Bangladesh Bank has allowed the use of international cards to pay tuition fees and other education-related expenses for higher education abroad. In a circular issued on Monday, the central bank said authorised dealer banks may issue debit, credit or prepaid cards in the name of a student or the person bearing the student’s education costs. The report was published on August 10, 2026.

The decision follows growing demand for card-based payments to foreign universities and international admission platforms. Bangladesh Bank said transactions made through such cards for overseas education will be considered separately. These expenses will not be counted under existing travel quotas or other foreign-exchange facilities.

Under the circular, authorised dealer banks must complete all required regulatory formalities before issuing the cards. They must also ensure within the specified period that cards are used only for approved education-related payments. Banks have been instructed to maintain proper records of these transactions and regularly report them to Bangladesh Bank using the designated purpose code.