“If you avoid the GRE or IELTS, your opportunities become limited; to access real opportunities, you must take the path of preparation.”
Dr. Jubayer Shamim’s statement clearly identifies a common tendency among thousands of Bangladeshi students eager for higher education. Many dream of studying abroad, but during preparation, they often look for universities or programs where exams like GRE or IELTS aren’t required. He refers to this mindset as a ‘bypass mentality’—where people look for shortcuts instead of the actual route of preparation.
In reality, such shortcuts often narrow down opportunities. The GRE or IELTS is not just a test; these are standards for language proficiency and analytical skills, as well as measures of one’s personal preparation. Dr. Jubayer Shamim says that doing well in these exams instills a sense of confidence in students—they understand that they are ready to work in an international academic environment. At the same time, potential supervisors or admissions committees also value this proven capability.
In Bangladesh, many students have limited opportunities for preparation. Quality coaching centers are hard to find, there is time pressure, and financial constraints also exist. But Dr. Jubayer Shamim stresses that instead of using these limitations as excuses, students should gradually build their own path of preparation. Nowadays, there are countless free resources online—mock tests, YouTube lectures, open courseware. With a planned approach, it is possible to prepare for exams like the GRE or IELTS.
It’s not just about the exams—he also emphasizes the importance of developing real skills. When foreign professors select research assistants or PhD students, they look not only at grades but also at what kinds of skills the applicant has. Knowing how to use software, experience with data analysis, familiarity with laboratory equipment, or the ability to solve theoretical problems—all of these strengthen a student’s profile. Preparing for the GRE/IELTS also indirectly helps build these skills by developing consistent study habits, time management, and self-discipline.
Dr. Jubayer Shamim highlights another reality—even though there are some programs where you can get admission without GRE or IELTS, the competition there is no less fierce. In fact, since the number of positions is fewer, the competition tends to be even tougher. As a result, the attempt to bypass standard tests often backfires. No matter how hard the path of preparation is, it ultimately opens more doors.
For the youth of Bangladesh, this message is both a warning and an inspiration. Preparation for higher studies abroad is not a formal obstacle; it is a step towards assessing and building one’s own abilities. Instead of fearing exams like GRE or IELTS, students can use them as opportunities to identify their weaknesses and strengths. Through this preparation, students gradually ready themselves for the international research and academic environment.
As Dr. Jubayer Shamim makes clear—to get opportunities, you can’t take shortcuts; you must walk the path of preparation. This path takes time and effort, but ultimately it is the only way for a student to face greater opportunities.
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