To study in the UK from Bangladesh you need an offer and a CAS from a licensed university, usually IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or an accepted alternative), and funds held for 28 consecutive days. Maintenance funds are £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere for up to 9 months (rising to £1,570 and £1,203 for applications from 30 November 2026), plus the £558 visa fee and £776 health surcharge per year. Apply up to 6 months before your course starts; a decision from outside the UK usually takes about 3 weeks. Typical tuition is £9,000–£38,000 a year.
A UK degree is a big investment, and the rules change often. This guide brings the 2026–27 costs, visa money rules, English requirements, scholarships and application steps into one place, with tools you can play with to plan your own budget.
Visa fees, funds and scholarship rules change. Figures below were checked against GOV.UK and the British Council on 9 October 2026. Always confirm on GOV.UK shortly before you apply.
What is new for 2026–27
The monthly living-cost requirement rises from £1,529 to £1,570 (London) and from £1,171 to £1,203 (outside London). The new amounts apply to Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, according to the Statement of Changes HC 584. Applications made before that date use the current amounts.
Graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026 get 2 years. Those who apply on or after 1 January 2027 generally get 18 months. PhD and other doctoral graduates get 3 years. This matters if your course finishes in 2027 or later.
The British Council lists £10,000 towards tuition for eligible Bangladeshi students on selected one-year taught postgraduate courses at participating UK universities.
| Where you will live | Before 30 Nov 2026 (per month) | From 30 Nov 2026 (per month) | 9-month total, now | 9-month total, from 30 Nov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £1,570 | £13,761 | £14,130 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £1,203 | £10,539 | £10,827 |
Maintenance funds for a Student visa, up to 9 months. Sources: GOV.UK; Statement of Changes HC 584 (3 September 2026).
Why Bangladeshi students choose the UK
Many bachelor’s degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take three years, while many taught master’s degrees take just one. A shorter course usually means lower living costs and an earlier start to your career. Scotland follows a different undergraduate structure, so check each course page.
Students also value the wide choice of subjects, the international classroom, research-led teaching, scholarships and the Graduate visa that can follow your studies.
Pick your intake
Main intake. The widest choice of courses and the most scholarship options. Start preparing at least a year ahead.
Secondary intake. Available for selected courses only. A good option if you need extra time for IELTS or documents.
Limited intake. Offered on a small number of programmes. Check the university website for availability.
Availability always depends on the university and the course, so confirm on each university’s website.
Eligibility and English requirements
- Bachelor’s: HSC or an equivalent qualification.
- Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- English: usually IELTS 6.0–6.5 or an equivalent PTE or TOEFL score.
- Extras for some courses: maths or science subjects, work experience, a portfolio, an interview or professional qualifications.
Choose your route
You usually apply through UCAS. Entry is typically based on HSC or an equivalent qualification, plus English evidence.
You usually apply directly to the university. A relevant bachelor’s degree is the normal requirement, and many taught master’s courses take one year.
Research routes such as a PhD are offered by many universities. Requirements and funding differ by department, so contact the department early.
English score checker
Typical requirement for bachelor’s and master’s: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5, PTE Academic 59–63, TOEFL iBT 80–90. Your course may differ.
Enter your score to see where you stand.
| Level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 6.0–6.5 | 59–63 | 80–90 |
| Master’s | 6.0–6.5 | 59–63 | 80–90 |
Typical ranges. Some courses accept IELTS 5.5, while competitive or professional courses may ask for 7.0 or higher.
Not always. Some universities accept PTE, TOEFL, previous education taught in English or another approved test. The university decides whether a Medium of Instruction letter counts, so ask before you assume.
What it really costs
Typical annual tuition fees
Hover or tap a bar. Ranges are typical figures; each university sets its own fee.
Typical monthly living costs
Accommodation, food and transport vary a lot by city.
| Cost | In pounds | Approx. in BDT (at BDT 165 per £1) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s tuition (a year) | £11,400–£38,000 | BDT 18.8–62.7 lakh |
| Master’s tuition (a year) | £9,000–£30,000 | BDT 14.9–49.5 lakh |
| Living outside London (a month) | £900–£1,300 | BDT 1.5–2.1 lakh |
| Living in London (a month) | £1,300–£1,400 | BDT 2.1–2.3 lakh |
| Student visa fee | £558 | BDT 92,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (a year) | £776 | BDT 128,000 |
Exchange rates move every day. Use the calculator below to enter today’s rate. Other costs include the TB test, flights and accommodation deposit.
Many first-year students should plan roughly BDT 30–70 lakh, and more for expensive courses or London. Compare the total first-year cost, not only tuition: a higher fee outside London can still be cheaper overall than a lower fee in London.
First-year cost and visa funds calculator
Move the sliders. This is a planning estimate, not an official quote.
For a one-year course the visa fee plus health surcharge comes to £558 + £776 = £1,334. The surcharge is charged per year of visa, so a visa of two years costs £776 x 2 = £1,552 in surcharge.
Proving your money to UKVI
- 1
Work out the amount
Add the monthly maintenance figure (London or outside London) for up to 9 months, plus any course fees still due as shown on your CAS.
- 2
Hold it for 28 days in a row
The money must stay available for at least 28 consecutive days.
- 3
Keep the dates tight
The 28-day period must end within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application.
- 4
Match your documents
Names, dates and amounts on your passport, CAS and bank evidence should all be consistent.
