U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Bangladeshi students

Postgraduate scholarships can make a significant difference for Bangladeshi students pursuing their dreams of studying at a university in the U.S. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, so they can reduce the burden of educational expenses and allow students to graduate with less debt. However, U.S. postgraduate scholarships are highly competitive, so it’s essential to do your research and prepare a superior application for each opportunity.

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

Securing a scholarship can transform your postgraduate education experience. Financial support through U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Bangladeshi students allows you to focus on your academic and professional development rather than worrying about tuition and living costs. Scholarships also provide recognition for academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. Many organisations offer education scholarships that include opportunities for mentorship and networking, helping you to build connections with fellow peers and contacts in your field. Additionally, receiving a scholarship can enhance your resume and distinguish you in a competitive job market.

There are several kinds of U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Bangladeshi students, each with different eligibility criteria and benefits.

• Merit-based scholarships reward students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills and extracurricular involvement. Many U.S. universities and private organisations offer merit-based awards to attract top Bangladeshi talent.
• Need-based scholarships: Designed for students with financial constraints, these scholarships assess an applicant’s financial situation to determine eligibility. Many universities and private foundations provide need-based funding to ensure that financial hardship doesn’t prevent talented Bangladeshi students from pursuing a degree in the U.S.
• Bangladesh-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are designated specifically for students from Bangladesh. US scholarships for Bangladeshi students are available through various government and private programmes aimed at strengthening educational ties between the United States and Bangladesh. Examples include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Humphrey Fellowship Program, and USAID scholarships.
• Field-specific scholarships: Many organisations offer scholarships for Bangladeshi students pursuing postgraduate degrees in fields such as STEM or business. These scholarships help advance research and expertise in disciplines where graduates are in high demand. Bangladeshi students in STEM fields may find additional opportunities due to the strong reputation of Bangladeshi education in these areas.
• University-specific scholarships: Many U.S. universities have dedicated funding for overseas master’s scholarships and doctoral scholarships for Bangladeshi students. These awards may be based on merit, financial need or specific criteria set by the institution.

Finding the right international scholarship requires thorough research and planning. Here are some key resources for Bangladeshi students to explore:

• University financial aid offices: Many U.S. universities have dedicated offices that provide information on available scholarships and funding opportunities for Bangladeshi students.
• Government programmes: Both the Bangladeshi and U.S. governments offer international postgraduate scholarships to encourage global talent to study in the U.S. Programmes such as Fulbright, USAID scholarships, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program are excellent options for Bangladeshi students.
• Private organisations and foundations: Nonprofit organisations, companies and educational foundations offer a wide range of doctoral and master’s scholarships for international students, including those from Bangladesh. Websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb.com provide searchable databases to find suitable opportunities.
• Bangladeshi organisations: Several Bangladeshi organisations like the Bangladesh Association of Banks, Bangladesh Bank, and various private foundations offer scholarships for master’s abroad to promising Bangladeshi students.
• Professional associations: Some professional organisations offer scholarships related to specific industries, such as engineering, healthcare or business.
• Top scholarship websites include:

• Scholarships.com
• InternationalStudent.com
• Fastweb
• IEFA
• EducationUSA
• InternationalScholarships.com
• American Center Bangladesh

MPOWER is a mission-driven organisation dedicated to removing financial barriers for talented students and making higher education accessible to individuals from all over the world through student loans and scholarships. MPOWER also offers resources beyond funding, including financial support, visa guidance and career resources.

MPOWER offers the following scholarships:

• MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship: Awards up to US$8,000 (BDT 880,440) to international students, including those from Bangladesh, currently enrolled in or accepted to a full-time degree programme at an MPOWER-eligible school.
• MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship: Provides up to US$5,000 (BDT 550,275) to female students, including Bangladeshi women, pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• MPOWER MBA Scholarship: Designed for international students pursuing an MBA, with awards up to US$5,000 (BDT 550,275). This is particularly relevant for Bangladeshi students, who make up a growing portion of international MBA students in the U.S.
• MPOWER Refugee Scholarship: Supports students with refugee or asylum-seeker status with awards up to US$2,000 (BDT 220,110).
• MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series: A rotating scholarship programme with varying themes and monthly awards throughout the year.
• MPOWER 追梦永不息 Scholarship: A scholarship of up to US$5,000 (BDT 550,275) for promising Chinese students enrolled or accepted to an MPOWER-supported school.
• MPOWER Udaan India Scholarship: Providing up to US$5,000 (BDT 550,275) for Indian citizens pursuing STEM degrees at MPOWER-eligible schools.

MPOWER also offers additional services, including:

• Education loans for Bangladeshi students: MPOWER provides no-cosigner, collateral-free loans to students from Bangladesh, ensuring they have access to financing regardless of their home country’s banking system.
• Visa support: MPOWER offers visa support, including a free visa support letter and visa prep class, as well as access to customised visa interview training. This is particularly helpful for Bangladeshi students navigating the U.S. visa process.
• Career services: MPOWER assists students with building a resume, searching for internships and jobs, and preparing applications. These services can help Bangladeshi students adapt to the U.S. job market and application processes.