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A significant number of Bangladeshi students are choosing to pursue their education overseas, reflecting a growing desire to explore new horizons and secure better opportunities. While traditional favourites like the UK and the USA remain popular, Canada has steadily gained ground as a top destination. For many young people, studying abroad has become about more than just academics--it's a stepping stone towards building a future, often with the hope of settling abroad. Young individuals view Canadian education not only as an academic opportunity but also as a pathway to permanent residency. Many students are drawn to Canadian institutions that they perceive to offer greater research opportunities, technical learning, employment advantages and a possible permanent stay. However, students should assess whether a foreign degree will equip them with skills valued in both local and global job markets in the long term.
Canada surpassed one million international students in 2023, marking a 29 per cent increase from the previous year. Of these, Bangladeshi nationals constituted a growing portion, alongside students from India, China, and Nigeria. The institutional welcome to students willing to study and work in Canada speaks to the country's intent to attract motivated individuals. Before coming here, students should factor in how study permits may evolve into post-graduation work rights and potential permanent residency.
I received the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow (KMILOT) Award at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada. This is a fully funded scholarship having a 0.03 per cent acceptance rate, which covers tuition fees, housing, living expenses, health insurance, textbooks, and airfare. I am currently a second-year student studying Mathematics of Information. Before applying, I asked myself whether the scholarship was just a title or a genuine opportunity to pursue values and long-term goals. For me, clarity of purpose was crucial. I believe students should take time to reflect on why they are applying and ensure their strategy aligns with their personal goals.
Application strategy and resources: Rather than following popular resources, I made my own strategy. Blog posts by earlier Bangladeshi scholarship recipients such as Shabab Tashrif Zaman from Princeton and Tarik Adnan Moon from Harvard were helpful. Numerous valuable videos have been created by knowledgeable seniors such as Seeam Shahid Noor, Anika Tabassum, Samin Rahman, and Bristy Sikder. Additionally, I found a YouTube playlist conducted by Amlan Sinha and Saiti Srabonti Halder, which comprehensively addressed various aspects of the application process as well as the transition to university life. Although I watched these sessions as recordings, their quality and depth were remarkable. However, my answers were my own. I learnt from others and then reflected my thoughts and purpose in my essays and Common App entries. Comparison was never an option for me.
Coming from a middle-class background, I relied exclusively on free resources throughout my journey. ElevatEd School's YouTube content, which included line-by-line essay reviews, came out extremely helpful. I was already fluent in mathematics and English; so just fifteen days of SAT preparation worked out for me. I only submitted my SAT scores to institutions accepting students of the same score range of mine. I took the Duolingo English Test (DET) and scored 140 out of 160. My preparation was limited to the official practice materials available on the Duolingo website. Those resources were enough for me to understand the test format and practise within a short period. I did not enrol in any paid course or consultancy for the whole application process.
After getting my acceptance letter, I took the IELTS exam only for visa processing purposes, as I had heard that Canadian visa authorities often prefer IELTS results. I did not prepare separately for IELTS either and appeared for it casually. My band score was 7.5.
Students who are planning to apply to Canadian universities should consider taking DET first, especially if they have limited preparation time or budget. However, they should also be aware that some universities or visa offices may still require IELTS, so checking the requirements beforehand is important. Students should seek out freely available tools, plan test-taking carefully, and tailor score submissions with intentionality. They should try to reach out to people who have gone through the same journey.
Demonstrating interest and unique profiles: I actively engaged in information sessions and Instagram QnA takeovers of the institutions I applied to. I submitted Portfolio material-for example, a one-minute short-film titled "Maisha Morshed directed by Maisha Morshed"- even to institutions that did not offer interviews. Students should do the research on their own. Students should consider submitting additional material and asking informed questions in information sessions and try to interact with the engagement as much as possible. Every application needs to be customised and requires focused effort.
Mental health and family's support: The application process will humble you. Online interviews that I attended were at late hours; over 100 essays were drafted, and I also had my academic projects. So, having supportive parents changed the game. I did "pay what you can" course by College Essay Guy for free, and took guidance from YouTube channels including InGenius Prep, SCORE, College Essay Advisors, CounselorJay, and EducationUSA Kazakhstan. Yale's podcast featuring their admission officers came handy. Students should plan for mental health challenges and seek support through both community and free educational content.
The decision to apply to UBC was made only after my mother suggested it by watching a video on it. Then I looked up the website and found the profile of a Bangladeshi KMILOT scholar. Her story gave me a sense of belonging and I decided I want to apply here. And just like that, emotional resonance replaced academic strategy, and the UBC application was written from genuine thoughts rather than multiple polished drafts. And eventually, my only application to one Canadian institution over multiple US colleges made it to full-ride. Students should remain receptive to unexpected opportunities and trust in honest self-expression.
Understanding UBC's International Scholars Program: UBC's International Scholars Program includes four categories: KMILOT, DWISA, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award. Scholars are considered for the appropriate category based on their profile; applicants do not select the award. Students should review each award's criteria on the UBC website and record important deadlines accordingly.
Final reflections: Receiving the KMILOT award is only one part of my journey. After arriving in Canada, I was introduced to the concept of land acknowledgement and the importance of recognising multiple histories and identities. These were concepts I had never encountered in my formal education in Bangladesh. Since then, I have often asked myself what more I can do for my country, and utilise the resources I'm getting here.
We should remember that success is not defined solely by scholarship or global mobility. Value lies in contributing to community, preserving humility, and shaping spaces where others may belong. By pursuing education abroad, students should also consider the impact they can have when sharing their stories and forging inclusive environments.
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