Study Abroad FAQ for Bangladeshi Students & Parents

Getting started

What does Basira Edu do?

Basira Edu is a study-abroad consultancy that handles your whole journey in one place. We start with a free consultation, analyse your academic profile with AI and a human counsellor, shortlist the countries, universities and scholarships that realistically fit you, prepare and submit your applications, and support you through the visa, travel and settling in.

Who can use your services?

We work with students at three levels: Intermediate / A Level — foundation and secondary programs that prepare you for university admission abroad. Bachelor's Degree — undergraduate programs in engineering, business, science, arts and more. Master's Degree — postgraduate specialisation with strong career outcomes.

Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. Every student gets a free initial consultation. There is no obligation to continue — you only open a paid student file if you decide to go ahead with us.

What happens during the free consultation?

You tell us about your academic background, budget and goals. A counsellor then maps out which countries, universities and programs make sense for you, explains the likely costs and timeline, and answers your questions about scholarships and visas.

Which countries do you work with?

Our scholarship search covers universities in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, China, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. Our Visa Guide currently has step-by-step student-visa guides for our 11 most popular destinations: the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, China, Australia, Malaysia and Japan.

How early should I start?

Ideally 10–12 months before your intended intake. That leaves time for language tests, applications, scholarship deadlines and the visa. Some destinations need even longer — Germany, for example, currently has very long embassy waiting times for Bangladeshi students — so the earlier you start, the more options you keep open.

Do I need to visit your office?

No. Consultations, document uploads and applications can all be handled online. You are always welcome to visit our office in person, and cash payments can only be made there.

AI analysis & human review

How does your AI analyse my profile?

Once your file is complete, our system runs it through several stages: Document intake — OCR reads your transcripts, passport and certificates and extracts grades, dates and institutions into your profile, so you don't fill in long forms by hand. Academic scoring — your grades and test scores (IELTS, SAT, GRE and others) are converted to a comparable scale and checked against real entry requirements abroad. Country shortlisting — your scored profile is compared with admission trends in each country, and destinations outside your realistic reach are filtered out. Scholarship matching — the shortlist is checked against our live scholarship database by country, study level and coverage, so you only see scholarships you are eligible for.

Does the AI make the final decision?

No. A senior human counsellor reviews every AI shortlist and match by hand before anything reaches you. The counsellor can correct, add or remove recommendations, and confirms the final plan with you.

What does the counsellor check that the AI can't?

Context. The counsellor weighs your budget against real tuition and living costs, your location preferences and your long-term career goals, and catches details an algorithm can miss — for example a study gap that needs explaining, or a program that looks right on paper but doesn't suit your plans.

What is the two-country guarantee?

Wherever your profile allows it, your final plan always includes at least two suitable countries, each with its own independent application path. A single rejection should never end your plans, and you don't waste time or money on one route that may not work out.

What happens when I add a new document or test score?

Your file is re-analysed automatically. Every new upload — a better IELTS score, a new certificate — re-runs your scoring and refreshes your matches, and we let you know if better options appear.

Does a good match mean I'm guaranteed admission?

No. Matches are based on real entry requirements and reviewed by a counsellor, so they are realistic — but the final decision always belongs to the university or scholarship board. That is exactly why we recommend more than one option.

What does the AI actually see from my documents?

Only what it needs to compare your academic profile with entry requirements. Before any AI model reads your documents, we remove your name, ID, roll and registration numbers, phone number and email address. Your passport and NID are never sent for AI analysis. The AI runs at a technology provider that processes this de-identified content only on our instructions.

Can I opt out of AI analysis or challenge its result?

Yes. The AI result is advisory and no decision about you is made by AI alone. You can ask how it reached a conclusion, challenge it, or ask for your profile to be reviewed by a counsellor only, without any AI analysis.

Where can I read more about how my data is analysed?

Our Privacy Policy explains the two-stage review (AI analysis, then counsellor review) and how the results are stored on your student file.

Scholarships

How do I find scholarships that fit me?

Open the Scholarships page and filter by country and study level, or search by keyword — university, subject or scholarship name. Each listing shows the university, country, level and deadline. After your consultation, your counsellor also sends you a personal shortlist.

Can you guarantee I will get a scholarship?

