Study in the UK From Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide

The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after destinations for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education abroad. Rich academic heritage, globally recognized universities, multicultural environment, and a variety of courses at UK universities attract Bangladeshi students each year.

The UK appeals to international students because of its high acceptance rate, wide range of subject choices, and student-friendly visa policies. Moreover, these universities also offer attractive scholarships to reduce the financial burden of international students.

Here, we will discuss everything Bangladeshi students need to know about studying in the UK, such as popular universities and courses, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, intake periods, costs, and available scholarships, so that students can prepare themselves better to achieve their higher study dreams.

Why should Bangladeshi Students Choose the UK for Higher Studies?

There are numerous reasons why Bangladeshi students might choose to pursue higher studies in the UK. These include top-ranking universities, course options, a friendly community, high employability, and a high acceptance rate. The passages below discuss these reasons.

World-Class Universities

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. According to popular university rankings such as the QS World University Ranking or the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, universities in the UK, such as Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics, and University College London, consistently rank at the top of the list. These prestigious universities attract many international students, including Bangladeshi students.

Diverse Courses

The Universities in the UK offer a variety of courses to international students. These include a wide range of subjects, including computer science, business management, business analytics, medicine, law, architecture, engineering, accounting, economics, social sciences, mass communication, and many more. Bangladeshi students can choose their favorite subjects to study in UK universities.

Welcoming Community

The UK has a student-friendly community not just in the campus area but in all cities. The people of the UK try their best to make the environment as welcoming as possible for international students. Campuses also help students to overcome all the issues, including culture shock, adjustment problems, and homesickness. This is why many international students, including Bangladeshi students, prefer the UK as their higher study destination.

Future Career Prospects

Graduates from UK universities are highly employable because employers highly value them. Students quickly get recruited after graduating from world-class UK universities. The universities not only give the students a degree but also develop their skills with professional knowledge to provide exclusive service to their employers. Bangladeshi students looking to guarantee a fantastic career should consider studying in UK universities.

High Acceptance Rate

The universities in the UK have a high acceptance rate among all the other universities, and about 98% of applicants get approved. This is significantly higher than other universities in countries like the USA, Canada, or Australia. This high acceptance rate encourages Bangladeshi students to apply to UK universities.

Popular Courses in the UK

UK Universities offer a wide range of courses to international students so that they can pursue their dream career. Some of the best courses in the UK include:

1. Computer Science
2. Medicine
3. Media and Communication
4. Accounting
5. Design Studies
6. Interior Design
7. Data Science
8. Business Analytics
9. Anthropology
10. Architecture
11. Economics
12. International Relations
13. Journalism
14. Marketing
15. Political Science

Best Universities in the UK

Numerous prestigious universities in the UK are world-renowned because of their quality of education. Some of the best universities in the UK for Bangladeshi students include:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. Birmingham City University
5. University of Bedfordshire
6. University of Hertfordshire
7. University of Greenwich
8. University of Leeds
9. University of Aberdeen
10. London School of Economics
11. King’s College London
12. The University of Sheffield
13. University of York
14. University of Glasgow
15. University of Bath

Eligibility Requirements for Studying in the UK

Students must fulfill several eligibility requirements before applying to study in the UK. These eligibilities can differ based on degrees, universities, and other factors. All of the eligibility requirements are discussed below.

Diploma

Bangladeshi students must complete their secondary education, such as SSC or O-levels, to apply for diploma courses in the UK. There can be specific grade requirements based on the university and program. Students must also get a minimum overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 in IELTS, with no individual component scoring below 5.5. Requirements can change a little based on the institution and courses.

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s degree in the UK requires international students, including Bangladeshi students, to have completed their higher secondary education, such as HSC or A-levels. The specific grade requirement can vary based on the university and program. The universities in the UK also require a minimum overall band score of 6.0 to 6.5 in IELTS, with no individual component scoring below 5.5 to 6.0. This can also vary slightly based on the specific requirements of universities for particular courses.

Master’s

To apply for a master’s degree at any UK university, students must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a renowned educational institution. Students must also have a minimum overall score of 6.7 to 7.0, with no individual component scoring below 6.0 to 6.5. Various Master’s programs also require applicants to have work experience in the relevant field to get admitted to the program.

Doctorate

A doctorate degree requires students to complete a relevant master’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized educational institution. Students must also submit a detailed research proposal outlining their intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and outcome.

The minimum IELTS requirement for admission to a doctorate course is 6.5 to 7.0, with no individual component scoring below 6.0 to 6.5. Requirements can vary based on the university and the course. Universities may also conduct a special interview to assess the applicant before admitting them to the doctoral program.

