The US ambassador has said that promoting the opportunity for qualified international students, including from Bangladesh, to study in the United States remains a “top priority” for the US government. “The United States welcomes Bangladeshi students. From engaging in groundbreaking research to enriching campus life through cultural programs, Bangladeshi students continue to leave their mark across the United States,” said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas. He said they are “excited” to see that more and more Bangladeshi students are choosing the United States. The US Embassy held a “Super Friday” event specifically to interview student visa applicants. US visa policy to help Bangladesh hold fair elections: GM Quader

The Malaysian government has been providing various facilities to Bangladeshi students in the Southeast Asian country and the facilities will be increased gradually, Higher Education Minister of Malaysia Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today. The Malaysian minister said this while talking to reporters after a meeting with Education Reporters Association Bangladesh (ERAB) at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. He also assured of the continuation of the facilities for Bangladeshi students there. Also read; Malaysia's UCSI University launches international branch campus in Bangladesh Talking to reporters, Nordin said Malaysian universities are performing well in various rankings — for ensuring quality education and research. Besides, many campuses have also been opened abroad due to the increase in demand, he added.    

The western European country France presents a unique mix of tradition, modernity, art, and culture. With world-renowned philosophers and artists gracing its lands, France has a history that dates back several thousand years.  Over the last few decades, France has established itself as a prestigious European hub for higher education in streams beyond art and literature. Whether it's engineering, life sciences, or world-renowned business degrees, the country has something for every aspirant. In this article, we take a deep dive into higher studies in France. Let's take a look at whether France is a great study-abroad destination for international students including Bangladesh. Read More: Best Countries for Bachelor's Degree in 2023  Why Study in France? France hosts some of the highest numbers of international students in the entire European region. Currently, the country is home to 300,000 students from all over the world pursuing a degree in multilateral streams. France offers a robust and dynamic culture that will enthrall many, whether it’s the picturesque prefectures or the fast-paced city life. Of the 71 accredited universities in France, 57 make it to the global top 1000 institutions for higher education. And the trend has been upward for several years now. France also has some of the lowest tuition fees in all of Europe. As a result, it can also be a great opportunity for self-funded students, as most streams fall within an affordable limit. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t scholarship opportunities in France.  Read More: Study in Denmark: Costs, opportunities for international students In this article, we’ll go over the application process, admission requirements, and the associated cost of studying in France as a self-funded student. How to Apply for Higher Studies in France Required Documents for Higher Studies in France  The documents required for application are standard and are in line with other European countries. If you are opting for bachelors, you should provide your LSAT scores based on the stream. The same goes for masters and MBA, which might require a GMAT or a GRE score. These are circumstantial, and several institutes don’t even require them. However, there are a few key documents that you will need to prepare beforehand. Read More: Study in Japan: Scholarships, Tuitions, Application Process for Bangladeshi Students The required documents include – -High School transcript certified by the appropriate authority ( For bachelors)-Bachelor’s transcripts certified by the issuing university (For masters and Ph.D.)-Campus France authorization-Passport-Language proficiency score (IELTS/TOEFL iBT/ DELF/DALF)-SOP-Letter of Recommendation-Application fee payment receipt. Additional documents might be required, depending on the application process. For example, if you are opting for a thesis-based masters, you might want to contact a professor beforehand in your desired university with whom your research interest matches. In that case, you might need to prepare a research plan along with other documents. Read More: Study in Belgium: Bachelor's, Masters and PhD options for Bangladeshi students What Documents are Required for Campus France Authorization? For non-EU citizens, the process of studying in France starts with obtaining a Campus France authorization. This essentially allows a prospective student to be eligible for “Etudes en France” or study in France. Campus France authority even has a separate web portal where a prospect needs to register to obtain an authorization letter. The required documents for the authorization include – -Passport-Proof of funding for the studies and accommodation-Letter of application-Proof of accommodation-Medical insurance-Air ticket. Read More: Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies Once you’ve got all that, you’re all set for the Campus France authorization. It is to be noted that Campus France authorization isn't required for the application to the universities themselves. Rather it's required to get a student visa after acceptance into a French university. Application Period There are two main intakes on the French higher education curriculum – fall and spring. The fall intake generally has a deadline of September 15th of the previous year, with the classes expected to commence in the first week of January. For the fall session, early enrolment can start as early as January 17th and last till April first based on the rolling admission process. Classes are expected to start in the first week of September. Read More: SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose?  