Scholarships in the UK for Bangladeshi Students
A complete guide for Bangladeshi students looking to study in the UK with financial support. Learn about scholarship types, major funding options, partner-university awards, and how to apply successfully.
Why Apply for Scholarships in the UK?
World-Class Education with Financial Assistance
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, offering globally recognized degrees, innovative programs, and cutting-edge research. Tuition fees and living costs can be substantial for international students, particularly from Bangladesh. Scholarships make it feasible to access these high-quality programs while easing financial pressures.
Wide Range of Scholarship Options
UK scholarships are offered by the government, individual universities, and private organizations. Popular programs include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Rhodes Scholarships. Many awards provide full tuition coverage, monthly stipends averaging £1,200–£1,500, travel allowances, and additional academic support.
Career and Networking Opportunities
Scholarship recipients gain access to exclusive career development workshops, mentorship programs, and professional networks. Post-study work visas in the UK allow graduates to work for up to 2 years after completing their studies, offering excellent opportunities to gain international work experience and strengthen professional profiles.
Research Excellence and Innovation
UK universities lead in global research and innovation across fields such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, and AI. Scholarships often include access to research funding, labs, and mentorship, allowing students to contribute to high-impact projects and gain experience at the forefront of their discipline.
- Financial relief including tuition, living allowance, and travel support
- Access to top-tier UK universities and global academic networks
- Post-study work rights up to 2 years for international graduates
- Exposure to world-class research facilities and innovation hubs
- Special scholarships for students from South Asia, including Bangladesh
Types of Scholarships Available
Bangladeshi students can access a wide range of scholarships in the UK, including government-funded, university-specific, and private awards. These scholarships cater to different academic levels, research ambitions, and fields of study.
1. Government Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
Provider: UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Level: Master’s degree programs
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly living allowance (~£1,200–1,500), economy return airfare, additional grants for essential expenditures
Eligibility: Outstanding leadership potential, strong academic background, work experience, commitment to Bangladesh’s development
Application Deadline: November each year
Duration: One-year Master’s programs - Commonwealth Scholarships
Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Level: Master’s and PhD programs
Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, thesis allowance, and essential costs
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries including Bangladesh with excellent academic records
Focus Areas: Development-related subjects, science & technology, crisis response, social development - GREAT Scholarships
Provider: British Council in partnership with UK universities
Level: Postgraduate programs
Coverage: Minimum £10,000 towards tuition
Eligibility: Students from specified countries including Bangladesh with strong academic performance
Fields: Law, engineering, business, creative arts, STEM, humanities
2. University-Specific Scholarships
- University of Oxford: Rhodes Scholarships (full funding), Clarendon Fund (full tuition & living costs)
- University of Cambridge: Gates Cambridge Scholarships (full funding), Cambridge International Scholarships
- Imperial College London: President’s Scholarships, Dean’s Excellence Scholarships (£10,000–25,000)
- University College London (UCL): Global Masters Scholarships, Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
- King’s College London: Global Excellence Scholarships, Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh Global Scholarships, Principal’s Career Development Scholarships
- University of Manchester: Global Futures Scholarships, Manchester Humanities International Excellence Scholarships
- London School of Economics (LSE): Graduate Support Scheme, LSE Scholarships for Excellence
- University of Warwick: Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarships, Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarships
3. Private and Foundation Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarships: Full funding for postgraduate study at Oxford University
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Full funding for postgraduate study at Cambridge University
- British Council Scholarships: Country- and subject-specific programs for international students
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships: Global grants for graduate-level coursework or research
- Felix Scholarships: Selected programs for South Asian students, including Bangladesh; focus on leadership and research excellence
Major Scholarships Available for Bangladeshi Students in the UK
Bangladeshi students can access a wide range of scholarships in the United Kingdom, offered by the government, universities, and private foundations. These programs support undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-level study across diverse disciplines.
