International scholarships for Bangladeshi students

For Bangladeshi students, the financial aspect of studying abroad can be daunting. Applying for scholarships is one way to help you fill the gaps in funding your education. Every little bit counts, and with scholarships, including MPOWER Financing international scholarships, you can move closer to your goal of receiving a world-class education in the U.S. or Canada.

Recent data highlights the growing importance of scholarships for Bangladeshi students studying abroad:

• Total number of Bangladeshi students in the U.S. (2023/2024):In 2023–2024, more than 17,000 Bangladeshi students were enrolled in U.S. institutions, which is an all-time high. This is a 26% increase from the previous academic year. (opendoorsdata.org)
• Average U.S. visa processing times for Bangladeshi residents:As of March 8, 2025, the current U.S. visa appointment wait time for students and exchange visitors (F, M, J) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is 258 days. These wait times, which are updated daily based on information from the U.S. Department of State, do not include time for administrative processing. The wait times are subject to change weekly based on workload and staff availability. (Visa Grader – Bangladesh)
• F-1 visa approval rates for Bangladeshi students:According to data from US Grad, the estimated approval rate for Bangladesh’s F-1 visa applications in fiscal year (FY) 2022 was 65.07%. In FY 2023, the approval rate decreased slightly to 63.75%. (VisaGrader – F1 Visa Approvals & Refusals for Bangladesh)

These statistics highlight Bangladesh’s increasing presence in global education and the critical role of scholarships in making international studies more accessible.

Organizations around the world offer many different kinds of international scholarships covering a variety of expenses. The main types include:

Merit-based international scholarships One of the most common types of college scholarships is a merit-based scholarship. This type of scholarship is awarded to students based on their academic, artistic or sports achievements. For Bangladeshi students with strong academic records, particularly those from institutions like BUET, University of Dhaka or IUT, or with high standardised test scores, merit-based scholarships offer significant opportunities.

Need-based international scholarships For Bangladeshi students with financial limitations, need-based scholarships can be a great opportunity to access the funding needed for university. Generally, need-based scholarships require you to provide details about your financial circumstances with documentation as proof, such as income tax returns and bank statements. Although this type of scholarship may not cover all the financial aid a student needs, it can still significantly reduce the burden.

Institution-specific scholarships Many universities and educational institutions offer unique international scholarship opportunities specifically for Bangladeshi students. For example, several Canadian universities offer dedicated scholarships for Bangladeshi students, particularly in STEM fields. These scholarships, while often smaller in amount, can help manage the overall cost of an international education.

Subject-specific scholarships Depending on your chosen area of study, you might be eligible for specific scholarships available to students within that field. For example, if you are a Bangladeshi student interested in studying computer science or engineering, specific scholarships may be available only for STEM students from Bangladesh or South Asia.

The process of applying for scholarships usually involves several stages but will vary from one scholarship to the next. As a Bangladeshi student, you’ll need to first identify potential scholarship opportunities that align with your qualifications and academic background.

Start by preparing these essential documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (SSC, HSC, and university)
• Standardised test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS)
• Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
• Statement of purpose (SOP) and essays
• Financial documents including bank statements and tax returns
• Valid passport and student visa documentation
• University Grants Commission (UGC) attestation of academic documents where required

Each scholarship has its unique application process and requirements, so ensure you follow the instructions meticulously. It’s advisable to apply for multiple international scholarships to increase your chances of securing financial aid.

For Bangladeshi students, securing an international scholarship is crucial as it significantly reduces the financial burden on families. Beyond the monetary benefits, these scholarships often come with additional advantages such as mentorship opportunities, internship placements and networking events.

Many prestigious scholarships like the Fulbright Program and Commonwealth Scholarship specifically allocate seats for Bangladeshi students, recognising Bangladesh’s emerging talent pool. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also add significant value to your academic profile.

MPOWER Financing understands the unique challenges Bangladeshi students face when seeking financial assistance for education abroad. MPOWER’s scholarship programmes are designed keeping in mind the specific needs of Bangladeshi students, particularly those who may not have access to traditional funding sources.

MPOWER’s specialised scholarships for MPOWER-eligible schools include:

• Women in STEM Scholarship: Particularly relevant for Bangladeshi women pursuing technical degrees
• Global Citizen Scholarship: Supporting Bangladeshi students who demonstrate leadership potential
• Monthly Scholarship opportunities: With topics ranging from cultural exchange to academic excellence. Each month, the submission topic varies to give students multiple chances to secure funding. Past Bangladeshi winners have written about topics like “Innovation in Education” and “Cultural Exchange in Higher Education.”

Founded by international students who understand the challenges of studying abroad, MPOWER’s team has firsthand experience with the journey of international education. MPOWER is committed to supporting Bangladeshi students throughout their academic pursuits whether through scholarships or postgraduate student loans. MPOWER offers stable, fixed-rate student loans to fill funding gaps when scholarships and personal or family savings are not enough.

Our comprehensive support includes:

• Dedicated assistance for applicants
• Understanding of academic documents and grading systems
• Career guidance for graduates
• Network of alumni for mentorship

MPOWER focuses on financing your education and on developing globally-minded professionals who can contribute to both their home country and their adopted communities. Through MPOWER’s Path2Success programme, Indian students get access to career strategy services, visa guidance and professional development opportunities.

Many MPOWER’s Bangladeshi alumni have gone on to successful careers in leading organisations worldwide, while others have returned to Bangladesh to make significant contributions in various sectors.