Application Process The application process is pretty simple. Each French university has its application process, which you need to go through individually. The application process starts with selecting the desired major. Students can visit Campus France to explore all the different streams and majors available at the bachelors, masters, and P levels. After that, check whether you meet the admission criteria and simply follow the guidelines to complete the application process. Cost of Studying in France As we already mentioned, the cost of higher studies in France is fairly reasonable. The cost can be broken down into three different types based on bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. Read More: Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies  The cost of bachelors is actually pretty low at about 170 to 600 Euros per year. But that’s only limited to EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland. If you’re from anywhere other than these places, you would have to pay around 2700s euros or 288,035 BDT per year (1 EUR = 106 BDT). The story is somewhat similar with masters too as the cost may run up to 3700 Euros or 394,714 BDT per year. The cost of a Ph.D. is fairly nominal at around 380 Euros or 40,538 BDT per year. But these are estimates in public universities. If you opt for a private one, the cost might go as high as 20,000 Euros or 21,33,594 BDT per year. Read More: Overcoming Study Gap: How to Start Studying after a Long Break Living and Work Opportunities in France The cost of living, however, is far greater than the students' tuition. The annual cost of living may range from 10,000 and 15,000 euros, depending on the cities. The price may even go up if the student resides in Paris. A Bangladeshi student should be able to afford around Tk106500 to 16,00,000 each year.  The French government requires the students to demonstrate their ability to pay for their study and remain in France without the aid of a job or scholarship. The amount is close to at least 1000 euros or Tk106500 per month. In short, a student will roughly require 800 to 1000 Euros or Tk85,000 to 1,06,500 per month as living expenses depending on where they are staying. Read More: Higher Study in China: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students The work opportunities are also ample with high wages being available in big cities. Generally, a student can expect to make 7900 Euros or 842,769 BDT annually based on working hours. There are also many on-campus jobs available including GTA and GRA positions. Final Words France has been one of those countries that have been disseminating knowledge for centuries. Their rich culture, history, conspicuous mannerisms, globalization, and unique education system made France one of the best destinations in the world for higher studies.  So far we have discussed how to study in France from Bangladesh with self-funding. Whether France is a good study destination for international students depends on many factors. Overall, studying in France would be a wonderful opportunity for international students including Bangladesh. It will not only provide the students with global perspectives but also provide hands-on experience in problem-solving, critical thinking, and being a global citizen with an illustrative career. Read More: Study in the Netherlands: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students

East Asian island country Japan is located in the Pacific Ocean. The “land of the rising sun” is famous for its standard educational system and unique culture. Every year a large number of international students come to study in Japan. Many talented students from Bangladesh dream of going to Japan for higher education too. This article will provide detailed information on how to get higher education in Japan. Is Japan a Good Destination for Higher Studies? Students from middle-class families prefer higher education in Japan due to the low tuition and vast opportunity to access the latest technology and knowledge.  The advanced sciences and economic prosperities of the country are incomparable. As one of the most powerful countries in Asia, Japan’s educational system is unique compared to other countries.  Here, students can study a variety of subjects ranging from electrical to medicine, literature, business administration, and more.  