Bangladeshi students encounter numerous challenges when heading in other countries to study.
Students and researchers from Bangladesh generally pursue higher education internationally during the months of June and July. However, several diplomatic offices have been closed this year owing to the student rebellion, and others have yet to restore normal operations. As a result, students wishing to study abroad are having trouble getting visas, admissions for next sessions, and finance.
Visa Interview Issues
Several embassies lowered their visa services beginning in early July, forcing many students to lose out on applying for the following term. For example, Sonia Sultana, a Chittagong University student, described her experience. Her visa interview in the United States was planned on July 19, but internet issues caused delays. Although she was able to reschedule her interview for August 19, by the time she obtained her visa, her institution notified her that it was too late for the September-October semester, so she was postponed till January. Many students, including her, missed their sessions, and some even lost scholarships.
Funding and scholarship challenges
Many students are having trouble getting scholarships and funding as a result of the current scenario. Some people had their offer letters cancelled. Jennifer Binjaly, an MBA student at BRAC University, said that her offer from Aston University in the United Kingdom was hampered by communication breakdowns. Furthermore, U.S. visa issuance was suspended, forcing her and others to suspend their applications. She also lost out on a £3,000 scholarship from a UK institution.
Missed sessions
Missing the June-July session indicated falling behind six months. Mohammad Jubayer, a software engineer, has applied to Vienna University of Technology in Austria. However, he missed his visa interview owing to immigration problems in India, where Austrian visa interviews for Bangladeshis are held. He also had difficulty creating a block account, which must be submitted for Germany’s Opportunity Card visa.
Visa Denials
Many students received university offer letters and know when their classes start, but visa problems restrict them from moving. For example, Nadeem Hossain, who was admitted to the West University of Timișoara in Romania, was unable to go owing to visa delays in India, which serves as a centre for European visa interviews for Bangladeshis. Several students have paid tuition but are unable to attend owing to visa concerns, and numerous scholarships have been cancelled.
Potential Solutions:
Each nation has its own admissions and visa procedures, so staying in touch with the authorities on a regular basis is essential. Ruhul Amin, Assistant Destination Manager (USA) at IDP Education, recommended pupils to concentrate on the spring 2025 session, while the autumn session had ended. He also said that certain embassies are making special arrangements for students with visa difficulties. Students should alert universities about the present situation in Bangladesh, as some institutions are being tolerant due to current confusion.
