Study Abroad from Bangladesh in 2026: Explore Top Destinations, Scholarships, Costs & Courses
To study abroad from Bangladesh, at first, students should choose a destination like the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia. Secondly, meet academic and language requirements (e.g., GPA, IELTS 6.0-6.5). Thirdly, they should prepare necessary documents such as transcripts, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and proof of funds, etc.
However, this article is going to answer all your questions regarding studying abroad from Bangladesh, including the application process, cost, requirements, and visa process. So, read the article to clarify your confusion and build a general understanding of the process needed to study abroad from Bangladesh.
Why Should You Study Abroad from Bangladesh?
Students only decide to study abroad if they have the ambition for world-class recognition. However, here are some benefits of studying abroad from Bangladesh.
High-Quality Education Compared to Your Country
The education system in Bangladesh is mostly theoretical. But to be efficient in any specific field, you have to get practical knowledge and research-based skills. The education system abroad is mostly practical, and the assessment process is mainly the coursework. So, if you study abroad from Bangladesh, not only will your qualification be recognised worldwide, but you will also get the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in practical fields.
World-Class University
Most of the universities abroad are recognised worldwide. So, if you study at any university abroad, it will help you to get jobs not only in your home country but also in different countries.
Global Recognition
The education systems of the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia are recognised all over the world. So, if you graduate from those countries, your qualification will be recognised globally.
Opportunity to Explore Vibrant Cultures
Overseas countries allow international students to visit their countries for higher education. Every year, a huge number of students around the world visit different countries for higher education. So, studying abroad from Bangladesh will help you to mix with different countries, embrace different cultures, and build network opportunities globally.
Top Study Destinations for Bangladeshi Students (2026)
Top study abroad destinations for Bangladeshi students include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States due to their world-class education, post-study work opportunities, and top-ranked universities. Other popular and affordable options with strong academic programs are Denmark, Malta, Sweden, Hungary, the UAE, and Malaysia.
UK
The main reasons for studying in the UK from Bangladesh are globally recognised degrees, high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and strong career prospects. Also, the student visa success ratio in UK is 98%.
To study in the UK from Bangladesh, you have to meet academic & English requirements, get your CAS from a UK university, and secure your student visa. Key documents for a UK university application require – passport, transcripts, an English test, and financial proof. You have to apply online, pay £524, and complete biometrics in Bangladesh.
USA
Studying in the USA from Bangladesh offers benefits from a multicultural environment, extensive internship and work opportunities like OPT, and generous scholarship and financial aid options.
To study in the USA from Bangladesh, you should apply to U.S. universities with transcripts, entrance test scores, and English proficiency. Once accepted, get your I-20, apply for an F-1 visa, pay fees, and attend your embassy interview in Dhaka.
Canada
Studying in Canada from Bangladesh is popular because of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can last up to 3 years. Additionally, Canada offers affordable tuition compared to other Western countries.
To get admission in Canada, first you have to choose a program and get accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), then apply for a study permit online with the required documents. You must also submit a study plan and complete a medical exam, biometrics, and any potential interview to study in Canada from Bangladesh.
Australia
Studying in Australia from Bangladesh is popular due to its post-study work options, which offer career advancement and a high standard of living in student-friendly cities.
To study in Australia from Bangladesh, the key steps include preparing the necessary documents, applying online, possibly attending a medical exam, and paying the visa fee. You must also have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to get an Australian student visa.
Europe
Studying in Europe from Bangladesh is attractive due to access to high-quality education and affordable tuition fees, with some countries offering free public university education. Also, the student visa ratio of some countries like Denmark, Sweden, Malta, and Hungary is high now.
You need to meet academic requirements, secure a university offer, and apply for a student visa, which requires proof of a financial statement and other documents like a passport and a statement of purpose to study in Europe from Bangladesh.
Academic Level to Study Abroad from Bangladesh
To study abroad from Bangladesh, you need to meet the minimum academic requirements, and the minimum age limit to get a student visa abroad is 18. Let’s explore the academic levels to study abroad from Bangladesh.
