Studying MBBS in Bangladesh has become a popular choice for international students, especially those from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Middle East, and various African nations. The medical colleges in Bangladesh are known for their structured curriculum, affordable tuition fees, and a learning environment that aligns closely with international standards. The medium of instruction is English, the clinical exposure is rich, and the overall education quality is widely appreciated. Despite these advantages, one of the persistent challenges that many foreign students face is related to currency exchange and financial transactions.
Currency exchange issues may not appear significant at first, but when stretched over a long period of a five-year MBBS program, they can affect budgeting, mental well-being, daily living, and the overall study experience. Understanding these challenges in depth can help students prepare better financially and avoid unnecessary stress during their medical journey.
For international students, currency exchange plays a crucial role because all major financial activities involve the conversion of their home currency into Bangladeshi taka. These activities include payment of tuition fees, hostel charges, food expenses, book purchases, clinical equipment costs, travel expenses, health insurance, and personal spending.
Since MBBS is a long-term commitment, even small fluctuations in exchange rates can accumulate into large differences over time. For example, a slight rise in the exchange rate may increase semester fees by a noticeable margin for students who pay in installments. Similarly, changes in currency value may influence the affordability of daily living expenses.
Students from countries with unstable exchange rates often suffer more because their home currency may depreciate unexpectedly, resulting in a sudden increase in financial burden. Thus, currency exchange issues become an unavoidable part of life for any foreign student pursuing MBBS in Bangladesh.
Perhaps the most common and significant issue is the continual change in exchange rates. Exchange rates between the Bangladeshi taka and other currencies rarely remain stable for long. Students who pay tuition fees annually or per semester are directly affected because the same fee amount, when converted later, might cost significantly higher.
A student who initially budgeted based on a particular exchange rate may find themselves in a difficult position if their currency weakens. This unpredictability can cause stress, especially for families who have fixed incomes or limited savings.
Banks and money exchange services often charge additional fees when converting foreign currency to Bangladeshi taka. These fees may include service charges, commissions, GST equivalents, and hidden transaction costs. Even online transfer services may charge processing fees or offer less favorable exchange rates.
Over time, these small amounts accumulate into substantial losses. Many students frequently exchange money for monthly living expenses, so even minor rate differences can significantly affect their overall budget.
Students from countries with less globally traded currencies may face challenges converting their money into Bangladeshi taka. Not all banks or exchange houses accept every currency. In such cases, students might need to first convert their home currency into US dollars and then convert it again into Bangladeshi taka. This leads to double conversion charges, additional time, and the possibility of losing more money in the process.
Some countries have strict regulations regarding international fund transfers. Students coming from nations where outward remittances are restricted may face delays in paying fees on time. Parents may struggle to send money due to government rules, banking procedures, paperwork issues, or transfer limits.
This can lead to complications with medical college administration, late payment fines, or difficulties in maintaining daily expenses.
Many students initially arrive in Bangladesh without fully understanding the legal guidelines for currency exchange. Some may unknowingly use unauthorized money exchangers who offer attractive rates but operate illegally or unsafely. Such transactions may lead to legal problems, financial losses, or fraudulent situations.
Awareness of authorized exchange centers, banking rules, required documents, and the safest methods of receiving money is essential but often overlooked by new students.
International students are often advised to open a local bank account in Bangladesh to simplify transactions. However, the account-opening process may involve several requirements such as passport copies, visa documents, enrollment certificates, photographs, and verification from authorities.
Some banks may take longer to process foreign student accounts. During this waiting period, students depend entirely on cash exchanges or international cards, which are often more expensive and less convenient.
While most international debit or credit cards work in Bangladesh, ATM withdrawals typically incur high charges. Students may need to use ATMs multiple times each month for daily expenses, multiplying the fees significantly. Additionally, card networks may add foreign transaction charges, and the daily withdrawal limit might not be sufficient for larger payments like hostel fees or emergency expenses.
Medical colleges in Bangladesh often have fixed deadlines for fee payments. If a student’s home currency weakens suddenly just before the deadline, the converted amount becomes higher than expected. Families may struggle to arrange the additional difference within a short time.
This can cause stress and may disrupt academic focus during critical moments of the semester.
Currency exchange challenges are not merely financial inconveniences. They directly impact the mental, academic, and personal life of a student studying MBBS abroad.
Constant worry about money, exchange rates, and fluctuating expenses can divert attention from studies. Medical education already demands high levels of concentration, and financial anxiety only adds to the pressure.
If a student is unable to pay fees on time due to currency issues, they may face administrative hurdles, late fines, or delays in exam eligibility. Such disruptions affect academic flow and create unnecessary obstacles.
Sudden increases in exchange rates force students to cut down on daily expenses. They might have to limit outings, reduce spending on meals, or compromise on buying essential academic materials.
Parents or guardians may experience stress arranging additional money when exchange rates rise. For families with modest income, this can become a heavy burden over five years of medical education.
Despite these issues, most international MBBS students in Bangladesh successfully navigate financial uncertainties. Over time, students and families find ways to adapt and reduce the impact of currency fluctuations.
Families often estimate the total expected cost for all five years and plan accordingly. Maintaining a separate education fund helps smooth out sudden shocks in exchange rates. Many students arrive with prepaid fee arrangements to avoid frequent conversions.
Authorized banks and reputable exchange services offer safer and more transparent transactions. Students learn over time which institutions provide better rates, lower service fees, and reliable service.
Students who open a local bank account shortly after arriving in Bangladesh benefit greatly. This allows them to receive international transfers directly and reduces dependency on cash exchanges. Local accounts also help maintain better financial records.
Many students track exchange rates through mobile apps or online tools. By monitoring trends, they can choose the most favorable time to convert currency and often save a significant amount over months.
While cash is needed for daily expenses, students try to minimize the amount they carry and rely on banking channels as much as possible. Digital wallets, mobile banking apps, and card payments help streamline transactions and reduce unnecessary exchange frequency.
Bangladeshi institutions and medical colleges could take initiatives to help international students handle currency challenges more effectively.
Providing clear information about fee breakdowns, payment deadlines, and accepted payment methods can help families plan ahead and avoid last-minute confusion.
Allowing installments or offering longer payment windows can help students manage fluctuations in exchange rates without facing penalties.
Colleges can collaborate with local banks to create simplified account-opening procedures for international students. This would help newcomers settle financially more quickly.
Organizing workshops for new students on currency exchange, banking rules, and safe financial practices can reduce risks and prevent errors.
Currency exchange problems may appear superficial, but over five years, they shape a student’s financial discipline, resilience, and overall experience.
Many graduates acknowledge that dealing with these issues taught them financial responsibility, budgeting skills, and the ability to manage uncertainties. However, it is always preferable to reduce unnecessary stress for medical students, whose primary focus should remain on academic and clinical excellence.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English