Scholarships: what is realistic
Scholarship types include full funding, full tuition, partial tuition, university-specific awards and GREAT Scholarships. A 100% scholarship is possible but rare and highly competitive.
£10,000 towards tuition for one-year taught postgraduate courses. You need a Bangladeshi passport, permanent residence in Bangladesh, an undergraduate degree, and to meet the university’s English requirement. You apply through the university.
Universities on the British Council page for 2026–27: Cranfield University, Leeds Arts University, Keele University, University of Manchester, Ulster University, University of East Anglia, University of Glasgow, University of Hull and University of Portsmouth. Deadlines differ by university.
Many universities run their own merit awards and discounts. Check the international scholarships page of every university on your shortlist and apply early.
Accommodation, food, visa costs and other expenses are still yours to cover. Plan your budget as if the award were a bonus, not the base.
Your 10-step application roadmap
- 1
Choose your course
Start with the subject and career you want, then shortlist courses that match it.
- 2
Check entry requirements
Academic grades, English score and any course-specific extras.
- 3
Shortlist universities
Compare fees, location, modules, scholarships and accommodation.
- 4
Prepare documents
Passport, certificates and transcripts, English evidence, personal statement, references, CV and a portfolio if needed.
- 5
Apply
Undergraduate applications usually go through UCAS. Postgraduate applications usually go directly to the university.
- 6
Receive and meet your offer
Conditional offers list what you still need to provide.
- 7
Get your CAS
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued by the university and is needed for the visa.
- 8
Prepare visa documents
Passport, CAS, financial evidence and anything else required for your case. A TB test is generally needed for courses of six months or more, at a Home Office-approved clinic.
- 9
Apply online
Complete identity verification. Applications from outside the UK usually get a decision within three weeks, though times vary.
- 10
Plan travel and housing
Arrange travel and accommodation around your course start date and visa conditions.
Some guides say visa processing can take up to 8 weeks. On GOV.UK, a decision from outside the UK usually takes about 3 weeks; 8 weeks is the usual time for applications made from inside the UK. You can apply up to 6 months before your course begins.
Document checklist
Tick each item once it is ready. Your university and the visa application may ask for more.
0 of 8 ready (0%)
Student visa or Child Student visa?
For most university applicants aged 16 and over. You need a CAS, proof of English, financial evidence and a valid passport. The application fee is £558 from outside the UK.
For children studying at an independent school. It is a separate route with its own rules, so read the GOV.UK guidance for your child’s age and school.
Popular study areas
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Business and Management | MBA, management, international business |
| Accounting and Finance | Accounting, finance, banking |
| Computer Science and IT | Computer science, cyber security, software engineering |
| Data and AI | Data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics |
| Engineering | Civil, mechanical, electrical |
| Healthcare and Life Sciences | Public health, biomedical science |
| Law and Social Sciences | Law, economics, international relations |
Universities often mentioned by Bangladeshi applicants include Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, Sheffield, Essex, Greenwich and East London. This is not a ranking, and the right choice depends on your course, budget and profile.
Working while you study
Eligible degree-level students can generally work up to 20 hours a week in term time, subject to the conditions on their visa. Treat part-time work as extra support, not as the plan for paying tuition.
Are you ready to apply?
Tick what you have done.
0 of 7 ready (0%)
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying with a CAS that has wrong details. Check every name and date.
- Moving money into your account too late to hold it for 28 consecutive days.
- Relying on an old visa guide. Check GOV.UK shortly before you apply.
- Choosing a course on tuition alone and ignoring living costs in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to a UK bachelor’s degree after HSC?
Yes, for suitable undergraduate programmes, depending on the entry requirements of the course.
How much money should I plan for the first year?
Many students plan roughly BDT 30–70 lakh. Your figure depends on tuition, city and the exchange rate. Use the calculator above.
How much bank balance do I need for the UK Student visa?
Your unpaid first-year tuition plus living costs of £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to 9 months. From 30 November 2026 the monthly amounts rise to £1,570 and £1,203. Funds must stay in your account for 28 consecutive days.
How much does the Student visa cost?
The Student visa application fee is £558 from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year of visa.
How early can I apply for the visa?
Up to 6 months before your course starts, if you apply from outside the UK.
How long does a visa decision take?
Usually about 3 weeks from outside the UK, though times can vary.
What do I need for my university application?
Academic transcripts, English test results, a personal statement and letters of recommendation, plus a completed application form.
Can I use PTE or TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Often yes, but accepted scores vary by university and course.
Is IELTS mandatory?
Not always. Some courses accept other tests or prior English-medium education. Confirm with the university.
Do I need a TB test?
Generally for courses of six months or more, taken at a Home Office-approved clinic as part of your visa application.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Eligible degree-level students can generally work up to 20 hours a week in term time, subject to visa conditions. Treat part-time work as a supplement, not your main source of funds.
Are scholarships available for Bangladeshi students?
Yes. Examples include university awards and GREAT Scholarships worth £10,000 for selected one-year postgraduate courses.
Not sure which course or university fits your budget?
Talk to a Global Vision counsellor for a free profile review and shortlist.
Book a free consultationSources checked on 9 October 2026: GOV.UK (Student visa, money you need, Graduate visa), the British Council GREAT Scholarships Bangladesh page, Statement of Changes HC 584, and university immigration guidance for the Immigration Health Surcharge. Tuition and living-cost ranges are typical estimates, not offers. Exchange rates and rules change; verify before you apply.