No one honestly can — every award is decided by the university or scholarship board. What we do is make sure you only apply where you are eligible, present your file as strongly as possible and never miss a deadline.

What kinds of scholarships are there?

Scholarships differ in coverage: full scholarships (tuition and often living costs), partial scholarships, and tuition-only waivers. Our matching lets you filter by coverage type so you can see what each option would really cost you.

How do I apply for a scholarship through Basira Edu?

Open the scholarship and choose Apply. Fill in your personal details, upload the documents that scholarship requires and submit. You'll receive an account token — keep it safe, because it lets you apply again later without re-entering anything.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, and we encourage it. Documents you've already uploaded are reused automatically, so each additional application only asks for what is genuinely new.

Will you remind me about deadlines?

Yes. Where relevant, we send deadline reminders along with updates on your applications, so an important date never slips past.

If I get admission, is the scholarship guaranteed?

No. Admission, nomination and final scholarship approval are often separate steps. Don't treat a scholarship as confirmed until you have the final written award notice.

How can I tell whether a scholarship advert is genuine?

Find the notice on the official website of the university, the scholarship body or the embassy, and match the name, year, eligibility, deadline and contact details. A Facebook post, screenshot or WhatsApp message on its own is not proof.

Does a “full” scholarship mean I won't pay anything?

Not necessarily. What “full” covers differs between programmes. Airfare, visa, paperwork, initial setup, extra food and personal costs may still be yours to pay — check every cost in writing in your award letter.

What does a 50% or 30% scholarship mean?

Usually a discount on one specific cost — most often tuition. A 50% tuition reduction does not mean half of your total cost abroad is covered. Work out tuition, other fees, accommodation and living costs separately.

Is a tuition waiver the same as a fully funded scholarship?

No. A tuition waiver removes all or part of the tuition fee. A fully funded scholarship usually adds other benefits such as accommodation, a stipend and insurance. Your award letter shows exactly what is included.

What should I check in my scholarship offer letter?

Your name, degree, subject, university, study duration, tuition coverage, accommodation, monthly stipend, insurance, extra costs, renewal conditions, start date and acceptance deadline. If anything is unclear, ask for a written explanation — your counsellor can review it with you.

Applications & documents

Which documents do I usually need?

Most applications ask for: Academic transcripts and certificates (SSC, HSC / A Level, Bachelor's) Passport copy Statement of Purpose (SOP) English or subject test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE…) Recommendation letters CV The exact list depends on the program — each scholarship page shows precisely what it requires.

What does “upload once” mean?

Your documents are saved to your secure student profile, not to a single application. When you apply somewhere new, we carry your saved documents over automatically and match them to what that application needs — you only upload something if it is genuinely new.

What is my account token and how do I use it?

After your first application you receive an account token (it looks like BBE-XXXX-XXXX), shown on screen and emailed to you. Next time you apply, enter the token and we send a 6-digit one-time code to your email. Once verified, your details and documents are pre-filled. There is no password to remember.

I lost my account token. What should I do?

First check the email we sent after your first application — the token is in it. If you still can't find it, contact us from your registered email address and we'll help you once we've confirmed your identity.

Can I replace a document I uploaded earlier?

Yes. On any application form you can replace a saved document with a newer version, or choose to reuse the one already on file.

Do you help with my SOP, CV and recommendation letters?

Yes. Our counsellors review your Statement of Purpose, CV and recommendation letters and suggest improvements so they match what each university and scholarship board looks for. The words stay yours — admissions officers value an honest, personal voice.

Will my foreign degree be recognised in Bangladesh?

It depends on the degree, the university, the profession and the rules of the relevant authority in Bangladesh. Check official information before you apply, especially for regulated professions such as medicine.

Visa & travel

How do you support my visa application?

Once you have an admission or offer letter, we prepare your complete visa file, check every document against the embassy's checklist, coach you with mock interviews and coordinate the filing with the embassy or visa centre.

What is the Visa Guide?

A free, in-depth guide to the student visa for each of our main destinations. Choose a country and intake year to see eligibility, a document checklist, step-by-step process, fees, proof of funds, interview tips, work rights and official links — with separate notes for Intermediate / A Level, Bachelor's and Master's students.

