ISD's 'Class of 2026' Secures $1.7 Million in Global Scholarships

The 2026 graduating class of International School Dhaka (ISD) has secured $1.7 million in university scholarships to pursue higher education abroad.

The 38 graduates received their diplomas recently during a ceremony at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. Students from this cohort have been admitted to top universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong, including the University of Sydney, King's College London, and the University of Amsterdam.

Valedictorian Niarah Mahbub, who will study neurobiology at the University of California, San Diego, reflected on her journey: “My experience at ISD has made me confident and inspired me to drive positive social change. Even small initiatives can have a big impact on the lives of others.”

She chose her major out of a desire to help people. “The curiosity to know how the human brain works and the desire to benefit others deeply attracted me to this field,” Mahbub said, adding that she plans to pursue a career she truly loves.

ISD Director Steve Calland-Scoble credited the achievement to “the students' hard work, the sincere efforts of the teachers, and the constant support of their families.”

Special guest Max Tunon, Bangladesh Country Director for the International Labour Organization (ILO), emphasized the need for adaptable leaders. “Today’s world needs young people who can think analytically, adapt to rapid change, and have a global perspective. Seeing the talent in this room today, I am very optimistic about the future,” Tunon said.

Operating for over 25 years, ISD is a leading International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Bangladesh, with an alumni network of over 700 students representing 45 nationalities.