Top Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in IT/CS

Scholarships play a significant role in shaping the careers of students pursuing degrees in IT and Computer Science. They provide financial relief, access to opportunities, encouragement of excellence, specialized support, and career advancement. This report explores some of the top scholarships available for Bangladeshi students in IT/CS and their impact on students’ careers and curriculum development.

Key Impacts of Scholarships

1. Financial Relief

Scholarships reduce the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus more on their studies and less on finding ways to cover tuition and other expenses. This financial relief can lead to better academic performance and more opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities relevant to their field.

2. Access to Opportunities

Many scholarships come with additional opportunities such as internships, mentorship programs, and networking events. These experiences are invaluable for career development, providing students with practical skills and professional connections.

3. Encouragement of Excellence

Scholarships often reward academic excellence, innovation, and dedication. This recognition can boost a student’s confidence and motivation, encouraging them to continue striving for success in their field.

4. Specialized Support

Some scholarships are specifically designed for certain demographics or areas of study within computer science and IT, such as cybersecurity or software development. This targeted support can help students develop expertise in high-demand areas.

5. Career Advancement

Having a scholarship on one’s resume can be a significant advantage in the job market. It signals to potential employers that the candidate is not only academically capable but also recognized for their potential and achievements.

Measurable Impact on Student Success

Research indicates that scholarships have a quantifiable positive impact on educational outcomes for Bangladeshi students:

1. Improved Retention and Completion Rates: Scholarships significantly enhance student retention rates and encourage timely completion of degree programs, particularly for those from low and intermediate-income households (Impact of Scholarships on Student Success).
2. Spillover Effects: Studies have shown that financial aid can have positive spillover effects, with even siblings of stipend recipients showing improved educational attainment (An Innovative Girls’ Scholarship Program in Bangladesh).
3. International Education Access: The presence of scholarships has led to a surge in Bangladeshi students pursuing studies abroad, with 52,799 Bangladeshi students seeking higher education internationally in 2023 alone, according to UNESCO data (Unraveling the Surge of Bangladeshi Students Studying Abroad).
4. Enhanced Employability: International exposure through scholarships contributes significantly to personal growth and professional development, leading to better job opportunities in the competitive IT sector (The Impact of Studying Abroad on Career for Bangladeshi Students).

International Scholarships

1. Neporany Doctoral Fellowship 2025

• For doctoral students.

1. Xiamen University New International Scholarships

• For studying in China.

1. Fulbright Programs

• Prestigious scholarships for various fields of study in the USA.
• Includes the Fulbright Foreign Student Program specifically designed for international students.

1. Humphrey Fellowship

• Aimed at mid-career professionals in the USA.

1. GREAT Scholarships for the UK

• Provides a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for postgraduate students.
• Scholarship amounts can range from £2,500 to £28,000 to help cover tuition expenses (Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students to Study in the UK).
• For the 2025-26 academic year, 10 postgraduate scholarships are available for Bangladeshi students who have received an unconditional offer for a full-time postgraduate course starting in September 2025 (British Council).

1. Bangladesh $10,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship

• For students commencing studies in 2025 at Macquarie University, Australia.

1. Chevening Scholarships

• Prestigious awards that cover various expenses including tuition, living costs, and airfare for studies in the UK.
• Historically significant in developing skills and leadership potential of future leaders in Bangladesh.

1. Southeast Asian Scholarship Program (2025)

• Aimed at students from Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, pursuing degrees in computer science and IT.

1. DAAD Scholarships

• The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for Bangladeshi students in IT fields for master’s programs in Germany.

1. Commonwealth Scholarship

• For students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh, who pursue postgraduate study in the UK.

1. Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards

• Available for Bangladeshi students pursuing graduate studies in Italy (Scholars4Dev).

1. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

• Opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue research degrees in Australia (Scholars4Dev).

IT-Specific Scholarships

Over 3,200 scholarships have been identified specifically for Computer Science and Information Technology fields, targeting undergraduate and master’s level students from Bangladesh (WeMakeScholars).

