Study Abroad from Bangladesh: How to Get a Scholarship?

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Study Abroad from Bangladesh: How to Get a Scholarship?

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Summary
IELTS is a globally recognized English proficiency test for study, work, and migration. It assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking through Academic and General Training formats. A high score boosts university admissions, job opportunities, and visa approvals. Many institutions and employers require IELTS for eligibility. Enhance English offers expert guidance to help you achieve your target score.
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Are you planning to pursue your higher education in Australia

If so, you will need to take an English language proficiency test to demonstrate your skills. At present, two of the most popular options out there are the PTE Academic and IELTS Academic English tests. 

Whether you are applying for a student visa or just getting started with your applications, scoring well on these tests can greatly benefit you in the entire process. With proper training and preparation, your PTE and IELTS scores can easily be improved. However, it is important to choose the test that aligns best with your skills and strengths. 

While both PTE and IELTS are designed to test English language proficiency, the format of the tests is also quite different. So in this blog post, I will provide you with all the information related to the format and the tests themselves, so that you can make an informed decision for yourself!

English Language Proficiency Test Requirement for Australian Universities

What is an English Language Proficiency Test?

An English Language Proficiency Test is a standardized exam used to assess an individual’s ability to use English. The evaluation occurs in multiple contexts like – reading, writing, speaking, listening, etc.  They are commonly used for academic purposes or professional reasons like applying for a visa, seeking employment abroad, etc.

English Language Proficiency Test Requirement for Australian Universities

Below I will list the tests generally accepted by the top Australian universities and their minimum scores for admission:

English Language Proficiency Test

Minimum Test Score

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

6.0-6.5

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

50-64

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 

60-90

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

169-176

Occupational English Test (OET)

Pass (A or B)

It is to be noted that the minimum score requirement for admission may vary depending on the university and type of program. Thus it is best to check with the specific university before sitting for the test!

PTE Academic

The Pearson Test of English or PTE test is organized by Pearson PLC and has 20 question types divided into 3 parts -Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. The total duration of the PTE test is 2 hours in a single sitting.

Speaking and Writing

The candidate is given 54-67 minutes to answer 28-36 questions on topics such as sentence repetition, an image description, re-telling lectures, answering short questions, summarising written text, and writing an essay.

Reading

During the 29-30 minute test, candidates have to answer 13-18 questions such as multiple-choice questions (both single and multiple answers), read and write, fill in the blanks, and re-order paragraphs.

Listening

In a 30-43 minutes listening test, candidates have to answer 12-20 questions and summarise spoken text, fill in the blanks, give multiple choice answers, highlight correct summary, select missing words, highlight incorrect words, and write from dictation.

Total Duration: 2 hours (in a single sitting)
Minimum Score: 42
Validity of Score: 2 years
Result:  available online within 2 working days from the test date

IELTS Academic

British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment: English generally organize the International English Language Testing System or IELTS Academic exam. The total test duration of IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the speaking test can be scheduled within seven days.

Listening

During the time of 30 minutes, candidates have to listen to 4 recordings and complete tasks such as matching information, multiple choice answers, planning, map and diagram labeling, creating form, note, table, flow chart, summary, completion, sentence completion, and give short answers to the questions.

Reading

Candidates are required to read three passages in 60 minutes and complete the tasks like identifying information, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, identifying the writer’s views or claims, summary, note, table, chart, completion, matching headings, short-answer questions, and more.

Writing

The time duration of the written test is 60 minutes and is divided into two parts. In part 1, candidates have to identify information and trends in a graph, chart, table, or diagram and explain it. In part 2, candidates have to write an essay on a given subject.

Speaking

During 11 to 14 minutes of speaking tests, candidates have to complete a few tasks divided into three parts. Part-1 is an introduction and interview, part-2 involves talking about a particular topic, and Part 3 involves discussing the topic given in Part 2.

Total Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes (including the speaking test)
Minimum Score: 5.5
Validity of Score: 2 years
Result: on computer – available online 3-5 days after the test date

there are scholarships available that cover everything from tuition fees and living expenses to the travel costs of studying abroad for international students.

Besides, there are several sources of scholarships available as well. These include government and private scholarships, and scholarships offered by universities and international organizations. Each of these scholarships has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it is important to research them thoroughly before applying. To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, it is also essential to start preparing early.

In this article, we will help you navigate the entire process of getting a scholarship from Bangladesh by providing all information related to it. So, whether your dream is to study in the United States, United Kingdom, or any other country without breaking the bank, read on to find out how to make this dream a reality!

Eligibility Requirements for Scholarship

Eligibility criteria for scholarships can vary depending on various factors such as the scholarship type, program, and country of study. In this segment, I will list down some of the common eligibility criteria for scholarships that are applicable to international students from Bangladesh, regardless of the scholarship type: 

  • a good academic record in accepted curriculum or standardized tests

  • proficiency in the language of instruction of the program or institution 

  • documentation supporting financial situation such as tax return, bank statement, or proof of employment of single or both parents

  • proof of involvement in community service or volunteer work

  • proof of leadership skills or leadership positions held in the past

  • documents supporting ethnicity or identity if belong to underrepresented backgrounds

It is to be noted that each scholarship will have its own specific eligibility criteria. Thus it is mandatory to check the requirements thoroughly before applying for a scholarship.

