How to Study in Bangladesh for International Students
Whether you’re after academic growth, cultural immersion, or personal development, Bangladesh is a great country to consider in pursuing your international studies. Bangladeshi universities are known for providing internationally recognized study programs in a wide array of disciplines. Thanks to its highly diverse society, studying in Bangladesh will also allow you to encounter individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Bangladesh currently has 133 universities, from which 42 universities are a part of the public sector and 91 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Bangladesh you should definitely check out are University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and BRAC University.
Being able to study in Bangladesh as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Bangladesh, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Bangladesh
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Bangladesh, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 100 BDT to 1,057,700 BDT, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 3,040 BDT and 705,100 BDT.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Bangladesh
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Bangladesh, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University | 6,750 BDT | 15,000 BDT |
| Jashore University of Science and Technology | 3,040 BDT | 3,040 BDT |
| Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology | 117,600 BDT - 235,100 BDT | |
| Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University | 8,000 BDT - 10,000 BDT | 8,000 BDT - 10,000 BDT |
| BGC Trust University Bangladesh | 36,300 BDT - 98,800 BDT | 50,000 BDT - 65,000 BDT |
| Shahjalal University of Science and Technology | 58,800 BDT - 141,000 BDT | 58,800 BDT - 141,000 BDT |
| University of Chittagong | 58,800 BDT | |
| Bangladesh University of Professionals | 38,300 BDT - 49,100 BDT | 74,100 BDT - 110,000 BDT |
| University of Barishal | 58,800 BDT | 58,800 BDT |
| University of Dhaka | 58,800 BDT - 141,000 BDT | 58,800 BDT - 141,000 BDT |
| Bangladesh Agricultural University | 100 BDT |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Bangladesh
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| European University of Bangladesh | 39,400 BDT - 64,600 BDT | 53,600 BDT - 82,000 BDT |
| Rabindra Maitree University | 35,000 BDT - 95,000 BDT | 40,000 BDT - 75,000 BDT |
| International Standard University | 56,400 BDT - 101,100 BDT | 32,800 BDT - 63,000 BDT |
| North Western University | 55,200 BDT - 98,900 BDT | 35,000 BDT - 49,800 BDT |
| University of Development Alternative | 50,000 BDT - 70,000 BDT | 50,000 BDT - 70,000 BDT |
| Leading University | 25,700 BDT - 122,300 BDT | 9,000 BDT - 81,000 BDT |
| Gono Bishwabidyalay | 65,000 BDT - 150,000 BDT | 60,000 BDT - 85,000 BDT |
| Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology | 25,600 BDT - 115,600 BDT | 19,200 BDT - 123,000 BDT |
| University of Global Village, Barishal | 352,600 BDT - 470,100 BDT | 517,100 BDT |
| International University of Business Agriculture and Technology | 123,500 BDT - 223,700 BDT | 139,600 BDT - 220,300 BDT |
| City University | 56,800 BDT - 110,400 BDT | 18,900 BDT - 56,000 BDT |
| State University of Bangladesh | 114,300 BDT - 161,400 BDT | 89,900 BDT - 126,800 BDT |
| Central Women’s University | 80,200 BDT - 138,000 BDT | 47,000 BDT - 119,000 BDT |
| ZNRF University of Management Sciences | 97,500 BDT - 108,800 BDT | 110,300 BDT |
| Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology | 50,300 BDT - 175,000 BDT | 40,500 BDT - 73,300 BDT |
| Canadian University of Bangladesh | 76,500 BDT - 127,100 BDT | 90,000 BDT - 126,000 BDT |
| Port City International University | 39,900 BDT - 83,900 BDT | 18,000 BDT - 28,800 BDT |
| Chittagong Independent University | 120,000 BDT - 160,000 BDT | 75,000 BDT |
| Premier University | 36,000 BDT - 83,400 BDT | 18,000 BDT - 30,000 BDT |
