Courses Brochure

3.9KB

Why the UK for Higher Education?

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most respected universities in the world – institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh carry global academic weight that opens doors across every profession and industry. For Bangladeshi students, a UK degree represents both intellectual achievement and a long-term career investment.

The reality, however, is that studying in the UK comes with significant costs. Tuition fees for international students typically range from £15,000 to £40,000 per year, and living expenses add a further £12,000 to £15,000 annually. Scholarships are therefore not just helpful – for many students, they are the factor that makes a UK education genuinely possible. Rico International specialises in helping Bangladeshi students identify the right funding opportunities and submit strong, competitive applications.

Why Apply for Scholarships in the UK?

Study at a World-Ranked Institution

The UK consistently produces some of the world’s highest-ranked universities. A scholarship removes the financial barrier to accessing these institutions, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and professional development rather than on managing financial stress.

A Rich and Diverse Scholarship Ecosystem

The UK offers an exceptionally wide range of funding sources – from flagship government programmes like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, to university-specific merit awards, to private foundation grants. There are opportunities for students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across virtually every subject area.

Career Advancement and Global Networking

UK scholarship recipients gain access to exclusive alumni networks, industry connections, and professional development events. Many scholarship programmes actively support career placement and internship opportunities, giving award holders a significant edge in the global job market.

Prestige That Travels With You

Being awarded a competitive UK scholarship – particularly Chevening or a Commonwealth award – is a distinction recognised worldwide. It signals academic excellence, leadership potential, and personal integrity in a way that strengthens your professional profile for decades.

Types of Scholarships Available in the UK

1. UK Government Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships

Provider: UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Level: Master’s degree programmes (one year)
Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, economy return airfare, and additional grants for essential expenditure
Eligibility: Demonstrated leadership potential, strong academic background, relevant work experience, and a commitment to contributing to Bangladesh’s future development
Application Deadline: Typically in November each year
Note: One of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships available to Bangladeshi students

Commonwealth Scholarships

Provider: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Level: Master’s and PhD programmes
Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, return airfare, thesis allowance, and other approved essential costs
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Bangladesh) with outstanding academic records and clear potential for development impact
Focus Areas: Development-related disciplines, science and technology, and fields that strengthen community resilience

GREAT Scholarships

Provider: British Council in partnership with participating UK universities
Level: Postgraduate programmes
Coverage: Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries including Bangladesh with strong academic performance
Available Fields: Law, engineering, business, creative arts, and several other disciplines

2. Prestigious University Scholarships

University of Oxford – Rhodes Scholarships: Fully funded postgraduate study at Oxford; one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious awards
University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund: Full tuition and living costs for outstanding postgraduate students across all disciplines
University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Fully funded postgraduate study at Cambridge for exceptional students outside the UK
University of Cambridge – Cambridge International Scholarships: Full funding for PhD students through the Cambridge Trust
Imperial College London – President’s and Dean’s Scholarships: Awards ranging from £10,000 to £25,000 for outstanding postgraduate applicants
UCL – Global Masters and Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: Merit-based awards for high-achieving international students
King’s College London – Global Excellence and Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships: Competitive awards for exceptional international students at all levels
University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh Global and Principal’s Career Development Scholarships: Various awards for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
University of Manchester – Global Futures and Humanities International Excellence Scholarships: Merit-based funding for commencing international students
London School of Economics – Graduate Support Scheme and LSE Excellence Scholarships: Funding for outstanding postgraduate applicants

3. High-Value University Awards for Bangladeshi Students

University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships: £5,000 to £20,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate students
University of East Anglia Merit Scholarships: Up to £12,000 for international students
University of Dundee South Asia Scholarship: £12,000 specifically for students from South Asian countries including Bangladesh
University of Roehampton Excellence Scholarship: £12,000 for high-achieving international students
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: £10,000 for exceptional international applicants

4. Private and Foundation Scholarships

British Council Scholarships – various country-specific and subject-specific programmes
Rotary Foundation Global Grants – for graduate-level research or coursework study
Felix Scholarships – postgraduate funding for students from South Asia, including Bangladesh
Industry-linked and subject-specific awards across engineering, health sciences, business, and the arts

Rico International Partner University Scholarships in the UK

Rico International works with a strong network of UK universities to give Bangladeshi students direct access to scholarship pathways and personalised application guidance. The following awards are available through our partner institutions:

