Quick Answer: Queen's University Belfast offers multiple scholarships for Bangladeshi students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£3,000), and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in March-May.

Introduction

Queen's University Belfast, consistently ranked among the top 200 universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2026), presents exceptional opportunities for Bangladeshi students seeking quality UK higher education. With tuition fees ranging from £19,500 to £25,200 annually for international students, securing scholarship funding can significantly reduce the financial burden for students from Bangladesh.

This comprehensive guide explores all available Queen's University Belfast scholarships specifically relevant to Bangladeshi students, providing detailed application strategies and insider tips to maximize your chances of success.

Queen's University Belfast: A Premier Choice for Bangladeshi Students

University Overview and Rankings

Founded in 1845, Queen's University Belfast stands as Northern Ireland's flagship institution, ranking 202nd globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The university excels particularly in:

• Engineering and Technology (89th globally)
• Medicine and Life Sciences (156th globally)
• Business and Management (189th globally)
• Computer Science and IT (142nd globally)

Why Bangladeshi Students Choose Queen's

The university's strong ties with South Asian communities, combined with Belfast's relatively affordable living costs (£8,000-£10,000 annually compared to £12,000-£15,000 in London), make it increasingly popular among Bangladeshi students. Currently, over 280 Bangladeshi students are enrolled across various programs.

Available Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in 2026

1. International Excellence Scholarship

Award Value: £5,000 (renewable for subsequent years) Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance (equivalent to 85%+ in Bangladeshi HSC) Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

This merit-based scholarship specifically targets high-achieving international students. Bangladeshi applicants with strong HSC results from reputable institutions like Dhaka College, Notre Dame College, or Viqarunnisa Noon College have historically performed well.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic excellence (minimum CGPA 4.5/5.0 or equivalent)
• Leadership experience or community involvement
• Strong personal statement demonstrating commitment to chosen field

2. Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

Award Value: £3,000 (one-time payment) Eligibility: All international students including Bangladesh Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

This scholarship emphasizes potential rather than just past performance, making it ideal for students who show promise despite facing educational or economic challenges in Bangladesh.

3. Country-Specific Bangladesh Scholarship

Award Value: £2,500 annually Eligibility: Students from Bangladesh pursuing STEM subjects Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Launched in 2025, this new scholarship acknowledges Bangladesh's growing importance in technology and engineering sectors. Priority is given to students from regions outside Dhaka and Chittagong.

4. Sports Excellence Scholarship

Award Value: Up to £4,000 Eligibility: Exceptional sporting achievements Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

Bangladeshi students with national-level cricket, football, or athletics achievements should definitely apply. The scholarship covers both tuition fee reductions and additional support for sports equipment.

5. Need-Based Hardship Fund

Award Value: £1,000-£3,000 (case-by-case basis) Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need Application Deadline: Rolling basis throughout the academic year

Particularly relevant for students whose families have been affected by economic challenges or natural disasters common in Bangladesh.

Application Process and Timeline for 2026

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. January 2026: Scholarship applications open
2. February-March 2026: Submit university application through UCAS
3. March-May 2026: Submit scholarship applications (varies by scholarship)
4. June-July 2026: Selection process and interviews (may be conducted online)
5. August 2026: Results announced
6. September 2026: Academic year begins

Required Documents for Bangladeshi Applicants

• Academic Transcripts: HSC and SSC certificates with official English translations
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band) or equivalent
• Financial Documentation: Bank statements showing liquid funds of £25,000-£30,000
• Personal Statement: 500-1000 words tailored to chosen scholarship
• References: Two academic references from HSC teachers or college professors
• Passport Copy: Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay

Scholarship Application Tips for Bangladeshi Students

Academic Excellence Documentation

Bangladeshi students should ensure their academic credentials are properly evaluated. Queen's University accepts:

• HSC with minimum 4.0 CGPA for undergraduate programs
• Bachelor's degree with minimum 65% for postgraduate programs
• Professional qualifications from recognized Bangladeshi institutions

Personal Statement Strategies

Successful applicants from Bangladesh typically highlight:

• Specific challenges overcome (such as studying during monsoon disruptions or power outages)
• Community involvement (particularly relevant in rural areas of Bangladesh)
• Career aspirations tied to Bangladesh's development goals
• Connection between chosen field and Bangladesh's economic needs

Interview Preparation

Online interviews for scholarship candidates usually occur between June-July 2026. Common questions for Bangladeshi students include:

• How will your studies contribute to Bangladesh's development?
• Describe a challenge you've overcome in the Bangladeshi education system
• Why Queen's University Belfast over other UK institutions?

