Top 10 Scholarships for Bangladeshi Women

For many Bangladeshi women, scholarships provide the essential ticket to an education of high quality, professional development, and international experience. Whether you are a school leaver, university student, or potential entrepreneur, there are many local and international opportunities meant solely for female empowerment through education. 

This updated, comprehensive, and reliable guide lists the Top 10 scholarships for Bangladeshi women, including application information, tips, and other supporting schemes.

1. BRAC Medhabikash Scholarship

The BRAC Medhabikash Uddyog is one of the key scholarships in Bangladesh with a focus on merit-based students coming from financially challenged backgrounds. Additional preference is given to female applicants. The scholarship covers tuition fees, educational expenditures, and mentorship support. Candidates must maintain outstanding performance in their SSC or HSC examinations, coming from rural or underprivileged backgrounds. The application for the scholarship is usually accepted through BRAC offices or educational institutions when the application is underway.

Website: https://www.brac.net/

2. Dutch-Bangla Bank Scholarship (DBBL)

Dutch-Bangla Bank offers merit-based scholarships every year, with at least 50% offered to females. It supports students at the SSC, HSC, and undergraduate levels, chosen based on academic results and financial needs. The scholarship provides monthly stipends, books, and annual grants. Dutch-Bangla Bank makes its applications online at app.dutchbanglabank.com/DBBLScholarship after the results are published.

3. Trust Bank-Prothom Alo Scholarship

These scholarships are the outcome of a partnership established for helping the deserving poor, especially women. This type of funding involves helping students financially and encouraging them to advance their education. Eligible students are women with good scores in SSC or HSC from a rural environment or financially constrained homes. The application announcement is published in the Prothom Alo newspaper and the Trust Bank website.

Website: https://trust.prothomalo.com/

4. Prime Minister's Education Assistance Trust (PMEAT)

The Prime Minister's Education Assistance Trust is a government scheme for the support of financially challenged students attending public institutions- preferably female applicants from underprivileged backgrounds. The scholarship offers monthly stipends, a waiver of tuition fees, and support for academic needs. It has to be applied for through educational institutions and online at eservice.pmeat.gov.bd. The endeavor is largely intended to reduce dropouts and ensure equal opportunities for women in education.

Website: https://pmeat.gov.bd/

5. Shahjalal Islami Bank Scholarship

This private bank offers scholarships to HSC and undergraduate-level students with an emphasis on underprivileged and meritorious female candidates. It gives one-time grants for tuition, books, and living expenses. Candidates must show exemplary academic performance and prove their financial needworthiness. The details for applications are usually published on the Shahjalal Islami Bank website.

Website: https://sjiblbd.com/

6. Women in STEM Scholarships by British Council (Bangladesh)

This prestigious scholarship is for Bangladeshi women pursuing postgraduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the UK. Its funding comes from the British Council and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Candidates will be required to apply through the partnered UK universities listed by the British Council Bangladesh.

Website: https://www.britishcouncil.org.bd/

7. Bangladesh Government's Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP) – Female Focus

Though this project is closed officially, many of its initiatives are still in operation through UGC and public universities. Under this program, public universities very often award special stipends or research grants to female postgraduate students, especially in the disciplines of science and engineering. Check for updated opportunities on your university notice board or contact your head of department.

Website: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/557961468201530238

8. Fellowships for Bangladeshi Women by UNESCO

These fellowships and scholarships are sometimes available from UNESCO and target Bangladeshi women working in the fields of education, culture, and sciences. These programs support training, research, and postgraduate studies. Female educators, researchers, and professionals can apply. Applications are made through the National Commission of UNESCO in Bangladesh or at the global UNESCO portal.

Website: https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships

9. Annya's Top Ten Women Awards- Education Grant

Annya Magazin sometimes awards special grants in education to young girls demonstrating leadership, innovation, or excellence in academics. These grants can be stipends, mentorships, or networking support. Announcements are made via Anannya Magazine or their social media.

Website: N/A

10. The International Scholarship Programme of the Aga Khan Foundation

The International Program is here for Bangladeshi female applicants wishing to undertake postgraduate studies abroad. It follows a unique 50% loan, 50% grant within a context of support to talented individuals from poor families. These studies encompass the fields of development, health, education, and architecture. Application processing takes place through the Aga Khan Development Network and is highly competitive.

Website: https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarships

Extra Tips and Tricks for Female Students Searching for Scholarships:

• Start Early: Do not wait until the eleventh hour. Prepare your required documents beforehand, like transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

• Institutional Help: You can get guidance in most colleges/universities through the scholarship cells or student affairs desks.

• Follow Media and News: Many announcements are made through newspapers like Prothom Alo or through platforms like the Facebook pages of the respective institutions.

• Check the programs of NGOs: Some NGOs, such as BRAC, SAJIDA Foundation, and Manusher Jonno Foundation, offer small educational grants or sometimes support rural girls.

• Persistence: If one fails to get a single scholarship, apply to others. Keep a record of such applications for improvement the next time.

FAQs 

Q1: Which country is best for scholarships from Bangladesh?

Get good grades and assess financial need-for instance, there is the BRAC Medhabikash Scholarship for meritorious students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Q2: How to get 100% scholarship?

Get good grades and assess financial need-for instance, there is the BRAC Medhabikash Scholarship for meritorious students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Q3: What is the CGPA for BRAC scholarship?

Usually, the CGPA for maintaining BRAC scholarships is 3.25. Study in Bangladesh.

Q4: Which country offers free education for Bangladeshi students?

Countries like Germany and Norway offer free or low-wage education to foreign students, including Bangladeshi students.

Q5: Which country is best for study for poor students?

Countries that charge very minimal tuition fees and have an overall low standard of living are suitable for students with low budgets. Germany and Malaysia are a few examples.

Q6: Is there free education in Bangladesh?

The government offers free education up to grade eight.

Q7: Are there any international scholarships for Bangladeshi women? 

Yes, including, but not limited to, British Council STEM scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation scholarships, and a few UNESCO fellowships. 

Conclusion 

It is one of the most powerful tools by which women are empowered - education scholarships make it possible. You may be local or global; there is always a place for these opportunities to help you build a better future. Finance is not a deterrent; apply now, believe in your potential, and take that great step towards your dream career.