Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a developing economy and a growing higher education sector. It can be an interesting destination for expatriates and international students who want to study in South Asia.
For one, higher education is overseen by the University Grants Commission, and public universities receive government support through UGC. Private universities also provide scholarships and tuition waivers, which can help make university tuition in Bangladesh relatively cheap.
While this is very inviting for students searching for affordable education, many enrollees will be glad to know that there is a chance to study in the country for free. This is made possible by the best scholarships in Bangladesh for international students.
Top Scholarships in Bangladesh for International Students
| Scholarship Name | University | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Special Scholarship for Foreign Students | United International University | Bachelor’s
Master’s | 25% direct scholarship for all international students at admission; 100% scholarship may be available through embassy recommendation |
| Scholarship at Admission | Leading University | Bachelor’s
Master’s | Up to 60% tuition waiver |
| Merit-Based Scholarship | BRAC University | Bachelor’s
Master’s | 10% to 100% of tuition, based on CGPA |
1. Special Scholarship for Foreign Students (United International University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 25% direct scholarship for all international students at admission; 100% scholarship may be available through embassy recommendation
- Eligible Degree(s): Bachelor’s, Master’s
United International University (UIU) is a private Bangladeshi institution that offers scholarship and waiver schemes. It provides support depending on merit, financial need, and international-student eligibility.
According to UIU’s current international student support information, the Center for International Affairs and Cooperation offers a 25% direct scholarship to all international students at the time of admission. International students may also receive a 100% scholarship through recommendations from the embassies of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Palestine, and Turkey located in Bangladesh.
Students awarded under the selected-country scholarship category must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.00 to continue receiving the scholarship throughout their studies.
2. Scholarship at Admission (Leading University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: up to 60% tuition waiver
- Eligible Degree(s): Bachelor’s, Master’s
Located in Sylhet, Leading University is one of the private Bangladeshi institutions that provide tuition waivers to eligible students. Discounts are given according to exam results and student status.
The highest admission scholarship currently listed is a 60% tuition waiver for students with Golden GPA 5.00 in both SSC and HSC. The university also lists a 45% tuition waiver for students with GPA 5.00 in both SSC and HSC, with one Golden GPA 5.00 in either exam, and a 40% tuition waiver for students with GPA 5.00 in both SSC and HSC.
Applicants who have GPA 4.50 in both SSC and HSC are eligible for a 25% tuition waiver. Those with GPA 4.00 and GPA 3.50 in both exams receive waivers of 15% and 10%, respectively.
There are also special waivers available for female students, the second child of the same parents, teachers’ children, tribal students, and physically disabled students. The waiver is 10% for female students, teachers’ children, tribal students, and physically disabled students, while the second child of the same parents may receive a 30% waiver. Students who qualify under several categories receive only the highest applicable waiver.
3. Merit-Based Scholarship (Brac University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 10% to 100% of tuition, based on CGPA
- Eligible Degree(s): Bachelor’s, Master’s
Founded in 2001, BRAC University is a private institution in Dhaka that follows a liberal arts approach to education. Its official profile currently lists 11 schools, 3 institutes, 4 centers, 16 undergraduate programs, and 15 graduate programs.
Determined to empower young leaders who are responsive to their society’s needs, the university has funded scholarship and financial aid programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. For its merit scholarship based on BRAC University academic results, scholarship percentages range from 10% to 100% of tuition, depending on the student’s CGPA.
To be eligible for this Bangladesh scholarship, an undergraduate student must complete at least 30 credits, while a postgraduate student must complete at least one-fourth of the credits in their enrolled program. Undergraduate students must also take at least 12 credits in the current and previous semesters, while School of Law students must take at least 15 credits and Pharmacy students must take at least 18 credits. Postgraduate students must take at least 6 credits in the current and previous semesters.
Students are not eligible for this merit scholarship if they take retake or repeat courses in the previous or current semester. Students with a W grade or an F grade in any subject in the previous semester are also not eligible.
Studying in this emerging country is for students who want to experience a different culture and learning environment. Bangladesh can be a welcoming destination for international students, and the availability of scholarships is one way of attracting foreign learners to enroll in one of its universities.
We hope that this article on the best scholarships in Bangladesh for international students was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
