Scholarships to study in the UK

Looking for scholarships in the UK for Bangladeshi students? We’ve got the list

High tuition fee and student loans shouldn’t deter you from living your dream of studying overseas. The UK has some of the highest ranked institutions in the world, but this can come at a price. However, if you plan well in advance, you can apply to a range of scholarships offered by UK Universities and Colleges. Open to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies, these can be partial or fully paid, depending on the criteria, course and the institution. Many scholarships and bursaries are also offered by the government, and various private and public establishments as well. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date.

What is the criteria for applying to scholarships?

The most important criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, however, it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage. Keep in mind that every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. While in some, a mere application may suffice, while for others you may have to fulfill several other conditions. For instance, in research centric programs, you may have to submit written assignments. Do not hesitate to contact the university admission center if you have any doubts.

What amount of money is available through scholarships?

The amount of money available and the type of award varies between institutions. Certain research programs may provide up to 100% of the tuition fee besides covering a part of your living expenditures. You may experience higher competition when you apply for government scholarships in comparison to the university scholarships. So, we suggest you to start with the procedure about 8-12 months before your preferred intake begins. If you get stuck anywhere, IDP counsellors will be more than happy to guide you through.

Two major government scholarships programs available to international students in the UK are:

• Chevening: This initiative supports talented professionals who have shown prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. With Chevening, you can apply for a scholarship or fellowship, the selection of which is done by the high commission and British embassies

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC): The CSC in the UK offers fellowships and scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. Bangladeshi students applying for a master’s degree or a PhD in the UK can take advantage of this scholarship to fund their education. Under the scheme, there are scholarships available specifically for low and middle income countries that you can take advantage of.

Also, all universities and colleges also have their own set of scholarships which can be subject or destination specific. Do check with them for available options in time.

Here’s an overview of some of the popular scholarships you can apply to as an Bangladeshi student:

Keep in mind

Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. In case of some, just an application will help you get hold of the scholarship. For research centric programs, you may have to submit written assignments. So, research well and do not hesitate to contact the university admission centre if you have any doubts.

Securing a good scholarship can help bring down your cost of studying internationally considerably. If you wish to explore university wise options, speak with your IDP counsellor for specific details. They can also assist you in finding the right scholarship for you.