Guest Author – Azizul Haque
Assistant Professor, Yeungnam University.
I studied at National University. We had no research lab, and opportunities to work on research projects were extremely limited. In this reality, a question keeps haunting many students – what is our future? Can we really become qualified enough to pursue higher education or earn a scholarship abroad?
In Bangladesh, the number of students studying under the National University is more than a million. Yet, this massive segment is largely ignored in national or international higher education plans, scholarship programs, or research initiatives.
Unfortunately, in our society, a student’s merit is still judged based on the university they attend. Public, private, or national? That very question seems to have become the yardstick for one’s future.
National University students continue their education with numerous limitations. There is not enough of a research environment, it’s nearly impossible to get guidance from researchers or teachers, and many are balancing family, jobs, and studies at the same time. The syllabus is huge, there’s a lack of adequate guidelines and resources, and achieving a good CGPA is comparatively harder. Altogether, the challenges are many.
But the question is—are these limitations the end of the story? No.
Even if your starting point is weak, if you can set your course firmly, your destination can be changed.
You have to pave the way for yourself. The university where you study isn’t the most important thing. How you prepare yourself—that’s what matters the most.
We live in the age of information technology. A student can now access books, research papers, online courses, lecture videos, and even educational resources from the world’s top universities right from home.
All you need is proper guidance, willpower, and a passion for learning.
If you want to pursue higher education abroad, there are thousands of scholarships, research labs, and opportunities to join professors’ research groups waiting for you. You only need the courage to seek them out, learn, and prepare yourself.
The first step is to thoroughly understand your subject. Memorizing just for exams isn’t enough. Learning means understanding, asking questions, and thinking deeply. At the same time, you should begin preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE as early as possible. Consistent practice is key to achieving a good score.
Develop the habit of reading research papers.
Not only academics—you also need to learn other essential skills. For example: communication skills, presentation skills, programming (Python/R), data analysis, etc. These will set you ahead in the world of higher education and research.
But don’t just stick to studies. Get involved with debate, olympiads, volunteer work, or cultural clubs. This will boost your confidence, help you build a network, and give you new opportunities to develop yourself.
Make sure you clearly understand what qualifications or requirements are generally needed for scholarships. Also, learn how to write a quality CV, research proposal, SOP, personal statement, and emails to professors.
In many countries, research publications are not mandatory for master’s scholarships. Sometimes not even for PhDs. So, after finishing your honors degree, try to pursue a master’s abroad. This will give you research experience, opportunities to work in an international environment, and make the path toward a PhD much easier.
Most importantly, no one abroad will ask which university you attended in Bangladesh. They will look at what you know, what you can do, and how you work.
Prepare yourself in such a way that those who undervalue you today will, one day, feel proud and say—
“They studied at National University and have reached this level today!”
Your hard work, skills, and patience will one day become your greatest identity.
So start from today. Stay steadfast to your dreams. Build the habit of learning a little every day.
Turn your potential, not despair, into your strength. Prove yourself.
Not just to prove others wrong, but to prove yourself right!
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