How the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) empowered Bangladeshi youth to unlock global career opportunities

Up to 80,000 students gaining English confidence through scalable online learning

‘This initiative supports our broader goals of accelerating national economic growth. The programme not only bolsters job prospects within the national market but also plays a crucial role in the global digital employment sector, where over 650,000 registered tech freelancers in Bangladesh generate $100 million annually. As the digital economy transforms Bangladesh, the British Council's commitment to quality and innovation has proven essential in enhancing the employability of our youth.’ - Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh

Bangladesh has one of the world’s youngest populations, and its digital economy is booming. But limited English proficiency was holding students back from seizing opportunities, both at home and globally. Through its Future Nation initiative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) sought to turn this barrier into a stepping stone.

The goal was clear: equip students with the language and communication skills needed for employability and economic independence. To achieve this, UNDP turned to the British Council, a trusted partner with global experience in scalable English training.

What UNDP needed

UNDP were looking for a solution that would equip learners across Bangladesh with English skills needed in today’s modern workplaces. The solution needed to:

  • equip young people with workplace-ready English skills
  • provide flexible access for learners balancing busy lives
  • scale nationwide, reaching even remote and conflict-affected areas
  • deliver measurable improvements in employability and confidence.
 

Key insights

A recent post-course survey highlights the impac of the course:

86% of students reported increased confidence in using English.
To date, there's been a 43% increase in student enrolments from 2024 to 2025.
Students emphasised the relevance of topics (81% students) and the quality of online exercises (82% of students).

What students and partners said about the programme

Students highlighted why the programme worked for them. For some it helped with exam preparation: ‘I highly recommend this course to those who are looking to develop their communication skills. I was preparing for my IELTS exam and after completing the course, my IELTS preparation has significantly improved.’

They also highlighted its importance for improving grammar and vocabulary: ‘Before taking this course, my English grammar was weak. This course helped me correct those issues, enriched my vocabulary, and enhanced my confidence in speaking English.’

‘This course has enriched my vocabulary and developed my listening skills, making me feel more confident when talking in English.’

Representatives from UNDP were also pleased with the results, noting: ‘We look forward to deepening our collaboration, further enhancing youth skills, and contributing to the sustainable development of Bangladesh.’

Together, UNDP and the British Council deployed English Self-Study, a course that is designed not just to teach English, but to give students the confidence to use it in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

How it supported learners:

Flexibility that fits student lives

With fully self-paced modules accessible anytime on laptops or smartphones, students could learn around busy schedules, family responsibilities, or even in remote areas. This meant they no longer had to choose between education and daily obligations. Flexibility turned English learning into a habit that fit seamlessly into their lives.

Practical communication skills

Lessons were built around real-life contexts such as workplace conversations, academic discussions, and social interactions. Students developed all four core skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing – in ways they could immediately apply. This made English a practical tool for career readiness, not just an academic subject.

Motivation through feedback

Built-in features such as instant automated feedback, digital achievement badges, and personalised dashboards kept learners engaged and motivated to track their own progress. As a result, they built both confidence and consistency in their learning journey.

Live practice sessions

Short ‘Live 25’ sessions connected students directly with teachers and peers, making English feel real and usable. Learners gained immediate support on pronunciation and grammar while practicing in a safe environment. This boosted their confidence to speak up in interviews, classrooms and workplaces.

Why this worked for UNDP:

  • Scalable design: The solution was easily expanded from a pilot of 1,200 learners to a target of 80,000 students nationwide.
  • Trusted expertise: The British Council’s global track record in English education gave UNDP confidence that the programme would deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes.
  • Reaching the unreached: By being fully mobile-friendly, the programme broke down geographical and social barriers, extending training even into conflict-affected areas where traditional providers cannot operate.

This combination of flexibility, practicality, and scale ensured that students were not only improving their English but also gaining the employability skills to shape their futures.

This programme demonstrates several principles that others can apply:

  • Flexibility without compromise: Students could work around their academic and personal schedules but still receive structured guidance ensuring they still covered essential skills.
  • Engagement through feedback: Progress tracking and recognition kept students motivated by showing them exactly how far they had come and what they had achieved. Instant feedback and achievement badges turned learning into a rewarding experience, helping students stay consistent and confident in their progress.
  • Scalable reach with personal touch: The mobile-first approach meant the program could accommodate large cohorts and inclusivity, but live webinars maintained the personal interaction students needed for confidence building.

Our learning ecosystem brings together several elements that development organisations, universities and governments tell us they've struggled to find in other solutions: 

  • Flexible blended methodology: Students tackle foundational concepts online at their own pace, then apply that knowledge immediately in live classes with experienced teachers. This flipped approach means every minute of instructor time focuses on practice and application rather than basic content delivery. 
  • Learning that sticks: The platform integrates naturally into students' daily routines. Whether they're reviewing professional email templates before an internship interview or practicing presentation skills for an upcoming class project, the content connects directly to their immediate needs. 
  • Right-sized learning design: Content breaks down into focused segments that respect the reality of student schedules. No more choosing between dense three-hour classroom sessions and superficial quick fixes. Our approach delivers substantial learning in manageable pieces. 
  • Resources that matter: Students access purpose-built resources, and our employment-focused content ensures graduates can immediately apply skills in professional contexts. 
  • Progress tracking that informs decisions: Real-time analytics help institutions understand not just final outcomes, but how students engage with different content types, where they struggle, and what drives success. This data enables continuous program improvement and clear accountability. 

The collaboration between UNDP and the British Council has created more than just an English course. It has opened doors for students to build confidence, pursue higher education goals, and prepare for work in both local and international markets. This was a critical pilot for UNDP which they are now looking to scale up further.

By focusing on student needs and national development priorities, the programme:

  • gives young people the tools to communicate effectively and confidently
  • brings learning opportunities to communities that are often left behind
  • helps turn Bangladesh’s population dividend into a driver of sustainable economic growth.

Ready to see similar results at your institution? Learn how customised blended learning can transform your students' English proficiency and career readiness.
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