Pursuing higher studies offers an invaluable opportunity to deepen expertise and open doors to global career prospects. A well-chosen study destination enhances this journey, allowing students to experience diverse cultures, broaden perspectives, and foster independence. Europe has become a popular choice due to its quality of education, rich history, and vibrant campus life. Among its destinations, Lithuania stands out as an affordable, accessible option with well-respected institutions and a student-friendly environment. Let’s explore how Lithuania could be the next step in your academic journey. Why Study in Lithuania? Lithuania has become a top study destination, with an impressive international student enrolment rate of 71.91 percent. Vilnius University, one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, stands out in both European and global rankings. According to the AD Scientific Index, it ranks 484 in Europe and 1217 worldwide. Furthermore, the QS World University Rankings place Vilnius University (473) within the global top 500, underscoring its commitment to high educational standards. A key appeal of Lithuanian universities is their wide range of academic offerings, with over 350 programs available in English. These programs provide flexibility and align well with global industry needs, giving graduates the advantage of a globally recognized degree. Beyond academics, the local job market is thriving, with about 72 percent of the working-age population (15 to 64) employed. Graduates find promising roles in sectors like education, catering, healthcare, and social services. It makes the country not only an ideal place to study but also a promising environment to launch a fulfilling career. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Lithuania’s Top Universities and Courses With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, this European country boasts several prestigious universities offering quality education. Here are some of the country’s most notable institutions: - Vilnius University- Kaunas University of Technology- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University- Vytautas Magnus University- Mykolas Romeris University- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences These universities provide a variety of programs that appeal to international students, with options designed to support academic growth. Here are some popular courses to consider: - Medicine- Accounting and Audit- Fashion Engineering- Architecture- Business and Public Administration- Law- Performing Arts- Engineering Sciences. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh How to Apply to Lithuanian Universities There are two main intakes available for international students: the September (Autumn) intake, which is the primary option, and the January–February (Spring) intake, which serves as an alternative. Keep in mind that application deadlines and requirements may differ depending on the university, so it’s essential to check directly with your chosen institution. The process of document verification and subject equivalency can take up to a month or more. Documents Required for Admission - Completed application form - Educational certificate (including grades), validated by the Lithuanian Centre for Quality -  Assessment in Higher Education - Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Letter of motivation explaining the reasons for choosing to study in Lithuania - Copy of a valid passport - Passport-sized photographs - Receipt of payment for application and tuition fees - Bank statements demonstrating adequate funds to cover living costs - English proficiency certificate: Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 81. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s Degree in Hungary: Cost, Scholarships, Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students

Pursuing higher education in South Korea offers students a unique blend of academic excellence, cutting-edge research opportunities, and cultural immersion. With world-class universities and a focus on innovation, South Korea has emerged as a preferred destination for international students. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in South Korea, from admissions and visa requirements to tuition costs, scholarship options, and career opportunities. Discover why South Korea is a top choice for those looking to expand their academic and professional horizons. Why Study in South Korea? South Korea stands as a key member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), renowned for its academic excellence and competitive spirit in global education. Notably, five South Korean universities have consistently ranked among the QS World Top 100: Seoul National University (31), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (53), Yonsei University (56), Korea University (67), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (98). With a stable economy, South Korea offers reliable career opportunities, ensuring job satisfaction and strong prospects across sectors. According to Numbeo, a comprehensive cost-of-living database, South Korea ranks second globally for quality healthcare, with steady economic growth and rising per capita income further elevating its appeal. As a leading East Asian destination, it combines advanced technology with a high quality of life. Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh Top South Korean Universities and In-Demand Courses Here are the leading universities that draw students worldwide: - Seoul National University- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)- Yonsei University- Korea University- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)- Sungkyunkwan University- Hanyang University- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)- Kyung Hee University. Popular Fields of Study These universities offer highly regarded programs in a variety of fields, including- Economics, Science and Technology, Business Management, Engineering, Finance, Fashion, International Trade, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Design Media, International Relations, Biotechnology, etc. Read more: Higher Studies in Italy: Application Process, Costs, Student Visa, Scholarships, and Benefits How to Apply for Admission to South Korean Universities Each South Korean university uses its online portal for admissions, and the timeline and prerequisites can vary. Be sure to check the official website of each institution before applying. Applications are generally submitted at least 3 to 4 months before classes begin. Most institutions offer two main admission periods: Spring Semester: Starts in March and lasts until June; application season runs from September to November.Fall Semester: Starts in September and lasts until December; applications are accepted from May to June. Documents Required for Admission Basic Documents - Completed application form- Passport and passport-size photograph- Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent- English Proficiency (TOEFL, minimum 71; IELTS, minimum 5.5)- Personal statement- Financial support statement- Letter of Recommendation- CV- Parent's Passport or National ID Additional Documents for Masters - Bachelor’s diploma and transcript- Relevant work experience (program-specific) Additional Documents for PhD - Master’s diploma and transcript- Master’s thesis or research proposal. Read more: Higher Studies in England: Application, Study Cost, Scholarship, and Other Scopes How to Apply for a Student Visa in South Korea Upon receiving the admission offer, the next step is applying for a visa. Bangladeshi students typically apply for the South Korea D-2 visa for long-term study, valid for up to 2 years with a single-entry visa validity of 3 months. Begin the visa process on the Korean visa portal at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=1020408, upload all required documents, then print the e-form with the barcode and submit it to the Korean Embassy or Consulate along with hard copies. Required Documents for Visa Application - Printed visa application form (e-form)- Passport-size photograph (taken within 6 months)- Valid passport (at least 6 months from arrival date)- Cover letter- Admission offer letter from a South Korean University- Birth and Family Relationship Certificates issued by City Corporation or Union Office- Bank statement of the applicant or his guarantor- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parents- Parents' National ID- Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh Police- Educational certificates and transcripts (These should be notarized by Education and Foreign Affairs Ministries, Bangladesh)- Tuberculosis test result (from a nationally certified center, within the last 3 months)- English language certification (TOEFL or IELTS within the last 2 years)- Korean language proficiency (for Korean-taught programs). Read more: How to Register for TOEFL Exam in Bangladesh? How to Submit the Visa Application Before visiting the consulate for visa submission, an online appointment must be scheduled. Create a new account at https://www.g4k.go.kr/cipl/0100/login.do, where you can select a specific date and time for submitting documents. Ensure that the name, phone number, email, passport, or NID provided match exactly with the visa application details. You will be notified of the designated date via phone and email. Consulate Address: 4 Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Document Submission Hours: 3:00 - 4:00 PM, on business days (Sunday to Thursday) Visa Processing Fee and Visa Collection The visa decision may take 7 to 15 days. Complicated applications may require additional time, and updates can be checked at https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10301. Once ready, the candidate will be notified via the visa portal, SMS, and email.  Visa Collection Time: 4:00 - 4:30 PM, every business day Visa Fee: For a single-entry D-2 visa (valid for more than 90 days), the fee is USD 60 or BDT 6,600. According to the South Korean embassy, ​​the fixed exchange rate of the dollar here is BDT 110 per US dollar. This fee must be paid at the time of submission of visa documents at the consulate office. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Study and Living Costs in South Korea Tuition fees vary by institution, field, and degree level. As per Leapscholar, bachelor courses usually require KRW 4.3 million to KRW 33.9 million. This budget is approximated to BDT. 370,019 to 2,917,125 (KRW 1 = BDT 0.086). For postgraduation, the budget would be KRW 5.07 million to KRW 50.8 million (equivalent to BDT 436,278 to BDT 4,371,385). Seoul is South Korea’s most expensive city, while costs in Busan and Incheon are comparatively lower. According to Leapscholar, average monthly living costs (Excluding Rent) in main cities are as follows: Seoul: KRW 1,550,106 (BDT 133,388)  Busan: KRW 1,347,709 (BDT 115,972)  Jeju: KRW 1,498,778 (BDT 128,971)  Daejeon: KRW 1,610,205 (BDT 138,560)  Incheon: KRW 1,374,787 (BDT 118,302)   Along with these, the budget to be kept for the housing cost is- Seoul: KRW 1,154,611 (BDT 99,355)  Busan: KRW 572,500 (BDT 49,264)  Jeju: KRW 1,879,743 (BDT 161,754)  Daejeon: KRW 421,666 (BDT 36,285)  Incheon: KRW 525,000 (BDT 45,177)   Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh Scholarship Benefits in South Korea South Korea offers a wealth of scholarships that can significantly reduce study and living expenses for international students. Yonsei University provides full, half, or one-third financial aid per semester for undergraduates.Korea University also covers partial or full tuition fees for selected students.Hanyang International Excellence Awards offers 70%, 50%, or 30% tuition fee waivers.Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Program provides substantial support, covering full tuition and offering KRW 3.9 million (BDT 335,598) per semester for undergraduates, and between KRW 3.5 million to KRW 5 million (approximately BDT 301,178 to BDT 430,254) for graduates.Global Korea Scholarship offers full financial support at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Part-Time Job Opportunities During Studies After completing one semester, students are eligible to work part-time, with undergraduates allowed 20 hours per week and graduate students 30 hours per week. Graduate students continuing with thesis work may also work up to 30 hours weekly.  As per Leapscholar, popular part-time jobs and average hourly wages include: Cashier: KRW 9,000 - 10,000 (BDT 774 - 861)  Sales Associate: KRW 11,000 - 12,000 (BDT 947 - 1,033)  Package Handler: KRW 13,000 - 14,000 (BDT 1,119 - 1,205)  Lecturer: KRW 51,000 - 55,000 (BDT 4,389 - 4,733)  Private Tuition: KRW 26,000 - 28,000 (BDT 2,237 - 2,409)  Research Assistant: KRW 12,000 - 13,000 (BDT 1,033 - 1,119)  Administrative Assistant: KRW 6,000 - 7,000 (BDT 516 - 602)   Final Words Higher studies in South Korea offer students access to world-renowned universities, known for academic excellence and innovation. Students also benefit from excellent healthcare facilities that support their well-being throughout their studies. Generous scholarships, often covering tuition and living costs, make studying here financially accessible. Additionally, part-time job opportunities allow students to gain valuable experience and offset expenses. With clear documentation requirements, the study visa process is streamlined, ensuring a smooth transition for international students. Altogether, South Korea stands as a premier destination for students aspiring to excel globally in a supportive and dynamic environment. Read more: Study in Russia: Application Process, Visa, Scholarships, Costs, and Benefits

With its work-life balanced culture and high quality of life, Germany stands out as an attractive destination for Bangladeshis seeking professional opportunities. The thriving economy of the country, a member of the EU (European Union), offers excellent prospects for skilled workers. The recent introduction of the Opportunity Card has streamlined the process, making it a more structured and accessible pathway for qualified professionals. This article offers a comprehensive guide to obtaining the German Opportunity Card from Bangladesh, covering key details on eligibility criteria and application procedures. What is the German Opportunity Card? The Opportunity Card is a permit that allows skilled workers from countries outside the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland to enter Germany for employment purposes. As a residence permit, it is valid for up to one year, during which the cardholder must secure employment. To obtain the card, applicants must provide proper proof of eligibility for the relevant employment. Who is Eligible for the German Opportunity Card? The card is primarily issued to two types of citizens from non-EU, EEA, or Swiss countries: 1. Individuals with a fully recognized German professional or educational qualification:Applicants must have an educational or professional certificate recognized in Germany, either from a home-country institution recognized by Germany or from an institution located in Germany. 2. Those who are not yet established workers but meet specific conditions:Applicants must fulfill the following criteria: - Hold an academic degree from a German university or a university recognized by Germany in their home country. - Have completed at least two years of vocational training from an institution in Germany or one recognized by Germany in the home country. - Demonstrate language proficiency: at least level A1 in German or level B2 in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). An IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.5 or a TOEFL IBT score of 72 to 94 is equivalent to CEFR level B2. Read more: Free Education in Germany for International Students in Bachelor, Masters, PhD German Opportunity Card Point System Applicants under Category 2 must meet a point-based system to increase their chances of receiving the card. Achieving a minimum of six points is necessary. The points are distributed as follows: Equivalence of Qualifications (4 points): Four points are awarded if the completed degree or training is partially equivalent. For professions requiring a license, four points are given before licensure, but the license test must be passed before the residence permit is granted. Eligibility for Shortage Occupations (1 point): One point is awarded for degrees or vocational training in shortage professions in the German job market, such as mining managers, chemists, civil engineers, and software developers. A full list of shortage occupations can be found here:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/fileadmin/1_Rebrush_2022/a_Fachkraefte/PDF-Dateien/3_Visum_u_Aufenthalt/2024_Mangelberufe_EN.pdf. Professional