Scholarships to Study Abroad

Sri Lankan students have access to a range of government-sponsored scholarships that make studying abroad both accessible and financially viable. These scholarships are offered by the Sri Lankan government in partnership with foreign governments, as well as directly by foreign governments themselves. Below is a detailed list of the main government-funded scholarship programmes, their value, benefits, and the countries where they are available.

• Country: Various (typically in partnership with foreign governments)

• Value: Varies; often includes tuition, living expenses, and sometimes airfare.

• Benefits:

1. Full or partial funding for international study.

2. Opportunity to study at prestigious institutions overseas.

3. Support for students from diverse backgrounds.

• Details:

1. Offered by the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka.

2. Usually merit-based and may require a commitment to return to Sri Lanka after studies.

3. The application process typically involves rigorous academic and personal assessments.

4. Details and application forms are available on the Ministry of Education website: mohe.gov.lk.

• How to Apply:

1. Check the Ministry of Education’s scholarship announcements.

2. Submit required documents (academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, etc.).

3. Participate in interviews or additional selection rounds if required.

• Country: Australia

• Value: Full tuition, living costs, health insurance, and return airfare.

• Benefits:

1. Opportunity to obtain a world-class master’s degree.

2. Focus on priorities such as governance, economic development, ICT, and social inclusion.

3. Alumni network for continued professional development and networking.

• Details:

1. Open to public, private, and civil society applicants.

2. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to Sri Lanka’s development.

3. Recipients are expected to return to Sri Lanka after their studies.

• How to Apply:

1. Visit the official Australia Awards website and follow the application guidelines.

2. Submit all required documents, including academic records, references, and a personal statement.

3. Prepare for possible interviews or additional selection processes.

a) Chevening Scholarships

• Country: United Kingdom

• Value: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for one year of study.

• Benefits:

1. Study at any UK university.

2. Access to exclusive networking events and professional development opportunities.

3. Open to all disciplines.

• Details:

1. Awarded based on leadership potential and academic excellence.

2. Requires a commitment to return to Sri Lanka for at least two years after studies.

• How to Apply:

1. Complete the online application on the Chevening website.

2. Submit required documents, including academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement.

b) Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

• Country: United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries

• Value: Full funding for postgraduate study or research.

• Benefits:

1. Study at leading universities in the UK.

2. Access to a global alumni network.

3. Emphasis on academic excellence and leadership.

• Details:

1. Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries, including Sri Lanka.

2. Supports postgraduate study and research.

• How to Apply:

1. Apply through the official CSFP portal.

2. Submit required documents and follow country-specific guidelines.

• Country: United States

• Value: Full funding for graduate study, post-doctoral research, or professional development.

• Benefits:

1. Study at top US universities.

2. Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.

3. Access to exclusive alumni networks and professional opportunities.

• Details:

1. Open to all disciplines except clinical medicine.

2. Priority given to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to Sri Lanka.

• How to Apply:

1. Complete the online application on the Fulbright Sri Lanka website.

2. Submit required documents, including academic records, references, and a personal statement.

• Country: India

• Value: Full tuition fees, monthly allowance, annual grant for books and stationery, airfare, and hostel accommodation.

• Benefits:

1. Study at prestigious Indian institutes and universities.

2. Scholarships available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels.

3. Covers a wide range of disciplines (except medical/paramedical, fashion design, and law).

• Details:

1. Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in various domains.

2. Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: Focuses on master’s degrees in engineering, science, and agriculture.

3. Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: For undergraduate courses in information technology.

4. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship: Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses in various fields.

• How to Apply:

1. Visit the High Commission of India, Colombo website or the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka.

2. Complete the online application via the ICCR A2A portal.

3. Submit required documents, including academic records and recommendations.

• Start early: Application deadlines are strict, and processes can be lengthy.
• Check eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
• Prepare strong documents: Academic records, references, and personal statements are crucial.
• Follow instructions: Read and follow all application guidelines carefully.
• Seek guidance: Contact the relevant embassy or education consultancy for support.

• Start early: Application deadlines are strict, and processes can be lengthy.
• Check eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
• Prepare strong documents: Academic records, references, and personal statements are crucial.
• Follow instructions: Read and follow all application guidelines carefully.
• Seek guidance: Contact the relevant embassy or education consultancy for support.

Sri Lankan students can access a wide range of scholarships at leading universities around the world. Below is a list of universities in Australia, UK, USA, and Canada, along with their notable scholarship programmes for international students.

Scholarships to Study in Australia

• University of South Australia

1. Scholarship: Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship

2. Details: Up to 50% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, awarded based on academic merit.

• Deakin University

1. Scholarship: Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious 100% Scholarship

2. Details: Covers 100% of tuition fees for selected high-achieving international students.

• La Trobe University

1. Scholarship: Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

2. Details: A reduction of either 50% or 100% off the total course tuition fee.

• Bond University

1. Scholarship: International Stand Out Scholarship

2. Details: Up to 25% tuition remission for standout international students at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

• Macquarie University

1. Scholarship: Sri Lanka $10,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship

2. Details: AUD $10,000 per year for the duration of a bachelor’s or master’s coursework degree; awarded automatically to eligible Sri Lankan students.

