UK Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students: Full List and Eligibility

For most international students, the financial side of studying abroad is the biggest hurdle. The good news is that a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities are available to Bangladeshi students, which can significantly reduce the cost of a UK degree. Before you start applying, it is worth reading our breakdown of the cost of studying in the UK for Bangladeshi students, so you know exactly how much a scholarship needs to cover.

Bangladeshi students are drawn to study in the UK for its world-renowned universities, globally respected qualifications, and rich cultural experience, and every year thousands apply to study there. If you are still weighing up the decision, our guide on why study in the UK as a Bangladeshi student covers the benefits in more detail.

Here, we explore the top UK scholarships that Bangladeshi students can apply for, along with what each one covers and who is eligible.

Scholarships in the UK for Bangladeshi Students

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is the UK government’s flagship scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It offers fully funded, one-year master’s study to future leaders from eligible countries, including Bangladesh. A Chevening award covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, and return airfares to the UK.

To apply, you generally need a completed undergraduate degree, at least two years of relevant work experience, and offers from three different eligible UK master’s courses. Chevening applications typically open in August each year and close in early October, so building your application timeline around this window is essential.

Commonwealth Scholarships

As a Commonwealth country, Bangladesh is eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships, funded by the UK government and administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

These are aimed at students from lower and middle-income Commonwealth countries and are available for master’s and doctoral study, including Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Commonwealth PhD Scholarships. Awards typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, with selection based on academic merit and the likely development impact of your study back in Bangladesh.

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a joint initiative between the British Council, the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, and participating UK universities. Each award is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course, and a number of UK institutions offer places specifically for Bangladeshi applicants each year.

Because participating universities, subjects, and deadlines change annually, you will need to apply directly through the relevant university’s own scholarship page rather than through a single central portal.

Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust Scholarships

The Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust Scholarships are designed for students and professionals working in the arts, heritage, and creative sectors. They support short-term research visits and professional development placements in the UK, and typically cover living expenses, accommodation, and a contribution towards international travel rather than a full degree programme.

Rhodes Global Scholarship

Bangladesh does not currently sit within one of the Rhodes Trust’s dedicated country constituencies, so Bangladeshi students are not automatically eligible for the standard Rhodes Scholarship. However, the Rhodes Trust now runs Global Scholarships specifically for exceptional candidates from countries without their own constituency, which is the correct route for Bangladeshi applicants.

These are highly competitive, fully funded awards for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, covering course fees, a living stipend, and travel, and selection is based on academic excellence, leadership, and a genuine commitment to global challenges.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities also run their own scholarships for international students, including those from Bangladesh, based on academic achievement, subject area, or financial need. Because offers vary so widely by institution, it is worth comparing your shortlist against our guide to the best UK universities for Bangladeshi students before you commit to an application. A snapshot of current university-specific awards is below.

Each scholarship listed here has its own eligibility criteria, application window, and required documents, so review the requirements carefully before you apply. It is also worth remembering that a scholarship rarely covers everything: once you have your funding shortlist, check our UK student visa guide for Bangladeshi students to understand the financial evidence you will still need for your visa application.

Making Your Scholarship Application Count

Strong scholarship applications share a few common traits: a clear academic record, a well-argued personal statement, credible references, and, where relevant, a research proposal that ties your study plans back to impact in Bangladesh. Applying early and reading each scholarship’s guidelines closely, rather than relying on general advice, makes a measurable difference to your chances.

Our counsellors work with Bangladeshi students on every stage of this process, from shortlisting universities and scholarships that genuinely match your profile, through to your application, visa, and pre-departure preparation. That full-cycle support extends beyond your offer letter too, since many students later look at options such as the Graduate visa for post-study work in the UK once their course is complete.

Book a free consultation with StudyIn to talk through your options and put together a realistic funding plan.

FAQs

Is the UK a good place to live for Bangladeshi students?

Yes. The UK offers a welcoming, culturally diverse environment alongside world-renowned educational institutions, and it remains one of the most popular study destinations for Bangladeshi students.

How can Bangladeshi students afford tuition fees in the UK?

Affording UK tuition fees takes careful financial planning. Most students combine scholarships and financial aid from UK universities or the Bangladeshi government with part-time work, provided this stays within the limits set by their student visa conditions.

Which UK universities are the most affordable for Bangladeshi students?

Costs vary by course, city, and university, but institutions such as the University of Bedfordshire and the University of West London are generally known for offering more competitive tuition fees to international students, including those from Bangladesh.

How can I improve my chances of getting a full scholarship in the UK?

Strong applicants typically combine excellent academic results with relevant extracurricular or leadership experience. A well-written personal statement, credible references, and, where required, a clear research proposal all strengthen an application, as does applying early and following each scholarship’s guidelines precisely.

Do any UK universities offer 100% scholarships to Bangladeshi students?

Full, all-expenses-covered scholarships are rare. However, several UK universities and government-backed programmes, such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, offer full-tuition or fully funded awards to exceptional Bangladeshi applicants.