I am a student currently living in Bangladesh and I’m trying to find financial support for my higher education. I come from a middle-class family and the cost of university education is quite challenging for us. I’m particularly interested in knowing what scholarships are available for students in Bangladesh – both for studying within the country and abroad. Could you please provide detailed information about:
1. Government scholarships offered by the Bangladesh government for undergraduate and graduate students
2. Merit-based scholarships available at public and private universities in Bangladesh
3. Need-based financial aid programs for underprivileged students
4. International scholarships that Bangladeshi students can apply for to study in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or Europe
5. Subject-specific scholarships (for fields like Engineering, Medical Science, Business, Arts, or Science)
6. Scholarships offered by NGOs, private organizations, or foundations operating in Bangladesh
7. Any special scholarships for female students, students from rural areas, or minority communities
8. The typical eligibility criteria, application processes, deadlines, and required documents for these scholarships
9. Scholarships for different education levels – HSC, undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs
I have completed my HSC exams with good results and I’m planning to pursue higher education, so any comprehensive information about available scholarship opportunities would be extremely helpful for my future planning.

Scholarships Available for Students in Bangladesh

Government Scholarships

1. Primary Education Stipend Program

• Provided by the Government of Bangladesh for primary school students
• Covers tuition fees and provides monthly stipends
• Targets students from economically disadvantaged families
• Amount varies based on grade level

2. Secondary Education Stipend

• For students in grades 6-10
• Separate programs for boys and girls
• Girls receive stipends to encourage female education
• Merit-based and need-based categories available

3. Higher Secondary Stipend

• For students in grades 11-12
• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based financial assistance
• Covers tuition and provides monthly allowances

4. National University Scholarships

• Merit scholarships for undergraduate students
• Need-based financial aid
• Special quotas for underprivileged students
• Research grants for postgraduate students

5. UGC (University Grants Commission) Scholarships

• For university students across Bangladesh
• Merit-based awards
• Research fellowships for MPhil and PhD students
• Monthly stipends ranging from BDT 8,000 to BDT 15,000

6. Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust

• Covers various educational levels
• Merit and need-based criteria
• Special provisions for orphans and children of freedom fighters

International Scholarships

7. Commonwealth Scholarships

• For Master’s and PhD programs in Commonwealth countries
• Fully funded including tuition, living expenses, and airfare
• Requires strong academic record
• Administered through the Ministry of Education

8. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• One-year Master’s degree programs in the UK
• Fully funded by the UK government
• Covers tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs
• Requires work experience and leadership potential

9. Fulbright Scholarships (USA)

• For Master’s and PhD programs in the United States
• Covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare
• Highly competitive
• Requires TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scores

10. Chinese Government Scholarship

• Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs in China
• Fully funded including accommodation
• Multiple intakes per year
• Administered through Chinese Embassy in Dhaka

11. Turkish Government Scholarships

• Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Fully funded with monthly stipend
• Includes Turkish language course
• Covers tuition, accommodation, and health insurance

12. Australian Awards Scholarships

• Master’s and PhD programs in Australia
• Fully funded by Australian government
• Requires development-related study plans
• Includes pre-course English training if needed

13. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

• Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs
• Fully funded with monthly allowance
• Research student category available
• Japanese language training provided

14. Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

• Undergraduate and graduate programs in South Korea
• Full tuition, monthly allowance, airfare
• Korean language training included
• Settlement allowance provided

15. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

• Master’s and PhD programs in Germany
• Various scholarship schemes available
• Monthly stipends ranging from €850 to €1,200
• Health insurance included

16. Swedish Institute Scholarships

• Master’s programs in Sweden
• Fully funded including living expenses
• Focus on leadership and development
• Network and alumni benefits

17. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

• Joint Master’s programs across European universities
• Fully funded EU scholarships
• Study in multiple European countries
• Monthly allowance plus travel costs

18. Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)

• Master’s and PhD programs
• For developing country nationals
• Covers tuition, living costs, visa, travel
• Development-focused programs

19. New Zealand Scholarships

• Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Fully funded by New Zealand government
• Includes tuition, living allowance, travel
• Development-focused fields

20. Russian Government Scholarships

• Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs
• Quota-based allocation for Bangladesh
• Includes accommodation and stipend
• Russian language preparatory course

Private and Institutional Scholarships

21. BRAC University Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships (up to 100% tuition waiver)
• Need-based financial aid
• Sports and cultural scholarships
• Sibling discounts available

