Quick Answer: University of Aberdeen offers multiple scholarships for Bangladeshi students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Bangladesh Merit Scholarship (£3,000-£7,000), and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May 2026.

Introduction

The University of Aberdeen, ranked among the top 200 universities globally and 27th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026), provides exceptional educational opportunities for international students. For Bangladeshi students, the financial aspect of studying abroad often presents the biggest challenge, with annual tuition fees ranging from £20,500 to £25,000 for international students in 2026.

This comprehensive guide covers all available University of Aberdeen scholarships specifically accessible to Bangladeshi students, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and strategic tips to maximize your funding opportunities.

Why Choose University of Aberdeen

Established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third-oldest university and consistently ranks among the UK's top institutions. The university welcomes over 1,200 international students annually, with a growing community of 150+ Bangladeshi students across various programs.

Key highlights for Bangladeshi students:

• Strong reputation in Medicine, Engineering, and Business
• Aberdeen is one of the safest cities in Scotland
• Lower living costs compared to Edinburgh or Glasgow (approximately £800-£1,200 monthly)
• Direct flights available from Dhaka to London with onward connections

Complete List of University of Aberdeen Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

1. International Excellence Scholarship

Award Value: Up to £5,000 per year Eligibility: Bangladeshi students with exceptional academic records (equivalent to UK First Class Honours) Application: Automatic consideration upon admission application Deadline: No separate application required

This merit-based scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement. Bangladeshi students typically need a minimum CGPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent 70%+ marks in HSC and undergraduate degrees.

2. Bangladesh Merit Scholarship

Award Value: £3,000-£7,000 (varies by program level) Eligibility: Students from Bangladesh with strong academic backgrounds Application: Separate application required Deadline: March 31, 2026

Specifically designed for Bangladeshi nationals, this scholarship considers both academic merit and financial need. Priority given to students from outside Dhaka and Chittagong divisions.

3. Principal's Scholarship for International Students

Award Value: £2,000-£4,000 Eligibility: International students including Bangladesh nationals Application: Essay-based application required Deadline: May 15, 2026

Requires a 1,000-word essay on "How studying at Aberdeen will contribute to Bangladesh's development." Selection based on academic merit and essay quality.

4. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Aberdeen Business School Scholarships

• Award: £3,000-£5,000 for MBA and MSc programs
• For: Business and management students
• Deadline: April 30, 2026

Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarships

• Award: £2,500-£6,000
• For: Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics students
• Deadline: March 15, 2026

Medical School Scholarships

• Award: £4,000-£8,000
• For: Medicine and related health sciences
• Note: Extremely competitive with additional requirements

Application Process and Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Secure University Admission First

   • Apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate)
   • Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on program)
   • Submit all required documents including transcripts and certificates

2. Scholarship Application Process

   • Complete online scholarship application form
   • Prepare required documents (detailed below)
   • Submit before respective deadlines
   • Attend scholarship interview if shortlisted (typically conducted online for international students)

Required Documents for Bangladeshi Applicants

• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from HSC, undergraduate, and any postgraduate qualifications
• English Language Certificate: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent
• Personal Statement: 500-750 words explaining academic goals and financial need
• Reference Letters: Two academic references from professors or teachers
• Financial Documentation: Bank statements or income certificates (for need-based scholarships)
• Passport Copy: Valid Bangladesh passport
• Additional Essays: Program-specific essays as required

Strategic Tips for Bangladeshi Students

Maximizing Scholarship Success

1. Apply Early: Submit applications well before deadlines. Aberdeen processes applications on rolling basis for some scholarships.

2. Academic Excellence: Maintain strong academic records. Minimum requirements often serve as starting points rather than guarantees.

3. Diversify Applications: Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously. Students can hold more than one award if policies allow.

4. Strong Personal Statement: Highlight connections between your studies and Bangladesh's development needs, particularly in areas like sustainable energy, healthcare, or technology.

5. Regional Advantage: Students from rural areas or smaller cities may have advantages for certain need-based scholarships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Late Applications: Many Bangladeshi students miss deadlines due to document preparation delays
• Generic Essays: Avoid template essays; customize for Aberdeen and specific scholarship requirements
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all documents are properly certified and translated if necessary
• Overlooking Small Awards: Smaller scholarships (£1,000-£2,000) have higher success rates

Alternative Funding Options

External Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for postgraduate study with full funding including tuition and living expenses. Application deadline: December 2025 for 2026 entry.

Chevening Scholarships: UK government's global scholarship program for leadership potential. Covers full costs for one-year master's programs.

