The concept is a collaboration between AHZ Associates, the British Council and HSBC bank, designed to encourage more students to consider studying in the UK. The additional expense of taking additional English language tests for university admission is an early barrier for many students considering studying abroad and can prevent an application from progressing.

Often students are nervous about undertaking the secure English language test before they have received university offers. Many talented students are cautious about committing to the expense of additional admissions tests ahead of time in case their desired offers are not forthcoming, instead they prefer to utilise the maximum time preparing for the test.

Global student recruitment organisation AHZ Associates has identified that through its experienced student counselling team, it is able to identify students that are likely to achieve the required IELTS score and gain financial support from HSBC for student finance.

By reimbursing the IELTS test fee on behalf of students, they have confidence to progress their applications earlier and receive unconditional offers from universities once their language conditions have been met.

“You’ve got a free application process and experts to give you counselling on the UK graduate route employment program, either for September 2022 or January 2023” explained Jim O’Neill, country exams manager Bangladesh, British Council, “and [students] can find out more about gaining 100% cashback on their IELTS fee.”

According to data released by the UK Home Office, Bangladesh saw an increase from 1,981 sponsored study visas granted in 2019 to 10,090 (+410%) in 2021, making it the sixth largest source market for the UK last year. Interest continues to grow with many universities increasing activity in Bangladesh as an alternative market to India.

“We are delighted to see Bangladesh become an attractive market to visit”

Speaking ahead of the expo, CEO of AHZ Associates, Zahirul Islam explained the demand.

“For many years some universities were unable to travel to Bangladesh to meet our students, but times are changing and we are delighted to see Bangladesh become an attractive market to visit,” he said.

“Student demand is very high for the UK and we are very proud to be working with fellow stakeholders such as the British Council and HSBC to make the application process smoother and more affordable. Once the student has successfully overcome the barriers to application such as passing an IELTS test and securing an offer, they are in the best position to plan for the next stage.

“Our IELTS refund initiative gives them the confidence to do that, with a major global bank in HSBC also assisting them to open their student account.”

AHZ Associates is supporting a large number of UK universities to attend the expo in Dhaka and was recently nominated for the International Student Recruitment Organisation of the Year at The PIEoneer Awards 2022.