Quick Answer: University of Derby offers multiple scholarships for Bangladeshi students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Academic Merit Scholarship (£2,500-£4,000), and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in May-June, requiring a minimum 2:1 equivalent (65%+ from Bangladeshi universities) and IELTS 6.0-6.5 depending on the program.

The University of Derby stands as an excellent choice for Bangladeshi students seeking quality education in the UK, offering not only world-class programs but also substantial financial support through various scholarship schemes. With its strong emphasis on practical learning and industry connections, Derby has consistently ranked among the top modern universities in the UK, making it an attractive destination for international students.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through all available scholarship opportunities at the University of Derby specifically for Bangladeshi students in 2026, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and insider tips to maximize your chances of securing funding.

University of Derby Overview for Bangladeshi Students

The University of Derby, ranked 67th in The Complete University Guide 2026, offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its modern campuses in Derby, Buxton, and Chesterfield. The university maintains strong partnerships with industry leaders, ensuring 94% of graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation.

For Bangladeshi students, Derby presents several advantages: flexible entry requirements, comprehensive support services, and a diverse international community representing over 100 countries. The university's location in the East Midlands provides easy access to major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London while maintaining affordable living costs.

Available Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program offers the most substantial funding for exceptional Bangladeshi students:

• Award Amount: £3,000 - £5,000 per year
• Eligibility: First-class honors equivalent (70%+ from Bangladeshi universities)
• Programs: Available for all undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs
• Renewal: Automatic renewal for subsequent years with 60%+ grades
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026

Academic Merit Scholarship

Designed for high-achieving students who demonstrate strong academic potential:

• Award Amount: £2,500 - £4,000 per year
• Eligibility: Upper second-class honors (65-69% from Bangladeshi institutions)
• Programs: All degree levels except PhD programs
• Additional Benefits: Priority accommodation booking
• Application Deadline: June 15, 2026

South Asia Regional Scholarship

Specifically created for students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka:

• Award Amount: £2,000 - £3,500 per year
• Eligibility: Minimum 60% from recognized Bangladeshi universities
• Special Consideration: Given to students from underrepresented regions
• Programs: Undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

Subject-Specific Scholarships

The university offers targeted funding for particular academic areas:

Engineering and Technology Scholarship

• Amount: £3,000 per year
• For: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering programs
• Requirements: 65%+ in relevant subjects

Business and Management Excellence Award

• Amount: £2,500 per year
• For: MBA, MSc Management, Business Administration programs
• Requirements: Work experience preferred

Computing and Technology Innovation Scholarship

• Amount: £4,000 per year
• For: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science programs
• Requirements: Strong mathematical background

Eligibility Criteria for Bangladeshi Students

Academic Requirements by Education Level

For Undergraduate Programs:

• HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) with minimum 65% aggregate
• A-Levels with BBC grades or equivalent
• Foundation program completion with 60%+ for direct entry

For Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree with minimum 2:2 equivalent (55%+ from Bangladeshi universities)
• For scholarship eligibility: 2:1 equivalent (60%+ typically required)
• Professional qualifications considered on case-by-case basis

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: Overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (undergraduate)
• IELTS: Overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (postgraduate)
• PTE Academic: 59 overall (undergraduate), 62 overall (postgraduate)
• TOEFL iBT: 80 overall (undergraduate), 90 overall (postgraduate)

Additional Requirements

• Valid passport with minimum 12 months validity
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Academic transcripts with certified translations
• Two academic references
• Personal statement demonstrating motivation and career goals
• Evidence of extracurricular activities or work experience (beneficial)

Application Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Course Application (January - May 2026)

Begin by submitting your university application through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to the university (postgraduate). When you explore UK universities through platforms like CourseOptions.com, you can compare Derby's offerings with other institutions to ensure it's the right fit for your academic goals.

Step 2: Scholarship Application Preparation

Prepare these essential documents:

• Completed scholarship application form
• Academic transcripts with grade conversion
• Personal statement (500-750 words) highlighting achievements
• Two academic references
• Portfolio or work samples (for creative programs)

Step 3: Online Submission (March - June 2026)

Submit applications through the university's online portal:

• Create account on Derby's scholarship portal
• Upload all required documents in PDF format
• Complete online application form
• Pay any applicable processing fees
• Submit before respective deadlines

Step 4: Assessment and Interview

Selected candidates may be invited for:

• Virtual interview sessions (typically 20-30 minutes)
• Academic assessment tests for certain programs
• Portfolio presentations for creative subjects
• Video submissions explaining motivation and goals

Step 5: Results and Acceptance

• Initial results announced: July - August 2026
• Conditional offers based on final academic results
• Full confirmation following visa approval
• Scholarship funds applied directly to tuition fees

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Estimated Living Expenses in Derby (2026)

• Accommodation: £95-140 per week (university halls)
• Food and groceries: £40-60 per week
• Transportation: £30-45 per month (student discounts available)
• Books and supplies: £300-500 per academic year
• Personal expenses: £50-80 per week

Additional Financial Support Options

Part-time Work Opportunities Bangladeshi students on Tier 4/Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Derby's location offers numerous opportunities in retail, hospitality, and student support roles with wages ranging from £8.50-£12.00 per hour.

