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Guide for Bangladeshi students · Figures checked September 2026

Study in USA from Bangladesh 2027 — Cost, Visa & Scholarships

The widest choice of universities and funding, with up to three years of work on STEM OPT after graduating. Everything a student from Bangladesh needs: tuition fees, the USA student visa requirements, IELTS scores, intakes, scholarships and part-time work rights.

Map of USA
USA · USD
At a glanceUSD
Intakes
Fall — August / September · Spring — January · Summer
Visa
F-1 student visa
Work in term
20 hours a week, on campus
After graduating
12 months OPT; up to 36 for STEM

Why study in USA as a Bangladeshi student?

US graduate programmes, especially in STEM, offer teaching and research assistantships that can cover most of the cost. STEM graduates can work for up to three years on OPT, and degrees are flexible, with the largest number of top-ranked research universities anywhere. The visa interview is the decisive step, so preparation matters.

  • Funding for graduate study

    Teaching and research assistantships often waive tuition and pay a stipend — the most common way Bangladeshi graduate students are funded.

  • Up to three years of work

    12 months of OPT after each degree, plus 24 more for STEM graduates.

  • Flexible degrees

    Choose your major after the first year, and combine subjects in ways few other systems allow.

  • Research depth

    More top-ranked research universities than any other country.

Cost of studying in USA: tuition and living costs

Indicative tuition in USA
LevelIndicative tuition
Community collegeAbout USD 6,000–20,000 a year
Bachelor'sAbout USD 20,000–40,000 a year; top private universities USD 60,000+
Master'sAbout USD 20,000–45,000 a year; PhDs are usually funded

Indicative ranges; each course page has the exact fee.

Funds the visa asks you to show
Funds rule
Show liquid funds for at least the first year of the cost of attendance on your I-20
Cost of attendance
Set by each university — tuition, living costs and insurance together
Living costs
About USD 10,000–25,000 a year, depending on the city

USA student visa from Bangladesh

Visa
F-1 student visa
Enrolment document
Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved school
Fee
USD 185 visa application fee plus the USD 350 SEVIS I-901 fee
Processing
Interview wait varies by season; book as soon as you have your I-20
How Bangladeshi students apply
DS-160 online, then an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Dhaka.

Documents you will need

  • Form I-20, signed by you and the school
  • DS-160 confirmation, including your social media handles from the last five years
  • SEVIS I-901 and visa fee receipts
  • Proof of funds matching the I-20 — statements, solvency certificates, sponsor documents, loan or scholarship letters
  • Transcripts, certificates and test scores
  • Passport valid at least six months beyond your stay

Part-time work and post-study work rights

While you study
Up to 20 hours a week on campus during term, full-time in official breaks. Off-campus work only through CPT or special approval.
After you graduate
Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12 months after each degree level, plus a 24-month STEM extension — up to 36 months in total for STEM graduates.

Entry requirements and IELTS for USA

Undergraduate
HSC or A-levels. The SAT or ACT is optional at many universities, but a strong score helps with merit scholarships.
Postgraduate
Usually 16 years of education — a four-year bachelor's. The GRE or GMAT is optional at many programmes but often expected for funding and competitive STEM or MBA programmes.
English
TOEFL iBT (typically 79–100), IELTS Academic (6.0–7.0), Duolingo (105–125) and PTE Academic are widely accepted. Some universities waive the test for an English-medium degree.

Popular subjects

  • Computer & data science
  • Electrical & computer engineering
  • Business analytics & MBA
  • Civil & mechanical engineering
  • Public health
  • Economics & finance

Universities in USA popular with Bangladeshi students

  • Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ · Public · Fall, SpringKnown for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Business & MBA
  • University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX · Public · Fall, SpringKnown for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Nursing & Health
  • University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX · Public · Fall, SpringKnown for Computer Science & IT, Data Science & AI, Business & MBA
  • University of HoustonHouston, TX · Public · Fall, SpringKnown for Engineering, Business & MBA, Pharmacy
  • Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX · Public · Fall, SpringKnown for Engineering, Business & MBA, Economics
  • Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA · Private · Fall, SpringKnown for Computer Science & IT, Data Science & AI, Engineering
  • University of South FloridaTampa, FL · Public · Fall, SpringKnown for Public Health, Engineering, Business & MBA
  • New York UniversityNew York, NY · Private · FallKnown for Business & MBA, Law (LLB & LLM), Economics

Recruitment policies change, and some universities pause intakes from Bangladesh. Check with us before you apply. Search all universities →

USA scholarships for Bangladeshi students

  • Fulbright Foreign Student ProgramFully funded master's — tuition, living stipend, flights and insurance. The 2027–28 round closed in July 2026; the next usually opens in spring.
  • Hubert H. Humphrey FellowshipA fully funded year of non-degree study and professional development for mid-career professionals.
  • Graduate assistantshipsTeaching and research assistantships that often waive tuition and pay a monthly stipend.
  • University merit scholarshipsPartial scholarships for strong undergraduate applicants, often linked to grades and test scores.

Questions about studying in USA

Can I skip the visa interview?

Almost certainly not — nearly all F-1 applicants must attend an in-person interview.

Is OPT being abolished?

No. OPT and STEM OPT continue.

How much do I need in the bank?

At least the first-year total on your I-20. A stronger application shows how the whole course will be funded.

Can I apply for the visa in another country for a faster appointment?

You are generally expected to apply in Bangladesh, your country of nationality and residence.

Ready to start your USA application?

Bring your results, passport and budget to our Lalmatia office. We will shortlist courses that fit, check the visa funds rule against your family's documents, and tell you honestly what your chances are.