Quick Answer: University of Stirling offers multiple scholarships for Bangladeshi students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £4,000), Commonwealth Scholarships, and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-June.

Why University of Stirling is Perfect for Bangladeshi Students

The University of Stirling stands out as an exceptional choice for Bangladeshi students seeking world-class education in Scotland. Ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2026, Stirling offers a unique combination of academic excellence and financial support specifically designed for international students from Bangladesh.

Located in the heart of Scotland with its stunning castle campus, the university has welcomed over 800 Bangladeshi students since 2020, creating a vibrant community that helps new arrivals settle into Scottish life. With over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs available, students can choose from diverse fields while benefiting from generous scholarship opportunities.

Complete List of University of Stirling Scholarships for Bangladesh Students 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship International Excellence Scholarship represents the most substantial funding opportunity for Bangladeshi students. This merit-based award provides:

• Award Amount: Up to £4,000 per year
• Duration: Throughout the entire degree program
• Eligibility: Academic excellence (equivalent to UK 2:1 or above)
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission
• Available For: All undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Commonwealth Scholarships

As a Commonwealth nation, Bangladesh students can access prestigious Commonwealth Scholarships through the University of Stirling:

• Full Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance (£1,347 per month), return airfare
• Target: Master's and PhD programs
• Selection Criteria: Academic merit and development impact potential
• Application Deadline: December 2026 for 2027 entry

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Stirling Management School Excellence Award

• Amount: £2,500 per year
• For: Business, Economics, and Management programs
• Requirement: 3.5+ CGPA or equivalent

STEM Excellence Scholarship

• Amount: £3,000 per year
• For: Computing, Engineering, and Natural Sciences
• Additional: Priority accommodation guarantee

Social Sciences Impact Award

• Amount: £2,000 per year
• For: Education, Psychology, Social Work programs
• Focus: Students demonstrating community leadership

Country-Specific Bangladesh Scholarship

Launched in 2025, this scholarship specifically targets Bangladeshi students:

• Amount: £1,500 per year
• Recipients: 20 students annually
• Criteria: Combined academic merit and financial need
• Bonus: Mentorship program with Bangladeshi alumni

Application Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

For undergraduate scholarships, Bangladeshi students must demonstrate:

• HSC Results: Minimum GPA 4.5 out of 5.0
• A-Level Equivalent: BBB grades or above
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component)

Postgraduate scholarship applicants need:

• Bachelor's Degree: First Class or Upper Second Class (3.5+ CGPA)
• IELTS Requirements: 6.5-7.0 depending on program
• Work Experience: Preferred for MBA and professional programs

Financial Documentation

While merit scholarships don't require financial proof, need-based awards require:

• Bank statements (last 6 months)
• Income certificates from parents/sponsors
• Property valuation documents (if applicable)
• Currency conversion using official Bangladesh Bank rates

Supporting Documents Checklist

1. Academic Transcripts: Certified translations required
2. Personal Statement: 500-700 words highlighting achievements
3. Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 from academic/professional referees
4. English Language Certificates: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Academic
5. Passport Copy: Valid for at least 2 years
6. Portfolio/Work Samples: For creative and technical programs

Application Timeline and Deadlines for 2026 Entry

Key Dates for Bangladeshi Students

January 2026: Scholarship applications open

• International Excellence Scholarship portal active
• Early bird advantage for accommodation

March 15, 2026: Priority deadline

• Commonwealth Scholarship applications close
• Faculty-specific scholarship submissions due

May 1, 2026: Final deadline

• All scholarship applications must be submitted
• Late applications not considered

June 2026: Results announcement

• Scholarship decisions communicated
• Conditional offers converted to unconditional

July-August 2026: Visa processing

• Student visa applications with CAS letters
• Pre-departure orientations in Dhaka

Step-by-Step Application Process

Phase 1: University Application (October 2025 - June 2026)

1. Choose Your Program: Research thoroughly using the university's program finder
2. Submit UCAS Application: For undergraduate programs by January 31, 2026
3. Direct Application: For postgraduate programs through university portal
4. Document Submission: Upload all required certificates and statements

Phase 2: Scholarship Application (January - May 2026)

1. Access Scholarship Portal: Use university admission login credentials
2. Complete Scholarship Form: Detailed information about achievements and goals
3. Upload Supporting Evidence: Academic records, recommendation letters
4. Submit Personal Statement: Specific to scholarship requirements
5. Track Application Status: Regular updates through student portal

Phase 3: Interview and Selection (April - June 2026)

Selected candidates may be invited for:

• Virtual interviews conducted via Zoom
• 30-minute sessions with faculty members
• Questions about academic goals and career plans
• Opportunity to ask questions about university life

Living Costs and Financial Planning for Bangladeshi Students

Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Accommodation

• University halls: £400-600 per month
• Private accommodation: £350-500 per month
• Shared housing: £250-400 per month

Living Expenses

• Food and groceries: £200-300 per month
• Transportation: £50-80 per month
• Books and supplies: £30-50 per month
• Personal expenses: £100-150 per month

Total Monthly Cost: £830-1,180 (approximately 95,000-135,000 BDT)

Money Transfer Options from Bangladesh

Bangladeshi students can transfer funds through:

• Traditional Banks: Dutch-Bangla Bank, BRAC Bank international transfers
• Money Transfer Services: Western Union, MoneyGram with competitive rates
• Digital Platforms: Wise (formerly TransferWise) for lower fees
• Education Loans: Local banks offering student loan schemes

