Scholarships in Bangladesh
Brush Up on Your Bangla
Bangladesh is a low-lying country considered part of Southeast Asia. Students are typically studying in Bangladesh for culture and language studies. Economically the country remains relatively third world in comparison, but many forecasts suggest the country is a major emerging factor in the global marketplace. Inhabitants regularly battle monsoons and floods and scratch out a meager existence, which also makes the region applicable for humanitarian studies and projects.
Government Funding
The U.S. Department of State and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers have joined forces to try and encourage students to undertake advanced and deeply engaging language studies abroad in critical needs languages, like Bangla. The Critical Language Scholarships for Intensive Summer Institutes make it possible to place students in a Bangladesh institute. Eligible applicants must be at the top of their class scholastically to even be considered. A passion for the language is a must. Funding varies.
The Fogarty-Ellison Clinical Research Training Fellowships are available to students whose focus is on health research. The program is funded by the National Institutes of Health in conjunction with a number of other health organizations and administered by the Fogarty International Center. Applicants interested in clinical research in the international health sector are most preferred. Fellowships are available at the Bangladesh research facilities. Up to $15,000 is awarded with extra stipends for expenses.
The National Security Education Program’s David L. Boren Scholarships are some of the most sought after and hotly contested scholarships anywhere. The program goals are to acutely educate the next generation of security personnel who possess niche training in critical needs culture and languages, such as those of Bangladesh. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for consideration. Programs must allow students to immerse themselves in all areas of Bangladesh culture and experience the language in the vernacular. Recipients must be willing to exchange scholarships for service with the Department of Defense or Homeland Security. Preference is given to those with long-term career plans in national security.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are another federal government program, this time aimed at underrepresented students in international field training. In fact applicants must first be Pell Grant recipients and academic high achievers. The program goal is to highly educate and diversify the next generation of global leaders. Applicants will compete with thousands of other peers for 700 scholarships. Awards are up to $5,000.
Private Funding
The American Institute of Bangladesh Studies funds doctoral and post-doctoral level fellowships. Eligible applicants may apply for stipends and travel expenses to conduct research in Bangladesh. Up to $800 awarded based on criteria, including letters of recommendation and a well-defined program of research related to the Institute.
Students with high academic scores and interests in humanitarian and peace studies in Bangladesh may consider the prestigious Ambassadorial Scholarships through Rotary International. Hundreds of scholarships are given each year to exemplary students. Recipients must share their Bangladesh experience with a Rotary group upon completion. Up to $26,000 per scholarship.