Where and what to study?
The right choice balances your interests against entry requirements, total cost, visa rules and lifestyle. Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA each have real strengths — and real limits.
What this step involves
When: 10–12 months before your intake · about 4–8 weeks
Start with the course, then the country
Pick a field that links to your career goal, then compare how each country teaches it. Look at modules, research options, placements and graduate outcomes — not only rankings.
Know how the countries differ
The UK has shorter degrees, often a one-year master's. The USA offers flexible majors and research depth. Canada is known for co-op programmes, Australia for student support, New Zealand for a calmer pace, Ireland for multinational employers, and Malaysia for lower costs and branch campuses of foreign universities.
Check your eligibility honestly
Compare your HSC/A level grades or bachelor's CGPA with published requirements. Some courses need specific subjects — Mathematics for engineering, Biology for health sciences. A three-year bachelor's from Bangladesh is not accepted for every master's, so check each university.
Budget for the full cost
Add tuition, accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, visa fees and flights. Living costs differ a lot between a capital city and a regional town — sometimes by a third.
Look for scholarships early
Universities, governments and foundations offer awards, and many close months before the admission deadline. Some are automatic for strong results; others need a separate essay.
Think about lifestyle and work rights
Decide whether you want a big city or a quieter campus town. Check the current part-time work allowance and post-study options on the destination pages.
Consider a pathway
If your grades or English score fall slightly short, a foundation, diploma or pre-master's programme can lead into the degree. This often suits O/A level students or students with a lower HSC GPA.
Your checklist for this step
- Shortlist two or three countries
- Shortlist five to eight universities, from ambitious to safe
- Compare entry requirements with your results
- Note the English score each course needs
- Build a full cost sheet for each option
- List scholarships and their deadlines
- Talk to current students or alumni
- Confirm the intake dates
How Khan Eduway helps at this step
- A shortlist matched to your results, budget and goal — from our partner universities and beyond
- A side-by-side cost sheet in taka, including living costs and the visa funds rule
- Scholarship matching, with the deadlines on one page
Questions about this step
How do I choose between two countries?
Compare total cost, course length, work rights, visa requirements and what you want after graduation. We put the two side by side on one sheet so the difference is plain.
Do rankings matter?
They are one signal. Course content, accreditation and graduate employment usually matter more for your career. Our rankings pages explain how to read them.
Can I go abroad straight after HSC?
Yes. Most destinations accept HSC for bachelor's or foundation entry, usually with an English test score.
Which subjects are most popular with Bangladeshi students?
Business, computer science, data science, engineering and health sciences. Popular is not the same as right for you — choose the field that fits your strengths and goal.
Ready for step 3? We can take it with you.
Free counselling at our Lalmatia office or on WhatsApp. We will check where you are and write down exactly what comes next.