Emerging Technology-Focused Scholarships

1. AWS AI & ML Scholarship Program: In collaboration with Udacity, this program provides scholarships to 2,500 students for training in artificial intelligence and machine learning, equipping them with hands-on skills for careers in these in-demand fields (AWS, Udacity).
2. Bertelsmann Next Generation Tech Booster Scholarship: This initiative, in partnership with Udacity, offers scholarships for studies in areas like Generative AI, Ethical Hacking, and Digital Marketing (Udacity).
3. Foundation for Information Technology Education: This organization offers scholarships annually from January to May, aimed at honoring past computer professionals (Bold.org).
4. NSF Scholarships in STEM: The National Science Foundation supports scholarships for academically talented low-income students pursuing STEM majors, including IT (NSF).
5. SMART Scholarship Program: This program offers full tuition, annual stipends, and employment opportunities with the Department of Defense for STEM students, including those in IT (SMART Scholarship).

Findings

• Local Scholarships: Focus on providing financial aid based on merit and need within Bangladesh.
• International Scholarships: Offer more diverse opportunities, including prestigious programs like Fulbright and those by specific universities in the USA, UK, China, and Australia, often covering significant portions of tuition and living expenses.
• Government Initiatives: The Bangladeshi government has introduced various educational assistance programs across multiple disciplines, including IT.
• Technology-Focused Scholarships: A growing number of scholarships target specific technology areas like AI, machine learning, and data science, reflecting industry demands.

Evolution of Scholarships Over the Past Decade

The landscape of scholarships for Bangladeshi IT students has evolved significantly over the past decade:

1. Diversification of Programs: There has been a notable increase in scholarship programs specifically designed for IT students. The Economic Relations Division (ERD) now offers fellowships and scholarships that include programming and management training (ERD).
2. Expansion of International Opportunities: Scholarship programs targeting Bangladeshi students wishing to study abroad have grown substantially. The GREAT Scholarships and Chevening Scholarships have become prominent options for postgraduate studies in the UK (Career Paths).
3. Increased Recognition of IT Education: There has been growing acknowledgment of the importance of IT education in Bangladesh, resulting in more scholarships aimed at promoting this field and supporting students in achieving their academic goals.
4. Specialized Funding: More scholarships now focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity, addressing global skill shortages in these areas.
5. Revised Scholarship Criteria: Organizations are adapting their criteria to better align with current industry demands, focusing on skills relevant to emerging technologies (Scholarship Providers).
6. Diversity in IT Scholarships: There is a broader movement towards creating more diverse scholarship opportunities that cater to underrepresented groups in tech, aligning with national initiatives to increase diversity in STEM fields.

Innovative Scholarship Models for IT Education

New funding approaches are emerging to support IT education in Bangladesh and globally:

1. Income-Share Agreements (ISAs): This innovative model allows students to receive funding for their education in exchange for a percentage of their future income for a specified period. It aligns the interests of educational institutions and students, ensuring students only repay when they secure employment (Beyond Traditional Funding).

• Flexible Repayment: ISAs offer adjustable repayment structures, where graduates pay a fixed percentage of their income for a set period. If earnings are low, they pay less, reducing financial strain compared to traditional loans (Chisos).
• Risk Mitigation: For students, ISAs present a lower-risk alternative to private student loans since repayments are contingent on income levels (U.S. News).
• Accessibility: ISAs can help fill gaps in the financial aid system, allowing access to education for individuals who may not qualify for traditional loans due to credit constraints (Social Finance).

1. Technology-Specific Scholarships: These targeted scholarships focus on students pursuing technology-related fields, often provided by tech companies or educational institutions aiming to foster talent in sectors like software development, cybersecurity, and data science (Technology Scholarships).
2. Entrepreneurship-Focused Scholarships: These programs encourage students to create solutions for global challenges, integrating education with practical business experience. They support innovative projects and promote entrepreneurial skills in technology (Scholarships in the Age of Innovation).
3. Digital Competency Training Scholarships: These scholarships aim to enhance the skills of educators to better prepare students in IT and related fields, emphasizing the integration of technology in teaching.
4. Tech-Enhanced Scholarship Management: Utilizing technology for managing scholarship applications and eligibility is improving accessibility to IT education through more efficient processing and better targeting of scholarships to eligible students.