Read Study in Belgium: Bachelor's, Masters and PhD options for Bangladeshi students Japan is one of the safest nations in the world. Japan has a very low crime rate and an extremely low drug use rate. Higher Study in Japan, Academic Year and Course Duration All the first-world countries offer opportunities in various educational institutions for higher education. Likewise, there are five types of higher education institutions in Japan. These are Graduate University, Under Graduate University, College of Technology, Japanese Studies, and Professional Training School. Japan’s education system is running on them. The academic year for higher education in Japan begins in April and ends the following March. Generally, an academic year is divided into two semesters, one April-September and the other October-March. But there are more opportunities for international students in the fall semester, which starts on October 1 and ends on March 31. Read Study in Denmark: Costs, opportunities for international students Most courses at the undergraduate level are of four years duration. Besides, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science’s duration are six years. However, the duration for Master’s courses is two years, and the course duration for a doctoral degree or PHD is five years. Japan also offers 2-3 years of professional degrees in Master of Education, Juris Doctor, and professional Master’s degree. Minimum Educational Qualifications to Study Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD For undergraduate admission in Japan, a student must have completed at least 12 years of schooling, i.e., an upper secondary certificate from an upper secondary school.  For admission to the Master, there should be at least 16 years of schooling.  For Ph.D. admission, you will need a Master’s degree with relevant research and job experience.  Read Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies However, most higher education institutions in Japan teach in Japanese, while you can find some courses taught in English too. Therefore, if foreign students want to go for higher education in Japan, a student must have to be proficient in the Japanese language. So Bangladeshi students who want to go for higher education in Japan can contact the embassy in Dhaka and learn the Japanese language. Besides, Dhaka University has Japanese language courses of different durations. In addition to that, you will also need English language proficiency. When you go for higher education in Japan, you need to find out which institutions require IELTS. Because some educational institutions want TOEFL CBT to score above 150 or TOEFL iBT scores above 52. And IELTS 6.5/ 7.0 is acceptable to supplement this score. Since the university authorities want TOEFL (CBT/ iBT) directly, it is better for you to take the TOEFL (CBT/ iBT) test in Japan. However, these tests are not required in all courses and universities. So you need to visit the university websites and see what qualifications the university authorities actually expect from students. Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose? Subjects Taught for Higher Education in Japan Here are some of the subjects you can study in Japan: Science Subjects:  Physics, Chemistry, Ecology, Biology, Material Science, Biology and Neuroscience, Geoscience, Educational Science, Environmental Life Science, Astronomy, Bioscience and Biotechnology, Biomolecular Engineering, Medical Science, MBBS, and more. Management:  Accountancy, Management, Area Studies, and more. Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies Humanities:  Human Studies, Anthropology, Public Law and Policy, Applied Informatics, Human-Social Information Science, Geophysics, Architecture, and Building Science. Law Subjects:  Law and Society, Transnational Law and Policy, and more. In addition, there are linguistics, history, economics, mathematics, mechanical systems and design, nanomechanics, educational informatics, intercultural relations, and engineering, including computer and mathematical science. There are about 800 universities for higher education in Japan. “The University of Tokyo” and “Kyoto University” are among the top 70 universities in the world ranking. Read Higher Study in China: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Tuition Fees in Japan Tuition fees in Japan depend on which university you study at. If you study at National Universities, tuition fees will be Approx. 820,000 yen or around $5,500 per year (around TK 6 lacs) for an undergraduate degree. If you attend a private university in Japan, the annual tuition fee will be Approximately 1,100,000 yen or around $7,300 (or around TK 8 lacs). For medical, dental, and pharmaceutical studies in private universities, the approximate tuition fee is Approximately 3,200,000 yen or $21,500 (or around TK 23 lacs) per year. The approximate tuition fee for graduate studies such as a Master’s or Ph.D. is 820,000 yen or $5,500 (around TK 6 lacs) each year. For private graduate school, you will need to pay around 1,000,000 yen or $6,700 (around TK 7 lacs) a year. Graduate medical, dental, and pharmaceutical programs will cost around 800,000 yen or $5,500 (around TK 6 lacs) per year. Read Study in the Netherlands: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Accommodation Facilities and Costs Foreign students studying in Japan can live in four types of accommodation. These four types of accommodation are student dormitories, public housing allocated by local government agencies, staff dormitories of various Japanese organizations, and private rental housing.  