For many Bangladeshi students, getting a higher education abroad is a dream. But the main obstacle they face in this case is the high expenses of obtaining a degree abroad. 

That’s when they start seeking opportunities for a scholarship that will cover the expenses for them. Many top-ranking universities of the world offer scholarships for gifted students to help them achieve their goals. 

One such institute is Arkangel University in Antigua and Barbuda, providing scholarships to medical aspirants from all over the globe. 

In this blog, we’ll briefly discuss some MD scholarship programs for Bangladeshis provided by some of the best medical universities of the world.

Why Study for an MD Degree Abroad from Bangladesh?

Studying MD abroad is becoming more and more preferable for Bangladeshi students for many factors, such as:

1. The Rising Competition of Admission Tests: Admission tests for public medical institutes are very competitive in Bangladesh, and the private ones are highly expensive. 
2. Affordable Tuition Fees: Many medical institutes abroad offer better medical education at a similar expense than Bangladeshi ones.
3. Better Career Opportunities: Degree offered by medical universities abroad are recognized all over the world, meaning that the students can develop a career in medicine in any country of their choice after completing their degree.
4. International Exposure: Studying abroad gives you more than just a degree. It enriches you with new experiences and trains you to face new challenges testing your potential. Plus, the medical universities are better equipped with facilities and medical technologies than Bangladesh.

Benefits of Studying MD Instead of MBBS

Although in terms of qualification, MBBS and MD hold equivalent significance. There are some  fundamental differences between MBBS and MD. Still, MD is more preferred by international students for several reasons:

1. Global Recognition

• MD is the standard medical qualification that is recognized by countries like the USA and Canada.
• The courses taught in an MD program make it easier for the applicants to sit for licensing exams such as USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).
• The countries that follow the US curriculum of medical education also provide MD degrees for international students. Countries like the Philippines and the Caribbean nations are more accessible for Bangladeshi students.
• An MBBS degree is only recognized in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and South Africa. While an MD degree is recognized all over the world. 
• Students who have studied MBBS have to take an additional MD course if they want to practice abroad, but students with an MD can directly sit for the licensing examination of the country of their choice.

2. Strong Clinical Relations with US and Other Developed Countries

• MD programs in countries like Antigua and Barbuda are affiliated with the US curriculum.
• MD students from these countries can make clinical rotations to the US, gaining first-hand experience of world-class clinical training, residency programs, and job opportunities there.

3. Curriculum Focus

• MD programs are more focused on problem-solving and skill development. 
• MBBS programs are mostly based on theory, and students have to take additional clinical training(s) to gain practical experience, depending on the country they are studying in.

Countries That Offer MD Programs For Bangladeshi Students

• The United States
• Caribbean Countries (e.g. St. Luica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados)
• Philippines
• Russia
• Ukraine (Pre-war) / Georgia / Kazakhstan
• Canada

Things to Keep In Mind

• Always check if the university is recognized by the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC) if you plan to return and practice in Bangladesh.
• Make sure the program prepares you for international licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, or AMC.

MD Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

There are many prestigious scholarships in foreign universities that are open for Bangladeshi students. Here are some of the notable ones:

1. Government Scholarships

• The Government of Bangladesh often provides scholarships to students who want to study abroad. One such scholarship is the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust.
• Many countries like China, Japan, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, Malaysia, and Egypt offer government-funded scholarships specially to students of specific countries including Bangladesh.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

• Many universities overseas offer scholarships assessing the academic excellence, financial condition, and/or research potential of the applicant.

3. Private and NGO-Based Scholarships

• Organizations such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and SAARC scholarships offer funding for Bangladeshi students.
• NGOs and private organizations also provide financial support to meritorious students who are in need of it.

Why Choose Arkangel University?

Arkangel University is one of the top choices for Bangladeshi students who are seeking an MD degree abroad. Located in a renowned international academic center, the university offers top-tier medical education with the latest medical technologies and facilities. Here’s a sneak-peak into what the university offers:

• Affordable Tuition Fees: The university offers lucrative tuition fees, making it a preferred destination for Bangladeshi students.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Arkangel University provides many scholarships to foreign students, taking the financial burden of medical education off their shoulders.
• Clinical Training and Research Opportunities: Students acquire practical clinical training in highly facilitated and fully-equipped hospitals.
• Multicultural Environment: The university boasts of a diverse student body from all countries and backgrounds, encouraging intercultural education. 

How To Find Scholarships

There are so many scholarship programs open for Bangladeshi students who want to study MD abroad. Finding the right one might seem a lot of work at first, but once you start to get the hang of where to look and what to look for, it gets easier. Here are some reliable sources that you can check out to see which scholarship program fits your needs the best:

• University Official Websites: You should frequently visit the official website of the university of your choice to see if there are any scholarship programs that you could apply for.
• Embassy and High Commission Websites: Some government-funded scholarship circulars are often displayed in the government and high commission websites. If you have a preferred country, you can try checking their website out.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with various government agencies in Bangladesh often announces scholarship and fellowship options for students from Bangladesh. If you’re interested in such programs, you can visit their website.
• Educational Consultancy Services: Many agencies in Bangladesh offer consultancy to students who want to apply for scholarships abroad. These agencies assist students from deciding what type of program works the best for them and throughout the entire process of applying to these programs step-by-step. However, before reaching out to any such agency, make sure they are well-recognized and trustworthy.

Scholarship Programs Offered By Arkangel University

Arkangel University offers different types of scholarship programs for foreign students including Bangladeshis. These programs include:

1. Chairman’s Scholarship – This covers the full tuition fee of one outstanding student from second year onwards.
2. Deputy Chairman’s Scholarship – Another full-tuition scholarship which is granted to a second high-achieving student from the second year.
3. Additional Scholarships: Any student who maintains over 95% marks throughout their studies is eligible for a 10% scholarship on their tuition fees.
4. Arkangel University also provides Need-based scholarships, with opportunities for minority students. Eligibility depends on the student’s motivations and academic performance.

How to Apply for MD Scholarships at Arkangel University

Apart from the typical procedures of applying for a foreign scholarship, Arkangel University requires some specific criteria to be filled in before you apply. These are:

1. Check Eligibility: Go through the specific criteria of every scholarship thoroughly before applying to see if you’re eligible.
2. Prepare Required Documents: These documents include academic papers, reference letters, a statement of purpose, and proof of financial need.
3. Attend Interviews (if required): Some scholarships require an interview as part of the selection process.
4. Receive Notification: Accepted applicants receive an official confirmation of their scholarship award.

To Sum It Up

For Bangladeshi students aspiring to become doctors, MD scholarships provide a route to receive high-quality medical education without financial burden. 

Arkangel University is recognized as an exceptional choice for Bangladeshi students, offering numerous scholarships, top-tier education, and abundant career prospects. 

As a Bangladeshi student interested in medicine, thoroughly researching scholarship options at Arkangel University might come handy for achieving your aspirations.