Institutions and agencies from the UK, Canada and other study destinations gathered at Gresham Global’s Gresham Connect event in Dhaka to explore and strengthen partnerships in the region.
“Our work is built on the foundation of strong partnerships. For international universities to thrive in South Asia, it is essential to have deep-rooted relationships with local stakeholders who understand the nuances of the region,” stated Jasminder Khanna, CEO and founder of Gresham Global.
While India remains one of the major source destinations for international students, countries like Bangladesh are becoming significant markets for institutions across the globe.
As per UNESCO data, over 50,000 students from Bangladesh studied abroad in 2023.
For international universities to thrive in South Asia, it is essential to have deep-rooted relationships with local stakeholders who understand the nuances of the region|
Jasminder Khanna, Gresham Global
Between 2019 and 2023, the number of Bangladeshi students studying in Canada rose by 95%, Australia saw an 81% rise, and the UK witnessed a staggering 364% growth.
Moreover, Bangladeshi students enrolled in US institutions increased to 17,000 in 2023/24, a whopping 26% rise from the previous academic year, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.
“UK continued to be at number three or four on the preference list of Bangladeshi students. Canada was the third choice, with USA and Australia being the top two. Students are interested in MRes courses in the UK that allow them to take their dependents along,” Khanna told The PIE News.
“Key subject area interests include engineering, business management, and computer science, with growing interest for biological sciences and liberal arts.”
Gresham Connect also provided a platform for university representatives, to engage with 40 participants from over 25 recruitment agencies, allowing them to showcase their programs and initiatives while gaining valuable insights on how to better cater to the needs of Bangladeshi students.
“We are creating an avenue where our partner universities and local education leaders can come together, share insights, and collaborate towards a common goal – expanding access to high-quality international education,” stated Khanna.
As UK universities and consultancies set up bases in Bangladesh, the British Council also participated in discussions on how to advance the country’s education ambitions in the South Asian country.
“It has been an absolute privilege to join Gresham Global’s Gresham Connect event and witness the incredible energy and collaboration among student recruitment partners, market leaders, and edtech innovators,” said Zakia Sharmin, senior programme manager – education, British Council.
“The insightful discussions and shared ideas truly reflect our collective commitment to advancing global education.”
Following the event in Dhaka, Mumbai-based Gresham will now work with its partners to identify new recruitment pathways and collaborative marketing campaigns in Bangladesh.
“We are working on bespoke and strategic recruitment plans with each of the partners based on their strengths, modus operandi and outreach strength in the market,” stated Khanna.
As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of last year’s nationwide student protests, the trend of Bangladeshi students seeking better opportunities abroad is expected to persist as previously reported by The PIE.
“The number of students leaving Bangladesh to study abroad is on the rise, mainly due to the current political instability and economic situation in the country. The need for scholarships is high – similar to other South Asian countries,” said Khanna.