The average accommodation cost for a student in Tokyo is about 44,000 yen or $300 (around TK 31,000) per month. Overall, the living cost per month will be around 100,000 yen (around TK 71,000), including rent, food, utility, insurance, medical, and others. Scholarship Scopes for International Students in Japan The Japanese study environment is competitive and creative. Japanese universities offer admission for two semesters a year with various scholarships and fellowships. Master’s and Ph.D. students have more opportunities for scholarships. Read Study in France: Scholarship Opportunities and Overview for Bangladeshi Students Among the popular scholarships, the MEXT scholarship is notable. This scholarship is given to developing Japan’s friendships with other countries through research. Scholarship recipients under this program do not have to pay any tuition fee or admission fees. Accommodation, food, and round-trip airfare are also included in the scholarship. Apart from this, students get the opportunity to study without tuition fees in Japan’s ‘ADB-Japan Scholarship Program.’ Living expenses, incidental expenses including rent, purchase of books and other essentials, medical insurance, and travel expenses—all are covered by this scholarship. Another popular scholarship is the Japan-World Bank Scholarship. Through this, there are various training opportunities, including Master's and Ph.D. degrees. Students from various universities get various scholarships and financial incentives for good results and work. These scholarships and fellowship opportunities can be known by e-mailing the university’s international office. Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider To get a scholarship, one should have good academic results and be interested in research and higher education. Apart from the various required documents for the scholarship, a ‘Statement of Purpose, why you are interested in doing research should be written. Apart from this, previous research experience and certificates of participation in various social activities are also considered important. Application Process for Higher Education in Japan First of all, you will need to find universities according to your background and interest. You can search the universities at https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/. Next, you will need to apply. The required documents for application are academic certificates, an academic mark sheet or transcript, a TOEFL or IELTS score, a CV or motivation letter and recommendation letter, a certificate from the last educational institution, and a copy of the passport. Read Overcoming Study Gap: How to Start Studying after a Long Break However, make sure you follow the academic year and application deadlines. Each university might have a different application process. Information regarding the application process and minimum qualifications are available from the university website.  In order to start the classes on time, the application process should be started at least 2-3 months before the start of the course. Bangladeshi students should apply for a study permit by contacting the relevant branch of the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. Visa Application Process and Required Documents After you have received confirmation of admission from the university, you must submit all required documents to the Japan Immigration Office. They will accept all your documents and issue Pre-Visa (COE) through the Ministry of Justice in Japan. With this Pre-Visa (COE), you will later apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh. Read Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students Documents you will need at the embassy are, Pre-Visa (COE), all documents, mark sheets, and all certificates; the passport should be valid for at least six months; two copies of photo size 3.5 x 4.5, recommendation or reference letter, bank statements and financial solvency documents, medical report, TOEFL/ JLPT 5 (if applicable), scholarship papers (if any) and a cover letter describing the reason for higher education in Japan.  Besides, you need to know from the Japanese embassy whether you need any other documents. Part-time Job Opportunities for Students in Japan International students typically can work 28 hours a week. Knowing Japanese makes it easier to work in different organizations. There are job opportunities in various research laboratories and related projects of the university.  Read Study in Norway: Scholarship Opportunities for International Students including Bangladesh The work environment in Japan is very professional. Punctuality and professional behavior are always important. In addition, you will get the opportunity to work full-time during the semester breaks. Job Opportunities in Japan After Completion of Study Bangladeshi students or researchers have many job opportunities in Japan. Chances are more if you know Japanese. You can work in various technology companies. Many people also work in financial institutions, laboratories, and commercial institutions. Bangladeshis are joining various Japanese educational institutions and laboratories.  Many students also work in famous companies such as Sony, Toyota, and Hitachi. Many students are taking jobs directly from Japan in various corporate organizations in Europe and America. Hence, you will have permanent resident opportunities too. Read Study in Australia: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Final Words Japan is a great destination for science and technology students. The study system is the same in all universities in Japan. But it is better to select public universities and national universities for a scholarship. Because the number of scholarships in these universities is usually high. So far, we have discussed how Bangladeshi students can apply for bachelor, master's, or Ph.D. admission in Japan. We also gave an idea about tuition fees, living costs, and part-time job opportunities for students in Japan. Hope it helps!

