The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships offered in the United Kingdom. These prestigious awards are part of the UK Commonwealth Scholarship Program and are designed to support high-achieving Sri Lankans in pursuing postgraduate studies that contribute to national development.

Commonwealth Master’s and PhD scholarship application deadline extended up to
16:00 BST on Tuesday 21 October, 2025. Applicants are requested, if possible, to submit their applications between 21:00 to 06:00 BST as the system is quieter during these times.

Number of Scholarships

For 2026, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) has requested nominations for:

• Master’s Degrees – 09 scholarships

• PhDs – 06 scholarships

Fields of Study

Applicants must select their program under one of six CSC development themes:

1. Science and Technology for Development
2. Improving Population Health, Health Systems, and Capacity
3. Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship
4. Strengthening Peace, Security, and Governance
5. Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
6. Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity

Eligibility Requirements

General Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.

• Must be in good health and able to reside in the UK during the study period.

For Master’s Programs:

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree (SLQF 6) with First or Second Class Upper Division in a relevant field from a university recognized by the UGC.

For PhD Programs:

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree (SLQF 6) with First or Second Class Upper Division in a relevant field.

• A Master’s degree (SLQF 9, 10, or 11) in the relevant field.

• Must not be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to a PhD in the UK or Sri Lanka before September/October 2026.

• A supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor from one of the institutions listed in the application.

Application Process

Applicants must apply through the CSC online application portal:

The CSC application portal is open from 02nd September 2025 to 14th October 2025 at 16:00 (GMT)

• To apply for a PhD Scholarship

• To apply for a Master’s Scholarship

Selection and Interview

The Ministry will shortlist candidates based on CSC grading criteria, which include academic merit, quality of study/research plans, and the potential development impact on Sri Lanka. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews at the Higher Education Division, Colombo, where they must present original certificates and other supporting documents.

The final awarding of scholarships is at the discretion of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.

Note: Candidates declining an award after selection will be ineligible for future scholarships coordinated by the Ministry.

• Extensions to the scholarship period will not be recommended.
• Canvassing in any form will result in disqualification.