Verified Facts

Official NamePeople's Republic of Bangladesh
CapitalDhaka
Population169.8 million
Area147,570 km² (56,977 sq mi)
LanguagesBengali
CurrencyBangladeshi taka (à§³)
TimezoneUTC+06:00
RegionAsia / Southern Asia
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$9,647 (2024)
Inflation Rate10.5% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$53 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend79.3% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)2.0% (2024)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Bangladesh varies depending on the type of institution, with public schools being generally free or subsidized, while private schools and international schools can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)2.0%
Literacy Rate73.9%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Academic Year12 months
CurrencyBDT

Education System Overview

The education system in Bangladesh is divided into public and private sectors, with the public sector being the largest. The public education system is generally considered to be of lower quality compared to the private sector, with limited resources and infrastructure. The language of instruction in public schools is Bengali, while private schools may offer English as a medium of instruction. Compulsory education in Bangladesh lasts for 12 years, from primary to higher secondary level. International schools are also available in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International Exams.

The quality of education in Bangladesh is a major concern, with many students opting for private tuition and coaching centers to supplement their learning. The government has implemented various initiatives to improve the education system, including the introduction of free textbooks and mid-day meals for students. However, the education system still faces challenges such as teacher shortages and infrastructure deficits. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has made significant progress in increasing enrollment rates and literacy rates in recent years.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)Limited resources and infrastructure
Private Primary$100-$500Range by tier, with top-tier schools offering better facilities and teachers
Public Secondary$0 (free)Limited resources and infrastructure
Private Secondary$200-$1,000Range by tier, with top-tier schools offering better facilities and teachers
International School$2,000-$5,000Curriculum types include International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International Exams, and British GCSE

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$100-$500$500-$1,000Limited seats available for international students
Private University$1,000-$3,000$2,000-$5,000Range by tier, with top-tier universities offering better facilities and faculty
Top-Ranked University$2,000-$4,000$3,000-$6,000Includes universities like Dhaka University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$20-$50Limited availability, especially in rural areas
Private Tutoring (per hour)$5-$10Common practice to supplement school learning
Language Course (monthly)$30-$50Includes courses in English, Arabic, and Chinese
School Supplies (annual)$10-$20Includes textbooks, notebooks, and stationery
School Uniform$10-$20Required for all students, with prices varying by school

Education Quality & Tips

  • The best schools for expats in Bangladesh are international schools, which offer a range of curricula and extracurricular activities.
  • Scholarship availability is limited, but some universities and organizations offer scholarships to meritorious students.
  • Online learning options are becoming increasingly popular, with many universities and institutions offering online courses and degree programs.
  • The education quality in Bangladesh is generally considered to be lower compared to other countries in the region, but there are some excellent institutions that offer high-quality education.
  • English language proficiency is highly valued in Bangladesh, and many students opt for private tuition to improve their English skills.
  • Cultural adaptation is important for international students, who should be prepared to adjust to the local culture and customs.
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