For students in Bangladesh, the dream of a European degree is more attainable than ever. Europe offers a powerful combination of world-class education, high visa success rates, and significantly affordable options compared to the US, Canada, or Australia.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the easiest countries, best programs, and the most crucial information on securing your student visa with spouse (dependent visa) to ensure a smooth transition from Dhaka to the heart of Europe.
The Easiest European Countries for Bangladeshi Students
While Germany, France, and Italy are top choices, the overall “easiest” countries often combine a streamlined visa process with favorable financial requirements.
| Country | Tuition Status | Spouse/Dependent Visa Work Rights | Visa Process Note |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | FREE (Public Universities) | ✅ YES (Full-time work rights) | Requires blocked account proof, but the process is highly transparent. |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Moderate (€8K – €15K/yr) | ✅ YES (Full-time work for Master’s/PhD spouses) | University-led visa application (MVV/VVR). High success rate. |
| 🇫🇷 France | Low/Moderate (€2.7K – €3.8K/yr) | ✅ YES (Full-time work rights) | Simplified process via Campus France. Great for Business/Arts. |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Low (€2K – €5K/yr) | ❌ NO (Generally visitor visa/limited work) | Highly affordable tuition, but dependent visa process is complex and work is restrictive. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Low/Moderate (€1.5K – €5K/yr) | ✅ YES (Work authorization with residence card) | Requires proof of financial means (IPREM-based). |
The ‘With-Spouse’ Facility Hotlist (Must-Know!)
One of the biggest concerns for married students in Bangladesh is the dependent visa. These countries generally offer the most flexible dependent options:
- Germany: The spouse (on a family reunion visa) receives full work rights. This is one of the strongest benefits in Europe for Master’s and PhD students.
- Netherlands: Spouses of Master’s and PhD students are typically eligible for full-time work permits (partner on a residence permit).
- Sweden: Spouses/cohabiting partners of students can apply for a residence permit and are generally allowed to work.
Simple Steps: The Easy Visa Procedure from Bangladesh
While each country has specifics, the core European visa process for Bangladeshi students is straightforward:
Phase 1: Admission (Bangladesh)
- Select Program: Match your academic background (SSC/HSC/Bachelor’s) to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
- English Proficiency: Apply with IELTS/TOEFL OR apply for an English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your last institution (subject to university acceptance).
- Secure Offer Letter: The university reviews your documents and issues a Conditional/Unconditional Offer.
Phase 2: Visa Application (Dhaka/VFS)
- Financial Proof: Obtain the required proof of funds (e.g., German Blocked Account with $\approx €11,208$ per year, or a standard Bank Solvency/Loan Letter).
- Apostille/Attestation: Get all your academic documents and the Offer Letter attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Bangladesh, and notarized.
- Application Submission: Submit your complete file to the respective Embassy or VFS Global center in Dhaka.
- Crucial Tip: For countries like Germany, pre-verification via the APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) is now mandatory for certain students, adding a crucial layer of document scrutiny.
Best Programs by Degree Level
Choosing the right program is key to maximizing your European career prospects.
🥇 Best for Bachelor’s (BSc/BA)
- Focus: Affordable Tuition & English-Taught Programs.
- Top Countries: Netherlands, Finland, and Ireland. They offer a vast array of high-quality Bachelor’s programs taught entirely in English, especially in Business, IT, and Engineering. These countries provide an excellent foundation for future Master’s studies across Europe.
🥈 Best for Master’s (MSc/MBA)
- Focus: Industry Relevance, Post-Study Work (PSW), and Spouse Facility.
- Top Countries:Germany and Netherlands.
- Germany: Famous for Engineering (e.g., Automotive, Mechanical) and STEM with the benefit of free tuition.
- Netherlands: Leading in Logistics, Data Science, and Business with strong global university rankings. Both offer excellent PSW permits (up to 18 months).
🥉 Best for PhD (Doctorate)
- Focus: Full Funding (Stipend/Salary) and Research Excellence.
- Top Countries:Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- Fully Funded PhDs in Europe are generally treated as Research or Job Positions. Students are hired by a university or research institute and receive a tax-free monthly salary/stipend (e.g., $\approx €1,500 – €2,000$).
- Look for scholarships like DAAD (Germany), Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters/Doctorates, and university-specific positions advertised online.
Top Bangladeshi Universities for Fully Funded Opportunities
Students from specific universities in Bangladesh have historically shown a higher success rate in securing fully funded PhD and Master’s scholarships in top-tier European, North American, and Australian institutions. This is largely due to strong research focus, high GPA requirements, and existing alumni networks.
While specific data is confidential, the following institutions are frequently associated with high international admission rates:
- University of Dhaka (DU): High academic rigor and strong foundation for arts, social sciences, and basic sciences.
- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET): Unmatched reputation for Engineering and STEM fields, leading to fully funded positions in Germany, Sweden, and the US.
- Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST): Noted for its strong performance in Computer Science and Applied Sciences.
- BRAC University (Private): Known for research output in certain departments, especially for Master’s scholarships.
- North South University (Private): Known for research output in certain departments, especially for Master’s scholarships.
- Daffodil International University (Private): A renowned and ranked university for its remarkable and extensive research works and education system.
- IBA, University of Dhaka: Excellent track record for MBA and Business Master’s placements globally.
Pro-Tip: Focus on building a strong research profile, high GRE/GMAT scores, and cultivating relationships with professors for stellar Letters of Recommendation (LORs).