University	Scholarship Name	Level	Amount (GBP)	Notes
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)	UWE Global Success Scholarship	UG	£9,000	Merit-based
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)	International Student Scholarship	PG	£4,000	Merit-based
University of Portsmouth	Bangladesh Student Scholarship	UG	£2,500	Bangladesh-specific
University of Portsmouth	Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship	PG	£5,000	Merit-based
Cardiff Metropolitan University	Bangladesh Student Scholarship	UG	£4,000	Bangladesh-specific
Cardiff Metropolitan University	Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship	PG	£4,500	Merit-based
University of East Anglia	International UG Merit Scholarship	UG	£12,000	High value award
University of East Anglia	International PG Merit Scholarship (Bangladesh)	PG	£6,500	Bangladesh-specific
University of Hertfordshire	Chancellor’s International Scholarship	UG	£4,000	Merit-based
University of Hertfordshire	Chevening Scholarship	PG	100% (Fully Funded)	Via Chevening programme
University of Birmingham	International Postgraduate Scholarships	PG	£10,000	Merit-based
University of Bristol	Think Big Scholarships	UG / PG	£5,000 – £20,000	Highly competitive
Aberystwyth University	International Scholarships	UG / PG	£8,000	Merit-based
Cardiff University	Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Bangladesh)	UG / PG	£10,000	Bangladesh-specific
Aston University	Regional Scholarships (Bangladesh)	UG	£3,000	Bangladesh-specific
Aston University	Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor’s Scholarship	PG	£10,000	Merit-based
University of Bradford	The Global Scholar Award	UG / PG	£5,000	Merit-based
University of Greenwich	International Scholarship Award	UG / PG	£4,000	Merit-based
University of Roehampton	International Excellence Scholarship	UG	£12,000	High value award
University of Roehampton	International Excellence Scholarship	PG	£4,000	Merit-based
University of Dundee	Vice Chancellor’s South Asia Scholarship	UG	£12,000	South Asia-specific
University of Dundee	Global Excellence Scholarship	PG	£5,000	Merit-based
Queen’s University Belfast	International Undergraduate Scholarships	UG	£4,000	Merit-based
Queen’s University Belfast	International Postgraduate Scholarships	PG	£5,000	Merit-based

How to Apply for Scholarships in the UK

Step 1: Research and Plan Your Timeline

Begin identifying suitable scholarships at least 12 months before your intended start date. Government awards like Chevening have fixed annual deadlines — typically in November — while university scholarships vary by institution. Creating a personal application calendar early is essential.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Academic transcripts and certificates — certified copies from all previous institutions
English proficiency scores: IELTS (typically 6.0–6.5 minimum), TOEFL, or PTE Academic
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose — tailored to each scholarship’s specific criteria
Two to three Letters of Recommendation from academic supervisors or professional referees
Updated CV or resume highlighting academic achievements, leadership experience, and community involvement
Valid passport and any other required identification documents

Step 3: Submit University Applications First

Most UK university scholarship applications require you to hold or simultaneously submit an admission application. For awards like the GREAT Scholarship, you typically apply through the university directly. For Chevening and Commonwealth, the application process is separate and independent of university admission.

Step 4: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

For competitive UK scholarships — especially Chevening and Commonwealth — your personal statement and leadership narrative are as important as your academic record. Clearly articulate your career goals, your reasons for choosing the UK, and how the scholarship will enable you to contribute to Bangladesh’s development upon your return.

Step 5: Follow Up and Prepare for Interviews

Shortlisted candidates for major scholarships such as Chevening are typically called for a formal interview. Rico International provides dedicated interview preparation support to help you present your profile confidently and persuasively.

Tips to Strengthen Your UK Scholarship Application

Apply for Chevening and Commonwealth as early as possible – these are highly competitive and preparation takes time
Research which GREAT Scholarship partner universities offer the best match for your intended field of study
Highlight leadership and community impact alongside academic results – UK scholarship panels assess the whole person, not just grades
Tailor your personal statement for each individual scholarship – a generic statement rarely succeeds
Gather strong, specific letters of recommendation – vague or generic references significantly weaken applications
Meet IELTS requirements well in advance – most UK scholarships require a minimum of 6.0 to 6.5 overall
Apply to multiple scholarship programmes simultaneously to maximise your chances of securing funding
Seek guidance from Rico International’s experienced consultants who have helped students secure UK scholarships year after year

Let Rico International Guide You

The UK offers some of the world’s most prestigious scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students – but competition is fierce and preparation is everything. Rico International’s experienced consultants provide end-to-end support: from shortlisting the right scholarships for your profile, to crafting a powerful personal statement, to preparing you for scholarship

Book Appointment