Study abroad after HSC
Guide for HSC and Diploma students in Bangladesh: which countries accept HSC, costs, documents, and fully funded bachelor's scholarships like MEXT, GKS and Türkiye Bursları.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go abroad directly after HSC without A-levels?
Yes — universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Malaysia and many scholarship programmes (such as MEXT, GKS, Türkiye Bursları and Stipendium Hungaricum) accept HSC. For the UK you usually need a foundation year first, and for Germany a Studienkolleg (foundation course) or a year of university study in Bangladesh.
How much money do I need in the bank?
It depends on the country and changes often. The UK asks for your first-year tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months (currently £1,483/month in London, £1,136 elsewhere). Germany requires a blocked account (about €11,900 a year — check the current amount). US universities set their own proof-of-funds amount on the I-20. Always check the embassy's current requirement before applying.
Is IELTS compulsory?
For most countries yes — minimum 5.5 to 6.5 depending on the university and country. Some universities accept Duolingo English Test as an alternative. Germany allows TestDaF instead.
Can I work while studying abroad as a Bachelor's student?
In most countries, yes, within limits. UK: up to 20 hours a week in term time. Canada: up to 24 hours a week off campus in term. Australia: up to 48 hours per fortnight in term. Germany: 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Malaysia: only during semester breaks. USA: on-campus work only, up to 20 hours a week in term. Rules change — check the official visa website.
What's the cheapest way to study abroad after HSC?
A fully funded government scholarship — for example MEXT (Japan), GKS (Korea), Türkiye Bursları, Stipendium Hungaricum or the Chinese Government Scholarship. Without a scholarship, Germany (no tuition at most public universities, but mostly German-taught) and Malaysia (lower living costs, English-medium) are among the most affordable. Note that Norway has charged tuition to non-EU students since 2023.
Bachelor's scholarships
- Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS) — Brunei, Fully Funded. 2027/28 round expected around Dec 2026 – mid-Feb 2027 · last round closed 15 Feb 2026
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — China, Fully Funded. 2027/28 round expected around Dec 2026 – Mar 2027 (Type A via the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka; Type B dates set by each university)
- Full Financial Aid at Need-Blind US Colleges (Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Amherst, Dartmouth) — United States, Fully Funded. Early rounds usually 1 Nov 2026 · Regular rounds around 1–5 Jan 2027 (varies by college)
- Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — Undergraduate — South Korea, Fully Funded. Deadline 30 Sept 2026 · Embassy track online deadline 30 Sep 2026, 18:00 KST (the Korean Embassy in Dhaka may set an earlier date) · University track Sep–Nov 2026
- Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programmes — Multiple countries, Fully Funded. 2027-28 call not yet announced · last call was circulated through SHED (Ministry of Education)
- KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship — South Korea, Partial. Deadline 22 Oct 2026 · Early admission 22 Oct 2026, 18:00 KST · Regular admission 10 Nov 2026 – 14 Jan 2027
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) — Canada, Fully Funded. Deadline 9 Oct 2026 · School nomination by 9 Oct 2026 · U of T application 16 Oct 2026 · Pearson application 6 Nov 2026
- MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship — Undergraduate (Embassy Recommendation) — Japan, Fully Funded. 2027 round closed · 2028 round expected around Apr–May 2027 (Embassy of Japan in Dhaka)
- NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) — Netherlands, Partial. Opens 1 Nov 2026 · Deadline 1 Feb 2027 · 1 Feb or 1 May 2027 depending on the university (applications open 1 Nov 2026)
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary) — Hungary, Fully Funded. 2027/28 call expected around Nov 2026 · last round closed 15 Jan 2026, 14:00 CET
- Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships) — Türkiye, Fully Funded. Expected around 10 Jan – 20 Feb 2027 (official dates announced on turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)
- UBC International Scholars Program (incl. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award) — Canada, Partial. Expected mid-Nov 2026 for school nomination/ISP application · UBC application by 1 Dec 2026 (confirm on UBC's site)