Studying in the UK is a dream for many Bangladeshi students, but the cost of tuition and living expenses often makes it feel out of reach. Thankfully, there are many UK scholarships for Bangladeshi students that can significantly reduce or even fully cover these expenses.
From fully funded government programs to university-specific awards, Bangladeshi students have access to a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees.
This guide explains the best scholarships, what they cover, and how Bangladeshi students can prepare a strong application for 2026 and beyond.
Why Scholarships Matter for Bangladeshi Students
The UK offers high-quality education, modern facilities, and a global degree that opens doors worldwide. But studying abroad requires financial planning, especially for students coming from Bangladesh.
These scholarships not only reduce costs but also help students focus on their studies without worrying about financial pressure. Many UK universities and government bodies provide Bangladeshi students with funding to support talented students in achieving their academic goals.
As a Bangladeshi student, understanding which scholarships match your profile helps you decide where to apply and how to prepare.
Top UK Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students
Below are some of the most valuable and well-known scholarship options available for Bangladeshi students:
- Chevening Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Chevening is one of the most prestigious fully funded UK scholarships for BD students. It covers tuition fees, monthly living allowance, travel costs, visa fees, and accommodation. Students are selected based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement. It is ideal for one-year master’s programs.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship supports Bangladeshi students who want to study development-related master’s degrees. It covers full tuition, flights, living expenses, and other essential costs. It is highly competitive but provides one of the most complete funding packages for eligible programs.
- GREAT Scholarship (Bangladesh)
The GREAT Scholarship offers Bangladeshi students financial support of up to £10,000 or more toward their tuition fees. It is available through selected UK universities and is designed to help students studying a wide range of subjects.
- University-Specific Scholarships
Many UK universities offer UK scholarships for Bangladesh students, including:
- University of Manchester
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds
- Coventry University
- University of Birmingham
These scholarships vary by program and can include merit awards, early payment discounts, international student bursaries, and subject-specific UK grants for Bangladeshi students.
- UK–Bangladesh Education Partnership Scholarships
Some UK universities collaborate with Bangladeshi organisations or government bodies to offer scholarships for selected academic fields. These can be partial or full funding, depending on the agreement. Because these partnerships update every year, students should regularly check announcements and university websites for new opportunities.
Types of Funding Available for Bangladeshi Students
Understanding the types of scholarships available helps you choose the right one for your needs:
1. Fully Funded Scholarships
These cover major study expenses such as tuition, accommodation, living allowance, travel, and visa fees. They are competitive and typically require strong academic results, leadership potential, and a well-written personal statement.
Examples: Chevening, Commonwealth.
2. Partial Scholarships
Partial scholarships help reduce tuition costs through fixed discounts or percentage reductions. They are easier to secure and are offered by many universities to attract high-performing Bangladeshi students.
Examples: GREAT Scholarship, university merit awards.
3. Grants & Bursaries
These UK grants are smaller financial supports designed to help students with accommodation, research costs, or one-time expenses. They can be a good option for students who already have partial funding but need extra support during their studies.
How Bangladeshi Students Can Improve Their Scholarship Chances
Bangladeshi students can boost their chances of winning a scholarship by focusing on a few key areas:
- Maintain strong academic grades: Most scholarships look for good academic results, so consistent performance can make your application stand out.
- Write a clear, compelling personal statement: Explain your goals, achievements, and why you want to study in the UK. A strong personal statement helps reviewers understand your motivation.
- Apply early: Many scholarship deadlines close long before admission deadlines. Starting early gives you more options and reduces stress.
- Meet English language requirements: Prepare for IELTS, PTE, or use MOI if accepted by your chosen university. Meeting the requirement early speeds up your application.
- Gain leadership or community involvement: Activities like volunteering, leading school clubs, or community projects show initiative, something many scholarship boards value.
- Research universities that offer funding: Some universities provide generous scholarships specifically for Bangladeshi students, so applying to the right institutions increases your chances.
Preparing early and staying organised helps make the entire process smoother and puts you in a stronger position for selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bangladesh eligible for the Chevening Scholarship?
Yes, Bangladesh is fully eligible for the Chevening Scholarship. Many Bangladeshi students receive this award each year to study a one-year master’s program in the UK. Chevening looks for academic ability, leadership skills, and a clear study plan.
Which scholarship is available for Bangladeshi students?
Bangladeshi students can apply to several major scholarships, including Chevening, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and university-specific awards. Each option supports different subjects and academic levels, giving students a range of opportunities.
How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in the UK?
To secure a fully funded scholarship like Chevening or Commonwealth, you need strong academic results, a clear study purpose, leadership potential, and well-prepared application documents. Applying early and showing commitment to your field can also improve your chances.
Which university is best for Bangladeshi students in the UK?
Universities such as Coventry, Portsmouth, Birmingham City, Glasgow, and Sunderland are popular among Bangladeshi students. These institutions offer flexible entry requirements, good support services, and strong international communities that help students settle in easily.
What IELTS score is required for a scholarship?
Most UK scholarships expect an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0, although some competitive scholarships may require higher scores depending on the program. Always check the specific scholarship or university requirement, as English criteria can vary based on the course you are applying for.
In Summary
Scholarships make it much easier for Bangladeshi students to study in the UK by reducing the cost of tuition, living expenses, or both. From fully funded programs that cover almost everything to smaller grants that still help lighten the financial load, there is usually a scholarship that can fit your goals and study plans.
When you start your research early, prepare your documents properly, and apply for scholarships that match your strengths, you increase your chances of getting support.
With the right preparation, these scholarships can open the door to studying in the UK without worrying as much about money.
Need help exploring Bangladeshi UK funding opportunities?
Addvor helps you find the right scholarship and prepares you for admission to leading UK universities. Send us a message to begin.