How up to date is the Visa Guide?

Each guide is compiled from official embassy and immigration sources and shows the month it was last verified. Visa rules change often, so always confirm the current requirements on the official links at the bottom of each guide — and your counsellor will check the latest rules when preparing your file.

Can you guarantee my visa?

No. Visa decisions are made only by the embassy or immigration authority. What we can do is make sure your file is complete, consistent and well presented, and that you are confident in your interview — which is what makes the biggest difference.

When do you file my visa application?

After you receive your admission or offer letter, and once your service fee has been fully paid. Your visa is filed only after that final stage is complete.

Do you offer mock visa interviews?

Yes. We run mock interviews based on the questions embassies commonly ask — about your study plan, finances and goals — so you can practise clear, consistent answers before the real interview.

What support do I get after my visa is approved?

We help with flight booking, accommodation, pre-departure preparation and airport pickup guidance, and we stay in touch while you settle in — until you have landed and feel at home.

What should I do if my visa is refused?

Read the refusal reason and next steps from the embassy or visa authority, then correct any genuine gaps in your file. Never accept offers of fake documents or a “visa through inside contacts”.

Fees, payments & refunds

How are your service fees structured?

Your fee is never collected as one lump sum. It is split into five stages, each tied to a real milestone: File opening — to open your student file and start the consultation and profile analysis. Application submission — once we start submitting your applications to universities. Positive university response — once a university responds positively. Admission / offer letter — once a university issues your admission or offer. Visa filing — the remaining balance, before we file your visa application. We always confirm in writing which stage your file has reached and what, if anything, is due.

How can I pay?

By direct bank transfer through our website, by debit or credit card, or in cash at our office. We never store full card numbers — card payments are processed by our banking partner and we keep only the confirmation reference.

Why must the full fee be paid before visa filing?

A visa, once issued, can't be withdrawn or transferred to someone else. Requiring full payment before filing means your visa is never delayed for payment reasons, and that the work already delivered on your behalf is covered.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, for anything we have not yet delivered. Because you pay in stages, you only pay for work that has reached that point. In short: Stages not yet delivered are refunded in full. If we can't deliver a stage you paid for, or we end our services through no fault of yours, every undelivered stage is refunded in full. Duplicate or mistaken payments are always refunded in full. Stages already delivered, and every payment once a visa has been issued, are not refundable.

How do I request a refund?

Email refund@basiraedu.com with the subject "Refund request", and include your name, Student ID (if you have one), your payment receipt and a short reason. You can also hand in a request at our office.

How long does a refund take?

Up to 30 days (one month) from when we receive your complete request. We confirm we've received it within 2 working days. Each request is then reviewed by your counselling team, our accounts department and management, who check which stages were delivered and calculate the amount. You get our decision in writing, with the calculation, and any approved refund is paid within those 30 days. If we need a document or more information from you, the 30 days count from the day we receive it.

Are university, visa or test fees refunded by you?

No, those are Third-Party Fees. University application fees, tuition deposits, visa and embassy fees, visa-centre charges and English test fees are refunded (if at all) by the organisation you paid. Where we paid one on your behalf, we pass on any refund we receive and help you claim it.

Can I get a refund for a course?

It depends on when you cancel: Before the course starts: full refund. Within the first week of classes: the course fee minus the classes already held. After the first week: no refund, but you can move once to a later batch of the same course, if there is space.

Will I get a receipt for every payment?

Yes. You receive a signed receipt or agreement at every payment stage. It is your binding record of what you paid, for which stage, and the refund terms that apply.

Privacy & your data

What personal information do you collect?

Only what your applications and our services need: your contact details, academic records and test scores, your eligibility answers, and payment records. We collect passport, NID, bank or medical documents only when an application or visa actually requires them.

Who can see my documents?

Only the organisations your application actually goes to: the universities and scholarship boards you apply to, the embassy once your file reaches the visa stage, banks that confirm your payments, and service providers (such as secure file storage and email delivery) bound by confidentiality.

Do you sell or share my data for marketing?

Never. We do not sell your personal information, and we only share what a specific application or payment requires.

How long do you keep my documents?

For as long as you might reasonably apply through us again, so you keep the benefit of never re-uploading. You can ask us to delete your profile and documents at any time, except for records we are legally required to keep.

