How Do I Apply for a Full Free Scholarship from Bangladesh in 2026?

Apply for a Full Free Scholarship

Bangladeshi students in 2026 will have access to higher education without financial strain. For instance, the Chevening Scholarship in the UK offers up to ৳ 50,000 annually, while Australia Awards cover ৳ 40,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This guide outlines the step-by-step process to apply for such scholarships, including eligibility, required documents, and tips for success, focusing on opportunities in the UK, Australia, the USA, and other countries. With 2026 data, we cover programs like Chevening, Australia Awards, and Fulbright, ensuring Bangladeshi students, including those from Sylhet, can pursue their academic dreams. Always verify details with official sources, as requirements may vary.

Understanding Full Free Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships cover all major expenses, including tuition, accommodation, living stipends, travel, and sometimes health insurance or books. Governments, universities, and organizations offer these to attract talented Bangladeshi students. In 2026, over 10,000 Bangladeshi students applied for international scholarships, with thousands securing funding through programs like Commonwealth, Fulbright, and Australia Awards.

Types of Full Free Scholarships

Merit-Based: Awarded for academic excellence or leadership (e.g., Chevening, Fulbright).
Need-Based: For students from low-income families (e.g., Bangladesh Scholarship Council).
Government-Funded: Offered by foreign governments, such as the Australia Awards or DAAD in Germany.
University-Specific: Provided by institutions, such as the University of Manchester’s Global Futures Scholarships (£30,000).

Apply for a Full Free Scholarship from Bangladesh

Applying for a fully funded scholarship requires careful planning and preparation. Below is a detailed guide to navigate the process in 2026.

Step 1: Research Available Scholarships

Start by identifying scholarships that match your academic goals and background. Use reliable platforms and official sources:

Scholarships.com: Lists global scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
Scholly by Sallie: Free tool to find scholarships by major or need.
Bold.org: Offers no-essay and field-specific scholarships.
Official Portals: Check university websites, government scholarship pages (e.g., Chevening, Australia Awards), and the Bangladesh Ministry of Education (shed.gov.bd).

Key Scholarships for 2026:

Scholarship	Country	Coverage	Deadline
Chevening Scholarships	UK	Tuition, living, travel (৳30,00,000–৳50,00,000/year)	November 5, 2026
Australia Awards	Australia	Tuition, living, travel, insurance (৳40,00,000/year)	April 30, 2026
Fulbright Program	USA	Tuition, airfare, stipends (৳40,00,000+/year)	June 2026
Commonwealth Scholarships	UK	Tuition, living, airfare (৳35,00,000/year)	August 28, 2026
Swedish Institute Scholarships	Sweden	Tuition, living (SEK 10,000/month, ৳20,00,000/year)	February 28, 2026
DAAD Scholarships	Germany	Tuition, living, travel (৳15,00,000–৳20,00,000/year)	Varies by program

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

Each scholarship has specific requirements. Standard criteria for Bangladeshi students include:

Academic Excellence: Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 for most programs; some require 3 A Levels or HSC/Alim pass (Bangladeshi equivalent).
English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5–7.0), TOEFL, or equivalent; some accept university Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates.
Work Experience: Required for some (e.g., Chevening requires 2 years).
Financial Need: Proof of family income (e.g., tax papers, bank statements) for need-based scholarships.
Leadership/Community Service: Evidence of extracurricular activities or voluntary work.
Citizenship: Must be a Bangladeshi citizen and commit to returning post-study (e.g., Australia Awards).

Tip: Verify eligibility on official scholarship websites, as criteria vary. For example, Fulbright requires a bachelor’s degree, while Australia Awards prioritize development-related fields.

Step 3: Choose Your Course and University

Select a program and institution aligned with your goals. Many scholarships require an offer letter from a university before applying:

UK: Universities such as Oxford, Manchester, and UCL offer scholarships like Chevening or GREAT Scholarships.
Australia: Universities such as the University of Melbourne or the University of Sydney participate in the Australia Awards.
USA: Institutions like Harvard or Stanford offer Fulbright or university-specific funding.
Sweden/Germany: Check universities for Swedish Institute or DAAD scholarships.

