Bangladesh is home to millions of ambitious, talented students who dream of pursuing graduate education abroad — but the cost of international study can feel like an insurmountable barrier. The good news: in 2026, there are more fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students than ever before. From prestigious European programmes to competitive Asian government awards, this guide covers the best opportunities with deadlines, eligibility, and application tips.
Why Bangladeshi Students Have Strong Scholarship Prospects
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income country (LMIC) by the World Bank, which means Bangladeshi students automatically qualify for a higher funding tier in many international scholarship programmes. Additionally, Bangladeshi universities produce graduates with strong STEM and development backgrounds — fields that are particularly attractive to scholarship committees.
In 2024–25, over 4,500 Bangladeshi students received internationally funded scholarships to study abroad, according to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education. That number is expected to grow in 2026 as new bilateral agreements come into effect.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students 2026
1. DAAD Scholarship (Germany) 2026
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers multiple scholarships specifically for students from developing countries, including Bangladesh. The most popular for Bangladeshis are:
- Development-Related Postgraduate Courses: Full funding for master’s programmes in fields relevant to development (engineering, agriculture, public health, IT)
- In-Country/In-Region Scholarships: For regional exchange within South Asia
- Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates: For PhD research at German universities
Benefits: Monthly stipend of EUR 861–1,200, travel allowance, health insurance, and full tuition coverage.
Deadline: Most programmes: October–November 2025 for 2026 intake.
2. Chevening Scholarship (UK) 2026
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Chevening Scholarship is open to Bangladeshi students with a minimum of two years professional work experience. Chevening covers:
- Full tuition fees at any UK university
- Monthly living allowance (approx. GBP 1,236/month in London)
- Return airfare and visa fees
- Thesis allowance and study materials grant
Who is eligible: Bangladeshi citizens with an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, two years work experience, and proof of English proficiency.
Deadline: Typically early November 2025 for 2026 intake.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships 2026
As one of the most generous scholarships available, Erasmus Mundus provides EUR 1,000/month plus full tuition for a joint master’s degree across two European universities. Bangladeshi students qualify for the highest funding tier as a partner country. Over 180 joint master’s programmes are available across all disciplines.
Deadline: Varies by programme — October 2025 to January 2026.
4. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan 2026
Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth, making Bangladeshi students eligible for Commonwealth scholarships to study in the UK, Canada, Australia and other member states. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK offers:
- Master’s and PhD scholarships tenable at UK universities
- Full tuition, living allowance, and airfare
Deadline: Applications typically open November 2025, close December 2025.
5. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026
Japan’s Ministry of Education offers the MEXT scholarship to Bangladeshi students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition at a Japanese national university
- Monthly stipend of JPY 144,000 (~USD 970) for master’s students
- Return airfare
Deadline: Applications go through the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka — typically May–June 2025 for 2026 intake. Check the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh website.
6. Korean Government Scholarship (GKS/KGSP) 2026
South Korea’s Global Korea Scholarship is aggressively recruiting Bangladeshi students. The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition at a Korean university
- Monthly stipend of KRW 900,000–1,000,000 (~USD 680–755)
- Airfare, settlement allowance, and Korean language training
Deadline: Applications through the Korean Embassy in Dhaka — typically February–March 2026 for 2026 intake (for September entry).
7. Australian Awards Scholarship 2026
Australia Awards scholarships are available to citizens of developing countries including Bangladesh. Full funding for master’s or PhD study at Australian universities, including a return airfare, full tuition, establishment allowance, and living costs.
Deadline: April–June 2025 for 2026 intake — check the Australian High Commission Bangladesh website.
8. Turkey (Türkiye) Burslari Scholarship 2026
Turkey’s government scholarship (Türkiye Burslari) covers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes at Turkish universities. It includes full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend of USD 700–800, and Turkish language training. Bangladeshi students have excellent success rates with this scholarship.
Deadline: Typically February–March 2026.
How to Maximise Your Scholarship Application Success
- Start 12 months in advance — most scholarships require documents that take months to prepare (LORs, language tests, transcripts)
- Apply to 5–8 scholarships simultaneously — diversify your portfolio across regions and deadline windows
- Get your English test score early — IELTS or TOEFL is required by most programmes; a score above 7.0 (IELTS) or 100 (TOEFL iBT) strengthens any application
- Write tailored motivation letters — avoid generic essays; connect your goals to the scholarship’s development mission
- Apply with genuine development impact goals — scholarships like DAAD and Commonwealth specifically favour applicants who commit to returning to Bangladesh and contributing to national development
Common Mistakes Bangladeshi Scholarship Applicants Make
- Submitting the same motivation letter to multiple scholarships without customising
- Not reading the eligibility criteria carefully (e.g., missing the work experience requirement for Chevening)
- Getting language test scores that are borderline — aim to exceed the minimum
- Failing to plan LOR requests early, resulting in rushed and weak recommendations