How do you verify it's really me?

With your account token and a one-time 6-digit code sent to your email. We never ask for or store a password, so there is nothing for anyone to steal or guess.

What rights do I have over my data?

Under Bangladesh's Personal Data Protection Act, 2026, you can: See a copy of the data we hold and who we've shared it with. Download your data and documents in a usable format. Correct anything inaccurate or incomplete. Delete your data, except records the law requires us to keep. Withdraw consent or object to marketing or to AI analysis of your profile. Write to contact@basiraedu.com from the email address on your file, marked "Data Protection", or visit our office.

Is my data sent outside Bangladesh?

Yes, when your application needs it. Studying abroad means your file has to reach institutions and embassies in other countries, and you consent to that when you submit an application. Some of our service providers, such as cloud hosting and email, may also process data on servers outside Bangladesh, under strict security requirements.

Do you use advertising cookies or track me?

No. We only use what the website needs to work: keeping you signed in to the student portal, remembering settings like your language, and a bot-protection check. We don't use advertising cookies and don't sell browsing data.

Where can I read the full privacy policy?

Our Privacy Policy covers everything in detail — what we collect, how it's used, your rights, cookies and data security.

Terms & policies

What do the Terms & Conditions cover?

They are the agreement between you and Basira Edu for everything we offer: the website and its tools, consultations, application and visa support, and our courses. They work together with our Privacy Policy and Refund Policy.

What if my signed agreement says something different from the Terms?

When you open a student file you sign a written service agreement. If it says something different from the Terms about your specific file, the signed agreement applies. If it gives you better refund terms than the Refund Policy, the better terms apply.

What are my responsibilities as a student?

To give us complete and truthful information, provide only genuine documents, reply to our requests and meet deadlines, check every application before it is submitted in your name, keep your Student ID and login codes private, and pay fees on time.

What happens if a document I submit is false or altered?

Submitting forged or altered documents, including bank statements, certificates or sponsor letters, is a criminal offence in Bangladesh and in destination countries. If we find one, we stop work on your file immediately, and fees for work already done are not refunded.

Can I cancel my service agreement?

Yes, at any time, by telling us in writing. Stages we have not yet delivered are refunded under our Refund Policy.

I'm under 18. What do I need?

Under Bangladeshi law, a person under 18 can't sign a binding contract alone. Your parent or legal guardian must agree to the Terms, sign the service agreement and make payments, and they are included in our communications. For school-level study abroad (such as O/A Levels), sending money abroad also needs Bangladesh Bank's prior approval, which your counsellor will explain before you apply.

Do universities pay you a commission?

Some do, when a student we advised enrols with them. This is normal in our industry and it never increases what you pay the university. Our recommendations are based on your profile, budget and goals, and you can ask us at any time whether we have a commercial relationship with an institution we recommend.

How do I make a complaint?

Please tell us first: contact your counsellor or write to contact@basiraedu.com. We acknowledge complaints within 2 working days and aim to resolve them within 15 working days. If we can't resolve it together, we're happy to try mediation, and you can always complain to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection.

What warning signs should I look for in any education agency?

Guaranteeing a scholarship or visa, refusing to show official sources, pushing you to pay quickly, no contract or receipt, offering fake documents, hiding your application number, or pressuring you when you ask questions. A trustworthy consultancy puts fees and services in writing and explains its limits.

If someone applies on my behalf, what should stay in my control?

Your own email, application number, document copies, receipts and important correspondence. Check every form before it is submitted, never sign a blank form, and never share bank logins, PINs or OTPs.

Support & contact

How quickly will you reply?

We aim to answer every enquiry within 24 hours on business days, and usually much sooner during office hours.

How can I reach a counsellor?

By phone, WhatsApp or email, through the contact form, or by visiting our office. All the details, plus our live office hours, are on the Contact page.

Can my parents join the consultation?

Of course. Studying abroad is a family decision, and parents or guardians are welcome at consultations — especially to discuss budget, sponsorship and the proof of funds that visas require.

Can I track the progress of my application?

Yes. We confirm every stage your file reaches in writing, send updates as your applications progress, and your counsellor is always available to answer questions about where things stand.