Russia's decision to increase the number of government scholarships available to Bangladeshi students from 65 to 200 has generated renewed interest in the country's higher education system, with students increasingly exploring Russia as an affordable destination for academic and professional development.
The expanded scholarship program, announced by the Russian House in Dhaka, covers Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD studies at Russian universities. The initiative comes at a time when many Bangladeshi students are looking beyond traditional study destinations in search of quality education at comparatively lower costs.
The scholarship expansion has also fueled growing demand for Russian language education. Institutions including the Russian House in Dhaka, the Institute of Modern Languages at the University of Dhaka, Stamford University Bangladesh, the State University of Bangladesh, and several private language centers now offer Russian language courses while providing information on admission procedures, scholarships, and student life in Russia.
In June, Alexandra Khlevnoy, director of the Russian House in Bangladesh, said that increasing the number of scholarships to 200 reflected Russia's commitment to strengthening educational cooperation with Bangladesh. She expressed hope that the expanded program would encourage more Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in the country.
For many students, affordability is a major consideration.
Hossen Md Jubaer, a Bangladeshi medical student at RUDN University in Moscow, said the Russian government has long offered scholarships to Bangladeshi students, while interest in self-funded study opportunities has also grown in recent years.
According to him, Bangladeshi students are currently enrolled in medicine, engineering, science, and technology programs at universities across Russia, attracted by relatively affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities.
Ahad Akand Dhiraj, a Bangladeshi journalism student at RUDN University, said practical learning is one of the key strengths of Russian higher education.
He said engineering education places strong emphasis on laboratory work and hands-on training, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge through practical exercises rather than relying solely on classroom instruction. He also noted that RUDN University hosts students from around 140 countries, providing an international learning environment.
The scholarship expansion has drawn the attention of students in Bangladesh as well.
Rumakanta Ray, a third-year textile engineering student at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), said he began considering Russia for higher education after learning about the scholarship opportunities while pursuing his undergraduate studies. He believes the country's engineering programs and comparatively affordable education make it an attractive option.
Education experts say Russia has historically remained an important destination for Bangladeshi students, particularly in science, engineering, medicine, and technical disciplines.
Professor MM Akash, former professor at the University of Dhaka, said Russian universities have traditionally appealed to Bangladeshi students because of government-supported education and comparatively lower study costs than many Western countries.
He added that while Bangladesh's public universities receive substantial government subsidies, private higher education remains expensive for many families. In his view, Russian universities have traditionally placed greater emphasis on developing practical skills and professional competence alongside academic learning.
Dr Barek Kaiser, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Development Alternative (UODA) and a graduate of RUDN University, said the expanded scholarship program offers valuable opportunities for talented Bangladeshi students.
He said many scholarship recipients receive tuition support, stipends, and access to research and internship opportunities, making Russia a viable option for students seeking quality higher education without significant financial burdens.
Despite the growing interest, studying in Russia also presents challenges. Students often need to complete Russian language training before beginning their academic programs, adapt to a different climate and culture, and understand the recognition requirements for professional degrees after returning to Bangladesh. Prospective applicants are also advised to carefully review scholarship conditions, admission requirements, and visa regulations before applying.
As Bangladesh and Russia continue to expand educational cooperation, the increase in government scholarships is expected to encourage more Bangladeshi students to consider Russia among their higher education options. Education experts, however, stress that students should evaluate universities, academic programs, career prospects, and degree recognition before making a final decision about studying abroad.
