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Scholarships for Sri Lankan students to Study Abroad
International Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students
Scholarships, bursaries, and grants are a great way to reduce your overall expenses on international education. A common misconception among students is that there are no scholarship opportunities available for international students. Well, that’s not true. Governments and universities around the world value high-performing students and have many scholarship programs designed to attract the best and brightest minds in their country.
Types of scholarships available
There are various kinds of scholarships available for every kind of student, and some strategic planning and in-depth research can help you land the best of them. Scholarships for studying abroad are majorly categorised as:
Merit-basis | Based on a student’s academic record or extracurricular activities such as achievements in sports and service to the community. |
Student specific | Students who qualify based on factors such as gender, race, religion, family, and medical history can apply for such scholarships. |
Destination specific | Several public authorities, governments, or universities grant bursaries and funds to students from a particular country. For instance, scholarships offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand or the Chevening fellowship granted by the UK Government for international students from Commonwealth countries. |
Subject-specific | Certain universities and institutions award grants to students who plan to pursue a specific field of study. |
Need-based | Targeted towards students facing financial constraints, these scholarships are offered on the basis of your parent’s financial background. Authorities may ask you for documents such as family income, tax statements, employment proofs, etc. |
Athletic scholarships | Provided to top-notch sportsmen, these scholarships require you to contribute with rigorous training and representing your university at events whilst balancing your education. |
We know it can be a little confusing about which scholarship to go for with so many options available, and that’s why our international education experts work with you to explore and apply for the best scholarships for you.
Explore your opportunities
There are numerous government and university-specific scholarships designed to attract high performing students as well as those hoping to work in the country after graduation. Many of these programs offer a substantial bulk payment, educational subsidies, or living allowances designed to make life easier for those looking to study internationally.
Plus, there are programs available for students intending to undertake undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD studies overseas. Regardless of whether you want to undertake a Bachelor of Arts in Australia, or PhD research in the UK, there could be scholarship opportunities available for you.
Scholarships to Study in Australia
The Australian Government invests over AUD 200 million annually in scholarship programs for international students, supporting their academic journey across top universities and tertiary institutions. In addition to tuition support, many scholarships include benefits like Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), making studying in Australia more accessible and affordable.
If you're a Sri Lankan student aiming to pursue higher education abroad, here’s an overview of some of the most popular scholarships to study in Australia:
S.No. | Name of the scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP) | Funded by the Australian Government, it covers a student’s tuition fee and health insurance for up to three years Supports a student’s (local and international) Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degree |
2 | Australia Awards | Funded by the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) Aims to provide students from developing regions an opportunity to pursue their UG/PG program at participating universities in Australia and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions |
Scholarships to Study in Canada
There are numerous scholarships to study in Canada offered by the Canadian government, universities, and independent organisations. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial pressure for international students, especially those from Sri Lanka. With a large number of Asian students choosing Canada every year, many universities are committed to supporting applicants from the region through various grants and funding opportunities.
Here’s an overview of some of the most popular scholarships you can apply for as a Sri Lankan student:
S. No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | For graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines As a pre-requisite to applying, students must accept an offer from a university in Ontario and obtain a valid study permit The scholarship amount is $5,000 per session. So, you may receive $10,000 (two consecutive sessions); $15,000 (three consecutive sessions). |
2 | National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Research associateship is offered to master’s degree holders in engineering and PhD holders in natural science or engineering disciplines For students studying in Quebec Financial assistance to students at master’s level or above |
Scholarships to Study in New Zealand
Many of New Zealand’s scholarships are focused on enabling students from the Pacific and Commonwealth region to access their universities. The government has a number of programs designed to assist international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Here’s an overview of some of the popular scholarships you can apply to as a Srilankan student:
Name of the University | Total no. of scholarships |
|---|---|
AUT University | 4 Postgraduate |
University of Auckland | 4 Postgraduate |
Lincoln University | 2 Postgraduate |
Massey University | 4 Postgraduate |
University of Otago | 4 Postgraduate |
University of Waikato | 4 Postgraduate |
Victoria University of Wellington | 6 Postgraduate |
Scholarships to Study in UK
There are numerous scholarships to study in UK open to students from developing countries. The Government of Sri Lanka also provides scholarship options for academically sound students to pursue education overseas.
Two major government scholarship programs available to international students in the UK are:
Sno. | Scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Chevening | This initiative supports talented professionals who have shown prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields. With Chevening, you can apply for a scholarship or fellowship, the selection of which is done by the high commission and British embassies |
2 | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC): | The CSC in the UK offers fellowships and scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. Srilankan students applying for a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in the UK can take advantage of this scholarship to fund their education. Under the scheme, there are scholarships available specifically for low and middle-income countries that you can take advantage of. |
Scholarships to Study in USA
Many US universities prioritise internationalisation, which is why they offer a range of scholarships to international students, including those from Sri Lanka. These scholarships can significantly reduce your study costs and are available through both government and non-government sources.
Your IDP counsellor can guide you through the most relevant scholarship to study in the USA, based on your academic profile and preferred universities.
Here’s an overview of some of the most popular government-funded scholarships available for Sri Lankan students aspiring to study in the USA:
S.No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Foreign Fulbright Student Program | Applicable for international students who are applying to master’s or PhD programs; this scholarship covers tuition fee, health insurance, textbooks, airfare, and living costs. |
2 | Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation | Awarded to Srilankan students applying to master’s programs in the US with strong academic scores in the fields of social science, pure science, applied sciences, law, architecture, humanities, and management. |
Scholarships to Study in Ireland
If you're planning to study in Ireland, there are several scholarships for Sri Lankan students offered by the Irish Government, leading universities, and private organisations. These scholarships help reduce your study costs and provide valuable financial support throughout your academic journey.
Your IDP counsellor can assist you in shortlisting the most suitable scholarships to study in Ireland and support you through the entire application process — from documentation to deadlines.
Here are some of the most popular Ireland scholarships for Sri Lankan students:
S. No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | Under this initiative, 60 scholarships are granted for 1-year study at Bachelors, Masters or PhD levels, if you have been offered to study in an Irish higher education institution. Upon securing the scholarship, you will receive: A €10,000 stipend for 1 year of study Fully funded tuition and other registration costs at the higher education institution opted for |
2 | The Walsh Fellowship | Awarded to postgraduates relevantly working on projects related to Teagasc Research and Knowledge Transfer Program, majorly in fields of food, crops, animal and grasslands, environment, economics and rural development. The fellowship commemorates late Dr. Tom Walsh contribution to agriculture and food research in Ireland. There are up to 30 new places each year with a grant of €22,000 per student. The duration is Up to two years for MSc course and four years a maximum for a PhD program and the location is preferably Teagasc Research Centre. |
You can ease your financial burden of studying abroad with these scholarships. Also, to seek help for admission to international universities you can get in touch with our international education experts.