Placing students before statistics

Shams Jahan Farhat 
Country Manager, StudyIn

For many Bangladeshi families, studying abroad is one of the biggest decisions they will ever make. But with so many agencies focused on numbers over genuine advice, students can easily feel lost. That's where Shams Jahan Farhat and his counselling service step in to prioritise meaningful guidance tailored to each student's goals, rather than chasing volume. In this interview, He shares his approach and explains why the UK remains one of the most popular choices for Bangladeshi students.

The Daily Star (TDS): What was your main goal when you started your counselling service?

Shams Jahan Farhat (SJF): My main dream was to change lives by providing genuine, meaningful advice tailored to each student's career goals. We prioritise quality guidance over application numbers, ensuring students and parents receive the support they truly need for their future.

TDS: How do you ensure students and parents trust your advice?

SJF: We build trust as an authorised agent with British Council-certified counsellors who receive regular university training. We provide comprehensive support for the entire journey from university selection and applications to visa preparation and pre-departure assistance, ensuring a reliable process.

TDS: What are the current hopes, concerns, and trends for Bangladeshi students?

SJF: Students hope for a stable future but are concerned about post-study work and permanent residency prospects. A key trend, due to dependent visa restrictions, is married students applying for MRes programs. This has attracted non-genuine applicants, unfortunately increasing visa refusals.

TDS: What are the main benefits of choosing the UK for education?

SJF: The UK offers globally recognised degrees and shorter programs, like one-year master's, saving time and money. Its multicultural environment, combined with the two-year post-study work visa, provides valuable international experience and significantly enhances career prospects for Bangladeshi students.

TDS: What practical information should students know about the UK?

SJF: UK master's degrees are typically one year. Students can work 20 hours/week and stay for two years post-study with the Graduate Route visa. Annual tuition is £11k–£25k; monthly living costs are £900–£1,600. International student scholarships are also available.