- Foundation Level
- Diploma Level
- Undergraduate Level
- Pre-Masters
- Postgraduate Level
Foundation Level
A Foundation Level abroad is a pre-university program designed to help international students meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree abroad. Foundation courses are a one-year program that provides academic and language skills necessary for undergraduate study and cultural adjustment.
Diploma Level
A diploma-level program abroad is a shorter, vocational-focused course that provides practical skills for a specific career. The diploma programs usually take 1 to 2 years to complete.
Undergraduate Level
Undergraduate level abroad refers to a first-level university degree, like a Bachelor’s/honours, after completing secondary education. Studying for an undergraduate degree abroad offers global exposure, access to world-class education, and cultural diversification.
Pre-Masters
A pre-master’s degree abroad is a preparatory postgraduate course for international students who fail to meet the entry requirements for a Master’s program in a foreign country.
Postgraduate Level
A postgraduate level abroad is advanced study undertaken after a bachelor’s degree, to gain specialised knowledge, improve career prospects, and gain international exposure.
Can You Study Abroad for a Master’s with a 3 Year Degree from Bangladesh?
Yes, you can study abroad for a master’s with a 3-year degree from Bangladesh. But it is not universally accepted and depends on the country and university. Some countries, like the UK and Canada, may require a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent. While other countries, especially in the humanities or social sciences, may accept a 3-year degree.
Your eligibility will depend on the specific program and university requirements, so it is essential to research the university’s specific admission criteria or contact them directly to confirm.
Explore Popular Courses for Studying Abroad
From Bangladesh, students mostly apply for the business programs; however, the craze for Engineering, Medicine, or Legal Studies can’t be denied. Let’s explore some popular courses for studying abroad from Bangladesh:
Admission Requirements for Bangladeshi Students to Study Abroad
To study abroad, Bangladeshi students generally need to meet academic requirements (minimum GPA and degree), prove English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, provide financial evidence like bank statements, submit a statement of purpose (SOP) and CV, and have a valid passport. Other common requirements include recommendation letters, official academic transcripts, and certificates.
Generally, Bangladeshi students need to meet three types of requirements. Such as:
Academic Requirements
The general academic requirements for an undergraduate program abroad are that a student should pass the 12th standard with good grades, and for a master’s program, an international student should complete their Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
Can You Study Abroad After SSC?
Yes, you can study abroad after SSC or 10th standard, though it often involves alternative paths like foundation or diploma programs. Because you can’t enter into a direct Bachelor’s degree without HSC or 12th standard.
Many countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, offer pathway programs that can serve as a bridge to a university bachelor’s degree after your 10th standard. In most cases, the duration of Foundation or Diploma courses is 1 year; however, the duration can be shorter than that. And the cost of the foundation programs is similar to the main undergraduate courses.
However, there is another option: you can now get a British qualification from Bangladesh. The International Foundation Diploma is equivalent to HSC/A-level. It takes only 6 months to 1 year to complete the course, and it will help you to study a bachelor in different countries abroad. International Foundation Programs are now available in Bangladesh; however, to get admission to these kinds of courses, you can take admission from reliable British qualification providers like AIMS Academy.
Financial Requirements
The financial requirement to study abroad from Bangladesh is basically a statement from the bank stating that the student has enough money in their account to cover the education and living expenses of that country for a certain period.
The financial requirement varies from country to country, and it is always subject to change. However, the proof of funds for a student visa abroad ranges between 35 lakhs to 65 lakhs or more.
English Requirements
Different universities abroad have different requirements for English language proficiency. However, the minimum IELTS score requirement for international students is 6.0 for an undergraduate program. For a postgraduate degree, some universities require an IELTS score of 6.5. However, you can take other English language tests like PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc. You can also apply with the medium of instruction (MOI).
But if your IELTS score is below 6.0, you can apply for a Foundation or Pre-Masters program instead.
How to Study Abroad From Bangladesh Without IELTS?
You can study abroad without IELTS by providing alternative English proficiency certificates, such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI), PTE, TOEFL, OIETC, Duolingo, etc.
Some universities in the UK also offer internal English tests and pre-sessional English courses.
Bangladeshi students think that IELTS is the only requirement for studying abroad, but the case is not like that. If you are applying from a non-English-speaking country, you have to prove your English language proficiency, and you can prove your English proficiency by any recognised English test.
