U.S. scholarships for Bangladeshi students

The United States has long been a premier destination for Bangladeshi students seeking world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities and diverse cultural experiences. However, the cost of postgraduate studies in the U.S. can be a major barrier for many Bangladeshi students. Tuition fees alone can range from US$20,000 (BDT 2,201,100) to US$50,000 (BDT 5,502,750) per year. When factoring in living expenses, health insurance and other costs, the total annual expenses can run higher than US$70,000 (BDT 7,703,850). Fortunately, U.S. scholarships for Bangladeshi students can help to cover the cost, enabling many promising individuals to achieve their dreams of studying at U.S. universities.

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

For Bangladeshi students considering a postgraduate degree in the U.S., obtaining an education scholarship is crucial for several reasons.

• Financial assistance: U.S. scholarships for Bangladeshi students help reduce the burden of high tuition fees, accommodations and other living expenses. For many students, receiving financial aid is the deciding factor in whether they can afford to study in the U.S. Without scholarships, students may need to take on loans or rely on family savings, making education less accessible. This is particularly important for Bangladeshi students, as the currency conversion from taka to dollars makes U.S. education significantly expensive.
• Networking opportunities: Many scholarships provide access to exclusive networks, mentorship programmes and professional development opportunities. These connections can be invaluable for getting internships and job placements in a student’s chosen field. Networking through scholarship programmes can also help students build lifelong relationships with peers and industry leaders, including connecting with successful Bangladeshi alumni in the U.S.
• CV boosters: A scholarship award is a mark of excellence that can set students apart in a tight job market. Employers recognise scholarships as a testament to a candidate’s dedication, academic abilities and leadership potential. Having a scholarship on a CV signals that a student has been recognised for their hard work and potential, making them more competitive for job opportunities both in the U.S. and if returning to Bangladesh.

Understanding the various kinds of U.S. scholarships for Bangladeshi students can help students to identify the best possibilities.

• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardised test scores, leadership qualities or exceptional talents. Universities, private organisations and foundations offer merit-based scholarships to attract top-performing students. Some examples include the Fulbright Program and merit scholarships at various universities. Bangladeshi students with strong academic records from prestigious Bangladeshi institutions often have an advantage in this category.
• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate financial need and may not have the resources to afford a U.S. education. Universities, nonprofits and private organisations look at family income, personal finances and other factors when awarding need-based scholarships. For Bangladeshi students, the significant difference in currency values often makes them eligible for need-based support.
• Government-funded scholarships: These scholarships are sponsored by governments to promote international education and cultural exchange. Programs like the Fulbright-Bangladesh Scholarship, funded by the U.S. and Bangladesh governments, provide financial support for students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in various fields. Other options include international foundations and Bangladesh government initiatives like the Ministry of Education’s Scholarships for Higher Studies Abroad.
• Private scholarships: Corporations, nonprofits and foundations offer private scholarships to support education and foster global talent. These scholarships can be based on merit, need or specific criteria such as field of study or gender. Examples include international foundation scholarships and the MPOWER MBA Scholarship.. Many multinational companies with operations in Bangladesh also offer scholarships for Bangladeshi students to study in the U.S.

There are multiple resources for identifying U.S. scholarships for Bangladeshi students and learning how to apply for scholarships to study abroad.

• University financial aid offices: Most U.S. universities have dedicated financial aid offices that provide information about available scholarships, application deadlines and eligibility criteria. Students should reach out to these offices early to explore opportunities.
• Online scholarship databases: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb and IEFA offer extensive lists of scholarships for international students. These platforms allow students to filter scholarships based on eligibility criteria, making it easier to find relevant options.
• Government portals: EducationUSA Bangladesh offers comprehensive information on scholarships and fellowships for Bangladeshi students. Checking official government websites can provide credible and up-to-date funding opportunities. The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh and the Bangladesh government’s scholarship programmes also provide information on scholarships for studying abroad.
• Bangladeshi education consultants: Many education consultants in major Bangladeshi cities like Dhaka and Chittagong specialise in helping students find and apply for scholarships to study in the U.S. They often have updated information on scholarships specifically available to Bangladeshi students.
• Alumni networks: Connecting with Bangladeshi alumni who have studied in the U.S. can provide insights on scholarship opportunities and application strategies. Many universities have active Bangladeshi student associations that can help with networking.

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 offers a variety of scholarships catering to different student demographics and fields of study, such as the Women in STEM Scholarship and the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship.

MPOWER also offers:

• International student loans: No-cosigner student loans up to US$100,000 (BDT 11,005,500) are designed specifically for international students and offer competitive, fixed interest rates with no prepayment penalties.
• Visa support: To support students as they navigate complex visa processes, MPOWER provides services to assist with visa applications and preparation for visa interviews. This is particularly helpful for Bangladeshi students, who make up an important group applying for U.S. student visas each year.
• Career services: MPOWER’s job search and resume tools help students prepare for employment opportunities after graduation. These services can be especially valuable for Bangladeshi students looking to gain work experience in the U.S. through optional practical training (OPT).