BB allows int'l cards for overseas education payments

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has taken a clear and practical decision to facilitate overseas education payments for Bangladeshi students. 

Authorized Dealers (ADs) in foreign exchange can now issue or allow the use of designated international cards for tuition fees and other legitimate education-related payments abroad. 

The decision will directly help students and their families who face difficulties when foreign universities and education service providers require payments through international cards or online card-based payment systems.

The Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1 (FEPD-1) of the BB issued the decision through FEPD-1 Circular No. 29 dated August 10, 2026. 

The circular allows the ADs to provide this facility to Bangladeshi students enrolled in regular courses abroad, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs, language courses, and professional diploma or certificate programs offered by recognized institutions.

The move comes in response to the growing requirement of foreign educational institutions to receive tuition fees and other education-related payments through international cards. 

Many universities and service providers now use admission, enrollment and online payment platforms where students are required to pay by card. The central has now created a formal banking arrangement to meet this requirement.