarship and university requirements before booking a test or relying on an exemption.

If you are applying to the UK, our guide to English language requirements for UK universities explains the common routes.

Leadership and Activities

Chevening, Commonwealth and Australia Awards often value leadership.

You do not need to be famous. Leading a student club, teaching children in your area or organising a small community project can become strong evidence if you explain the result clearly.

Work or Research Experience

Some scholarships prefer professionals. Others suit fresh graduates.

For research degrees, your proposal, supervisor fit and previous research matter more than a polished life story.

Clear Future Plan

This is where many applications fail.

Do not only write that you want a better future. Show why this course, why this country and how the degree will help you create value after graduation.

Scholarship After HSC from Bangladesh

Can you get a scholarship after HSC from Bangladesh?

Yes.

But undergraduate funding is often harder than master’s funding because you may not yet have work or research experience.

Good options include university merit scholarships in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Malaysia, MEXT undergraduate scholarship in Japan, GKS undergraduate route in South Korea, Türkiye Scholarships and selected need-based aid at US universities.

Start before your HSC result if possible. Build your activities, prepare for English tests, organise documents and track deadlines. A student who starts six months earlier often has more choices than a student with slightly better grades who starts late.

Documents Required for Scholarship Applications

Documents required for scholarship applications vary by university, scholarship provider and study level. Most Bangladeshi students should prepare the following documents, although not every scholarship requires all of them.

Document

Why It Matters

Passport

Confirms your identity and may be required during the application process

Transcripts and certificates

Show your academic qualifications and previous results

IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo / MOI

Provide evidence of English language ability where accepted or required

CV or resume

Highlights your education, achievements, activities and relevant experience

SOP or personal statement

Explains your academic interests, course suitability and future goals

Recommendation letters

Provide academic or professional references supporting your application

Financial documents

May be required for need-based scholarships to assess financial eligibility

Research proposal

Often required for PhD scholarships and research-based master's programmes

Keep clear scanned copies of your documents in PDF format and check whether certified English translations are required. Scholarship providers may have different document formats, submission methods and deadlines.

Prepare your written documents carefully. A focused personal statement can strengthen your application, while a relevant academic or professional reference provides additional context about your abilities. For practical advice, explore how to develop a compelling motivation letter and what makes an effective letter of recommendation.

Always confirm the exact document requirements on the official scholarship or university website before submitting your application.

How It Works A Step-By-Step Guide From Research to Acceptance

Step-by-Step Scholarship Plan

12–18 Months Before Intake

Choose your countries, courses and scholarship types. Use official websites, not only social media posts.

Create a simple tracker with scholarship name, country, level, deadline, documents and application link.

9–12 Months Before Intake

Prepare passport, certificates, transcripts, CV and English test plan. If any document is in Bangla, arrange certified English translations early.

6–9 Months Before Intake

Write your SOP, contact referees and shortlist universities.

Your SOP should connect your past work, course choice and future goal. Generic writing will not help.

3–6 Months Before Intake

Submit applications before the deadline.

Some portals slow down near closing dates. Some referees delay letters. Give yourself space.

Final 3 Months

Check scholarship outcomes, university admission conditions, accommodation options and travel arrangements. Where immigration permission is required, review the relevant government's official requirements and seek advice from an appropriately regulated professional if needed. Confirm your remaining study costs and payment deadlines before committing to deposits.

How to Write a Strong Scholarship SOP

A strong SOP answers four questions:

Who are you? Why this course? Why this scholarship? What will you do after graduation?

Do not write: “I have always dreamed of studying abroad since childhood.”

Many students write that. It does not prove anything.

Write something specific:

“During my undergraduate project on flood-resilient housing in northern Bangladesh, I saw how design choices affect low-income families. A master’s in sustainable architecture would help me develop practical housing models for flood-prone districts.”

That version gives context, subject fit and future value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not apply late. Top scholarships often close months before the intake.

Do not send the same SOP everywhere. A Chevening essay and a university merit scholarship statement should not sound identical.

Do not ignore partial scholarships. They can make a realistic study plan possible.

Do not choose a country only because someone else went there. Check tuition, visa funds, living cost, course quality and scholarship availability together.

If the budget is tight, compare affordable study destinations before making a final decision.

How BHE UNI Can Help

Scholarship applications need careful planning.

One student may need help shortlisting universities. Another may want to understand scholarship eligibility, entry requirements or application deadlines. Others may need guidance on preparing a strong SOP, CV or university application.

BHE UNI helps students explore suitable courses and universities, understand published scholarship criteria, organise academic documents and plan university admissions. Scholarship awards are determined by the relevant funding organisations, while universities make their own admission decisions.

For UK visa requirements, students should consult the official government guidance or an appropriately regulated immigration adviser.

If you want to discuss your academic profile, preferred destination and scholarship options, you can speak with a BHE UNI counsellor before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh?

You can get a scholarship by choosing suitable countries and universities, checking official requirements, preparing documents early, writing a strong SOP, collecting recommendation letters and applying before deadlines.

Can I study abroad from Bangladesh with scholarship if my CGPA is low?

Yes, some scholarships may consider applicants with a lower CGPA, provided they meet the scheme's minimum academic requirements. Relevant work experience, research, leadership, volunteering and a well-written SOP may strengthen an eligible application. However, competitive scholarships with mandatory grade thresholds may not offer flexibility.

Which scholarships are fully funded for Bangladeshi students?

Bangladeshi students can explore fully funded or substantial funding opportunities through Fulbright, Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, DAAD EPOS, MEXT and the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). Funding coverage, academic eligibility, work experience and application deadlines differ by programme. Not every award covers every expense, and some 2027 application rounds are already closed.

Can I get a scholarship after HSC from Bangladesh?

Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply for undergraduate scholarships after HSC through university merit awards, MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Scholarships and selected need-based aid.

Do I need IELTS for scholarships?

Many scholarships and universities ask for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. Some accept MOI, but this depends on the institution and scholarship rules.

When should I start applying?

Ideally, start researching scholarships 12–18 months before your target intake. Some funding rounds close nearly a year before the course begins, while university scholarships may have different timelines. For 2027 or 2028 entry, check each provider's published dates rather than relying on a general application calendar.

Final Word

Getting a scholarship to study abroad from Bangladesh is possible, but it needs planning.

Start with your country and course. Check the real cost. Match scholarships with your profile. Prepare documents early. Write honestly. Apply to several options.

Do not wait for one perfect scholarship.

Build a plan that can survive even if your first choice says no.

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About The Author

Dr Mohammad Shafiq

Dr Mohammad Shafiq

Director of BHE UNI

Dr Mohammad Shafiq is the Director of BHE UNI, with 14+ years of experience in international education consulting and student guidance. BHE UNI supports students with global education opportunities and works with 300+ university partners worldwide. Articles published under this profile are prepared by BHE UNI’s in-house content team and reviewed by Dr Shafiq for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with trusted education information.

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