Types of Scholarships

Scholarships are further categorized into various types based on factors such as the student’s major, destination, and more. These categories help students identify the scholarships that align best with their qualifications and interests. In this segment of the blog, we will explore the different types of scholarships available and provide you with guidance on determining your eligibility for each of them.

Scholarship Category

Description

Merit-based

Awarded based on academic record 

Need-based

Available based on the student’s financial background

Subject-specific

Awarded to students pursuing a specific field of study by specific universities

Country-specific

Funding provided by government or private bodies to students from a particular country or region

Diversity scholarships

Awarded based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, family, or background

Athletic scholarships

Awarded to students with excellent records on sports and athletics

Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students

Bangladeshi students wanting to study abroad have scholarship opportunities available to them, with countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia being popular destinations. The reason is that these countries offer a wide range of scholarships that cater to the financial needs of the students, making studying abroad an attractive option for improved career prospects and a better standard of life.

Scholarships in the USA

With over 10,000 students going to study from Bangladesh in the academic year 2021-2022, the US is one of the most popular destinations because of the innumerable benefits of studying in the US for Bangladeshi students. Furthermore, the US is the only country hosting universities that provides need-based scholarships to its students, including international students from Bangladesh.

Scholarships in the US eligible for Bangladeshi students:

  • Fulbright Foreign Student Program

  • Rotary Peace Fellowships

  • The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships in Canada are typically divided into two categories to support meritorious and high-achieving students:

  • Entrance Scholarships: These are awarded based on merit or other criteria like leadership, community involvement, etc. while offering admission. Eligibility requirements and amount of scholarship vary from university to university, their programs, and level of study.

  • Presidential Scholarships: These are awarded to incoming or continuing students who have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence or community involvement. Presidential scholarships generally cover full tuition fees and additional benefits like living costs, meals, etc. 

The government of Canada also offers a wide range of incentives including various government-funded scholarships for international students in Canada along with student and work visas that lead to Permanent Residency. Additional scholarships in Canada eligible for Bangladeshi students:

  • Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

  • Loran Scholars Foundation Scholarships

  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholarships

  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Scholarships in the UK

The UK has become a popular destination for international students, particularly from Bangladesh with a 71% increase in student visas post-Covid. Around 20,000 Bangladeshi students were granted UK visas from Bangladesh this year, highlighting the growing interest and availability of scholarships in the UK for international students.

Scholarships in the UK eligible for Bangladeshi students:

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Commonwealth Scholarships

Scholarships in Malaysia

The Malaysian government has already been providing innumerable benefits in the form of grants, funds, and scholarships to Bangladeshi students particularly among the Asian countries, with the benefits to be only increasing over time.

Scholarships in Malaysia eligible for Bangladeshi students:

  • Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)

  • Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP)

  • Khazanah Global Scholarship Programme

  • Shell Malaysia Scholarship Programme

Scholarships in Australia

Australia is a popular destination for Bangladeshi students looking to study abroad, with 36 of its universities being featured in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The students can further benefit from the range of courses offered by Australian universities such as cyber security, hospitality, business, etc. along with scholarships funded by the government and various other institutions.

Scholarships in Australia eligible for Bangladeshi students:

  • Australia Awards Scholarships

  • Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

  • Destination Australia Program

  • Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)

Documents Required for Applying for Scholarship

When applying for a scholarship, you will need to submit a plethora of papers, which will further vary depending on the type of scholarship. However, documents more commonly required for scholarships are similar to those needed while applying for a degree program at university. In this segment, I will list down the general documents required with scholarship applications:

  • Complete scholarship application 

  • Copy of academic transcripts 

  • Official copy of language proficiency test scores

  • A statement of purpose (SOP)

  • Two letters of recommendation 

  • CV (Curriculum Vitae) or resume (Optional)

  • Copy of Passport/National ID/Birth Certificate

  • Financial documents (tax return, bank statement, or proof of employment of single or both parents)

  • Medical Report

Key Takeaways

  • Most popular destinations for getting a scholarship from Bangladesh – US, Canada, UK, Malaysia, and Australia.

  • Each scholarship has its own specific requirements that must be met in order to be determined eligible.

  • Scholarship deadlines are usually earlier than application deadlines.

The most important part about applying for scholarships is not missing the deadline. And in order to keep track of all your application documents, PFEC Global is here to help! We offer personalized and dedicated support to students throughout their journey. So let our experienced consultants keep track of everything and make the process easier for you! For more details, kindly call us at +880 1730 785456 .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a scholarship to study abroad in Bangladesh?

Answer: You research available scholarships, meet the eligibility criteria, and submit a strong application.

Which country is best for scholarships from Bangladesh?

Answer: Some popular destinations for scholarships for Bangladeshi students include USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and countries in Europe and Asia.

What are the requirements for scholarships to study abroad from Bangladesh?

Answer: Some common requirements for scholarships from Bangladesh –

  • Excellent academic performance

What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for scholarships?

Answer: Some common mistakes while applying for scholarships –

  • missing application deadlines

  • not following the given instructions

  • submitting incomplete applications

  • providing inaccurate information

What time is best to apply for scholarships?

Answer: The best time to apply for scholarships is as early as possible and not miss the deadline. 

Please reach out to us at 01730785457 or 096 09 800 300 for more details.

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