Bangladesh students, parents cite finances as top study-abroad barrier at fair

For too many students seeking higher education abroad, financial capacity has emerged as the biggest obstacle, pushing many to bank on scholarships or reconsider their preferred destinations.

Students and parents shared their experiences and expectations at a higher education fair in Dhaka on Saturday. Some said they were chasing full scholarships to study in countries such as the US or the UK, while others were rethinking their plans entirely due to financial constraints.

The fair, titled “IDP Study World Roadshow”, was held at the InterContinental Dhaka.

Mukit Hasan, a postgraduate student at Dhaka International University planning to study in the US, said American education was comparatively expensive.

"After checking with a few universities, I found out it could cost anywhere between Tk 6 million and Tk 10 million, which my family simply cannot afford.

“So I'm hoping for a scholarship, and also looking into universities in the US that are more affordable."

Mukit said his family could arrange around Tk 3-3.5 million, though even that might require selling off land.

He added that consultants tend to lose interest once they learn a student's budget is limited. 

"If the budget is low, student counsellors don't really want to talk properly. They ask about the budget first, then decide how much time to give you."

Abdul Alim Raj, a student at Dhaka Central University who plans to study in the UK, said a scholarship was essential for him.

"I can gather a maximum of Tk 2.5 million between my own savings and family support, but the actual cost is far higher than that."

A postgraduate student from Rajshahi University's Department of Islamic History and Culture, who plans to study in Canada, said studying abroad would be nearly impossible without a fully-funded scholarship.

"There are hardly any courses that match what I'm looking for. I want to pursue a master's in Middle Eastern history. Coming here, I realise I need to dig much deeper into all of this."

Sonet Sarkar, a postgraduate student at Dhaka University, said he was prioritising thorough research over rushing into a decision.

"I don't want to rush. I'll do my research properly before applying for scholarships. But I don't have much idea about the eligibility requirements, so I want to seek help from a professional. I mainly want to pursue a master's in leather engineering."

Financial pressure and visa complications are also pushing many to switch destinations altogether.

Naimur Wazid, a student at BRAC University planning a postgraduate degree in computer science in the UK, said he had originally been interested in Australia.

"But the entire process for Australia takes a long time. The UK seems comparatively easier.

"Cost is a major factor too. I heard you need to show Tk 7-8 million in the bank for Australia. That's just not possible for my family."

Ammar Bin Anis, a student at an Alia madrasa, is exploring more affordable options in Malaysia.

"I'll get the chance to do a foundation course there before moving into an undergraduate programme.

“The budget will be comparatively lower too, possibly everything within Tk 1.5 million. There's also the option of moving to Europe afterwards."

Some students are preparing for higher education abroad well before finishing their current studies.

Imtiaz Azim, a ninth-semester student at American International University, said, "My undergraduate degree still has more than a year to go. Since I want to pursue an MSc abroad, I came early to gather information, so I can start preparing financially and otherwise."

Nusrat Ahmed, a fourth-semester student at the same university who plans to study in the UK, said she was not yet thinking seriously about finances.

"Everyone wants a scholarship, and I'll definitely try for one too."

Parents also attended the fair, weighing their children's future, safety and costs.

Anisur Rahman said his daughter was keen to study at a good institution abroad.

"We've searched online, but haven't found proper guidance.

"We came to find out which country would be safer, which universities are good, which locations would work best, and what the requirements are for courses or scholarships. And in the end, budget is a major factor too."

Organiser IDP said representatives from more than 40 universities took part in this year's fair, including eight from the UK, 17 from Canada, 12 from the US and five from Malaysia.

The event began at 10am, giving students the chance to speak directly with university representatives, with the UK and US stalls drawing the biggest crowds.

Beyond gathering information, several attendees came prepared with passports and academic documents to seek direct guidance on applications.