| Scholarship Name | Provider / Level | Coverage & Benefits | Eligibility / Notes | Apply Within |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Government / Postgraduate (Master’s) | Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, accommodation, and networking events | Academic excellence, leadership potential, and work experience | November annually |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Government / Postgraduate | Tuition fees, airfare, living allowance, and research support | Citizens of Commonwealth countries, academic merit | Varies by program |
| Rhodes Scholarship | University of Oxford / Postgraduate | Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and academic mentorship | Outstanding academic record, leadership, and commitment to service | October annually |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | University of Cambridge / Postgraduate | Full tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, and academic support | Exceptional academic record, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of others | December annually |
| University of Edinburgh Global Excellence Scholarship | University / UG & PG | Partial tuition fee waiver (25%-50%) | High academic achievement, international students | Varies by program |
| Imperial College London Undergraduate Scholarship | University / Undergraduate | Full or partial tuition for academically excellent international students | High academic merit, leadership potential | March annually |
| Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship | University / Postgraduate Research | Partial tuition fee waiver | Academic excellence and research potential | Varies by program |
University-Specific Scholarships (Sky2Edu Partners)
Sky2Edu partner universities in China offer exclusive benefits and scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
- Full tuition waivers for exceptional academic profiles
- 50% – 100% merit-based scholarships
- Accommodation support for international students
- Presidential and Excellence Awards
- Special scholarships for STEM and research programs
| University | Scholarship Name | Level | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) | UWE Global Success Scholarship | UG | £9,000 |
| University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) | International Student Scholarship | PG | £4,000 |
| University of Portsmouth | Bangladesh Student Scholarship | UG | £2,500 |
| University of Portsmouth | Chancellor's Global Academic Merit Scholarship | PG | £5,000 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Bangladesh Student Scholarship | UG | £4,000 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Vice Chancellor's Scholarship | PG | £4,500 |
| University of East Anglia | International UG Merit Scholarship | UG | £12,000 |
| University of East Anglia | International PG Merit Scholarship (Bangladesh) | PG | £6,500 |
| University of Hertfordshire | Chancellor's International Scholarship | UG | £4,000 |
| University of Hertfordshire | Chevening Scholarship | PG | 100% (Fully Funded) |
| University of Birmingham | International Postgraduate Scholarships | PG | £10,000 |
| University of Bristol | Think Big Scholarships | UG | £5,000 – £20,000 |
| University of Bristol | Think Big Scholarships | PG | £5,000 – £20,000 |
| Aberystwyth University | International Scholarships | UG/PG | £8,000 |
| Cardiff University | Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (Bangladesh) | UG/PG | £10,000 |
| Aston University | Regional Scholarships (Bangladesh) | UG | £3,000 |
| Aston University | Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor's Scholarship | PG | £10,000 |
| University of Bradford | The Global Scholar Award | UG | £5,000 |
| University of Bradford | The Global Scholar Award | PG | £5,000 |
| University of Greenwich | International Scholarship Award | UG | £4,000 |
Sky2Edu Partnership Benefits
Choosing Sky2Edu connects students to trusted partner universities, special financial opportunities, and a guided pathway from application to enrollment.
- Special scholarship opportunities offered exclusively through Sky2Edu’s partner network
- Quicker application handling through prioritized review systems
- Reduced or waived application fees at selected institutions
- Scholarship suggestions tailored to your grades, interests, and goals
- Professional coaching for writing SOPs, essays, and required submissions
- Personal guidance throughout every stage of the admission process
- Detailed profile analysis to boost your chances of receiving offers
- Course and university recommendations aligned with your academic direction
- Direct communication with university representatives through Sky2Edu
- Support with arranging accommodation and completing pre-arrival tasks
- Visa documentation review and preparation guidance
- Clear explanations of overall study expenses and planning strategies
- Regular alerts on important dates, new programs, and funding updates
- Continuous assistance from your first application step until you land abroad
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in the UK
Step 1 — Explore and Identify the Right Opportunities
Start by selecting UK universities and degree programs that fit your academic goals and long-term career interests. Carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility rules, required qualifications, and selection priorities. Consider major UK options such as Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, university-funded awards, and subject-specific bursaries. PFEC Bangladesh can support you with tailored scholarship matching based on your academic profile and preferred study level.
Step 2 — Prepare Essential Academic and Supporting Documents
Gather your academic certificates, transcripts, and academic references early to avoid delays. Make sure your English proficiency scores meet UK requirements—IELTS (usually 6.0–7.0), PTE (56+), or TOEFL iBT (80+), depending on the university. Prepare a strong personal statement or statement of purpose, an updated CV, and recommendation letters. Applicants for research programs should include a detailed research proposal, while creative applicants may need a portfolio.
Step 3 — Follow a Strategic Application Plan
Most UK scholarships require an active or conditional offer from a UK university, so apply for admission first. Pay attention to deadlines—competitive scholarships such as Chevening or Commonwealth often close up to a year before the intake. Some universities automatically evaluate international applicants for merit scholarships, while others require separate forms or interviews. Apply to multiple scholarships and university options to improve your chances of funding success.
Step 4 — Monitor Application Decisions & Prepare for the Next Stage
Keep track of updates through your university portals and email. Prepare for interviews, presentations, or writing tasks if required for competitive awards. Once you secure a scholarship, begin your UK student visa process, arrange accommodation, and review cost-of-living expectations for your chosen city. Planning early ensures a smooth transition when you travel to the UK for your studies.
Frequently Asked Questions – Scholarships in the UK
Yes. Programs such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and certain university-specific awards provide full tuition, living allowances, and additional support for eligible students from Bangladesh.
Most scholarships require a strong academic background, usually a first-class or upper second-class degree, or equivalent qualifications from recognized institutions.
Applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 or equivalent, with no band below 6.0. Some programs accept TOEFL or other recognized English proficiency tests.
Yes, you can submit multiple applications, but each scholarship may have rules regarding concurrent awards. Carefully check each scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
Most programs prefer applicants with recent academic experience, typically within 1–3 years. Longer gaps may require an explanation of activities during that period.
Fully funded scholarships usually provide a living allowance and may include accommodation support or a housing stipend. Always review each scholarship’s benefits carefully.
It is recommended to begin preparation 8–12 months before your intended course start date to gather transcripts, references, and other required documentation.
Many scholarships allow part-time work within UK visa regulations, but check the scholarship and visa rules to ensure compliance and avoid conflicts.
Let our experts guide you to secure a fully funded scholarship in the UK with confidence.