Study in China with ‘full free scholarship’: New horizons for Bangladeshi students
Once known as a closed academic world, China has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for higher education — and Bangladeshi students are seizing the opportunity.
From the futuristic skylines of Shanghai and Beijing to the green campuses of Wuhan, Xiamen and Guangzhou, thousands of young Bangladeshis are pursuing degrees in fields as diverse as engineering, medicine, agriculture, information technology, business and international relations.
With globally ranked universities, generous scholarships, and an increasingly internationalised education system, China is fast becoming the “new frontier” of affordable world-class education.
The belt and road connection: Education as diplomacy
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has done more than just build roads and ports — it has paved new pathways for academic collaboration. Education is now a key pillar of Beijing’s diplomacy with South Asian countries, and Bangladesh is among its biggest beneficiaries.
Every year, hundreds of Bangladeshi students receive full or partial scholarships through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, and health insurance — ensuring that education becomes not a financial burden, but a transformative investment.
“China wants to build friendship through knowledge,” said a CSC official during a recent education fair in Dhaka. “When students study here, they not only learn the language and culture, but also become long-term partners in cooperation.”
For many Bangladeshi students, it’s more than just a degree. It’s a bridge between two nations.
World-class education at a fraction of the cost
China today has around 3,000 higher education institutions, with more than 60 universities ranked among the world’s top 500. Prestigious names like Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University now compete with Ivy League institutions in global rankings.
Unlike many Western countries, where tuition fees can be astronomical, China offers a world-class education at a fraction of the price. An undergraduate degree typically costs between 20,000 and 50,000 yuan per year (roughly Tk 2 to 5 lakh). Living expenses, even in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, are often less than half of those in Europe or North America.
That affordability, coupled with the country’s state-of-the-art labs, modern dormitories, and high-tech campuses, makes China an ideal destination for aspiring scholars from developing countries.
Scholarships galore: Education as investment
Scholarship opportunities in China are vast and varied. The China Scholarship Council (CSC) remains the most sought-after route, but other options — such as the Silk Road Scholarship, Belt and Road Fellowship, and individual university awards — also attract hundreds of Bangladeshi applicants each year.
Some universities, such as Nanjing Tech University and the BGLU China Link Programme, offer full scholarships exclusively for Bangladeshi students. Applicants with HSK (Chinese language proficiency test) scores can even apply without IELTS.
“It’s not just about studying free of cost,” said Abdullah Al Jaber, a former Computer Science student at Beibu Gulf University in Guangxi. “It’s about gaining exposure to a completely different academic culture — where teachers are globally trained, and research facilities are world standard.”
He added that while Chinese professors are highly qualified — many with PhDs from Europe, Australia, or the United States — language barriers can sometimes pose minor challenges. Still, the academic experience, he said, is “superior to what one might expect from a developing nation.”
Popular courses and leading universities
Bangladeshi students are gravitating towards STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, as well as Business Administration, Medicine, and Law.
Top universities and their popular subjects include:
Tsinghua, Peking, and Fudan Universities – Engineering, Medicine, Law
Shanghai Jiao Tong University – Technology, Business, Marine Studies
Nanjing Tech University – Engineering (Fully funded for Bangladeshis)
BGLU China Link Programme – Law, Economics, International Relations
Abdullah noted that Chinese university dormitories are “surprisingly advanced,” often equipped with facilities “better than many European universities.”
How to apply: Step-by-step
Applying to Chinese universities is relatively simple and fully online. Prospective students must apply through campuschina.org or csc.edu.cn for CSC scholarships.
Documents required:
Passport and academic transcripts
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
HSK or IELTS score (if required)
Applications typically close between February and April, and the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka conducts a pre-screening process to improve candidates’ chances.
Once accepted, students can apply for a Chinese Student Visa (X1/X2) using their scholarship offer letter. Several consultancy firms in Dhaka also assist with the process.
Challenges: The language barrier and beyond
While studying in China opens many doors, it also presents challenges — the biggest being language.
To obtain a degree, students must pass HSK Level 4, the intermediate Chinese proficiency test. Failure to do so means no graduation certificate. “It’s a real challenge,” Abdullah admitted, “but it also makes you bilingual — a huge advantage in the job market.”
Other hurdles include cultural adjustment, homesickness, and limited scholarships for some programmes. However, once students adapt, the rewards are immense — from research experience to international networking.
Advice for aspiring students
Experts and alumni offer some practical tips:
Learn basic Chinese before departure.
Apply early and explore all scholarship options.
Engage with university mentors and international offices.
Make use of labs and innovation centres — many are open to foreign students.
Network actively — opportunities often come through connections.
The Future: Academic diplomacy and career growth
Bangladesh and China are steadily expanding their educational cooperation. Universities such as Wuhan University, Dalian University of Technology, and Yunnan University have already signed joint research and exchange agreements with several Bangladeshi institutions.
Collaborations now span across agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, and information technology. At the same time, major Chinese companies like Huawei, ZTE, and Alibaba are offering internships and training programmes for young Bangladeshi graduates.
Many students are now returning home to join research projects, multinational firms, or tech startups — equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and global exposure.
A gateway to the future
In a world where quality higher education is increasingly expensive, China offers Bangladeshi students a powerful alternative — affordable, world-class, and future-oriented.
With determination, preparation, and language skills, the dream of studying in China can become a life-changing reality — one that builds not only personal success, but also deeper ties between the two nations.