Scholarship Process
Learn everything you need to know about Scholarships in UK
and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Learn everything you need to know about studying in the UK and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Scholarships in the UK for Sri Lankan Students
Dreaming of a world-class education in the UK? For Sri Lankan students, the United Kingdom offers not only top-ranked universities but also a wealth of scholarships that make studying abroad more accessible than ever. With a UK degree, you gain global recognition, access to cutting-edge research, and a multicultural experience that opens doors to international careers.
Scholarships in the UK for Sri Lankan students provide crucial financial support, helping you focus on your studies and future ambitions instead of financial worries. Whether you aim for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies, funding opportunities await you.
Explore how UK university scholarships 2025 can turn your academic aspirations into reality. From fully funded scholarships in the UK to targeted awards for specific courses or regions, this guide will help you navigate your options and take the next step toward studying in UK .
Types of Scholarships Available for Sri Lankan Students in the UK
The UK offers a diverse range of scholarships, each designed to support students with different backgrounds and goals. Here are the main categories:
Government-Funded Scholarships:
The UK government provides these scholarships to attract talented students worldwide, including Sri Lanka. Notable examples include the Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships. They typically cover full or partial tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs, making them highly competitive and prestigious. Government-funded scholarships are awarded to students with strong academic records, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing to their home country after graduation.
University-Based Scholarships:
Offered directly by UK universities, these scholarships aim to support international students, including those from Sri Lanka, based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. Awards can range from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships, and may also provide additional benefits such as mentoring or networking opportunities. Each university sets its eligibility criteria and application process, so it’s important to check with your chosen institution.
Merit-Based Scholarships:
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or leadership potential. These scholarships are open to high-performing students regardless of their financial background and can significantly reduce tuition costs. They are often highly sought after, so a strong academic record and a well-rounded application are key to success.
Need-Based Scholarships:
Designed to help students who face financial barriers to higher education, need-based scholarships assess your family income and financial circumstances. These awards ensure talented students from less privileged backgrounds can access quality education in the UK. Applicants may need to provide detailed financial documentation and meet basic academic requirements, but the primary focus is financial need.
Course-Specific Scholarships:
Some scholarships are tailored for students pursuing particular fields of study, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Law, Medicine, or Creative Arts. These awards encourage students to excel in areas that are strategically important or in high demand. Course-specific scholarships can be funded by universities, industry partners, or professional associations, and may include internships or research opportunities as part of the package.
Region-Specific Scholarships:
These scholarships target students from certain countries or regions, such as South Asia or specifically Sri Lanka. They are designed to promote diversity and strengthen educational ties between the UK and partner countries. Region-specific scholarships often have eligibility criteria linked to nationality and may prioritize students who can contribute to their local communities after graduation.
Research and PhD Scholarships:
Some scholarships comprehensively support postgraduate students, especially those pursuing research degrees or PhDs. These may cover tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs, and are often awarded based on research potential, academic excellence, and the relevance of your proposed project. Many UK universities and government bodies offer such scholarships to encourage innovation and global collaboration in research.
Top Government-Funded Scholarships in the UK
Below are the most prestigious government scholarships for Sri Lankan students:
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are fully funded by the UK government and are among the most prestigious awards available to international students, including those from Sri Lanka. These scholarships typically cover full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and economy class return airfare to the UK.
For a one-year master’s degree, the total value can be up to £30,000 per year, depending on the course and location. Additionally, Chevening provides arrival and departure allowances, visa application costs, and other essential expenses. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential to be considered for this highly competitive award.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, including Sri Lanka, who wish to pursue master’s or PhD studies in the UK. These scholarships generally cover full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, and return airfare.
The living allowance is designed to cover accommodation and personal expenses, and the total support can be substantial, often matching or exceeding the cost of tuition and living in the UK. Selection is based on academic merit and the candidate’s potential to contribute to the development of their home country.
GREAT Scholarships
Jointly funded by the UK government and British Council, these awards provide at least £10,000 toward tuition for one-year postgraduate courses at selected UK universities. Applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens and meet university-specific requirements.
Popular University-Specific Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students
Many UK universities offer scholarships tailored for international and Sri Lankan students. Here are some examples:
|
University Name |
Scholarship Title |
Details/Value |
|
University of Manchester |
Global Futures Scholarships for South Asia |
Up to £24,000 over three years (UG) |
|
University of Dundee |
Vice Chancellor’s South Asia Scholarship |
£4,000 per year (UG & PG), up to £20,000 max, for South Asian nationals, including Sri Lanka. |
|
University of Essex |
Vice-Chancellor’s Global Talent Scholarship |
50% of the first-year tuition fee (UG & PG), for eligible countries including Sri Lanka. |
|
Queen’s University Belfast |
South Asia Scholarship |
Range: £1,500 (South Asia Scholarship, UG & PG) to £6,000 (Business School South Asia Scholarship, PG). Multiple scholarships available for Sri Lankan students. |
|
University of Portsmouth |
Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship |
£5,000 fee reduction (first year, UG & PG), open to international students including Sri Lanka. |
Undergraduate, Master’s, MBA & PhD Scholarships in the UK
Exploring scholarships in the UK for Sri Lankan students? Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, master’s, MBA, or PhD programmes, UK university scholarships offer a range of fully funded scholarships in the UK and partial awards.