• University of Canberra

1. Scholarship: UC-Sri Lanka Excellence Scholarship

2. Details: 30% off tuition fees for the duration of undergraduate or postgraduate coursework, awarded based on academic achievement.

Scholarships to Study in UK

• University of Manchester (via INTO pathway)

1. Scholarship: Global Futures Scholarships

2. Details: Up to £24,000 for undergraduate studies (over three years), based on academic excellence.

• University of Westminster

1. Scholarship: Westminster Full-fee Scholarship

2. Details: 100% tuition fee waiver for full-time master’s students from developing countries.

• Other UK Universities

1. Scholarship: GREAT Scholarships

2. Details: Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees for postgraduate students from Sri Lanka, offered at select UK universities.

Scholarships to Study in US

• University of Alabama

1. Scholarship: International Student Scholarships

2. Details: Merit-based awards ranging from $6,000 to $28,000 per year for undergraduate students.

• University of Arizona

1. Scholarship: Global Wildcat Award

2. Details: $4,000–$35,000 per year for undergraduate international students, renewable for up to four years.

• Colorado State University

1. Scholarship: International Achievement Scholarship

2. Details: $2,000–$12,000 per year for international students, based on academic achievement.

• Florida International University

1. Scholarship: International Presidential Scholarship

2. Details: Up to $24,000 per year for high-achieving international students.

• Iowa State University

1. Scholarship: International Merit Scholarship

2. Details: $6,000–$10,000 per year for undergraduate international students.

• University of Kansas

1. Scholarship: International Excellence Award

2. Details: $8,000–$16,000 per year for undergraduate international students.

• University of Massachusetts Boston

1. Scholarship: International Student Scholarship

2. Details: $5,000–$17,000 per year for undergraduate international students.

Scholarships to Study in Canada

• University Canada West

1. Scholarship: International Student Scholarship

2. Details: Up to $20,000 CAD for undergraduate and graduate international students.

• University of Guelph

1. Scholarship: International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships

2. Details: $7,500–$20,000 CAD for high-achieving international students.

• University of Lethbridge

1. Scholarship: International Student Scholarships

2. Details: $5,000–$10,000 CAD per year for undergraduate international students.

• University of Manitoba

1. Scholarship: International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship

2. Details: $3,000–$40,000 CAD for high-achieving international students.

• University of Northern British Columbia

1. Scholarship: International Undergraduate Scholarship

2. Details: $2,500–$5,000 CAD per year for undergraduate international students.

Sri Lankan students are advised to treat all specific financial figures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria as indicative. Always refer to the official websites of the scholarship-awarding bodies for the most current and definitive information for their intended year of application. You can also get in touch with our counsellors for the most suitable scholarships to study abroad based on your profile and level of study.

Sri Lankan students have the most opportunities in the following countries:

These countries are known for their high-quality education systems and generous scholarship programmes for international students.

To qualify for scholarships, Sri Lankan students typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Academic Excellence: Strong grades and a good academic record are essential. Most scholarships require a minimum GPA or equivalent.

• Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is usually required for non-native English speakers.

• Extracurricular Achievements: Leadership, community service, or special talents can strengthen your application.

• Work Experience: Some postgraduate scholarships require prior professional experience.

• Good Health: Most government-funded scholarships require a medical certificate.

• Demonstrated Potential: Many scholarships, such as Australia Awards and Chevening, assess applicants based on their potential to contribute to their home country’s development.

• Valid Passport and Admission Offer: Most scholarships require a valid passport and an admission offer from an eligible institution.

Meeting these criteria improves your chances of securing a scholarship and making your study abroad dream a reality.

Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Missing Deadlines: Submit your application well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Many scholarships have strict deadlines and do not accept late submissions.

• Incomplete Applications: Double-check that all required documents are included. Missing documents can result in immediate disqualification.

• Ignoring Instructions: Follow all guidelines and word limits carefully. Failing to adhere to instructions can harm your chances.

• Generic Essays: Personalise your application and highlight what makes you unique. Tailor your essays to the specific scholarship and demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

• Poor Proofreading: Thoroughly review your application for errors before submitting. Typos and grammatical mistakes can create a negative impression.

• Not Seeking Guidance: Consult with education experts or scholarship advisors to ensure your application is strong and complete.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can present yourself as a strong scholarship candidate. Scholarships to study abroad offer Sri Lankan students the opportunity to access world-class education, gain valuable international experience, and build a brighter future. With a wide range of options—from government-funded to university-specific and field-based scholarships—opportunities are available for every academic level and discipline. Don’t let financial barriers hold you back. Take the first step toward your international academic dreams by exploring your scholarship options today.

Ready to begin your journey? Contact AECC for expert guidance and support throughout your scholarship application process. Our experienced counsellors will help you identify the best opportunities, prepare a standout application, and guide you every step of the way—all at no cost.