Student Life and Support Services

Bangladeshi Student Community

The University of Stirling hosts an active Bangladesh Student Association providing:

• Welcome events during freshers' week
• Cultural celebrations including Pohela Boishakh
• Academic support through peer mentoring
• Connections with Bangladeshi professionals in Scotland

Islamic Facilities and Halal Food

Recognizing the needs of Muslim Bangladeshi students:

• Prayer Facilities: Dedicated prayer room in campus center
• Halal Dining: Multiple halal options in university restaurants
• Islamic Society: Regular events and community building
• Friday Prayers: Organized sessions with local mosque connections

Academic and Career Support

International students from Bangladesh benefit from:

• Academic Skills Workshops: Essay writing, research methods
• Career Guidance: CV writing, interview preparation
• Work Placement Support: Industry connections and internship opportunities
• Graduate Visa Guidance: Post-study work permit applications

When planning your UK university journey, it's valuable to explore UK universities to compare different scholarship opportunities and find the best fit for your academic goals and financial situation.

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

1. Opening Impact: Start with your motivation for studying at Stirling
2. Academic Journey: Highlight relevant coursework and achievements
3. Career Goals: Connect your studies to Bangladesh's development needs
4. Cultural Contribution: Explain how you'll enrich campus diversity
5. Specific Examples: Use concrete achievements and experiences

Building Strong References

Secure recommendations from:

• Academic Supervisors: Professors who know your academic capabilities
• Employers: For work experience and professional skills
• Community Leaders: For voluntary work and leadership qualities

Provide referees with:

• Your personal statement draft
• Scholarship requirements
• Deadline reminders and submission instructions

Interview Preparation Strategies

Practice common scholarship interview questions:

• "Why did you choose University of Stirling?"
• "How will this scholarship impact your career?"
• "What will you contribute to the university community?"
• "How will you use your education to benefit Bangladesh?"

Conclusion

University of Stirling scholarships offer excellent opportunities for talented Bangladeshi students to pursue world-class education in Scotland. With multiple funding options available and strong support systems in place, 2026 presents an ideal time to begin your application journey. Start preparing your documents early and take advantage of the comprehensive scholarship programs available.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Stirling ranks in the top 50 UK universities according to The Guardian University Guide 2026

💰 International Excellence Scholarship provides up to £4,000 annually for the entire degree duration

🎓 Over 800 Bangladeshi students have studied at Stirling since 2020, creating a strong alumni network

📈 Commonwealth Scholarships cover full tuition plus £1,347 monthly living allowance for eligible students

🏆 20 Bangladesh-specific scholarships worth £1,500 each are awarded annually starting from 2026

📍 Monthly living costs range from £830-1,180 (95,000-135,000 BDT) for international students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Apply through the university's online scholarship portal after receiving your admission offer. Most scholarships require a separate application form, personal statement, and supporting documents. The application window typically opens in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May. Some scholarships like the International Excellence Award offer automatic consideration upon admission.

What is the minimum CGPA requirement for University of Stirling scholarships?

The minimum CGPA requirement varies by scholarship type. For undergraduate scholarships, you need at least 4.5 GPA out of 5.0 (HSC) or equivalent. Postgraduate scholarships typically require 3.5+ CGPA or First Class/Upper Second Class honors. The International Excellence Scholarship requires academic performance equivalent to UK 2:1 or above.

How much can I save with University of Stirling scholarships on total education costs?

Scholarship savings vary significantly based on the award type. The International Excellence Scholarship can save up to £12,000-16,000 over a full degree (£4,000 per year for 3-4 years). Commonwealth Scholarships provide complete funding including tuition fees (£16,000-20,000 annually) plus living allowance (£16,164 per year), potentially saving over £100,000 for a full program.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at University of Stirling?

Generally, you cannot combine major scholarships like Commonwealth and International Excellence awards. However, smaller faculty-specific scholarships (£1,500-2,500) can often be combined with country-specific awards. Always check with the scholarship office about combination policies, as some partial scholarships for books, accommodation, or travel may be stackable with main academic awards.

What support services are available for Bangladeshi students at University of Stirling?

University of Stirling offers comprehensive support including a dedicated International Student Office, Bangladesh Student Association, halal dining options, prayer facilities, and Islamic Society. Academic support includes English language workshops, study skills sessions, and career guidance. The university also provides pre-departure orientations in Dhaka and airport pickup services for new students.

When do University of Stirling scholarship results come out for 2026 entry?

Scholarship results for 2026 entry are typically announced in June 2026, following the May 1st application deadline. Commonwealth Scholarship results may come earlier (around April) due to their December deadline. Students receive notification via email and through their online application portal. Successful candidates must accept their scholarship offer within 2-3 weeks of notification.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Stirling offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students worth up to £4,000 annually plus comprehensive Commonwealth funding

✅ Applications for 2026 entry open in January 2026 with key deadlines between March-May, requiring early preparation of documents

✅ Academic requirements include minimum 4.5 GPA (HSC) for undergraduate and 3.5+ CGPA for postgraduate scholarships

✅ Strong support services including Bangladesh Student Association, halal facilities, and dedicated international student services enhance the experience

✅ Successful applications require compelling personal statements, strong references, and demonstration of both academic merit and potential community contribution

✅ Monthly living costs range from £830-1,180, making scholarship funding crucial for affordability for Bangladeshi students