From government scholarships for international students in the UK to university-specific opportunities, there’s funding at every level to help you achieve your academic dreams.
Undergraduate Scholarships in the UK
University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship: Up to £24,000 (£8,000/year for 3 years) for outstanding international undergraduates, including Sri Lankan students.
- University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Scholarship: £2,000–£2,500 per year, depending on faculty, for new international undergraduates.
- UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship: Up to full tuition and maintenance for students from low-income backgrounds.
Master’s Scholarships in the UK
Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded; covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more for one-year master’s degrees at any UK university.
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Fully funded for students from Commonwealth countries, covering tuition, stipend, and travel.
- GREAT Scholarships: £10,000 towards tuition at select universities for Sri Lankan students.
- UCL Global Master’s Scholarship: £15,000 for one year for international students from lower-income backgrounds.
MBA Scholarships in the UK
Brunel University MBA Scholarships: Up to £16,000 (50% tuition waiver) for full-time MBA students.
- Chevening Scholarships: For MBA, covers up to £22,000 in tuition, plus living and travel expenses.
- Newcastle University MBA Scholarships: Up to £16,300 towards tuition for candidates with leadership potential.
PhD Scholarships in the UK for International Students
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: Fully funded for students from eligible Commonwealth countries, covering tuition, stipend, and travel.
- UCL Research Excellence Scholarship: Full tuition, maintenance stipend, and research costs for outstanding PhD applicants.
- LSE PhD Studentships: Full fees and annual stipend (e.g., £21,237 for 2024 entry) for four years.
- University of York Departmental Studentships: Tuition and stipend (e.g., £20,780/year) for PhD students in select departments.
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 in the UK based on your profile and level of study.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Securing scholarships in the UK for Sri Lankan students can be highly competitive, but with the right strategy, you can boost your chances of success. By following proven tips and understanding the requirements for UK university scholarships 2025 and fully funded scholarships in the UK, you will be better prepared to stand out in your applications and achieve your study abroad dreams.
- Start Early: Begin your search for UK university scholarships 2025 at least 8–12 months before your intended intake. Early planning gives you time to research fully funded scholarships in the UK, gather required documents, and meet all deadlines. This approach also allows you to shortlist the best scholarships for international students in the UK and prepare strong, tailored applications.
- Maintain Strong Academics: A high academic record is essential for most merit-based and government scholarships for international students in the UK. Consistently good grades, awards, and academic achievements demonstrate your commitment and make you stand out for undergraduate scholarships in the UK, master’s scholarships in the UK, and PhD scholarships in the UK for international students. Some scholarships may even have a minimum GPA requirement.
- Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to showcase your goals, motivation, and why you deserve the scholarship. Clearly explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career ambitions, and highlight your unique qualities or experiences. Tailor each statement to the specific scholarship, as selection committees look for genuine passion and fit.
- Highlight Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Many fully funded scholarships in the UK, like Chevening and Commonwealth, value leadership and community involvement. Include any leadership roles, volunteer work, or extracurricular achievements in your application. Demonstrating initiative and impact beyond academics can set you apart from other applicants.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t limit yourself—apply for several scholarships in the UK for Sri Lankan students to maximize your chances. Each award has different criteria and benefits, so casting a wide net increases your likelihood of success. Remember to tailor your application for each scholarship and keep track of all deadlines.
- Prepare for English Language Tests: Most UK scholarships require proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or equivalent exams. Start preparing early, as a high score can strengthen your eligibility for university and government scholarships for international students in the UK. Some scholarships may even specify a minimum band requirement.
- Check Specific Eligibility Requirements: Each scholarship has its eligibility criteria—these may include nationality, course, academic background, or financial need. Carefully review all requirements for UK university scholarships before applying, and only submit applications where you meet the criteria. This ensures your efforts are focused and increases your chances of selection.
UK scholarships open doors to world-class education and life-changing opportunities for Sri Lankan students. With a wide range of government scholarships for international students in the UK, fully funded scholarships in the UK, and exclusive university awards, you can achieve your academic goals without financial stress.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with AECC counsellors today to discover the best scholarships in the UK for Sri Lankan students and get personalised guidance for a successful application. Start your journey with AECC and turn your UK study dreams into reality.
