STUDENTS STRUGGLE TO STUDY ABROAD WITHOUT LOCAL EMBASSIES

For many Bangladeshi students, the dream of pursuing higher education abroad is already filled with challenges. Rising tuition fees, fierce competition for scholarships and increasingly complex application procedures are familiar hurdles. However, for students aiming to study in countries that do not maintain embassies or visa centres in Bangladesh, the journey has become even more demanding.
Each year, hundreds of students from cities and towns across the country secure offer letters from universities around the world. Yet, unlike destinations with diplomatic missions in Dhaka, these students are required to travel abroad – often to India, Nepal, the Philippines or Thailand – simply to begin the visa application process.
For 24-year-old Ehsan Chowdhury, a recent graduate of the University of Dhaka, the difficulty began long before he could imagine setting foot on his dream campus. After receiving an offer from a university in Croatia, he discovered that the country does not operate an embassy or visa centre in Bangladesh. Instead, he was required to attend a visa interview and submit documents at the Croatian embassy in New Delhi.
“I had carefully saved money for tuition and living expenses,” Ehsan said. “But suddenly I had to budget for flights, accommodation and another round of paperwork. It felt like starting all over again. Sometimes I question whether it is even worth it.”

Extra Travel, Extra Costs
Students say the additional travel requirements often push their expenses far beyond initial estimates. A direct flight to Europe already places a significant strain on middle-income families. Adding an extra trip to New Delhi or Manila for visa processing can increase costs by thousands of taka.
Nusrat Jahan, an engineering graduate from Chattogram preparing for a master’s degree in Slovakia, described her experience as exhausting. “I had to travel by bus to Dhaka, then fly to New Delhi and stay there for three nights just to submit my documents. It was stressful and expensive. If there were a local embassy, the process would be far simpler.”
Farhan Fuad Bin Mamun, who received an offer from a Finnish university, pointed out another challenge. “Although Finland has an embassy in India, recent political unrest has made it extremely difficult to obtain an Indian visa. We are earning admission to some of the world’s best universities, yet still struggling to access the opportunity.”

Visa Delays and Unclear Information
The absence of local embassies also affects communication and clarity. Students often rely on emails and online portals to confirm requirements, but responses can be slow or unclear. Without a diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, information is sometimes inconsistent, leading to missing documents, repeated travel and prolonged delays.
“It is frustrating to gain admission to a top university and still face so many barriers just to secure a visa,” Farhan added. “The entire process feels uncertain, even before our studies begin.”
As international education becomes more common, the lack of embassies and dedicated visa centres in Bangladesh is emerging as a significant obstacle. For families already making substantial financial and emotional investments, reducing these hidden burdens could make a meaningful difference.

Impact on Academic and Career Plans
Delays in visa processing can directly affect students’ academic schedules and long-term career plans. Missing the start of a semester or being forced to defer enrolment can also jeopardise scholarships and funding opportunities. In many cases, students are left with difficult choices – postponing admission or settling for less preferred institutions.
Kamrul Hasan Emon, a recent graduate from a private university in Dhaka, shared his frustration. “I was admitted to a top university in Germany, but because of visa delays, I may miss the semester. After working so hard to secure admission, facing obstacles before even starting is incredibly disheartening.”
For many aspiring students, studying abroad represents not only academic advancement but also global exposure and professional growth. Addressing the absence of local visa facilities could help ensure that talent and ambition are not held back by logistical barriers.