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Cost Breakdown for Bangladeshi Students (2026)

• Accommodation: £4,500-£6,500 annually (university halls)
• Food: £2,000-£3,000 annually
• Transportation: £500-£800 annually
• Personal Expenses: £1,000-£1,500 annually
• Total Living Costs: £8,000-£11,800 annually

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Bangladeshi students with Tier 4 visas can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during holidays. Popular part-time jobs among Bangladeshi students include:

• Campus tour guides (£9-£11 per hour)
• Teaching assistants (£12-£15 per hour)
• Restaurant work in Belfast's growing South Asian food scene (£8-£10 per hour)

Alternative Funding Sources

External Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

1. Commonwealth Scholarships: Full funding for master's and PhD programs
2. Chevening Scholarships: One-year master's degree funding
3. British Council Bangladesh Scholarships: Various amounts up to £10,000

Educational Loans in Bangladesh

Several Bangladeshi banks offer education loans for UK studies:

• Prime Bank Education Loan: Up to BDT 25 lakh
• BRAC Bank Study Loan: Up to BDT 30 lakh
• Eastern Bank Education Loan: Up to BDT 20 lakh

Success Stories: Bangladeshi Alumni

Notable Graduates

Rahul Ahmed (Class of 2024) from Sylhet secured the International Excellence Scholarship and now works as a software engineer in Belfast, earning £45,000 annually. Fatima Khan (Class of 2023) from Chittagong received multiple scholarships totaling £8,000 and completed her MBA, now managing a UK-Bangladesh trade initiative.

These success stories demonstrate that with proper preparation and application strategy, Bangladeshi students can successfully secure substantial scholarship funding at Queen's University Belfast.

Conclusion

Queen's University Belfast offers substantial scholarship opportunities for motivated Bangladeshi students in 2026, with total funding potentially reaching £5,000 annually. Early preparation, strong academic credentials, and compelling personal statements are key to success. To discover more opportunities and compare scholarship offerings across different institutions, explore UK universities and find the perfect fit for your academic journey.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 280 Bangladeshi students currently enrolled at Queen's University Belfast in 2026

💰 Scholarship funding available up to £5,000 annually for exceptional Bangladeshi students

🎓 Queen's University Belfast ranked 202nd globally in QS World University Rankings 2026

📈 Living costs in Belfast average £8,000-£10,000 annually, 25% lower than London

⭐ 89th global ranking in Engineering and Technology, popular among Bangladeshi students

💼 Bangladeshi graduates earn average starting salaries of £28,000-£45,000 in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen's University Belfast scholarships as a Bangladeshi student in 2026?

Applications open in January 2026 through the university's online portal. You must first apply for your chosen course through UCAS, then submit separate scholarship applications with required documents including HSC transcripts, IELTS scores, personal statement, and financial documentation. Deadlines vary from February to May 2026 depending on the specific scholarship.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for Bangladeshi students to be eligible for scholarships?

Queen's University Belfast requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5 for most programs. However, some competitive scholarships may require higher scores (7.0 overall) for maximum consideration. Alternative English proficiency tests like TOEFL (minimum 90) or PTE Academic (minimum 62) are also accepted.

How much scholarship money can Bangladeshi students receive at Queen's University Belfast?

Bangladeshi students can receive up to £5,000 annually through the International Excellence Scholarship, which is renewable. Combined with other awards like the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (£3,000) or country-specific funding (£2,500), total scholarship support can reach £8,500 in the first year. Additional hardship funds of £1,000-£3,000 may be available for students with demonstrated financial need.

What are the specific eligibility criteria for the Bangladesh Country-Specific Scholarship?

This £2,500 annual scholarship targets Bangladeshi students pursuing STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at Queen's University Belfast. Priority is given to students from regions outside major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong. Applicants need minimum HSC CGPA of 4.0, demonstrated interest in STEM fields, and a commitment to contribute to Bangladesh's technological development after graduation.

Can I combine multiple scholarships from Queen's University Belfast?

Yes, most Queen's University Belfast scholarships can be combined, but total funding typically cannot exceed 50% of annual tuition fees (approximately £10,000-£12,500). For example, you could receive the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£3,000) plus the Bangladesh Country-Specific award (£2,500) for total funding of £5,500. However, the International Excellence Scholarship is usually awarded exclusively and cannot be combined with other merit-based awards.

What documents do Bangladeshi students need for scholarship applications in 2026?

Required documents include: officially translated HSC and SSC certificates, IELTS score report (minimum 6.5), passport copy valid for 6+ months, two academic references from HSC teachers, detailed personal statement (500-1000 words), bank statements showing £25,000-£30,000 liquid funds, and any relevant certificates for sports/leadership achievements. All documents must be submitted in English or with certified translations by March-May 2026 depending on the scholarship deadline.

Key Takeaways

✅ Queen's University Belfast offers up to £5,000 annual scholarships for high-achieving Bangladeshi students in 2026

✅ Multiple scholarship applications can be combined for maximum funding, potentially reaching £8,500 in first year

✅ Early application is crucial with deadlines ranging from February to May 2026 for different scholarship types

✅ Belfast offers 25% lower living costs compared to London, making it more affordable for Bangladeshi students

✅ Strong academic credentials (HSC CGPA 4.0+) and compelling personal statements significantly improve scholarship chances

✅ The university's STEM programs rank highly globally, offering excellent career prospects for Bangladeshi graduates

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