Documents Required to Study Abroad from Bangladesh
To study abroad from Bangladesh, you’ll need academic documents like transcripts and certificates, proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS), financial proof (e.g., bank statements or scholarship letters), and a valid passport. You will also need to prepare a statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, a resume/CV, and a completed university application with its fee. Additionally, you may need to provide standardized test scores (like SAT or GRE), and specific visa application documents, medical certificates, and a university acceptance letter, depending on the destination country.
If you want to apply to your preferred university abroad from Bangladesh, you need to fulfil some requirements that are known as application requirements. Such as-
- All academic certificates and transcripts
- English proficiency test certificate
- Passport
- Updated CV
- Recommendation letter
- Motivation letter, etc.
Step-by-Step Application Process to Study Abroad from Bangladesh
Bangladeshi students and guardians always feel lost whenever they think of applying to a university abroad. However, clear guidelines can remove your worries about getting admission to your preferred university.
Step 1: Identify Your Future Goal
Decide on your future goal, what you want to be, and at what level you want to study abroad. Here, you have to consider your long-term career plan.
Step 2: Choose Your Study Destination and Program
After deciding on your future goal, you have to choose an appropriate course that directly matches your career plan and the best study destination according to your budget and preferences.
Step 3: Consult a Trusted Education Consultancy Firm
Studying abroad is a straightforward process. However, due to a lack of knowledge, you may face some difficulties. Here you can take help from any trusted study abroad consultancy firm like AIMS Education.
Step 4: Prepare for English Language Proficiency Tests
After consulting the best Education Consultancy firm, you have to prepare yourself for the English language proficiency tests. However, if you already have an English proficiency certificate or MOI, you can move forward to the application process.
Step 5: Prepare All the Documents
Before making an application, you have to prepare all the mandatory documents, like a passport, a CV, all academic transcripts and certificates, a recommendation letter, an Experience letter, SOP, etc. However, if you need to amend any of your documents (spelling mistakes, written in Bangla), you have to contact the appropriate authority for that.
Step 6: Apply to Universities
After arranging all the documents, you have to apply to your preferred university. Before making an application, you have to check the university’s requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and other facilities.
Step 7: Receive Offer Letter
You have to wait a minimum of 3-7 working days to receive an offer letter. However, if you don’t receive an offer letter from the university after 10 days, you should contact your education counsellor. Sometimes the universities directly send the offer letter to the student’s email, so you have to check the email, including the spam folder, continuously during the admission process.
Step 8: Apply for the Scholarships
The amount of scholarship should be mentioned in your offer letter; however, if you want to apply for any specific scholarship like Chevening, GREAT, or Earusmus Mundus, you have to apply individually through their website.
Step 9: Arrange Finances
Once you have received your offer letter, you have to arrange your funds for the bank statement, initial payment, embassy fee and insurance charge.
Step 10: Apply for a Student Visa
Once your funds are ready, you have to apply for the visa with all the documents. Give biometrics and attend the interview to get a successful visa application.
Step 11: Get Ready to Fly
Book your air ticket. Do some shopping and get ready to fly to your preferred study abroad destination.
This step-by-step process ensures that students are never overwhelmed by the study abroad process. However, we always stand by them from university application to final visa success.
Cost of Studying Abroad from Bangladesh
The cost of studying abroad from Bangladesh depends on the university and the level of your studies. However, as a Bangladeshi student, you’ll need on average 20lakhs-35lakhs initially for the first year of study. It includes both your tuition fees and living expenses abroad. However, you don’t have to pay the full tuition fee at a time; initially, you may have to pay 50% or 60% and the rest of the amount you should pay in two or three instalments after arriving in the country.