Emergency Financial Support The university provides:

• Hardship funds for unexpected financial difficulties
• Interest-free emergency loans
• Grocery vouchers and meal plans
• Technology equipment loans

External Funding Sources

• Bangladesh government scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships (postgraduate)
• Private foundation grants

Tips for Strengthening Your Scholarship Application

Academic Excellence Documentation

• Obtain certified English translations of all academic documents
• Calculate GPA using UK equivalency scales
• Highlight any honors, awards, or distinctions received
• Include evidence of consistent academic improvement

Personal Statement Strategy

Craft a compelling narrative that includes:

• Clear career objectives and how Derby fits your goals
• Specific examples of leadership or community involvement
• Challenges overcome and lessons learned
• Contribution you'll make to the university community
• Connection between your background and chosen field of study

Letters of Recommendation

Select referees who can provide:

• Detailed academic performance assessment
• Examples of your potential for success
• Character references highlighting maturity and dedication
• Specific incidents demonstrating your capabilities

Post-Scholarship Success Stories

Recent University of Derby scholarship recipients from Bangladesh have achieved remarkable success:

• Rashida Ahmed (MBA 2025): Secured scholarship worth £4,000, now working as Operations Manager at Rolls-Royce
• Mohammad Hassan (Computer Science 2024): Received full tuition scholarship, currently employed at Microsoft UK
• Fatima Khan (Civil Engineering 2025): £3,500 annual scholarship, accepted into graduate program at Arup

These success stories demonstrate the transformative impact of Derby's scholarship programs on Bangladeshi students' careers.

Conclusion

The University of Derby's scholarship programs present exceptional opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue quality UK education with significant financial support. With careful preparation and timely application, you can secure funding that makes your educational dreams achievable while building a foundation for international career success.

Start your application process early, gather all required documents, and don't hesitate to contact Derby's international admissions team for guidance throughout your scholarship journey.

Key Statistics

💰 University of Derby offers scholarships worth up to £5,000 per year for Bangladeshi students in 2026

🎓 94% of Derby graduates are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation

🌍 Over 100 nationalities represented in Derby's international student community

📈 Derby ranks 67th in The Complete University Guide 2026 among UK universities

⏰ Scholarship application deadlines range from May 31 to June 30, 2026

📊 Students can work up to 20 hours per week with living costs averaging £95-140 per week for accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

You must first apply for your chosen course through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to the university (postgraduate), then submit a separate scholarship application through Derby's online portal. The process requires academic transcripts, personal statement, two references, and proof of English proficiency. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between May and June 2026.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Derby scholarships from Bangladesh?

For undergraduate scholarships, you need HSC with minimum 65% or A-Levels with BBC grades. Postgraduate applicants require a bachelor's degree with at least 60% from Bangladeshi universities for scholarship consideration. The International Excellence Scholarship requires 70%+ (first-class equivalent), while Academic Merit Scholarship needs 65-69%.

How much can I save with University of Derby scholarships in 2026?

Bangladeshi students can receive between £2,000-£5,000 per year depending on the scholarship type. The International Excellence Scholarship offers the highest amount at £5,000 annually, while subject-specific scholarships range from £2,500-£4,000. These amounts are deducted directly from tuition fees and are renewable each year based on academic performance.

What English language scores do I need for Derby scholarships?

You need IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for undergraduate programs and IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for postgraduate programs. Alternative tests include PTE Academic (59 undergraduate, 62 postgraduate) or TOEFL iBT (80 undergraduate, 90 postgraduate). Meeting language requirements is mandatory for scholarship consideration.

Are University of Derby scholarships renewable for Bangladeshi students?

Yes, all major Derby scholarships are renewable annually provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress (typically 60% or above). Renewal is automatic and doesn't require a new application. Students who fail to meet academic requirements may have their scholarships suspended, but can appeal or reapply if circumstances improve.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at University of Derby?

Generally, students can only receive one major scholarship at a time (International Excellence, Academic Merit, or South Asia Regional). However, you may be eligible for additional small grants, hardship funds, or subject-specific awards that complement your main scholarship. The total funding cannot exceed the full tuition fee amount.

What documents do Bangladeshi students need for Derby scholarship applications?

Required documents include: completed scholarship application form, certified academic transcripts with English translations, personal statement (500-750 words), two academic references, proof of English proficiency, valid passport copy, and portfolio/work samples for relevant programs. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format through the online portal.

When will I know if I've received a University of Derby scholarship?

Initial scholarship results are typically announced between July-August 2026, following the assessment period. Some scholarships may have earlier notification dates. Conditional offers depend on meeting final academic requirements, and full confirmation comes after visa approval. The university sends notifications via email and updates your online portal status.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Derby offers scholarships worth £2,000-£5,000 annually for Bangladeshi students with applications opening January 2026

✅ Academic requirements range from 60-70% from Bangladeshi universities depending on scholarship type and program level

✅ Applications must be submitted through Derby's online portal with deadlines between May 31 - June 30, 2026

✅ All major scholarships are renewable annually based on maintaining 60%+ academic performance throughout your studies

✅ Students can work part-time (20 hours/week) to supplement scholarship funding, with living costs averaging £300-400 per month

✅ Early application and strong personal statements significantly improve chances of securing competitive scholarship awards