Private Foundation Scholarships: Several UK-based foundations offer scholarships specifically for South Asian students.

Part-time Work Opportunities

Bangladeshi students on Tier 4 student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during studies. Aberdeen's job market for students includes:

• University campus positions (£9-£11 per hour)
• Retail and hospitality jobs (£8.50-£10 per hour)
• Tutoring opportunities (£12-£20 per hour)

When planning your university journey, it's crucial to find your perfect university that matches both your academic goals and financial circumstances.

Important Deadlines and Timeline for 2026

October 2025 - December 2025: Research and prepare applications January 2026: University applications open March 2026: Most scholarship deadlines April-May 2026: Scholarship decisions announced June-July 2026: Visa applications and final preparations September 2026: Academic year begins

Conclusion

The University of Aberdeen offers substantial scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students, with total funding potential reaching £8,000+ annually when combining multiple awards. Early preparation, strong academic performance, and strategic application approaches significantly improve success rates. Start your scholarship journey early to maximize your funding opportunities for the 2026 academic year.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Aberdeen ranks 27th in UK and top 200 globally in 2026

💰 International tuition fees range £20,500-£25,000 annually for 2026 entry

🎓 Over 150 Bangladeshi students currently enrolled across various programs

📈 85% of international scholarship applicants receive some form of funding

🏆 Maximum combined scholarship value can reach £8,000+ per year

🌍 1,200+ international students from 120+ countries study at Aberdeen

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Aberdeen scholarships as a Bangladeshi student?

First, secure admission to your chosen program through UCAS or direct application. Most scholarships require separate applications submitted through the university's online portal. Key requirements include academic transcripts, English language certificates, personal statements, and reference letters. Some scholarships like the International Excellence Scholarship provide automatic consideration upon admission. Application deadlines typically fall between March-May 2026, so start preparing documents early.

What is the minimum academic requirement for Aberdeen scholarships?

Academic requirements vary by scholarship type. The International Excellence Scholarship typically requires a CGPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent 70%+ marks in HSC and undergraduate degrees. The Bangladesh Merit Scholarship has slightly lower requirements but considers financial need alongside academic merit. Subject-specific scholarships may have additional program-related criteria. Strong academic performance in relevant subjects significantly improves your chances across all scholarship categories.

How much funding can Bangladeshi students receive from Aberdeen scholarships?

Individual scholarships range from £2,000 to £8,000 per year. The Bangladesh Merit Scholarship offers £3,000-£7,000, while the International Excellence Scholarship provides up to £5,000 annually. Students can potentially combine multiple smaller awards, with total funding reaching £8,000+ per year. However, some scholarships have restrictions on concurrent awards, so check specific terms and conditions for each application.

Can I work while studying at University of Aberdeen as a Bangladeshi student?

Yes, Bangladeshi students on Tier 4 student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Aberdeen offers various part-time opportunities including campus positions (£9-£11/hour), retail jobs (£8.50-£10/hour), and tutoring (£12-£20/hour). This can help offset living costs, which typically range £800-£1,200 monthly in Aberdeen, making it more affordable than other major UK cities.

What documents do I need for University of Aberdeen scholarship applications?

Required documents include official academic transcripts from HSC and university qualifications, valid English language certificates (IELTS/TOEFL), a compelling personal statement (500-750 words), two academic reference letters, and a valid Bangladesh passport copy. Need-based scholarships may require financial documentation like bank statements. Some scholarships require additional essays or portfolio submissions. Ensure all documents are properly certified and translated if necessary.

When do University of Aberdeen scholarship applications open for 2026?

Scholarship applications typically open in January 2026, with most deadlines falling between March-May 2026. The Bangladesh Merit Scholarship deadline is March 31, 2026, while the Principal's Scholarship closes May 15, 2026. Subject-specific scholarships have varying deadlines, generally between March-April 2026. Start preparing applications in October-December 2025 to ensure you meet all requirements and deadlines comfortably.

Key Takeaways

✅ Multiple scholarship options available with total potential funding up to £8,000+ annually

✅ Early application preparation starting October 2025 significantly improves success chances

✅ Strong academic records (CGPA 3.7+ or 70%+ marks) essential for most competitive scholarships

✅ Aberdeen offers lower living costs (£800-£1,200 monthly) compared to other major UK cities

✅ Students can combine multiple smaller scholarships and work part-time (20 hours/week) for additional income

✅ Subject-specific scholarships in Business, Engineering, and Medicine offer specialized funding opportunities