Popular Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students to Study Abroad
Scholarships are one of the biggest concerns for Bangladeshi families planning to send their children abroad. Luckily, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available for Bangladeshi students. Such as:
Scholarships in the UK for Bangladeshi Students
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarships
Scholarships in Canada for Bangladeshi Students
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
- Vanier Graduate Scholarship
- provincial grants
Scholarships in Australia for Bangladeshi Students
- Australia Awards
- Destination Australia
- university-based discounts
Scholarships in the USA for Bangladeshi Students
- Fulbright Scholarship
- university assistantships
Scholarships in Europe for Bangladeshi Students
- DAAD
- Erasmus Mundus
Common Challenges When Studying Abroad (With Tips to Overcome)
Common challenges of studying abroad include cultural differences, language barriers, homesickness, financial issues, and adapting to different academic systems. Students often struggle with cultural shock, making new friends, managing finances, and the emotional toll of being away from their support network.
Language Barriers
Bangladeshi students usually face language barriers if they apply for European countries like Denmark, Malta, Hungary, Sweden, etc. You can study in those countries with your English language proficiency skills, but to get jobs, you need to learn the local language of the country you are studying.
To overcome this challenge, you can do some language course after arriving in your preferred country, also you can make local friends so that they can help you to learn local language.
Cultural Shock
Studying abroad is not only moving to another country, but it is a combination of new life-style, new friends, and embracing new cultures. Bangladeshi students usually face cultural shock as they are not very familiar with western cultures or western food habits.
To overcome this challenge, you can watch different videos of your preferred country on YouTube to be familiar with their life-style, dress code, food habits, etc.
Financial Constraints
Studying abroad is always costly than in your home country. In Bangladesh to become a graduate you need only 2-3 lakhs from Private universities and the cost is more reasonable if you are completing your graduation from Public or national universities. Whereas, if you want to complete your graduation abroad, you will need minimum 15-20 lakhs BDT.
To overcome this barrier, you can plan strategically, save your money for studying abroad, also you can take International Foundation Diploma or HND program through trusted British qualification providers like AIMS Academy. These diploma programs will help you to save your time and money.
Visa Rejections
Most of the Bangladeshi students face student visa rejection due to a lack of information. To overcome this kind of barrier it is always recommended to take help from the experts like AIMS Education.
Homesickness & Mental Health
Not everyone, but it’s a common issue of Bangladeshi students that they are very much homesick. And sometimes homesickness leads to Mental health problems.
To overcome this problem, you can make friends with Bangladeshi people, join Bangla community to get home kind feeling, try to become busy with whatever you like, attend any kind of parties arranged by Bangla communities abroad. It will help you to get in touch with your own culture, comfort foods and local people.
Post-Study Work Opportunities Abroad for Bangladeshi Students
Bangladeshi students can pursue post-study work opportunities in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, the USA and Europe, which offer specific post-study work visas and pathways to permanent residency. The UK offers an 18-month Graduate Route visa for most graduates. Other popular countries include the USA with its H-1B visa and OPT program, and countries like France, Germany, and New Zealand, which also provide viable options for extending stay and gaining work experience.
How Can AIMS Education Help You to Study Abroad from Bangladesh?
AIMS Education is the best overseas education consultancy firm in Bangladesh. We have British Council-certified counsellors who are very passionate about their service. We provide study abroad support from university finding to course selection according to your goal.
Also, we help in visa interview preparation for the final visa application. For our students, we arrange different educational expos to build a bridge between the university and the students. Also, we provide pre-departure support and pastoral care. We ensure the highest student visa guarantee for our students. We have a 98% student satisfaction rate, so you can trust us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Which is the Best Country to Study Abroad?
The best country for Bangladeshi students depends on individual preferences, but popular study abroad destinations include the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia for their high-quality education and global recognition.
Can I Get a 100% Scholarship to Study Abroad?
Yes. To get a 100% scholarship to study abroad, explore options like the Fulbright Program (for master's/PhD in the U.S.), Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (master's and PhD), and Chevening Scholarships (postgraduate in the UK).
What Does It Mean to Study Abroad?
Studying abroad means pursuing higher education in a foreign country, whether for a semester, a full degree, or a short program.
Which is the Cheapest Country to Study in?
Studying abroad is always costly. However, studying in the UK and Denmark is affordable than in other countries.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad From Bangladesh?
The cost of studying abroad from Bangladesh depends on the university and the level of your studies. However, as a Bangladeshi student, you can expect on average 20 lakhs-35 lakhs initially for the first year of study.