Overview / About the Scholarship
The International Merit Scholarship is a specialized funding category offered by individual UK universities to recognize the academic excellence and extracurricular potential of high-achieving Bangladeshi students. Unlike government-funded full rides, these awards are often automatically applied to tuition fees, providing a direct financial solution for students targeting the 2026-2027 academic year.
International Merit Scholarships are institutional grants provided by various UK universities to attract globally talented students. For Bangladeshi applicants, these awards emphasize the university's commitment to diversifying its student body with top-tier talent from South Asia.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
Tuition Discount: Direct reduction of the annual tuition fee, often ranging between £2,000 and £5,000.
Flagship Awards: Some high-value International Excellence or GREAT versions offer up to £10,000 for one year.
Automatic Eligibility: Many merit awards are credited automatically upon admission, requiring no separate application.
Renewability: Certain undergraduate merit awards can be renewed annually if high academic standing is maintained.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of Bangladesh.
Academic Excellence: Typically requires a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or a First Class degree (equivalent to 70%+ marks).
Offer of Admission: Most scholarships require candidates to hold either a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time course.
English Proficiency: The standard minimum requirements are an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent.
Level & Field of Study
Levels: Available for Undergraduate (Bachelor's) and Postgraduate (Master’s) taught programs.
Fields: Popular subjects include Data Science, Public Health, MBA, Engineering, and Law. Specialized clinical or research programs may sometimes be excluded.
Host University / Provider Info
Currently, over 60 UK universities offer various forms of merit-based support to Bangladeshi students. For the 2026-27 cycle, notable providers include:
- The University of Manchester
- University of Glasgow
- University of East Anglia (UEA)
- University of Portsmouth
- Leeds Beckett University
- Teesside University
Required Documents
Academic Records: Certificates and transcripts for SSC, HSC, or Bachelor’s degrees.
Language Test: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score report.
Personal Documents: Copy of a valid passport and an updated CV.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A compelling essay explaining your academic goals and why you deserve the award.
References: Two or three academic recommendation letters.
How to Apply
Apply for Admission: Secure an offer from a participating UK university first.
Verify Application Path: Check whether the award is automatic based on your GPA or requires a separate application through the university portal.
Prepare SOP: For application-based awards, submit your tailored Statement of Purpose by the deadline.
Observe Deadlines: Most institutional deadlines for the September 2026 intake fall between January and May 2026.
