Student file

Q. What documents are required to open student file?

 (i) Application (Appendix 5/64) duly filled in;
(ii) Original and photocopy of admission letter issued by the educational institution in favour of the student (such as the I-20 in the case of US institutions);
(iii) Original and photocopy of estimate relating to annual tuition fee, board and lodging, incidental expenses etc. issued by the concerned educational institution (I-20 in case of US institutions);
(iv) Attested copies of educational certificates of the applicant; and
(v) Valid Passport.

Q. What are the eligible courses for releasing foreign exchange for studying abroad through opening student file?

Regular courses such as undergraduate, post graduate, language course pre-requisite to bachelor degree & professional diploma/certificate courses in recognized institutions abroad. Students studying in courses below under -graduation level are not eligible for opening student file.

Q. Is it allowable to remit admission related fees before opening student file? What type of admission related fees can be remitted?

Yes, ADs are also allowed to remit fees for application, registration, admission, examination (TOEFL, SAT etc.) in connection with admission into foreign educational institutions on the basis of written application or demand notice/letter from the concerned foreign institution showing the amount to be remitted. The draft/TT etc. to be issued for such remittances should be payable direct to the Institution concerned.

Q. How admission related fees for study abroad can be paid?

For making admission related fees, TT, FDD may be used. Besides, such fees can be paid in online by International Card(IC). Individuals not holding IC in their names may also make such online payment through internet using 'Virtual Card' for the required amount by an IC issuing bank, for use through its designated bank branch.

Q. How is the requirement assessed by AD for issuing foreign exchange against permissible expenses for study abroad?

Fees payable to the educational institute - On the basis of the estimate received from the concerned institution abroad. (Para 10(A)(iii), GFET)
Food/lodging expenses- same as above (Para 10(A)(iii), GFET)
Portion of annual travel quota unused during the year. (FE Circular 21, 2014)

Q. For how much academic year may foreign exchange be issued at a time?

The facility of purchase of foreign exchange/remittance will not be admissible for more than one academic year at a time. 

For each release of foreign exchange subsequent to the first release, the current progress report and current estimate of the educational institution should be taken into consideration.

Q. Is travel quota allowable for a student going abroad for study?

On application from the concerned student, unused annual travel quota may also be allowed in freely convertible currency out of travel entitlement described in para 1 of chapter 12 of GFET

Q. Can the foreign exchange on account of board and lodging/incidental expenses etc. be handed over to the student?

If payment on account of board and lodging/incidental expenses etc. are not required compulsorily to be in favour of the educational institution, foreign exchange on these counts may be issued in favour of the student in the form of TC/Draft etc.

Q. Can the board and lodging/incidental expenses etc. be released in cash besides TC/Draft?

Yes. However, maximum 5000 in USD notes, the remainder in other freely convertible currency.

Q. Can a student change his/her bank for student file? How to change bank for student file?, YES

Q. Is it allowable to deposit in foreign currency to blocked accounts abroad for visa/admission processing against study purpose?

Yes, subject to some conditions.
ADs shall get ensured with documentary evidence that the deposits will be refundable in case of non-availability of visa; In case of non-availability of visa, ADs shall ask students/guardians to arrange repatriation of remittance for which ADs shall obtain due undertaking from them;

Q. Is it allowable to remit fee abroad for online course sitting in Bangladesh?

No. BB has not allowed remitting FC/opening student file for students studying online course. Therefore, remitting course fee for attending CFA/Bar at Law/CIMA or similar courses (sitting in Bangladesh) will require BB permission. However, if someone goes abroad for attending the said course with admission, she/he will be eligible to open student file for getting required foreign exchange.