22. North South University Scholarships

• Merit scholarships based on academic performance
• Need-based financial assistance
• Talent-based scholarships
• Awards range from 25% to 100% tuition waiver

23. Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) Scholarships

• Merit scholarships for high achievers
• Need-based grants
• Special scholarships for freedom fighters’ children
• Renewable based on GPA maintenance

24. East West University Scholarships

• Academic excellence scholarships
• Financial need-based support
• Special talent scholarships
• Graduate assistantships

25. American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) Scholarships

• Merit-based tuition waivers
• Need-based financial aid
• Scholarships for siblings
• Performance-based continuation

26. University of Dhaka Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships for top performers
• Hall scholarships
• Department-specific awards
• Research grants for graduate students

27. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Scholarships

• Merit scholarships for undergraduate students
• Financial assistance for economically disadvantaged
• Research assistantships for postgraduate students
• Special awards from alumni associations

28. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

• For postgraduate studies
• 50% grant, 50% loan structure
• Preference for students with limited financial resources
• Focus on development-related fields

29. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships

• Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• For study in IsDB member countries
• Covers tuition, living expenses, travel
• Priority fields in science and technology

30. Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program

• Master’s degree programs in economics, management, science, and technology
• Fully funded scholarships
• Available at partner institutions in Asia-Pacific
• Includes tuition, monthly allowance, housing, books, and travel

Subject-Specific Scholarships

31. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

• For Master’s students in development-related subjects
• Fully funded for study in UK
• Must return to Bangladesh after completion
• Focus on sustainable development goals

32. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship

• For development-related Master’s programs
• Fully funded including travel and health insurance
• Must have development work experience
• Obligation to return to home country

33. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)

• Short courses and Master’s programs
• Focus on capacity building
• Preference for professionals in development sectors
• Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses

34. ICCR Scholarships (India)

• Undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in India
• Allocated through quota system
• Covers tuition and provides monthly stipend
• Accommodation assistance

35. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

• Master’s and PhD programs in Malaysian universities
• Fully funded by Malaysian government
• Monthly allowance provided
• Annual return ticket to Bangladesh

Need-Based and Special Category Scholarships

36. Freedom Fighters’ Children Scholarship

• For descendants of 1971 freedom fighters
• Available at government and some private institutions
• Fee waivers and monthly stipends
• Multiple educational levels covered

37. Stipend for Orphans and Disadvantaged Children

• Government and NGO-funded programs
• Covers educational expenses
• Additional support for living costs
• Available from primary to higher education

38. Disability Scholarships

• For students with physical disabilities
• Government and private institutional support
• Fee waivers and special assistance
• Accessibility support included

39. Tribal and Minority Scholarships

• For ethnic minority and indigenous students
• Government allocation through Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts
• Covers tuition and living expenses
• Available at various educational levels

40. Female Education Scholarships

• Multiple programs promoting girls’ education
• Available from primary to university level
• Government and NGO initiatives
• Includes stipends and fee waivers

Professional and Vocational Scholarships

41. Technical and Vocational Education Scholarships

• For students in technical training institutes
• Government-funded programs
• Covers training costs and provides stipends
• Focus on skill development

42. Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) Scholarships

• For diploma engineering students
• Merit and need-based categories
• Available at polytechnic institutes
• Monthly stipends for eligible students

43. Medical Education Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships at public medical colleges
• Financial assistance for needy students
• Research grants for postgraduate medical students
• Institutional awards at private medical colleges

44. Engineering Education Scholarships

• Merit scholarships at engineering universities
• Industry-sponsored scholarships
• Research assistantships
• International exchange programs

Corporate and Foundation Scholarships

45. Grameenphone Scholarship Program

• For underprivileged meritorious students
• Covers secondary to higher secondary levels
• Monthly stipends and educational materials
• Long-running CSR initiative

46. HSBC Bangladesh Scholarship

• For undergraduate students
• Merit and need-based selection
• Financial support for education expenses
• Mentorship programs included

47. Standard Chartered Bangladesh Scholarships

• "Seeing is Believing" program for visually impaired students
• Other educational support programs
• Various educational levels covered
• Includes assistive technology support

48. Banglalink Digital Scholarship

• For meritorious underprivileged students
• Focus on ICT and technology education
• Monthly stipends and digital device support
• Skill development training included

49. Robi-Axiata Scholarship Program

• Secondary and higher secondary students
• Merit-based selection
• Annual scholarship awards
• Educational material support

