One of the biggest questions students ask is simple: where do I actually apply for scholarships? The internet is full of lists, but many are outdated or unreliable. The safest approach is to apply through official channels.
This guide explains the main places to apply, from government portals and university offices to foundations and local options in Bangladesh, plus a step-by-step plan to organise your applications.
1. Government Scholarship Portals
Many governments run official scholarship programmes for international students. Apply on their own websites:
- UK: Chevening, with a dedicated Bangladesh page, and Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Germany: DAAD, searchable in the official DAAD scholarship database.
- South Korea: Global Korea Scholarship, via the embassy in Dhaka or Korean universities.
- Japan: MEXT, via the Japanese embassy.
- Sweden, Hungary, Türkiye, China: national scholarship portals.
2. University Admission and Financial Aid Offices
Most university scholarships are applied for through the university itself, often with your admission application. Look for pages called “Scholarships”, “Financial Aid” or “Funding” on each university’s website.
3. Joint and Regional Programmes
The EU’s Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes each select their own scholarship holders. Browse the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue and apply directly to the programme.
4. Foundations and Organisations
Private foundations, development organisations and companies also fund students. Check eligibility carefully; many are limited to certain countries or fields.
5. Options Inside Bangladesh
- Government stipends and scholarships for school and college students.
- University merit and need-based waivers.
- Scholarships from banks, companies and trusts.
- Embassy and cultural centre announcements in Dhaka.
A Step-by-Step Application Plan
- Choose your level and field (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD).
- Make a shortlist of 5–10 scholarships from official sources.
- Create a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements and links.
- Prepare core documents: transcripts, certificates, passport, CV, test scores, references.
- Write a base essay, then tailor it for each scholarship.
- Submit early and keep copies of everything.
How to Avoid Scams
Never pay a fee to an agent who “guarantees” a scholarship. Check that links lead to official government or university websites.
Read More
Learn how to search smartly in where to find scholarships, understand who gets selected, and compare options in our list of full scholarships for international students.
Final Thoughts
Apply through government portals, university offices, official joint programmes and trusted foundations. Build a shortlist, track deadlines in one place, and prepare documents early. A clear system makes scholarship applications much less stressful.
