Applying for international postgraduate scholarships for Bangladeshi students

International postgraduate scholarships are a great way to finance your dream of studying abroad in North America. Canadian and U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Bangladeshi students can help you achieve your academic goals without taking on excessive debt, allowing you to focus on your studies rather than how to pay for them. For Bangladeshi students, these scholarships are particularly valuable due to the significant currency exchange rate between the taka and dollar. Whether you’re looking for an education scholarship for a specific field or general funding for your degree, there are many opportunities available.

1. 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.Source: opendoorsdata.org
2. Year-over-year growth – Bangladeshi students in the U.S. and Canada (2022-2023 to 2023-2024):Canada’s popularity as a study destination for Bangladeshi students has grown significantly. In 2023, over 15,800 Bangladeshi students chose Canada, a 150% increase since 2018. Meanwhile, the number of Bangladeshi students studying in the United States reached an all-time high, with more than 17,000 currently enrolled in U.S. institutions.Source: opendoorsdata.org, Government of Canada
3. The proportion of Bangladeshi students among all international students:The total number of international students in the United States for the 2023-2024 academic year was 1,126,690. Bangladeshi students accounted for 1.5% of this total, with 17,099 Bangladeshi students enrolled.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report

There are a variety of international postgraduate scholarships available. Understanding the options can help you find the right one for your needs.

• Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills or other outstanding achievements. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) or other prestigious Bangladeshi universities, you may qualify for these scholarships. Many universities and organisations offer merit-based doctoral or master’s scholarships for Bangladeshi students to attract top talent.
• Need-based scholarships: These are designed for students who need financial help to pursue their education. For Bangladeshi students, the significant difference in currency values (BDT to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Institutions and private organisations often provide these scholarships to help talented students who would otherwise not be able to afford a degree. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others offer partial funding ranging from US$5,000 (BDT 550,275) to US$25,000 (BDT 2,751,375).
• Government-funded scholarships: Bangladeshi students may apply for government-based scholarships like Fulbright Bangladesh Fellowships in the U.S. or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by the government. The Bangladesh government also offers scholarships such as the Ministry of Education’s Higher Studies Scholarships for studying abroad.
• University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer international postgraduate scholarships to attract students from different countries. These scholarships may cover tuition fees and living expenses.
• Subject-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in particular fields, such as engineering, business or health care. Bangladeshi students in STEM fields often have excellent opportunities with scholarships like the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship, which provides up to US$8,000 (BDT 880,440) for selected students. These often come from industry associations, private companies or government programmes seeking to improve the quality of graduates in high-demand fields.
• Country-specific scholarships: Some scholarships target students from particular regions. For example, there are U.S. scholarships specifically for Bangladeshi students designed to support Bangladeshi nationals who wish to study in the U.S. Several international foundations specifically support Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education abroad.

International postgraduate scholarships offer more than just funding – they can be a stepping stone to academic, personal, and professional success. Here’s how they can benefit Bangladeshi students:

• Lower financial burden: Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships can help cover tuition, housing and other expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies. For Bangladeshi students, scholarship funds can bridge the significant gap created by the taka-to-dollar conversion, which makes U.S. and Canadian education particularly expensive.
• Access to top universities: Scholarships make it possible for talented Bangladeshi students to study at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Canada, regardless of their financial background. Many top institutions are actively seeking to increase their diversity by recruiting students from South Asia, including Bangladesh.
• Expand your professional network: Many international postgraduate scholarships provide students with access to alumni networks, industry connections and mentorship programmes that can help with career growth. For Bangladeshi students, these networks can be invaluable for securing internships and job opportunities, both internationally and when returning to Bangladesh.
• Enhanced career prospects: Employers value international education and global experience. Receiving an overseas master’s scholarship can boost your CV and make you stand out in the job market. For Bangladeshi students returning home after studies, having prestigious international scholarships on your CV can significantly boost career prospects with multinational companies operating in Bangladesh.
• Gain global experience: Scholarships that make it possible to study abroad allow you to experience different cultures, improve your language skills and develop a global perspective, all of which are valuable in today’s interconnected world. This global mindset is increasingly valuable for Bangladeshi professionals working in a globalised economy.

When applying for competitive international postgraduate scholarships, a well structured and compelling application can set you apart. Here’s how to maximise your changes as a Bangladeshi student:

• Research thoroughly: Start by identifying scholarships for a master’s abroad or a doctoral programme that matches your background, field of study, career goals or nationality. The EducationUSA Bangladesh maintains offices in Dhaka and provides free advising services on scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students. Understanding the funder’s priorities can help you frame your application effectively.
• Follow the guidelines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Carefully read the instructions and ensure you meet all the conditions before applying. For Bangladeshi students, additional requirements may include specific standardised test scores like GRE, GMAT or TOEFL, as well as authenticated academic transcripts from Bangladeshi institutions.
• Write a compelling personal statement: Your personal statement should highlight your academic achievements, career goals and reasons for applying. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit Bangladesh upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Be specific about how the scholarship will help you achieve your dreams, drawing on uniquely Bangladeshi experiences that set you apart.
• Secure impactful letters of recommendations: Request letters from professors, mentors or employers who can speak to your academic and professional potential. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Bangladeshi academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field. Provide them with enough context to write meaningful letters.
• Emphasise your broader contributions: Many postgraduate scholarships value leadership skills, community involvement and research experience. Showcase how you’ve made a difference outside the classroom, perhaps through volunteer work in local Bangladeshi communities or leadership in national organisations.
• Review your application carefully: Double check every element of your scholarship application for clarity and accuracy. Errors in your application can leave a bad impression. For Bangladeshi students writing in English, it may be helpful to have your application reviewed by someone familiar with British or American English conventions, depending on your destination country. Review your essays, proofread documents and ensure everything is polished before you press “Send.” Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from Bangladesh.

As you’re looking for international postgraduate scholarships, be sure to review the scholarships and services offered by MPOWER Financing. MPOWER is dedicated to providing financial support for high-potential international students by making higher education more accessible, regardless of a student’s financial background. By offering scholarships and no-cosigner loans, MPOWER enables students to achieve their academic and career dreams.

If your master’s programme is in science, technology, business or public policy at an MPOWER-eligible school, you may qualify for the Global Citizen Scholarship, awarded to international students taking on the world’s most pressing problems. This scholarship provides up to US$8,000 (BDT 880,440) to selected students. MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship is designed to support women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with awards up to US$5,000 (BDT 550,275). This is particularly relevant for Bangladeshi women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields.

The MBA Scholarship provides support for future business leaders pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at an MPOWER-eligible school. With the growing interest in MBA degrees among Bangladeshi professionals, this scholarship of up to US$5,000 (BDT 550,275) can be particularly valuable.

The Monthly Scholarship Series is a rotating scholarship programme that offers funding at an MPOWER-eligible school based on different themes throughout the year. Each scholarship provides up to US$1,000 (BDT 110,055) to help offset educational expenses.

Along with scholarship programmes, MPOWER supports Bangladeshi students with visa services, career support, financial services and more. Their visa support is especially helpful for Bangladeshi students applying for U.S. and Canadian student visas each year. Their career services can be particularly valuable for Bangladeshi students looking to gain work experience through optional practical training (OPT) in the U.S. or the post-graduation work permit program (PGWPP) in Canada.