You're likely dreaming of a world-class education, a new cultural experience, and that competitive edge in the global job market. But let's be real—the price tags and paperwork often make that dream feel out of reach. For many Bangladeshi students, the thought of studying abroad in a Western country is quickly followed by the daunting reality of immense costs and complex applications.
But what if one of the best and most accessible options has been hiding in plain sight, right next door? India has rapidly become a top-tier destination for higher education, offering a powerful combination of quality, affordability, and cultural familiarity that dismantles many of the traditional barriers you might be worried about.
This isn't just about proximity. I'm about to share five surprising and impactful truths about pursuing your degree in India that could change your entire perspective on what "studying abroad" can truly mean for you.
1. It's Surprisingly Affordable—Maybe Even Cheaper Than You Think.
One of the biggest myths about a foreign degree is that it must come with a staggering price tag. Let's bust that myth right now. While this is often true for Western countries, the cost of education in India is comparatively much lower, making it a financially viable option for many Bangladeshi students.
Take the experience of Mehedy Hasan, who completed a four-year B.Tech in Computer Science at Lovely Professional University (LPU). His total tuition fees for the entire program were around 520,000 INR, which is roughly Tk600,000. Beyond tuition, living expenses are also incredibly manageable. Mehedy noted that 15,000 rupees a month was enough to lead a very comfortable life in Punjab. To put that in perspective, that’s significantly less than the cost of rent alone in many Western student cities.
"When you compare Indian private universities' course fees and other expenses, you will see that on average they are cheaper. What is more, accommodation, food and other living expenses are way cheaper in India. At the same time, their degrees are valued in Western countries. That's a huge plus point."
For a more detailed breakdown of tuition fees, scholarships, and living costs at top institutions like Sharda University, Noida International University, Chandigarh University, and Galgotias University, check out our in-depth guide: Study in India 2025: A Complete Guide for Bangladeshi Students. This resource is especially designed for students from Dinajpur, Rangpur, and other northern districts of Bangladesh who want a clear picture of how affordable and practical studying in India can be.
2. You Can Get a Fully-Funded Scholarship Without IELTS or TOEFL.
Here's something that might surprise you: you can secure a fully-funded scholarship to study in India without the stress and expense of standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. This is a game-changer for so many students.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship is a prime example. This prestigious, fully-funded program covers all major expenses for Bangladeshi students, including tuition, accommodation, travel, and even a monthly stipend. Dipto Saha, an ICCR scholar, was amazed by how simple the process was. The application was entirely online and, crucially, did not require an IELTS or TOEFL score. While studying, he received a monthly stipend of 18,000 Indian rupees for his undergraduate program, allowing him to focus entirely on his goals. Beyond government aid, many private universities offer significant support. For instance, Sharda University offers up to a 50% scholarship on tuition fees for Bangladeshi students with a GPA between 3.5 and 5.0 in key programs like B.Tech, BBA, MBA, and BCA.
"Getting here is a life-changing experience as an international student. It provides an opportunity to pursue academic and career goals in a multicultural and intellectually stimulating environment while receiving full financial support."
3. Your Degree Will Be From a Globally-Recognized University.
Don't for a second think that affordability means you're compromising on quality. In recent years, India has rapidly emerged as a leading higher education hub in South Asia, with institutions that command global respect.
The data speaks for itself: India has 41 universities in the prestigious QS top 1,000 world rankings, with four of those institutions placing in the top 250. Premier government institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are renowned globally for their excellence in engineering, management, and medicine, respectively. Private universities also hold high credentials; Sharda University, for example, has earned a NAAC "A+" accreditation, the highest benchmark for academic excellence. This isn't just about saving money; it's about a powerful value proposition. You can earn a degree from a university that is globally competitive, opening doors in the West, without taking on the financial burden typically associated with that level of prestige.
4. There's a Critical Step You Must Take Within 14 Days of Arriving.
Okay, this is a crucial piece of insider info that you absolutely need to know. While your focus will be on academics and settling in, there's a mandatory legal requirement that every foreign student on a long-term visa must complete almost immediately.
According to Indian regulations, all foreign students visiting on a Student Visa valid for more than 180 days must register themselves with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO). This registration must be completed within 14 days of arriving in India. Fortunately, this process is now streamlined through the government's official "Study in India" portal. To comply, you must first get a compulsory SII ID through the portal and then use it to apply for your E-FRRO registration. Missing this 14-day deadline isn't a minor oversight; it can lead to legal penalties, fines, and significant complications with your visa status that can jeopardize your ability to continue your studies.
5. You Don't Need a Middleman (In Fact, You Should Be Wary of Them).
In your search for information, it can be tempting to turn to education agents. However, when it comes to official government scholarships, I need you to be very careful here, as this can be a dangerous mistake.
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh has made it explicitly clear that the Government of India has not appointed any agents for processing ICCR scholarship applications. They have issued specific warnings against organizations like “GEE Bangladesh” for illegally acting as an agent and collecting payments. In Bangladesh, using an education consultancy is common practice for studying abroad, which makes this warning especially critical. For official Indian government scholarships like the ICCR, the rules are different and engaging with unauthorized agents is not just unnecessary—it's actively dangerous to your application. It can lead to the immediate cancellation of your application and even getting blacklisted from future travel to India.
For official government scholarships, the only channels you should use are the High Commission of India in Dhaka and its Assistant High Commissions in Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna and Chittagong.
Studying in India offers a powerful combination that is often underestimated: world-class quality, surprising affordability, and invaluable cultural proximity. For you, as a Bangladeshi student, it represents a chance to earn a globally recognized degree and access fully-funded scholarships without the usual hurdles. It’s a practical and prestigious alternative to the traditional, and often unattainable, study abroad path.
With top-tier education, accessible scholarships, and a vibrant cultural experience just across the border, isn't it time to reconsider what 'studying abroad' can truly mean for you?
Studying in India offers a powerful combination that is often underestimated: world-class quality, surprising affordability, and invaluable cultural proximity. For you, as a Bangladeshi student, it represents a chance to earn a globally recognized degree and access fully-funded scholarships without the usual hurdles. It’s a practical and prestigious alternative to the traditional, and often unattainable, study abroad path.
With top-tier education, accessible scholarships, and a vibrant cultural experience just across the border, isn't it time to reconsider what 'studying abroad' can truly mean for you?
👉 Western Bangla Education (WBE) provides free, authorized guidance for Bangladeshi students seeking admission to Sharda University, Noida International University, Chandigarh University, and Galgotias University. As an official and trusted partner, WBE ensures a smooth, transparent process—from application to admission and visa support.
📲 Contact us on WhatsApp: +8801611533385 to start your journey today.