European countries are steadily becoming a hub for higher education over the last decade. World-class education, affordable tuition, prospective career, and several other reasons can be named for the influx of international students in Europe. Among them, Belgium happens to be one of the top choices. Let’s take a look at the higher education opportunities in Belgium for international students and explore how Bangladeshi students can be a part of it. Why Study in Belgium? Starting with the beautiful scenic countryside, luscious gorges, and canals, Belgium is a country to behold for its natural beauty. The scenic nature of Belgium, a central European country, combined with the cosmopolitan cities has been a great destination for many international students to pursue bachelor, master's, or Ph.D. In addition to that, Belgium offers some of the best living standards in Europe. The cities are robust with cultural affluence. The mix of the Flanders and the Wallonia culture has made the country even more diverse within itself. Read Study in Denmark: Costs, opportunities for international students On the educational end, the top 10 universities in Belgium rank in the top 800 universities globally according to the QS ranking of 2022. The programs offered by the top Belgium universities are also diverse. Study programs range from pure science, engineering, life sciences, and social science to medicine.  Higher Study Opportunity in Belgium for International Students Belgium offers all three of the higher education options – bachelor, master, and Ph.D. Bachelors generally run for 3 to 4 years, masters for 1 or 2 years, and Ph.D. for 3 to 4 years maximum. However, there’s a caveat with the bachelor’s opportunities. Most of the courses and programs on the undergraduate level are offered in Dutch. Compared to that, very few English-taught programs are available at the undergraduate level. This means you’ll either have to learn the language or search very hard for your desired program. Read Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies In contrast, most of the master's and Ph.D. programs are offered in English. So, a standardized English proficiency is enough to get going in these programs. Can International Students Study Bachelor in Belgium?  Bachelors in Belgium aren’t all that common for international students mainly because of the language requirement. But there are still ample opportunities and many students avail themselves with some extra effort to learn the language first. The process of application for bachelor's, master, and Ph.D. are more or less the same. However, there are certain distinctions as you will see in each part. Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose? The admission window for foreign students in Belgium is only open for fall. Belgium does not offer admission to international students in Spring. The general requirements for documents include – - Educational certificate and Transcripts - Two LORs - Statement of Purpose/ Motivation Letter - IELTS/TOEFL - Extra-Curricular Activities (If Applicable) - Awards and Achievements Certificates (If Applicable). Read Student Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Education Loans for Higher Studies Students will require a legalized copy of each of the documents that they submit online or send through traditional mail to the university. To legalize the documents, a student will need to get their documents attested by their respective educational institution, Education Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Belgian Consulate in their respective country. The process may be cumbersome but Belgian institutes do not accept any application that hasn’t been legalized in the above manner. The application process usually starts a year before the prospective entry date. Depending on the university, a student will have to pay 30 to 100 euros or 3,045 BDT or 10,115 BDT as an application fee (1 EUR = 101 BDT). Read Higher Study in China: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Tuition also isn’t free in Belgium. Undergraduate courses can run anywhere between 950 euros to 6000 euros or 96,436 BDT to 6,09,072 BDT per year depending on the program. Scope for International Students to Study Masters in Belgium  Master in Belgium is the more popular choice for international students as it doesn’t require Dutch and neither does it require specialization in academia for Ph.D. Generally, a master's program runs for about 2 years with some specified courses having a 1-year degree offering. Prospective student needs to complete at least 16 years of formal education in their respective country to be eligible for a master's in Belgium. Read Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students A student can bypass the IELTS/TOEFL requirement if their Medium of Instruction or MOI at the undergraduate level was English. The English-taught programs are required to be certified by the respective universities. In addition to the document requirements mentioned in the bachelor's section, a student might have to submit a research plan for their intended program. The average tuition fees for master's degrees are the same as bachelor's and are calculated on an annual basis. Ph.D. in Belgium We have already talked about how Belgium is basically divided between Flanders and Wallonia. Universities in Belgium are also classified between Flemmish and Walloon universities. Each of the two has a different fee structure for their Ph.D. program. Read Study in Norway: Scholarship Opportunities for International Students including Bangladesh Flemmish universities charges around 474 euro or 48,116 BDT each for the first and last year of a Ph.D., nothing in between. On the other hand, Walloon universities has an initial first-year tuition fee of around 835 euros or 84,762 BDT with a subsequent fee of around 50 euros or 5075 BDT per consecutive year. To get admission into Belgian Ph.D. programs, prospective candidates need to have a good research track record and experience in academia. Read Study in Australia: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Scholarship Opportunities in Belgium Belgian universities have generous scholarship opportunities depending on the universities. Most of these scholarships are available after enrollment. In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are other centralized scholarship opportunities as well. These include – 1. Belgian Technical Cooperation Scholarships 2. The Science@Leuven Scholarships 3. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters 4. Innoviris Scholarship 5. Master Mind Scholarship 6. The VLIR-UOS Training and Master Scholarship 7. University of Ghent Doctoral Fund 8. Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) Scholarship 9. FRS-FNRS Scholarship Cost of Living in Belgium As Belgium is divided distinctly into two regions, the cost of living somewhat differs depending on where your university is located or where the student is living. Generally, the cost of living is around 750 euros to 950 euros or 76,134 BDT to 96,436 BDT in places away from the capital. Read Study in France: Scholarship Opportunities and Overview for Bangladeshi Students Living costs can go up as high as 1200 euros or 1,21,814 BDT if you live in and around Brussels. But that’s the highest cap in terms of living cost in Belgium and most students can easily get by under 1000 euros. Job Opportunities in Belgium There are ample job opportunities for foreign graduates in Belgium. The country recently allowed all foreign students to have orientation time of up to one year for job search after graduation. This will allow the foreign student unlimited access to the Belgian job market and secure a desired career track after graduation. After securing a job, students will need to get the Combined Residence Permit to stay and work in Belgium.  Read Study in the Netherlands: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Final Words So far, we have discussed how students from Bangladesh can do bachelor's, master's, or PhDs in Belgium. Higher study in Belgium is now more accessible and affordable than ever. As the country has a growing old-age population, it is reforming policies to attract non-EU talents to the country and potentially secure jobs in the Belgian market. This is a golden opportunity for prospective students to utilize Belgium as a potential study destination and career hub in the long run. 

