Scholarship Programme (Medhabikash)

Medhabikash roughly translated means "Promoting Talent.” Started in 2005, Medhabikash is an innovative intervention of the BRAC Education Programme where talented but disadvantaged students receive financial support to pay their college/university tuition fees both home and abroad, as well as capacity-building assistance.

Who gets the award?
These students are typically high-achievers, attaining grades of at least 80% in the Secondary School Certificates (SSC)/ Higher Secondary School Certificates (HSC) examination. However, financial pressures often hinder their academic performance and restrict their ability to pursue higher education. The programme firstly provides financial support. For example, students receive funding for admission fees, private tuition, books and other education materials. In addition, female students receive a stipend for transportation and incidental expenses. As of July 2011, 2036 students received this scholarship.

What support is given?
The Medhabikash programme however does not provide financial support only. The programme consists of specially designed training modules to develop student confidence and skills in English and computer studies.

The English language course has been designed to help students learn more advance aspects of the English language that are often not covered in the traditional curriculum. With the general standard of English language teaching being rather poor in most secondary schools, especially due to a reliance on rote learning, the English course is fundamental in helping students’ English language proficiency move to the next level.

The Information Technology training programme covers the elementary skills that are essential to carryout common office tasks, including basic competency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Eligibility for the Medhabikash scholarship:
• SSC/HSC GPA should be 5.0
• Family income (not exceeding 3,000/- per month)
• Land (not exceeding 50 decimals)

Contact
Medhabikash- BRAC Education Programme
BRAC Centre (10th floor),
75 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
email: medhabikash@brac.net
Tel: +88 02 9881265 Ext 2430/2433 

Read stories of the students who received the award:
Sukla Sarkar - studying BBA in a top ranked University in Rajasthan
Rozina - studying BBA at a top ranked University in Rajasthan
Sadia Akhter - studying Social Welfare in Dhaka University
Zahirul Islam - studying MBBS in Sir Salimullah Medical College
Laome Marma - studying EEE in BUET