The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has announced that applications are now open for the prestigious UK Commonwealth Scholarships for Sri Lankan students, offering opportunities for postgraduate studies in 2026. These scholarships provide talented students with the chance to pursue studies in leading UK universities, strengthening their skills and expertise in fields critical to national and global development.

These scholarships are offered for both Master’s and PhD programmes, with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) requesting nominations for 9 Master’s and 6 PhD candidates from Sri Lanka.

Fields of Study

Applicants must choose one of the following six 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 Criteria

General Eligibility Requirements:

• All applicants should be citizens of Sri Lanka

• Should be in good health and ready to live in UK during the period of study

For Master’s Applicants

• Should possess 04-year (Minimum duration) Bachelor’s Degree (SLQF 6) with a First or Second Class Upper Division in the relevant field of study from a recognized university by UGC in Sri Lanka.

For PhD Applicants

• Should possess 04-year (Minimum duration) Bachelor’s Degree (SLQF 6) with a First or Second Class Upper Division in the relevant field of study from a recognized university by UGC in Sri Lanka.

• Should possess a Master’s degree (SLQF 9,10,11) in the relevant field of study from a recognized university

• Should NOT be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD at a UK university or Sri Lanka before September/October 2026

• Should provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named in your application form.

Application Process

The application window opens on September 2, 2025, and closes on October 14, 2025, at 16:00 GMT.

Interested candidates must apply directly through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online application portal:

• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

Guidance on completing the CSC application form can be viewed via:

https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/advice-for-applicants/

The scholarships are not only an opportunity for advanced study but also a chance for Sri Lankan students to gain international exposure, develop leadership skills, and contribute to sustainable development and innovation in their home country. Interested candidates can apply directly through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online portal.

These scholarships highlight the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing talented individuals and preparing them to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, while fostering strong educational links between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit the official Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education website for Commonwealth scholarships available for postgraduate studies.