Challenges Faced by Bangladeshi Students

Despite the availability of scholarships, Bangladeshi students face several challenges when pursuing international scholarships:

1. Financial Constraints: High tuition fees and living expenses often deter students from applying for international scholarships. Many universities charge substantial amounts, which can be overwhelming for students from Bangladesh, where financial resources are limited (Challenges and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students).
2. Increased Competition: The growing number of Bangladeshi students seeking education abroad has led to heightened competition for limited scholarship opportunities, making it difficult for students to secure funding (Challenges for Bangladeshi Students Studying Abroad).
3. Political and Economic Factors: Political uncertainties and doubts regarding the quality of domestic education drive students to seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, limited job prospects for graduates in Bangladesh further motivate students to pursue studies overseas (Unraveling the Surge of Bangladeshi Students Studying Abroad).
4. Visa Limitations: Restrictions and complexities surrounding student visas can discourage students from applying for international scholarships, as they fear potential barriers to entry into foreign countries (Challenges for International Students While Studying Abroad).

Socio-Political Factors Affecting Scholarship Accessibility

Several socio-political factors influence scholarship accessibility in Bangladesh:

1. Inequality and Discrimination: Significant barriers based on gender, race, and disabilities hinder access to scholarships. These forms of inequality limit opportunities for marginalized groups, affecting their ability to pursue higher education effectively (Inclusive Higher Educational Opportunity).
2. Corruption and Governance Issues: Corruption and poor governance affect the distribution of scholarships, leading to a lack of transparency and fairness in the allocation of educational resources (Factors shaping Bangladeshi students’ migration decision).
3. Absence of Robust Public Student Loan System: The lack of a comprehensive public student loan system exacerbates financial challenges for students from low-income backgrounds, forcing them to seek alternative financing options (Access to Higher Education in Bangladesh).
4. Political Instability: Political instability in Bangladesh influences educational policies and the overall educational environment, negatively affecting scholarship programs and access for students (Factors influencing student migration to Bangladesh).

Counterarguments to Scholarship Effectiveness

While scholarships provide numerous benefits, several counterarguments question their overall effectiveness:

1. Scholarship Displacement: A significant issue is scholarship displacement, where universities replace promised financial aid with external scholarships. This practice can effectively neutralize the intended benefits of scholarships, leaving students without the expected financial support (Hechinger Report).
2. Political Influence and Shifting Goals: Many scholarship programs, particularly international ones, have been criticized for functioning as instruments of public diplomacy rather than purely educational support. This political dimension can dilute their original purpose and create skepticism about the true motivations behind these programs (Scholarship Programs, Political Influence, and Drifting Goals).
3. Perpetuation of Socio-Economic Disparities: Critics argue that while scholarships may help some individuals, they do not address the underlying systemic issues contributing to educational inequality. In some cases, they may even reinforce disparities by predominantly benefiting those who already have access to better educational resources (The Debate over: No-Need Scholarships).
4. Limited Impact on Broader Social Issues: Research suggests that scholarships may have a limited impact on broader social challenges, such as peace and stability in conflict-affected regions, indicating that their effectiveness may be overstated when evaluated against complex socio-political issues (Scaling research and practice of scholarships impact).

