Quick Answer: De Montfort University offers multiple scholarships for Bangladeshi students in 2026, including the International Merit Scholarship (up to £6,000), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£5,000), and country-specific Bangladesh Excellence Awards (£3,000-£4,500). Applications open in January 2026 with automatic consideration for merit-based awards and separate applications required for competitive scholarships.

De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has established itself as a leading destination for international students, with over 27,000 students from more than 100 countries. For Bangladeshi students seeking quality higher education in the UK, DMU presents exceptional opportunities through its comprehensive scholarship programme designed specifically for South Asian students.

Ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK for graduate employability, DMU combines academic excellence with practical learning experiences. The university's strong industry connections and Leicester's multicultural environment make it particularly appealing to Bangladeshi students looking to build successful careers while experiencing British education.

Available De Montfort University Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students 2026

International Merit Scholarship

The International Merit Scholarship represents DMU's flagship funding opportunity for high-achieving Bangladeshi students. This prestigious award offers up to £6,000 for undergraduate programmes and £5,000 for postgraduate courses, applied directly to tuition fees.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bangladeshi nationality with valid passport
• Minimum academic requirement: 75% in HSC/A-levels for undergraduate, 65% in bachelor's degree for postgraduate
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
• Must be classified as international student for fee purposes
• Automatic consideration upon meeting academic criteria

Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship

This competitive scholarship awards £5,000 to exceptional Bangladeshi students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. Unlike merit-based awards, this scholarship requires a separate application showcasing extracurricular involvement and career aspirations.

Application Requirements:

• Personal statement (500 words) highlighting achievements and goals
• Two academic references
• Evidence of community involvement or leadership roles
• Minimum CGPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent
• Application deadline: March 31, 2026

Bangladesh Excellence Awards

DMU has introduced country-specific scholarships recognizing the academic excellence of Bangladeshi students. These awards range from £3,000 to £4,500 depending on the chosen programme and academic performance.

Programme-Specific Awards:

• Engineering and Technology: £4,500
• Business and Law: £4,000
• Arts and Humanities: £3,500
• Health and Life Sciences: £4,200

Early Application Incentive

Bangladeshi students who submit complete applications by December 15, 2025, automatically receive a £1,000 early bird discount in addition to other eligible scholarships. This incentive encourages timely applications and helps students secure their preferred accommodation.

Application Process and Timeline

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Research and Programme Selection (September-October 2025)

   • Explore DMU's 200+ undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
   • Use CourseOptions.com to find your perfect university match based on your academic background
   • Attend virtual information sessions specifically designed for Bangladeshi students

2. Document Preparation (October-November 2025)

   • Academic transcripts with certified English translations
   • IELTS/TOEFL certificates (test scores valid for 2 years)
   • Personal statement tailored to chosen programme
   • Portfolio submissions for creative programmes

3. Online Application Submission (November 2025-June 2026)

   • Submit through UCAS for undergraduate programmes
   • Direct application via DMU website for postgraduate courses
   • Pay application fee (£22 for UCAS, £50 for direct applications)

4. Scholarship Application (January-March 2026)

   • Automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships
   • Separate applications for competitive awards
   • Submit supporting documents by specified deadlines

Key Dates for Bangladeshi Students 2026

• January 15, 2026: Scholarship applications open
• March 31, 2026: Final deadline for Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship
• April 30, 2026: Merit scholarship notifications sent
• May 15, 2026: Competitive scholarship results announced
• June 30, 2026: Final deadline for programme applications
• September 2026: Academic year begins

Financial Planning for Bangladeshi Students

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Understanding the complete cost structure helps Bangladeshi families plan effectively for UK education. DMU's transparent pricing and scholarship opportunities make quality education more accessible.

Annual Tuition Fees (2026-27):

• Undergraduate programmes: £15,750-£16,500
• Postgraduate programmes: £16,500-£18,000
• MBA programmes: £19,500

Estimated Annual Living Costs in Leicester:

• Accommodation: £4,500-£7,200
• Food and groceries: £2,400-£3,000
• Transport: £600-£900
• Personal expenses: £1,200-£1,800
• Total living costs: £8,700-£12,900

Scholarship Impact on Total Costs

For a Bangladeshi student receiving the International Merit Scholarship (£6,000), the effective annual tuition reduces to approximately £9,750-£10,500. Combined with Leicester's affordable living costs, DMU becomes highly cost-effective compared to universities in London or other major UK cities.

Popular Programmes Among Bangladeshi Students

Engineering and Technology

DMU's Faculty of Technology offers cutting-edge programmes attracting significant numbers of Bangladeshi students, particularly in:

• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Civil and Structural Engineering
• Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
• Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

The faculty's industry partnerships with companies like Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar, and IBM provide excellent placement opportunities for international students.

Business and Management

De Montfort University Business School holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Popular programmes include:

• International Business Management
• Digital Marketing and Analytics
• Finance and Investment
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Healthcare and Life Sciences

With Leicester's strong healthcare sector, DMU's health programmes offer excellent career prospects:

• Pharmacy (4-year MPharm programme)
• Biomedical Science
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Leicester: Ideal Location for Bangladeshi Students

Multicultural Community

Leicester's diverse population includes a significant South Asian community, making it comfortable for Bangladeshi students to adapt. The city offers:

• Halal restaurants and grocery stores
• Islamic centres and prayer facilities
• Cultural festivals celebrating Bangladeshi heritage
• Strong support networks for international students

Employment Opportunities

Leicester's economy provides excellent part-time work opportunities for international students:

• Retail and hospitality sectors
• Healthcare assistant roles
• Research assistant positions at the university
• Internship opportunities with local businesses

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during holidays, helping offset living expenses.