The US Embassy – through its EducationUSA platform, in partnership with EdPrograms – will host a ‘US University Fair’ at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel on September 23. Interested individuals can register by September 21, 2022:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GL5DTCB.      This fair is part of the Fall 2022 EdTour South Asia program, an initiative of EdPrograms that gives higher education institutions in United States a chance to meet prospective undergraduate and graduate students in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.  Read:Cheapest countries for Bangladeshi students for higher studies Officials from the following US universities will participate in the fair: DePaul University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Iowa State University, New York Institute of Technology, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Pace University, Quinnipiac University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Siena College, Stony Brook University, George Washington University, University of Delaware, University of Houston-Victoria, University of Kansas, University of Northern Iowa, University of South Dakota, and Western Kentucky University. Students at the fair will have a unique opportunity to speak with US university admission officials face-to-face about admission requirements and scholarship opportunities. They will also receive tips on submitting a strong application. Additionally, the program will feature information sessions led by US Embassy officials and EducationUSA advisors about the F-1 student visa process and other topics related to the US higher education system. Read:EU delegation to run ‘Erasmus+ Roadshow’ in Dhaka, Rajshahi EducationUSA is the US Department of State’s network of over 425 international student advising centers in 178 countries. The network promotes US higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited institutions in the United States. EducationUSA also provides services to the US higher education community to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalization goals. In Bangladesh, EducationUSA advising services and reference materials are available across the country at the American Center at the US Embassy in Dhaka, the Edward M. Kennedy Center for Public Service and the Arts in Dhanmondi, and virtually in Chittagong.  EducationUSA reference libraries and remote advising services are also accessible in collaboration with the American Corners in Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi.  All EducationUSA services are free of charge. Read Prof Nurul Alam made JU VC

Almost every meritorious student in Bangladesh dreams of going abroad for higher education. However, not everyone can afford to study in an overseas country due to the high cost of education and living. Some countries offer excellent education as well as job opportunities to foreign students at a very low cost. While in some countries the universities do not charge tuition fees to the international students in bachelor, masters and PhD level. Stay with us to know about some overseas countries where the cost of education and living is cheap and affordable for the Bangladeshi students.  12 Cheapest Countries for Bangladeshi Students Germany Undoubtedly, Germany offers the cheapest higher education among developed countries. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. Rarely a very small fee is payable. Bangladeshi students can get admission in bachelor, masters or PhD programs. At bachelor level, the students need to complete 13 years of schooling. This means you will need to study for one year at the undergraduate level if you are from a non-European country.  Everyone has a fear of learning German. But this fear should not be your priority. At bachelor level most programs are offered in German; but at Masters or PhD level, courses are mostly offered in English. However, German language is needed in everyday activities as well as for part-time jobs.  Read Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students The average monthly living cost in Germany is around 800 euros. However, you can earn this amount by working part-time as the government allows international students to work about 20 hours a week. Norway Norway, the land of midnight, awaits various opportunities for higher education. There is no need to spend money to study at the postgraduate PhD level in this country as the government pays the education expenses from the public treasury. However, Norway doesn’t take international students for bachelor’s studies. Bangladeshi students can do Masters and PhD in Norway. Most of the universities in Norway are equipped with modern facilities and are technology oriented. You can work 20 hours per week while studying. The average living cost in Norway is 500-700 euros per month.  Read Free Education Scopes in Norway for International Students at Masters, PhD Programs However, if you want to study in Norway, you have to learn the language of that country. Because language will help you to get a part-time job as well as a permanent residence.  Italy Italy, one of the leading countries in Europe, now offers a wide range of opportunities for higher education. Every year students from different countries fly to Italy for higher education. They study in graduation, masters, and PhD programs. Students are also coming at the undergraduate level, but their numbers are comparatively low.  