| Southern University Bangladesh | 39,900 BDT - 114,200 BDT | 30,000 BDT - 80,000 BDT |
| Varendra University | 41,200 BDT - 127,100 BDT | 27,500 BDT - 89,700 BDT |
| Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib University | 43,500 BDT - 66,000 BDT | |
| University of Information Technology and Sciences | 137,000 BDT - 223,500 BDT | 52,900 BDT - 162,900 BDT |
| Prime University | 52,500 BDT - 125,000 BDT | 72,500 BDT - 87,500 BDT |
| Presidency University, Bangladesh | 120,000 BDT - 146,000 BDT | 120,000 BDT |
| Notre Dame University Bangladesh | 105,800 BDT - 166,500 BDT | 97,500 BDT |
| Asian University of Bangladesh | 15,000 BDT - 69,000 BDT | 9,000 BDT - 34,500 BDT |
| Islamic University of Technology | 293,500 BDT | 96,900 BDT |
| Stamford University Bangladesh | 86,400 BDT - 163,600 BDT | 68,000 BDT - 114,000 BDT |
| University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh | 35,300 BDT - 177,400 BDT | 96,000 BDT - 142,500 BDT |
| Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology | 165,300 BDT | 48,000 BDT - 75,000 BDT |
| Bangladesh Islami University | 24,700 BDT - 82,800 BDT | 26,300 BDT - 55,200 BDT |
| First Capital University of Bangladesh | 37,500 BDT - 55,000 BDT | 32,500 BDT - 50,000 BDT |
| R. P. Shaha University | 67,200 BDT - 132,000 BDT | 31,500 BDT - 87,500 BDT |
| Bangladesh University | 94,500 BDT - 170,200 BDT | 50,000 BDT - 60,000 BDT |
| Green University of Bangladesh | 66,400 BDT - 112,700 BDT | 70,400 BDT - 73,900 BDT |
| Bangladesh University of Business and Technology | 101,400 BDT - 167,500 BDT | 76,100 BDT - 111,100 BDT |
| Manarat International University | 35,000 BDT - 91,000 BDT | 14,400 BDT - 20,800 BDT |
| Sonargaon University | 36,000 BDT - 186,200 BDT | 86,800 BDT |
| Eastern University, Bangladesh | 101,600 BDT - 164,500 BDT | 60,300 BDT - 108,500 BDT |
| University of Asia Pacific | 70,000 BDT - 106,000 BDT | 72,000 BDT - 540,000 BDT |
| Southeast University – Bangladesh | 69,300 BDT - 197,600 BDT | 45,000 BDT - 126,000 BDT |
| Sylhet International University | 16,000 BDT - 32,000 BDT | 18,000 BDT |
| Fareast International University | 30,000 BDT - 74,000 BDT | 50,700 BDT - 85,800 BDT |
| University of South Asia | 55,500 BDT - 107,300 BDT | 41,200 BDT - 63,400 BDT |
| Millenium University | 48,000 BDT - 72,100 BDT | 48,100 BDT - 60,000 BDT |
| BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology | 108,500 BDT - 183,200 BDT | 122,800 BDT - 139,300 BDT |
| Primeasia University | 93,000 BDT - 203,400 BDT | 115,200 BDT - 140,400 BDT |
| Dhaka International University | 100,000 BDT - 162,500 BDT | 80,000 BDT - 125,000 BDT |
| ASA University Bangladesh | 21,600 BDT - 88,500 BDT | 15,000 BDT - 50,300 BDT |
| Uttara University | 20,900 BDT - 132,000 BDT | 40,100 BDT - 112,000 BDT |
| World University of Bangladesh | 74,400 BDT - 157,600 BDT | 22,200 BDT - 131,100 BDT |
| Victoria University of Bangladesh | 37,800 BDT - 81,900 BDT | 42,000 BDT - 92,400 BDT |
| People’s University of Bangladesh | 24,700 BDT - 93,000 BDT | 31,500 BDT - 90,800 BDT |
| North East University Bangladesh | 57,600 BDT - 72,200 BDT | 26,400 BDT - 48,000 BDT |
| Northern University of Business and Technology, Khulna | 37,200 BDT - 86,000 BDT | 25,000 BDT - 33,000 BDT |
| IBAIS University | 54,900 BDT - 70,800 BDT | 27,000 BDT - 59,100 BDT |
| CCN University of Science and Technology | 35,000 BDT - 61,300 BDT | 45,000 BDT |
| Hamdard University Bangladesh | 21,400 BDT - 71,300 BDT | 25,800 BDT - 66,000 BDT |
| Bangladesh University of Health Sciences | 95,600 BDT - 132,800 BDT | 77,800 BDT - 165,200 BDT |
| Khwaja Yunus Ali University | 31,500 BDT - 103,500 BDT | 44,000 BDT - 193,000 BDT |
| International Islamic University Chittagong | 102,800 BDT - 287,200 BDT | |
| North Bengal International University | 24,000 BDT - 76,000 BDT | 20,000 BDT - 64,000 BDT |
| Ishakha International University, Bangladesh | 35,100 BDT - 49,700 BDT | 35,400 BDT - 38,400 BDT |
| Feni University | 77,000 BDT - 86,500 BDT | 60,000 BDT - 68,600 BDT |