Degrees and Certificates Required to Study in the UK

Bangladeshi students planning to study abroad must acquire specific degrees and certificates to apply to universities. The required certificates can vary based on university, degree, and courses. The standard exams and certificates Bangladeshi students must study in the UK are discussed below.

English Language Proficiency Exams

There are numerous English Language Proficiency Exams, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), and so on. Find out which test is required by the university you are applying to beforehand and obtain the certificate. Some universities also accept the Method of Instruction (MOI) certificate.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students must have a General Certificate of Secondary Education or GCSE to apply to any undergraduate courses in the UK. This can include HSC exams and A-Level exams. Other accepted degrees include Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and SAT.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Students will require all the certificates of undergraduate admission requirements and a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field to apply to postgraduate courses. Some universities might also require students to have practical experience in the field to apply to some of the postgraduate courses.

Subject-Specific Exams 

Students must take some subject-specific exams to apply to specific subjects, such as the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) for medical school admissions, the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) for law school admissions, and The Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) or the Architectural Aptitude Test (AAT) for architecture school admissions.

Documents Required to Study in the UK

Bangladeshi students will require some specific documents to study in the UK. These are listed below.

1. Passport
2. Student Visa
3. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
4. Proof English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, MOI, PTE)
5. Academic transcripts of previous exams
6. Bank statement
7. Personal Statement
8. Letters of Recommendation
9. Resume or CV
10. Tuberculosis (TB) test results
11. Passport-sized photographs

Specific universities can ask for more documents, so double-check the required document lists provided by the university where you are applying and take advice from your counselor.

Documents Required to Apply for the UK Study Visa

Here, we will list the documents Bangladeshi students must have to apply for a student visa to study in the UK.

1. Valid passport
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
3. Visa Application Form
4. Passport-sized photographs
5. Proof English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, MOI, PTE)
6. Academic transcripts of previous exams
7. Bank statement
8. Tuberculosis (TB) test results
9. Additional documents, if asked

Popular Intakes

There are three intakes, which are the admission periods of UK universities. These are the September intake, January intake, and May intake.

September Intake

The September intake is the most popular intake for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This intake perfectly aligns with the academic year, which starts in September and ends in June or July of the following year. Bangladeshi students should aim for this intake.

January Intake

The January intake is a good alternative to the September intake. This provides an excellent opportunity for students who have missed the September deadline or want to apply later. The application process starts around six to nine months before the start date.

May Intake

The May intake is the least popular option, but it provides the students with a unique opportunity as only a few students apply to this intake. A limited number of universities offer this intake, which may vary occasionally.

How Much Does It Cost for Bangladeshi Students to Live in the UK?

The cost for Bangladeshi students to study in the UK varies widely depending on factors such as university, course, location, etc. Here, we will provide an approximate monthly UK living cost for an international student.

1. Accommodation: £800-£1,400
2. Food: £250-£300
3. Transportation: £50-£100
4. Utilities: £100-£150
5. Internet: £25-£40
6. Cellular service: £20-£30
7. Study Materials: £50-£70
8. Health Insurance: £80-£100
9. Miscellaneous: £100-£150

Available Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

The UK is one of the top destinations for international students because of the world-class education the universities provide. However, this high-quality education comes at a hefty price. Many universities offer scholarships to bright students to lighten their financial burden. Moreover, various scholarships are offered by other organizations. These are described in the passages below.

Chevening Scholarship

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and partner organizations offer the Chevening Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to talented individuals with leadership skills who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. This scholarship can be an excellent opportunity for Bangladeshi students looking for a master’s degree from the UK with financial backing. 

Commonwealth Scholarship

This is another great scholarship offered to Bangladeshi students. The British Commonwealth provides this scholarship to students who would not otherwise be able to afford a master’s degree from the UK. This scholarship focuses on developing the skills of future innovators and leaders. This scholarship is available for Bangladeshi students.

GREAT Scholarship

GREAT Scholarship is another good option for postgraduate students seeking a one-year master’s degree in the UK. This scholarship is funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council. The scholarship provides a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for international students.

Tuition Fees in the UK for Bangladeshi Students

Tuition fees can vary based on many factors, such as course, degree type, and university. An overview of the tuition fees for various degrees in UK universities is given below.

1. Undergraduate Degree: £10,000 – £30,000
2. Postgraduate Degree: £12,000 – £35,000
3. MBA: £15,000 – £40,000
4. Post Doctorate Degree: £12,000 – £25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Studying in the UK is an excellent opportunity for Bangladeshi students to gain world-class education, access various courses, develop skills, and build a successful career. The availability of scholarships, flexible intakes, and quick visa processing make the UK a favorite study destination for Bangladeshi students. Research properly before applying to UK universities and apply accordingly to realize your higher education dream.