Gaps in Scholarship Policies

Several critical gaps exist in current scholarship policies affecting Bangladeshi IT students:

1. Lack of Awareness and Guidance: Many Bangladeshi students pursue education abroad without adequate research on available scholarship options, indicating a significant gap in awareness and guidance within the local education system (LinkedIn).
2. Equity Concerns: Research suggests that international scholarship programs may sometimes contribute to inequities rather than alleviating them, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds in Bangladesh (ResearchGate).
3. Inadequate Framework: While programs like SUSI Scholar Program, Erasmus Mundus, and Fulbright offer opportunities, the overall framework fails to adequately address educational disparities. Many students still lack the necessary information and support to navigate these scholarship opportunities effectively (The Financial Express).
4. Misaligned Government Priorities: Criticism has been directed towards government priorities, suggesting that investments have been misallocated towards surveillance rather than improving academic research and scholarship frameworks (The Daily Star).

Resources for Scholarship Information

1. We Make Scholars
2. College Vorti
3. EduQuest
4. Lucid Hope Scholarships
5. LinkedIn
6. Macquarie University
7. British Council
8. U.S. Embassy Dhaka
9. Scholars4Dev

Strategies to Increase Scholarship Awareness

1. Targeted Scholarship Programs

• Specialized scholarship programs offer targeted opportunities for Bangladeshi students, especially aiming to study in the USA. Top Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in the USA

1. Listing Scholarship Opportunities

• Numerous scholarships are available for Bangladeshi students aiming to pursue higher education internationally. Fully Funded Scholarships For Bangladeshi Students In 2025

1. Success Stories

• Highlighting the achievements of Bangladeshi students who have earned renowned scholarships can inspire and motivate others to apply. International scholarships on the rise

1. Application Guidance

• Providing detailed guides on how to apply for scholarships, including tips, eligibility criteria, and required documents, can ease the application process for students. How to Apply for Scholarships as a Bangladeshi Student

1. Workshops and Seminars

• Conducting workshops on scholarship preparation offers vital advice on finding scholarships, understanding deadlines, and writing engaging essays. These workshops can significantly increase students’ chances of securing scholarships. Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students – Eduvisors

1. Merit-based Scholarships

• Promoting merit-based scholarships that recognize academic achievements, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement can attract high-performing students. Top USA Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

1. Popular Scholarship Programs

• Informing students about popular full-free scholarships available in the US provides the financial support needed to complete their studies abroad. Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in US for 2023/24

Long-term Impact on Career Development

Scholarships have profound long-term effects on the careers of Bangladeshi IT students:

1. International Exposure: Studying abroad through scholarships broadens students’ horizons and equips them with global perspectives and advanced technical skills, making them more competitive in the job market.
2. Networking Opportunities: International education provides valuable connections with industry professionals and fellow students from around the world, creating a global network that can be leveraged throughout one’s career.
3. Enhanced Skill Development: Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and teaching methodologies at prestigious international institutions enables scholarship recipients to develop advanced skills that are highly valued in the IT industry.
4. Leadership Development: Many scholarship programs, such as Chevening, specifically focus on developing leadership potential, preparing students for influential roles in their home countries.
5. Economic Impact: The improved employment prospects and higher earning potential of scholarship recipients contribute to economic growth in Bangladesh through knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The Nexus Between Scholarships and Higher Education

Research underscores the critical relationship between scholarships and higher education outcomes:

1. Access for Low-Income Students: Studies indicate that scholarship programs significantly facilitate higher education access for low-income students in Bangladesh, enabling them to pursue degrees in fields like Information Technology (Academia.edu).
2. Enrollment Rate Increases: Scholarship recipients demonstrate notably higher enrollment rates compared to non-recipients, highlighting the crucial role scholarships play in education access (Chicago University).
3. Career Path Influence: Research on secondary school subsidies shows that financial aid significantly influences students’ career paths, which is particularly important for sectors such as IT (MIT Economics).

Collaborative Partnerships and Knowledge Transfer

Scholarships often facilitate collaborative partnerships between Bangladeshi universities and international institutions, leading to:

1. Joint Research Initiatives: Cross-border academic collaborations that address global challenges in the IT sector.
2. Technology Transfer: The exchange of knowledge, methodologies, and technologies between institutions.
3. Curriculum Development: The integration of international best practices into local educational frameworks, enhancing the quality of IT education in Bangladesh.
4. Faculty Development: Opportunities for Bangladeshi educators to gain international experience and bring that knowledge back to local institutions.