Experience (2 to 3 points): Two points for at least two years of relevant professional experience within the last five yearsThree points for at least five years of experience within the last seven years. Language Proficiency (1 to 4 points): One point for A2-level German proficiency, two points for B1, and three points for B2 or higher.An additional point is given for C1-level English proficiency or if the applicant is a native speaker.Age (1 to 2 points): - Applicants under 35 receive two points- Those who are aged 35 to 40, receive one point. Residence Record in Germany (1 point): One point is given for having legally lived in Germany for at least six months in the past five years, regardless of the purpose (study, work, or travel).Spouse as a Skilled Worker (1 point): If one spouse meets the Opportunity Card criteria, the other spouse receives one point.To check eligibility before starting the final application, visit the following link:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/self-check-opportunity-card#c52628. Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students Benefits of the German Opportunity Card This card initially allows the holder to find work in Germany for a maximum of 1 year. After this period, the card can be extended for up to 2 additional years while staying in Germany. Cardholders can pursue employment or self-employment opportunities. This permit allows for one or more part-time jobs totaling 20 hours per week. As part of their job search, cardholders can undertake a job trial for a maximum of 2 weeks per employer.

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC-JFP) in Dhaka has resumed limited operations. Applicants will receive individual messages regarding the collection of their passports. They are requested to arrive at the IVAC only after receiving an SMS with instructions. Due to the limited operations, the processing time may be extended. Read more: Former PM Hasina now in India, her US visa status unclear

Nestled in the western end of the Lesser Sunda islands in Indonesia, Bali is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is renowned for its arts, traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. With its pristine beaches and diverse marine life, there’s a lot to see and explore in Bali. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started on your next dream holiday.  Location of Bali  Bali is an island province of Indonesia located near the equator. The island system is close to Java and Lombok with Java Strait and Lombok Strait separating them. In addition to the main island, there are smaller islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, located southeast of the main island. The island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on the south. The Bali Sea and part of the Pacific Ocean circumvent the island on the north. Read more: Exploring Ratargul Swamp Forest: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to the “Amazon of Bangladesh” The main point of entry to Bali is the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). It is located near the capital city of Denpasar and serves as the main entry point for international and domestic tourists.

The validity of applicants’ Nulla Osta on the day of receiving their appointment booking email will be frozen and will not expire if the email was sent during its validity, according to an update for Italy work visa applicants in Bangladesh. Applicants who submitted incomplete or incorrect Nulla Osta will not receive an appointment, but an email suggesting they contact their employers for clarification," said VFS Global on May 20. Measures on long-term visas to be taken after Indian elections: Nanak No other means of booking appointments is in place. "The process is absolutely free of cost, and applicants receiving any contrary information are requested to report it to VFS Global and the Embassy of Italy," said the VFS Global.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister and General Secretary of the Awami League, Obaidul Quader, has said that the government is indifferent to US sanctions and visa policies. His comments came during a discussion today (May 14, 2024) with journalists at the Secretariat addressing contemporary issues. Quader remarked that US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has come to Bangladesh with his own agenda, emphasizing that the government did not extend an invitation to him. “I do not want to discuss this matter. They come and go as part of their routine,” Quader mentioned. BNP rally means arson, havoc and bloodshed: Obaidul Quader Regarding Lu’s visit, Quader commented, “He is not even a Foreign Minister! Why all this fuss about him! He has come here out of necessity, they have their agenda. When relationships exist, discussions on various issues related to those relationships will happen.” Quader also referenced previous discussions related to visa policies and sanctions before the elections, highlighting that the stance remains unchanged. “We do not care about any kind of sanctions or visa policies,” Quader declared when asked about the political implications of Lu’s visit. Read more: Donald Lu in Dhaka to "strengthen bilateral cooperation" with Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today (May 13, 2024) said that issues related to visa policy and Dhaka’s call for withdrawal of sanctions may come up for discussion during Donald Lu’s visit. “These issues may naturally come up,” he said when a reporter wanted to know whether Bangladesh will raise these issues as US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is coming to Dhaka on May 14.   