| East West University | 111,800 BDT - 270,500 BDT | 60,000 BDT - 180,000 BDT |
| Asian University for Women | 1,057,700 BDT | 705,100 BDT |
| Britannia University | 60,000 BDT - 78,000 BDT | 39,800 BDT - 94,500 BDT |
| Rajshahi Science and Technology University | 24,600 BDT - 61,900 BDT | 34,700 BDT - 41,000 BDT |
| Global University Bangladesh | 61,500 BDT - 75,000 BDT | 36,000 BDT - 63,000 BDT |
| Central University of Science and Technology | 82,500 BDT - 108,000 BDT | 86,300 BDT |
| Cox’s Bazar International University | 27,800 BDT - 66,900 BDT | 23,700 BDT - 50,400 BDT |
| Z.H. Sikder University of Science and Technology | 46,200 BDT - 56,600 BDT | 58,700 BDT - 64,600 BDT |
| Pundra University of Science and Technology | 35,300 BDT - 82,800 BDT | 12,500 BDT - 31,800 BDT |
| EXIM Bank Agricultural University of Bangladesh | 74,500 BDT - 103,000 BDT | 44,000 BDT - 47,600 BDT |
| United International University | 179,600 BDT - 260,000 BDT | 146,300 BDT - 195,000 BDT |
| American International University Bangladesh | 135,000 BDT - 225,000 BDT | 67,500 BDT - 90,000 BDT |
| Daffodil International University | 109,900 BDT - 232,000 BDT | 51,800 BDT - 117,900 BDT |
| North South University | 195,000 BDT | 67,500 BDT - 97,500 BDT |
| BRAC University | 225,000 BDT - 450,000 BDT | 90,000 BDT - 97,500 BDT |
| Royal University of Dhaka | 22,500 BDT - 60,000 BDT | 10,500 BDT - 30,000 BDT |
| Metropolitan University | 30,000 BDT | 30,000 BDT |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Bangladesh, check out the Cheap Universities in Bangladesh!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Bangladesh for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Bangladesh, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Bangladesh, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Bangladesh may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Bangladesh are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Bangladesh and their required minimum scores for each program level.
International University of Business Agriculture and Technology
Bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL: No minimum score
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- TOEFL: No minimum score
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Canadian University of Bangladesh
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No minimum scores
- TOEFL: No minimum scores
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 5.5
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Bangladesh
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Bangladesh have online applications available on their websites, like University of Dhaka and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Bangladesh.
University of Dhaka
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
BRAC University
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Bangladesh differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Bangladesh.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Bangladesh
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Bangladesh. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Bangladesh as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Bangladesh. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Study Visa.
To start your student visa application in Bangladesh, you will need to present the following:
- Accomplished application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size pictures
- Letter of enrollment from university
- Proof of financial capability
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Bangladesh is 160 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Fill up and submit the online application form.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Print your accomplished application form and prepare the required documents.
- Visit the nearest embassy or consulate and complete your application.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Bangladesh. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!