Top Universities in the USA for Bangladeshi Students have always attracted students seeking higher education. Bangladeshi students have always found the United States a prime country for pursuing higher studies because of its reputable universities, advanced research, and high career opportunities. The US is arguably one of the best nations to get an education from because of the countless programs, flexible learning, and scholarship opportunities. Given the diversity of options, studying in the US can set anyone up for success.
Why Choose the USA for Further Studies?
Before studying the list of top universities, let’s understand why the USA is still the most sought-after country for students from Bangladesh:
- Superior Education – Contains top-ranked institutions and Ivy League.
- Wide Variety of Subjects – Offers programs in almost all fields of study.
- International Job Opportunities – High recognition of degrees and employment opportunities globally.
- Advanced Research Facilities – Opportunity for high-level research and technology.
- Multicultural Society – Different cultures and professional connections.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid – Great opportunities for international students.
Top Universities in the USA for Bangladeshi Students
It is quite common nowadays for students from Bangladesh and other countries across the world to seek admission to the well-known American universities. Here is a list of the top ranked universities for students from Bangladesh.
- Harvard University (Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts)
- Ranking: #1 both in the US and globally.
- Programs offered: Business, Law, Medicine, Engineering, etc.
- Why Harvard? World-renowned faculty, powerful alumni network, and excellent research.
- Financial Assistance: Harvard International Office offers financial support to a deserving number of students every year.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts)
- Ranking: #1 in QS World Rankings.
- Programs offered: Computer and Systems Engineering, Computer Science, High Energy Physics, Business Analytics, etc.
- Why MIT?: Offers an innovation driven curriculum, has a high level of research funding, and supports many industries.
- Financial Assistance: MIT gives need based financial aid that covers tuition and living expenses.
- Stanford University (Located in Stanford, California)
- Ranking: Top 3 globally.
- Programs offered: Business, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, etc.
- Why Stanford?: Offers proximity to Silicon Valley, having an entrepreneurial focus.
- Financial Assistance: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program by Stanford supports foreign students.
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) (Located in Berkeley, California)
- Ranking: Top 10 in the US.
- Programs offered: Data Science, Environmental Science, Public Health, Political Science, etc.
- Why UC Berkeley?: It is a leading public research university, has a diverse student body, and grants strong career opportunities.
- Financial Assistance: The Berkeley International Office has numerous funding sources.
- University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
- Ranking: Global Top 10
- Popular Programs: Humanities, Political Science, Law, Economics
- Why UChicago? Education from Nobel Prize winners, research-oriented teaching, and strong global academic reputation.
- Scholarships: Bangladeshi students are aided by The International Financial Aid Program.
- Columbia University (New York City, New York)
- Ranking: 10 in the world and 1 in the US
- Popular Programs: International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Finance
- Why Columbia? Networking opportunites in New York City, Ivy League prestige, academic collaboration worldwide.
- Scholarships: Available for other international students who meet the particulatory criteria.
- University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Ranking: 15 and in the Ivys the Mid-Atlantic Region as well
- Popular Programs: Wharton Business School, Engineering, Law, Healthcare
- Why UPenn? International students’ most loved university as it has generous financial aid programs.
- Scholarships: The most distinguished business school, Wharton School, is located in this university which makes it sought after.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
- Ranking: 20 in the world
- Popular Programs: Psychology, Medicine, Business, Engineering
- Why Michigan? Availability of funds for research, a strong alumni base, and known faculty.
- Scholarships: Funds for International Student Scholarships.
- New York University (NYU) (New York City, New York)
- Ranking: Top 30 in the USA
- Popular Programs: Business, Arts, Film, Data Science
- Why NYU? Located in the heart of New York City, exceptional internship and networking attending schools.
- Scholarships: NYU has several aid schemes for overseas students.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (UCLA Campus: Los Angeles, California)
- Ranking: Top 20 in the USA
- Popular Programs: Film Studies, Engineering, Medical Sciences, Psychology
- Why UCLA? Beautiful campus, strong alum network, and competitive programs.
- Scholarships: International scholarships and grants offered.
Admission Criteria for Bangladeshi Students
To qualify for these higher-learning institutions, students from Bangladesh need to meet the following requirements:
- Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate: At least 3.5+ GPA in HSC/A Levels.
- Postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree with good grades.
- English Language Tests
- IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90 – 110
- PTE Academic: 60 – 75
- Other Exams
- SAT/ACT (For undergraduate studies)
- GRE/GMAT (For postgraduate studies, based on the subject)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letter of Recommendations
- Personal essay outlining reasons for studying what they want.
- 2-3 recommendation letters (usually from teachers/professors)
- Proof of Funds
- Bank statements, letters of sponsorship, or letters of scholarship award.
- Scholarships Accessible to Bangladeshi Students
Scholarships Accessible to Bangladeshi Students
A lot of universities in the USA have awards and grants that are available to international students, including students from Bangladesh:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – The Institution assists with tuition payment, flight, and living expenses.
- Hubbert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – Offered to those already in the workforce but wish to study.
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University) – Covers all expenses for the master’s degree.
- Scholarships at Yale University – Offered based on financial need for applicants from outside the US.
- AAUW International Fellowships – Funding for women who plan to take up postgraduate studies in America.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in the USA
Students from Bangladesh can take advantage of a wide array of career options after completing their degrees:
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Work in the USA for a maximum of 12 months.
- STEM OPT Extension: 24 additional months for graduates with STEM degrees.
- H-1B Visa: Work visa sponsored by an employer which leads to permanent employment.
Pursuing education in the USA is a dream come true for many Bangladeshi students as it gives them a chance to receive a world-class education, a variety of academic courses, and excellent career opportunities. With the proper selection of universities and scholarships, the desired outcome of studying in USA can come true. For Bangladeshi students, crafting an impressive application, fulfilling academic expectations, and searching for scholarships enable them to begin a successful academic venture in America.