You will need to spend 1800-8000 euros per year to study in Italy. On top of that, you can also get scholarships. The living cost will be around 500-700 euros or less, which you can manage by working part-time. Read What should Bangladeshi students pack and bring with them to Western Countries? Austria Another country where you can get higher education at a very low cost is Austria. Foreign students in the country only have to pay a small fee at the time of admission. Various universities in Austria offer degrees in higher and applied subjects. The favorable climate and affordable cost of living have established Austria as an ideal higher education destination for students from around the world.  Among the top universities in Austria are the famous ‘University of Vienna’ and ‘The University of Innsbruck.’ An international student may need to pay 727-7,500 EUR/semester, depending on the university. When it comes to the living cost, you may need to spend anywhere between 500-1000 euros depending on the location. Students can work part-time 20 hours/ week in Austria. Belgium Belgium provides students with quality education in both theoretical and practical subjects. Apart from the advanced education, students can also get jobs in Belgium after completing higher education at a very low cost. Ghent University and the University of Brussels are two of the country’s top higher education institutions.  Read SoP for Higher Studies: How to write an unfailing Statement of Purpose? The average tuition fee for international students is 940-6,000 EUR depending on the program and university. The average living cost will be around 600 to 800 Euros per month. A student can work 20 hours per week in Belgium. Greece Greece is one of the most traditional centers of higher learning, dating back to Plato and Aristotle. The cost of living in this country is very low. Most of the courses there are taught in English. Don’t think that Greece can be your destination just for studying philosophy. In modern Greece, modern education is provided in various subjects of science.  The average living cost is 450-750 euros per month, while you will need to pay 1,500 and 2,000 EUR per academic year for tuition. Read Studying Abroad: Major Pros and Cons You Need to Consider Czech Republic As of 2019, more than 50,000 foreign student study at universities in the Czech Republic. The best universities in the country offer higher education in medicine, engineering, and science. Most universities offer higher education in the Czech language. However, English is also taught in many universities in the country.  Free higher education is also available in this country, which is a unique blend of modernity and its own culture.If you go to public or state universities in the Czech Republic, education is almost free. On top of that, you can work 20 hours/ week and 40 hours/ week during summer and semester breaks. The average living cost is 350-750 euros per month in the Czech Republic.  India In recent times there has been a great interest among students to pursue higher education in the neighboring country India. Every year a large number of students enroll in various universities in India to pursue higher education. Also, there are various scholarships available for Bangladeshi students to study in India at a low cost. The cost of education in India is quite cheap compared to other countries.  Read How to Pick a College or University Abroad for Higher Education The cost of living and other things are also low in this country. Anyone can easily live a good life in India at a low cost. The cost of studying at Indian universities is cheaper than at private universities in Bangladesh. Education cost in India starts from $3000 a year, and if you can manage a scholarship, it will be less than $3000. Denmark Denmark is one of the most developed countries in Northern Europe. Denmark is known to all for its natural scenic beauty as well as its advanced civic life. Also, it is home to some of the top universities in the world.  Masters and PhD students can get admission easily. Like Germany, for admission in bachelor programs, the international students need to complete 13 years of schooling. This means a Bangladeshi student is required to study for one year at the undergraduate level before applying for admission.  Read IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad? The education cost in Denmark starts from 3,500 euros per semester. Besides, you can also get a scholarship. Students can work 20 hours/ week and full-time during summer. The average living cost is around 300 to 500 euros per month. Mexico According to QS Top University Ranking, Mexico is considered one of the five most affordable countries for students. Depending on location and your lifestyle, you may need to spend $600 to $1200 on living costs in Mexico. Tuition fees depend on the universities. For example, a public university may cost as low as $378 per year. However, Mexico doesn’t allow international students to work in the country. Malaysia Malaysia is another destination for international students due to its cheap cost. An international student can study bachelor's for $1500 a year, while a Masters study will cost $2500 per year. International students can work 20 hours per week. You will need to spend around $300 per month on living costs in Malaysia. Read IELTS Preparation: Best Online Free Resources, Mock Tests, and Guidelines for IELTS Academic and General South Korea As an international student, studying in South Korea can become quite interesting for you. Because, in addition to the world-class education system in the country, you can get close to interesting Korean culture, pleasant weather surrounded by an excellent clean environment and advanced lifestyle.  