The Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka has released an official announcement inviting applications for postgraduate scholarships offered by the Government of China for the academic year 2026/27. Through this program, 10 scholarships are available for Sri Lankan citizens who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in China. The scholarships are administered by the People’s Republic of China and applicants are required to apply online through the designated portals.

General eligibility requirements

• All applicants should be citizens of Sri Lanka.

• Applicants should be in good health and ready to live in China during the period of study.

Master’s applicants eligibility requirements

• Age Should be below 35 years on 06. 12. 2025.

• Should possess 04-year (Minimum Duration) Bachelor’s Degree (SLQF 6) with a First or SecondClass Upper division in the relevant field of study from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka.

PhD applicants eligibility requirements

• Age Should be below 40 years on 06. 12. 2025.

• Should possess 04-year Bachelor’s Degree (SLQF 6) with a First or Second Class Upper division in the relevant field of study with a Master’s degree (SLQF 9/10/11) from a recognized university by the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka

The government sector employees, should submit their applications through the Head of the institute.

Language proficiency is a key requirement. Candidates applying for English‑medium programs must provide IELTS or TOEFL scores, while those opting for Chinese‑medium programs must demonstrate competence through HSK Level 4 or higher.

The scholarships are comprehensive in their coverage, offering full tuition fee waivers, free dormitory accommodation or an accommodation subsidy, a monthly stipend of three thousand Chinese yuan for Master’s students and three thousand five hundred yuan for PhD students, medical insurance valued at eight hundred yuan per year, and a one‑time travel allowance to and from China.

Applications

• Online application is available at: https://foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk

• Applicants should apply for the relevant programme through above online portal either Master or PhD.

• Applicants should submit only one application via online portal and not required to send downloaded application by post.

• The deadline of the application is 06th December 2025

• Any statement in the application, which is found to be incorrect at any time will be liable to disqualification and will lead to the withdrawal of the award.

• Incomplete applications in any aspect will be rejected

Those selected will also need to provide pre‑admission documents from Chinese universities. Ultimately, final selection rests with the China Scholarship Council, and the notice makes clear that canvassing or lobbying will result in disqualification.

The announcement also includes several important cautions. Scholarship conditions may be subject to change according to regulations of the Chinese Government. Candidates who decline an offer after being selected will be barred from applying for future scholarships. Extensions of scholarship duration will not be recommended by the Ministry. In essence, the notice presents a prestigious opportunity for Sri Lankan graduates to pursue advanced studies in China, fully funded and supported, provided they meet the academic, age, and language requirements and adhere strictly to the application process.

For more information, visit the Postgraduate Scholarships Offered under the Chinese Government Scholarships Programme, 2026/27 web notice.

Secretary
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
Higher Education Division
No.18, Ward Place
Colombo 07.