How to Study in Chittagong for International Students
Chittagong, one of the beautiful cities in Bangladesh, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Chittagong currently has 11 universities, from which 5 universities are a part of the public sector and 6 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 Chittagong you should definitely check out are University of Chittagong, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, and Asian University for Women.
Being able to study in Chittagong 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 Chittagong, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Chittagong
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Chittagong, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 36,000 BDT to 1,057,700 BDT, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 18,000 BDT and 705,100 BDT.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Chittagong
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Chittagong, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BGC Trust University Bangladesh | 36,300 BDT - 98,800 BDT | 50,000 BDT - 65,000 BDT |
| University of Chittagong | 58,800 BDT |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Chittagong
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| International Islamic University Chittagong | 102,800 BDT - 287,200 BDT | |
| Asian University for Women | 1,057,700 BDT | 705,100 BDT |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Chittagong, check out the Cheap Universities in Chittagong!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Chittagong for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Chittagong, 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 Chittagong, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Chittagong 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 Chittagong 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 Chittagong and their required minimum scores for each program level.
International Islamic University Chittagong
Bachelor’s degree
Asian University for Women
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 86
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
University of Chittagong
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 5.0
- 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 Chittagong
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Chittagong have online applications available on their websites, like University of Chittagong and Chittagong 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 Chittagong.
University of Chittagong
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Asian University for Women
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and 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 Chittagong 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 Chittagong.
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 Chittagong
If you’re going to study in Chittagong, you will need to apply for a student visa in Bangladesh
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 Chittagong, 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 Chittagong. 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!