Study at a World-Ranked University
on a Government Scholarship
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education is offering fully funded Bachelor’s degree scholarships at top 500 globally ranked universities — exclusively for 2025 A/L achievers.
In line with the Government’s policy framework “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education is proud to continue its exclusive foreign scholarship programme — now in its second consecutive year — offering Sri Lanka’s brightest A/L graduates the opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s degrees at prestigious, internationally ranked universities abroad.
About the Programme
Designed to nurture “A Civilized Citizen – An Advanced Human Resource,” this government-funded initiative will award scholarships to approximately 25 to 50 students for the 2026/2027 academic year. The number of recipients will grow annually, culminating in a total of 200 scholarships over five years (2025–2029).
Applications are invited from students who achieved excellent results at the GCE Advanced Level Examination 2025. While all academic fields are eligible, priority will be given to candidates pursuing globally emerging disciplines or fields not currently offered in Sri Lankan State Universities — particularly those with high potential to contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.
Candidates may select their preferred university and degree programme, provided the institution is ranked within the top 500 in at least one of the following global rankings: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, or the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) – Shanghai Rankings.
Application & Selection Process
Identify Your University & Programme
Choose your preferred degree programme first, then select an eligible international university ranked within the top 500 globally.
Submit Your Online Application
Create a login account at foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk and complete your application with all required details. Hard copies will not be accepted. Deadline: 11th May 2026.
Shortlisting & Structured Interview
Candidates will be shortlisted primarily on academic merit, with consideration for all-island and district merit criteria. Shortlisted students will be called for a structured interview by the Ministry at short notice.
University Admission & Placement Letter
Selected candidates should apply to their chosen university independently to secure a placement. The scholarship grant will be awarded upon submission of the official placement letter and signing the Scholarship Agreement.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
- Minimum mark of 30% for the Common General paper at the GCE A/L Examination 2025 (Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka).
- Good knowledge of English — minimum “C” Grade for General English at GCE A/L or equivalent qualification.
- Must have completed 18 years of age on or before the application deadline.
- Must be in good health and prepared to live overseas for the duration of studies.
Scope of the Award
Tuition & Academic Fees
Full coverage of tuition and related academic charges at the selected institution.
Monthly Stipend
Monthly allowance to assist with food and accommodation expenses while studying abroad.
Health Insurance
Contribution toward health insurance coverage for the duration of the award.
Return Airfare
One-time economy class round-trip airfare to and from the host country.
Visa & Settlement
Visa fees, warm cloth allowance, airport transport, and accommodation deposit (subject to eligibility).
Language Test Fees
English language proficiency test fees may be covered subject to requirements and eligibility.
Overall Award Value
The total award package is subject to a ceiling of Rs. 20,000,000 (Twenty Million Rupees) per year. The exact grant will be determined by the Ministry based on the candidate’s academic merit and chosen field of study. Priority is accorded to globally emerging disciplines with the potential to drive Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
Key Terms & Conditions
- This scheme provides financial support exclusively for Bachelor’s degrees.
- Candidates must return to Sri Lanka after completing their Bachelor’s degree.
- Financial support is limited to a maximum of 4 academic years.
- Candidates are strongly encouraged to choose foreign universities recognised by the UGC, Sri Lanka (ugc.ac.lk).
- Degree programmes should be recognised by the Professional Bodies of Sri Lanka.
- Scholarship recipients will not be considered for the UGC university admission process.
- Recipients must sign a Scholarship Agreement, formally committing to return to Sri Lanka and contribute to the nation’s growth.
- The scholarship covers only the prescribed duration of the selected degree and will not be extended.
- Declining the scholarship offer after the selection process renders the candidate ineligible for future Ministry scholarships.
- Any form of canvassing — written or verbal — will result in automatic disqualification.
- Providing false or misleading information may lead to disqualification and repayment of the grant.
- The final decision regarding the award rests solely at the discretion of the Secretary, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application exclusively through the Ministry’s online portal before 11th May 2026.
Apply at foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk →For more details, visit www.mohe.gov.lk or www.moe.gov.lk
Secretary, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education · Higher Education Division · No. 18, Ward Place, Colombo 07