Application Tips for Success

Academic Excellence

Bangladeshi students should focus on maintaining strong academic records, as DMU scholarships heavily weight academic performance. The university particularly values:

• Consistent high grades across all subjects
• Strong performance in relevant subjects for chosen programmes
• Additional qualifications or certifications
• Research experience or project work

Personal Statement Strategy

Craft compelling personal statements that:

• Connect academic background to career aspirations
• Highlight unique experiences and perspectives from Bangladesh
• Demonstrate understanding of chosen programme requirements
• Show commitment to contributing to DMU's diverse community

Reference Selection

Choose referees who can provide detailed insights into:

• Academic capabilities and potential
• Leadership qualities and teamwork skills
• Motivation and commitment to studies
• Relevant experience in chosen field

Post-Graduation Opportunities

DMU graduates benefit from the UK's Graduate Route visa, allowing international students to work in the UK for two years after completing their degree (three years for PhD graduates). This provides valuable opportunity to:

• Gain UK work experience
• Build professional networks
• Potentially transition to longer-term UK employment
• Apply skills learned during studies

The university's career services team provides dedicated support for international students, including CV writing workshops, interview preparation, and job search strategies tailored to the UK market.

De Montfort University's comprehensive scholarship programme, combined with Leicester's welcoming environment and strong career prospects, makes it an excellent choice for Bangladeshi students pursuing UK higher education. With careful planning and timely applications, students can significantly reduce their education costs while accessing world-class facilities and teaching.

Key Statistics

📊 DMU offers scholarships worth up to £6,000 annually for high-achieving Bangladeshi students in 2026

💰 Average living costs in Leicester are £8,700-£12,900 per year, significantly lower than London

🎓 DMU has over 2,000 international students from 100+ countries, with strong Bangladeshi representation

📈 95% of DMU graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation

🏆 DMU Business School holds AACSB accreditation, ranking in top 5% of business schools globally

⏰ Applications for competitive scholarships open January 15, 2026, with March 31 deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for De Montfort University scholarships as a Bangladeshi student?

Most DMU scholarships offer automatic consideration based on academic merit when you apply for your programme. For competitive scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship, you need to submit a separate application including personal statement, references, and evidence of leadership. Merit-based scholarships require minimum 75% in HSC for undergraduate or 65% in bachelor's degree for postgraduate programmes. Applications open in January 2026 with deadlines in March.

What is the maximum scholarship amount available for Bangladeshi students at DMU?

Bangladeshi students can receive up to £6,000 annually through the International Merit Scholarship for undergraduate programmes, or £5,000 for postgraduate courses. Students may also combine this with other awards like the Early Application Incentive (£1,000) and programme-specific Bangladesh Excellence Awards (£3,000-£4,500), potentially receiving total funding of over £10,000 in their first year.

How much does it cost to study at De Montfort University including living expenses?

Annual tuition fees for international students range from £15,750-£19,500 depending on the programme. Living costs in Leicester average £8,700-£12,900 per year, making the total annual cost approximately £24,450-£32,400. With maximum scholarships, this can reduce to around £18,450-£26,400 annually, making DMU highly affordable compared to London universities.

What IELTS score do I need for DMU scholarships as a Bangladeshi student?

Most DMU scholarships require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Some competitive programmes may require IELTS 7.0 or higher. The university also accepts TOEFL, PTE Academic, and other English proficiency tests. Test scores must be valid within 2 years of your application submission date.

Can I work while studying at DMU with a student visa from Bangladesh?

Yes, Bangladeshi students on UK student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Leicester offers good part-time employment opportunities in retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. After graduation, you're eligible for the Graduate Route visa allowing 2-3 years of full-time work in the UK, providing excellent career development opportunities.

What support does DMU provide for Bangladeshi students?

DMU offers comprehensive support including pre-arrival guidance, airport pickup services, orientation programmes, and dedicated international student advisors. The university has a strong Bangladeshi student community with cultural societies and events. Leicester's multicultural environment includes halal food options, Islamic facilities, and South Asian community networks that help students settle comfortably.

Key Takeaways

✅ DMU offers multiple scholarships for Bangladeshi students worth up to £6,000+ annually, with automatic consideration for merit-based awards

✅ Applications open January 2026 with competitive scholarship deadlines in March - early application by December 2025 provides additional £1,000 discount

✅ Total annual costs including living expenses range £24,450-£32,400, significantly reduced with scholarships to approximately £18,450-£26,400

✅ Leicester provides an affordable, multicultural environment with strong Bangladeshi community support and excellent employment opportunities

✅ DMU graduates benefit from Graduate Route visa allowing 2-3 years UK work experience post-graduation with 95% employment rate

✅ Minimum requirements include 75% HSC/65% Bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5, with programmes across engineering, business, and healthcare highly popular among Bangladeshi students