Action: Apply to universities early (6–12 months before scholarship deadlines) to secure an offer. Use university portals for accurate application forms.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following documents, ensuring they meet scholarship specifications:

Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of SSC, HSC, or bachelor’s degree certificates.
English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI certificate.
Recommendation Letters: 2–3 letters from professors or employers.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A 1–2 page essay explaining your goals, why you chose the program, and how it benefits Bangladesh.
Proof of Financial Need: Tax papers, bank statements, or parents’ employment proof for need-based scholarships.
Passport: Valid passport copy.
CV/Resume: Highlight academic, leadership, and community service achievements.
Offer Letter: From the university (if required).

Note: Documents not in English must include certified translations. Check specific scholarship requirements for additional documents.

Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application

Most scholarships use online portals for applications:

Chevening: Apply via chevening.org.
Australia Awards: Submit through australiaawards.gov.au.
Fulbright: Apply via the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh or usefp.org.
Commonwealth: Submit through shed.gov.bd (nominated by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education).
DAAD: Use the DAAD online portal.

Tips:

Apply early, as deadlines (e.g., November 5, 2025, for Chevening) are strict.
Tailor your SOP to highlight academic merit, leadership, and impact on Bangladesh.
Proofread thoroughly to avoid errors.

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews (If Required)

Some scholarships, like Chevening or Fulbright, require interviews. Expect questions on:

Your academic and career goals.
Why did you choose the country/program?
How you’ll contribute to Bangladesh post-study.

Tip: Practice with mentors or consultancies like UniEducation to boost confidence.

Step 7: Await Results and Follow Up

Universities or scholarship bodies notify successful applicants. For example:

Chevening informs by June 2026.
Australia Awards notifications by July 2025.

If approved, follow instructions for visa applications (e.g., UK Student Visa, Australian Subclass 500) and enrollment.

Key Scholarships Details

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, 2 years of work experience, and leadership potential.
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare (৳30,00,000–৳50,00,000/year).
Deadline: November 5, 2025.
Apply: chevening.org.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, commitment to return to Bangladesh, and strong academics.
Coverage: Tuition, living, travel, insurance (৳40,00,000/year).
Deadline: April 30, 2025.
Apply: australiaawards.gov.au.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, strong academic record, leadership potential.
Coverage: Tuition, airfare, stipends (৳40,00,000+/year).
Deadline: June 2025 (varies by program).
Apply: U.S. Embassy Bangladesh or usefp.org.

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Eligibility: GPA 3.5, enrollment in a UK university.
Coverage: Tuition, living, airfare (৳35,00,000/year).
Deadline: August 28, 2025.
Apply: shed.gov.bd.

Swedish Institute Scholarships

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, work experience, and leadership skills.
Coverage: Tuition, living (SEK 10,000/month, ৳20,00,000/year).
Deadline: February 28, 2025.
Apply: si.se.

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, academic excellence.
Coverage: Tuition, living, travel (৳15,00,000–৳20,00,000/year).
Deadline: Varies by program.
Apply: daad.de.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Begin 6–12 months before deadlines to gather documents and apply to universities.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase chances by targeting several programs.
Craft a Strong SOP: Highlight your passion, goals, and impact on Bangladesh.
Seek Guidance: Consultancies like UniEducation offer personalized support for applications and visas.
Verify Authenticity: Avoid scams by using official portals and trusted agencies. Genuine scholarships don’t require fees.
Join Communities: Connect with scholarship alumni via platforms like Scholarships.com for insights.

Start Your Scholarship Journey with UniEducation!

Ready to study abroad for free? UniEducation’s expert counselors help Bangladeshi students, including those from Sylhet, secure fully funded scholarships. From choosing the exemplary scholarship to crafting winning applications, we guide you every step of the way. Register Now. Share your phone number and address, and we’ll contact you to begin your journey to a fully funded education in 2025!