50. Bangladesh Bank Scholarship

• For children of bank employees
• Merit-based awards
• Various educational levels
• Annual disbursement

Research and Academic Excellence Scholarships

51. Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Scholarships

• Research grants for scientists
• PhD scholarships
• Young scientist awards
• Publication support

52. Bangabandhu Fellowship on Science and ICT

• For PhD research in science and technology
• Significant monthly fellowship amount
• Research budget included
• Focus on innovation and development

53. National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship

• For Master’s and PhD students in science
• Monthly stipend for research
• Laboratory and research support
• Administered by Ministry of Science and Technology

Regional and Area-Specific Scholarships

54. European Union Erasmus+ Scholarships

• Credit mobility programs
• Joint Master’s degrees
• Institutional partnerships
• Short-term and long-term programs

55. Asia-Pacific Scholarships

• Various regional scholarship programs
• Focus on regional cooperation
• Available at partner institutions
• Cultural exchange components

56. SAARC Scholarships

• For study in SAARC member countries
• Undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Quota-based allocation
• Promotes regional cooperation

57. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships

• For mid-career professionals
• Short-term programs in Commonwealth countries
• Focus on professional development
• Networking opportunities

Specialized Field Scholarships

58. Climate Change and Environment Scholarships

• Focus on environmental studies
• International and domestic programs
• Research grants available
• Funded by environmental organizations

59. Agriculture and Rural Development Scholarships

• For agricultural sciences students
• Government and international funding
• Practical training included
• Development focus

60. Public Health Scholarships

• Master’s and PhD in public health
• International scholarship opportunities
• WHO and other health organization funding
• Field work components

61. Information Technology Scholarships

• For computer science and IT students
• Industry-sponsored programs
• International certification support
• Internship opportunities

62. Journalism and Media Scholarships

• Professional development programs
• International exchange opportunities
• Short-term and degree programs
• Media organization funding

Language and Cultural Exchange Programs

63. Confucius Institute Scholarships

• Chinese language and culture programs
• Various duration options
• Study in China
• Full or partial funding

64. Goethe Institute Scholarships

• German language courses
• Study programs in Germany
• Cultural exchange components
• Various scholarship levels

65. Alliance Française Scholarships

• French language training
• Study opportunities in France
• Cultural exchange programs
• Short and long-term courses

66. British Council Scholarships

• English language training
• Professional development programs
• Study UK scholarships
• IELTS fee waivers for eligible candidates

Online and Distance Learning Scholarships

67. Coursera Financial Aid

• For online courses and specializations
• Application-based approval
• Access to professional certificates
• Individual course basis

68. edX Scholarships

• Financial assistance for verified certificates
• MicroMasters programs
• Professional education courses
• Application required per course

69. Bangladesh Open University Scholarships

• Distance learning programs
• Merit and need-based
• Various academic levels
• Flexible study options

Emerging and New Scholarship Programs

70. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Scholarships

• Focus on SDG-related fields
• Various international organizations
• Development-oriented programs
• Research and study opportunities

71. Digital Bangladesh Scholarships

• ICT and technology education focus
• Government initiative
• Skill development programs
• Innovation and entrepreneurship support

72. Fourth Industrial Revolution Scholarships

• Focus on emerging technologies
• AI, robotics, data science programs
• International and domestic opportunities
• Industry partnerships

73. Green Technology Scholarships

• Renewable energy and sustainability
• International funding opportunities
• Research focus
• Environmental development

74. Social Entrepreneurship Scholarships

• For students interested in social business
• Leadership development
• International programs
• Mentorship included

75. Women in STEM Scholarships

• Encouraging women in science and technology
• Various educational levels
• Mentorship programs
• Career development support

Application Resources and Platforms

76. Ministry of Education Scholarship Portal

• Centralized information on government scholarships
• Online application systems
• Updates on new programs
• Application guidelines

77. University Grants Commission Portal

• Information on higher education scholarships
• University-level opportunities
• Research grants
• Fellowship programs

78. Bangladesh Scholarship Information System

• Comprehensive database
• Various scholarship categories
• Search and filter options
• Application deadlines

79. Embassy Scholarship Programs

• Various foreign embassies offer country-specific scholarships
• Bilateral exchange programs
• Cultural and educational partnerships
• Check individual embassy websites

80. NGO and Non-Profit Scholarships

• BRAC, UCEP, and other NGOs
• Focus on underprivileged students
• Vocational and academic programs
• Community development focus