For the first time in over a decade, Bangladesh is set to significantly increase the financial support it gives students at every level of education. Following a decade without adjustments, the government has mapped out a plan to double the amount of existing scholarships for meritorious and marginalised students from primary to undergraduate level — a policy shift that will raise annual scholarship expenditure from Tk184 crore to approximately Tk368 crore. Here is what the new amounts look like, who qualifies, and exactly how to claim your stipend.
What Are the New Stipend Amounts in 2026?
According to the draft proposal from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), the revised monthly scholarship rates are as follows:
- Primary level: Merit scholarships rise from Tk300 to Tk600; general scholarships from Tk225 to Tk450
- Junior (JSC) level: Merit scholarships increase to Tk900 (from Tk450); general stipends to Tk600
- SSC level: Merit scholarships jump from Tk600 to Tk1,200; general scholarships double to Tk700
- HSC level: Merit scholarships increase to Tk1,650 (from Tk825); general scholarships to Tk750
- Graduation (Honours): Merit scholars will receive Tk2,250 monthly, up from Tk1,125
In addition to monthly stipends, one-time annual grants will also be doubled — for instance, the annual grant for HSC merit scholarships will rise from Tk1,800 to Tk3,600.
Separately, the Higher Secondary Stipend Programme (HSSP) — targeting low-income HSC students — continues to run alongside merit scholarships. The 2026 HSSP cycle disburses a quarterly cash stipend typically ranging from BDT 800 to BDT 1,500 per month for HSC Class 11 and 12 students, plus one-time tuition fee assistance, paid directly to the student’s bank or Mobile Financial Service account — with Nagad and bKash both used depending on district.
Who Qualifies?
For Merit Scholarships (PSC, JSC, SSC, HSC)
These are awarded automatically based on exam performance — students do not apply individually. The government selects a fixed number of students based on scholarship exam results. Talent Pool recipients receive the higher merit rate; General Pool recipients receive the standard rate. Results are published through the education board websites and college notice boards.
For HSSP (Need-Based, HSC Level)
You must be currently enrolled in HSC Class 11 or 12, or the equivalent at an Alim madrasah or vocational HSC track, at a college or madrasah recognised by the Bangladesh Education Boards. The programme pays particular attention to female students, aiming to support 40 per cent of total female enrolment and 10 per cent of total male enrolment. Students must attend at least 75 per cent of classes conducted in an academic year and remain unmarried up to the higher secondary examination.
For PM’s Education Assistance Trust (Class XI Admission Grant)
Students admitted to Class XI or Alim 1st year must have a minimum GPA of 3.50 out of 5.00 in their previous class, and their guardian’s annual income must be less than Tk3 lakh. Orphans, disabled students, children of freedom fighters, and children of Grade 20 government employees are also eligible with supporting documentation.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Merit Scholarships (PSC, JSC, SSC, HSC)
No direct application is required. The scholarship is given automatically based on exam results — students check their status by visiting their education board’s official website, searching by roll number in the scholarship result PDF, or checking their college notice board.
HSSP (Need-Based HSC Stipend)
The HSSP selection process runs through colleges, not directly through students. Each participating college submits a list of eligible candidates to the Upazila Education Office around September each year, with disbursement starting in the following quarter. To ensure you are included, speak directly with your college’s accounts or scholarship officer before the internal deadline — typically in August — and ensure your Nagad or bank account details are updated with the college administration.
PM’s Education Assistance Trust (Class XI Admission Grant)
Students can apply online at https://www.eservice.pmeat.gov.bd/admission and must upload all required supporting documents before the application window closes. Applications for the 2025–26 academic year ran from April 12 to April 30, 2026 — watch for the next cycle opening in early 2027 for new Class XI admissions.
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Where and How Payments Are Made
All stipend disbursements are made digitally. Payments are made directly to the student’s bank account or Mobile Financial Service account, with Nagad and bKash both used depending on the district. Students should ensure their MFS account is active and linked correctly through their college before the disbursement window opens each quarter.
Conclusion
Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon confirmed that the government is committed to providing incentives to keep students in the mainstream of education, and the doubling of scholarship amounts reflects that commitment in concrete terms. For families already struggling with rising costs of living, these increases — especially at the SSC and HSC levels — represent meaningful relief. The key for eligible students is not waiting to be informed but proactively checking with their institution, verifying their payment details are on file, and monitoring their education board’s website for official scholarship result notices as each academic cycle progresses.
Summary
Bangladesh is doubling its education stipends in 2026 — from primary to graduation level. SSC merit scholarships rise to Tk1,200/month, and HSSP pays up to Tk1,500. This guide explains eligibility, amounts, and how to apply at every level.