Future Trends in Scholarship Funding

The landscape of scholarship funding for IT/CS students is evolving, with several emerging trends:

1. Emerging Tech Grants: Programs like the 2024-2025 Emerging Tech Grants Program support initiatives that leverage new technologies, indicating a trend toward funding projects that contribute to the advancement of tech education (IEEE Computer Society).
2. Increased Focus on Specialized Scholarships: Scholarships like the NSF’s Data Science Scholarship highlight a growing emphasis on specialized funding opportunities for students pursuing careers in data science and related fields (TechGig).
3. Diversity in IT Scholarships: There is a broader movement towards creating more diverse scholarship opportunities that cater to underrepresented groups in tech, aligning with national initiatives to increase diversity in STEM fields.
4. Financial Aid Evolution: Reports indicate that the landscape of financial aid is changing, with different sources of funding becoming more significant over time (College Board).
5. Industry-Academia Partnerships: More technology companies are establishing scholarship programs that align with their talent needs, creating direct pathways from education to employment.

Policy Recommendations

Based on the identified challenges and opportunities, the following policy recommendations could enhance scholarship accessibility and effectiveness for Bangladeshi IT/CS students:

1. Transparent Selection Processes: Implement transparent and merit-based selection processes for scholarships to address issues of corruption and ensure fair distribution of opportunities.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage partnerships between the government, educational institutions, and private sector companies to create more scholarship opportunities specifically for IT/CS students.
3. Comprehensive Student Loan System: Develop a robust public student loan system to complement scholarships and provide financial support to a broader range of students.
4. Targeted Support for Underrepresented Groups: Create specialized scholarship programs for women, students from rural areas, and other underrepresented groups in IT/CS fields.
5. International Collaboration: Strengthen international collaborations to increase the number of scholarship opportunities available to Bangladeshi students for studying abroad.
6. Digital Platform for Scholarship Information: Establish a centralized digital platform that provides comprehensive information about available scholarships, application processes, and deadlines.
7. Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs that connect scholarship recipients with professionals in the IT industry to enhance career development opportunities.
8. Alternative Funding Models: Explore and implement innovative funding models like Income-Share Agreements (ISAs) to provide more flexible options for students.
9. Technology-Enhanced Application Processes: Utilize technology to streamline scholarship application processes, making them more accessible and efficient.
10. Research on Scholarship Impact: Invest in research to better understand the long-term impact of scholarships on career development and economic growth, using the findings to refine scholarship programs.

Conclusion

Scholarships significantly impact the careers of students in IT and Computer Science by providing financial relief, access to opportunities, encouragement of excellence, specialized support, and career advancement. The data shows that these opportunities not only improve individual educational outcomes but also contribute to broader societal benefits through knowledge transfer and economic development.

Local and international scholarships offer diverse opportunities for Bangladeshi students, with over 52,000 seeking education abroad in 2023 alone. However, challenges such as financial constraints, increased competition, socio-political factors, and visa limitations continue to pose barriers to accessing these opportunities.

The evolution of scholarship programs over the past decade, with increased focus on IT-specific funding and innovative models like Income-Share Agreements, suggests a positive trend toward greater support for students in this critical field. The emergence of specialized scholarships targeting areas like AI, machine learning, and data science reflects the changing demands of the technology industry and offers new pathways for Bangladeshi students to develop expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Success stories of scholarship recipients demonstrate the transformative power of educational support, while research on the nexus between scholarships and higher education underscores their critical role in expanding access and influencing career paths. As technology continues to evolve, scholarship programs are adapting to meet the needs of both students and the industry, with a growing emphasis on specialized skills and diversity.

By addressing the socio-political factors affecting scholarship accessibility and implementing the proposed policy recommendations, Bangladesh can significantly enhance the impact of scholarships on IT education and career development, fostering a new generation of technology leaders who will contribute to the country’s digital future.