Education costs start from $1500 per semester, and you will need to spend around $500-$600 on living expenses. However, you can manage some of these costs by working part-time. Bachelor students can work 20 hours a week while Masters students can work 30 hours a week. Final Words In the foreign universities, there are numerous courses in various branches of education. Besides this, a reputed international degree can add value to the academic and professional career of a student or professional. Studying abroad does not have to mean spending a fortune, at least not always. If you are willing to put in a little effort and a little hard work, you can study abroad for a manageable cost. However, the cost of living varies depending on individual preferences.  Read How to Get E-Passport in Bangladesh: Things you need to know So far we have discussed the top 12 cheapest and affordable countries for Bangladeshi students. Education loans and various scholarships are also easily available in almost all these countries. So if you wish to pursue higher education abroad, you can apply to any of these. 

The European Union (EU) in Bangladesh, together with EU Member States, hosted a reception on Thursday for 151 Bangladeshi students who will benefit from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship under the Erasmus+ programme. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme offers fully-funded scholarships and the beneficiaries are awarded a joint, double degree, or multiple degrees, upon graduation. Hans Lambrecht, Chargé d'Affaires of the EU said a flagship programme like Erasmus+, with a strong external dimension that aims to promote people-to-people exchanges, can and should be a game-changer.  Read: Top European Countries Offering Free Education for International Students "The new, larger programme for the period 2021-2027 has an increased budget of €26.2 billion," said Lambrecht. It enables the EU to support new initiatives and attract an even greater number of participants.  "Worldwide and in Bangladesh, the demand for highly skilled, socially engaged people is increasing. We are proud to contribute to Bangladesh’s future through the Erasmus+ scholarships," said the diplomat. Read Free Education in Germany for International Students in Bachelor, Masters, PhD "Erasmus+ helps the Bangladeshi beneficiaries to build resilience, adapt to the changing global environment, seize new opportunities and be the connector between Europe and Bangladesh.’’ Bangladesh is ranking third this year in terms of number of awarded scholarships A total of 151 Bangladeshi students have received Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships to study in various European cities for completing a Masters degree in areas such as data science, engineering, climate change, gender studies, circular economy, public health, public policy and human rights.  Read Study in the Netherlands: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students The knowledge and skills gained will be applied in Bangladesh and contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka. 

Bangladeshi students who study in China can be allowed to return to China following the improving Covid situation there, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said on Monday. “China has started allowing foreign students to return to the country and Bangladesh is in the first lot,” said the ambassador in a video note posted on Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh’s Facebook page. Read: Padma Bridge: China lauds PM Hasina’s leadership amid enormous difficulties “The pandemic both in China and Bangladesh seems under control, which is good news to our two countries,” he said. Shanghai, the worst-hit state of China in the latest wave of Covid-19, is gradually returning to normal with only two or three dozens of daily Covid cases, said Li Jiming.

Bangladeshi students now caught in the middle of the conflict in Ukraine or forced to leave the country will have a chance to continue their higher education in Russia. The Russian Embassy in Dhaka says students from Bangladesh who are no longer able to pursue higher education in Ukraine can complete their studies in respective universities in Russia. Bangladeshi students willing to enrol in the proposed transfer scheme will have to provide relevant information to the embassy. They will have to mention the desired Russian university and the area of study. READ: Drug shortages persist in Russia after start of Ukraine war Also, the student will have to provide copies of the document confirming the admission with the respective Ukrainian university, the student ID card and the record book confirming their progress. To help students transfer to colleges in Russia, additional information on the transfer procedure is available through the hotline +7 (495) 122-22-68 (Monday – Saturday, 8am – 800pm Moscow time). Many Bangladeshi students studying in Ukraine have had their education disrupted due to the ongoing conflict.