Pakistan launches major scholarship drive for Bangladeshi students
Pakistan education expo in Bangladesh offers 500 scholarships, expanding access to STEM, medicine and research opportunities amid rising global study costs
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Pakistan has launched a major scholarship programme offering 500 higher-education opportunities for Bangladeshi students, aiming to expand academic mobility and access to affordable study pathways as international education costs continue to surge.
The initiative was announced at the largest Pakistan Education Expo held in Bangladesh, organized in Dhaka on Monday by the Pakistan High Commission in partnership with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC).
More than 15 top-ranked Pakistani universities participated, engaging directly with students seeking opportunities to study abroad.
The expo showcased undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across medicine, engineering, computer science, information technology, agriculture, social sciences and rapidly growing sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced robotics.
According to organizers, the initiative responds to growing interest among Bangladeshi students seeking affordable access to quality higher education and international research exposure at a time when tuition fees in Western and Gulf universities have become increasingly out of reach for middle-income families.
The scholarship program is also positioned to support Bangladesh’s national priorities in skill development and innovation.
Education experts at the expo said cross-border academic exchanges can play a critical role in strengthening research ecosystems in South Asia, where student mobility remains low compared to other global regions.
They emphasized that opportunities in STEM fields, emerging technologies, and joint research programmes are vital for preparing youth for rapidly evolving job markets.
Students attending the expo engaged directly with university representatives to learn about admission processes, program structures, research facilities, and post-study pathways.
Many said they were drawn by lower tuition costs, English-medium instruction, and academic sectors in which Pakistani universities have developed strong reputations, particularly computer science, medical education, and advanced engineering.
The expo will now travel to Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet to expand outreach beyond Dhaka and ensure wider access for students from different regions of Bangladesh.
Observers say such initiatives reflect a broader push for people-to-people connectivity through education, shifting the focus from diplomatic protocol towards practical collaboration that benefits young learners and research communities.
As the region experiences rapid demographic growth, analysts warn that failure to expand affordable higher-education pathways risks leaving millions without competitive skills required in global markets.
Organizers expressed optimism that the education corridor would evolve into long-term partnerships including joint research centers, faculty exchanges, and industry-linked innovation programs.
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