Chittagong University Sees Surge in Students Securing Overseas Scholarships
A total of 126 students from Chittagong University are heading abroad with scholarships this year, marking a massive rise from just 24 in 2010. Women comprise nearly 55 percent of these outbound scholarship recipients, reflecting a growing international academic footprint.
Chittagong University in Bangladesh is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its academic landscape, highlighted by a significant increase in students pursuing higher education and international scholarships abroad. According to data released in 2026, a total of 126 students from the institution are heading overseas with scholarships this year. This represents a dramatic expansion compared to 2010, when only 24 students managed to travel abroad from the university for similar educational pursuits.
The destinations and demographics of these outbound scholars highlight shifting academic trends within the university community. Out of the total number of students securing opportunities abroad this year, 56 individuals are heading specifically to the United States. Furthermore, female scholars are making a strong impact on this global academic stage, as approximately 55 percent of the students receiving scholarships to study abroad are women, showcasing expanding academic participation.
Institutional support, digital connectivity, and student organizations have played a pivotal role in driving this unprecedented rise in international higher education. Figures such as Mishkatul Momtaz, Shah Zulkar Nain, Neela Rakhain, Didarul Islam, Khadija Mitu, and Kazi Tanvir Ahmed have been part of the broader academic discourse surrounding this shift. Organizations like the Chittagong University Research and Higher Studies Society (CURHSS) and the Office of the International Affairs actively engage with students alongside institutions like the City University of New York and Clemson University.
Research output at Chittagong University has simultaneously experienced a steep upward trajectory over recent years, providing a strong foundation for international academic applications. Official records show that the number of Scopus-indexed research papers published from the university reached 615 in 2025. This builds upon steady previous growth, which saw 594 Scopus-indexed research papers published in 2024, a sharp contrast to the mere 116 papers recorded back in 2019.
This surge in scholarly output and international mobility is reshaping the overall academic environment at the campus, empowering a new generation of students to compete globally. With expanding networks, increased access to digital resources, and rising scholarship allocations, the university continues to strengthen its position as a prominent hub for higher education and academic research in Bangladesh.
