With a growing reputation for quality education and affordable tuition, China has emerged as a popular destination for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher studies, drawing thousands to its top universities in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, and technology.

China offers a wide range of opportunities for international students, with one of the main attractions being the availability of scholarships.

The Chinese government, along with numerous universities, provides generous scholarships such as the China Government Scholarship, Belt and Road Scholarship, and various Provincial Scholarships. These often cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even monthly living expenses.

The quality of education in China has also improved significantly, with many Chinese universities now ranked among the best in the world. Bangladeshi students have the opportunity to learn from experienced professors, access modern laboratories, and interact with peers from diverse international backgrounds.

In response to a question about the facilities available to international students in China, Professor He of Minzu University said that studying in China is considerably more affordable than in many European countries, primarily due to the low tuition fees.

He further noted that most students—particularly undergraduates—live on campus and are supported through a structured tutorial system.

When asked whether there are any specific scholarships or financial aid options available for Bangladeshi students, Professor He said that while China offers a wide range of scholarships, he was unsure if there is any financial aid programme tailored specifically for Bangladeshi students.

Md Ataur Rahman Sobuj, a BSc student at Beijing Jiaotong University, remarked that China is one of the greatest countries in the world.

He said, "I've been living here since 2018 and doing everything smoothly. I only had to pay around Tk 40,000 in my first year of diploma. Later, I got a Tk 1 lac scholarship due to my good result in the first year, and I did not have to pay any money for the diploma. Now, I am doing my BSc, and I also secured a China Government Scholarship."

Md Ataur Rahman Sobuj (left) receives 'Outstanding Student Award 2024' from Beijing Jiaotong University.

Since China is growing global influence, studying here helps Bangladeshi students build strong international networks and improve their job prospects in both China and Bangladesh. However, studying in China is not without its difficulties. Language is a major challenge.

"Although many universities offer courses in English, students still need to learn basic Chinese to communicate in daily life. This can be hard for those with no background in the language," Sobuj added.

"Those who know the Chinese very well, it's very easy to find a good job not only in China but also any place in the world," he further added.

Regarding security in China, Sobuj described China as a very safe, secure, and peaceful country with widespread surveillance, where the hardworking and easygoing people have a strong love for work.

Cultural differences also take time to adjust to. From food habits to classroom behaviour, many things are quite different from life in Bangladesh. Some students also face feelings of loneliness or homesickness, especially during their first year.

Despite the challenges, many Bangladeshi students believe that studying in China is a valuable experience. Education experts in Bangladesh have also encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities but advised them to prepare well before moving.

With better support from both governments and universities, the journey of Bangladeshi students in China can become smoother and more successful. According to the official statement of the Bangladesh China Youth Student Association (BCYSA), around 12,000 Bangladeshi students are studying in China.