Lu will be here as part of his tri-nation tour of the region (May 10-15). He visited India and is now visiting Sri Lanka. Assistant Secretary Lu will conclude his trip in Dhaka, where he will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to discuss Bangladesh-US cooperation, including addressing the climate crisis and deepening economic ties, according to the US Department of State. Read more: France to provide assistance to Bangladesh in installing lightning prevention devices: State Minister The foreign minister said Bangladesh maintains excellent relations with the United States and they will work together to take the relations further. “Whoever visits Bangladesh from the US administration, we will work together to advance our relationship. There are economic relations and we have cooperation in various fields,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After the January 7 national election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties." In February this year, Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh. "There is willingness from both sides. Together, we want to create a new chapter in our relations," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with the US delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. Read more: Hasan Mahmud for a strong cultural renaissance in favour of development, humanity

Saudi Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has said that he is taking initiative to provide visas for the hajj pilgrims who are yet to get their visas. The assurance came today during a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban. The visa initiative was a response to Prime Minister Hasina’s request to extend the visa approval timeframe, enabling the pilgrims to participate in the upcoming Hajj. More than 10,000 hajj pilgrims are yet to get visa from Saudi Arabia due to various complexities. PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the discussion, the ambassador presented a list of projects Saudi investors aim to implement in Bangladesh. The PM said that Bangladesh will review these proposals carefully, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation before moving forward. She assured that the concerned ministries and divisions will look into the matter. Read more: PM inaugurates Hajj programme-2024 The talks also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including support for Palestine. Prime Minister Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to aiding the Palestinian people, mentioning recent consignments of assistance. “The whole world is with Palestine except the US and few of its allies,” she said. Furthermore, with nearly 32 lakh Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to both nations’ economies, Hasina urged the Saudi government to encourage the use of legal channels for remittances. This effort aims to secure economic benefits for Bangladesh while maintaining strong bilateral ties. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, and PMO Secretary Mohammad Salauddin. Read more: Over 11,000 Hajj aspirants face visa uncertainty as deadline expires

As the deadline to apply for Hajj visas concluded last night, uncertainty looms for over 11,000 pilgrims from Bangladesh who have yet to secure their visas. This situation makes their participation uncertain in this year’s Hajj, scheduled for June 16, contingent on moon sighting. As of today, the latest figures revealed that 72,138 individuals had successfully obtained their Saudi visas, with an additional 259 currently in the visa printing process. However, this leaves precisely 11,167 applicants in limbo, with their chances of attending the Hajj in jeopardy unless the Saudi government grants another extension. In response to the crisis, Faridul Haq Khan, Minister of Religious Affairs, has formally requested a third extension from the Saudi authorities to accommodate the backlog. Echoing this sentiment, Md A Hamid Zamadder, Secretary to the ministry, expressed optimism last night, telling UNB, “We remain in constant communication with our counterparts in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. We are hopeful for an extension in the visa application period.” Explore why boys lag behind girls in exams: PM Hasina says on SSC results Zamadder also noted that other countries, including India and Indonesia, are facing similar issues, which might influence Saudi Arabia to extend the visa deadline. Despite the government’s efforts, issues with local Hajj agencies have compounded the problem. These agencies have reportedly failed to secure accommodations in Saudi Arabia, a prerequisite for visa approval, leading to last-minute scrambles and heightened uncertainty. The agencies are now racing against time, trying to secure housing at lower rates, which has delayed visa processing. As of now, 11,017 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with a total of 85,257 expected to perform Hajj under both government and private management. Visitors on Hajj visa prohibited from traveling outside Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca: Saudi Ministry The first batch of pilgrims departed on May 9, with flights scheduled to continue until June 10. Upon completion of Hajj, return flights are slated from June 20 through July 22. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the remaining applicants can fulfill their spiritual journey, as the ministry awaits a definitive response on the visa extension issue, expected by Monday.