Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education launches an exclusive foreign scholarship program under the Government’s policy framework, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,”. With the goal of empowering 200 high-achieving G.C.E. Advanced Level students to pursue Bachelor’s degrees at prestigious and internationally recognized universities abroad, the Ministry offers government-funded scholarship opportunities to approximately 25 to 50 students in its inaugural phase for the 2026 academic year. The number of recipients will be progressively increased on an annual basis, with the objective of awarding a total of 200 scholarships over the five-year period from 2025-2029.

Deadline : 15th September 2025

Students from all academic fields are eligible to apply but those who want to pursue studies in either globally recognized fields or fields that are not currently available in Sri Lanka will be given the major priority. If you are a prospective candidate, you are encouraged to select an international university and a degree program of your choice and you can find the universities that are ranked within the top 500 in the world from the global university rankings listed below.

• QS World University Rankings

• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings

• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) – Shanghai Rankings

General Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants are required to fulfill all the general eligibility criteria mentioned below.

• Should be a citizen of Sri Lanka.

• The applicant should have a minimum mark of 30% for the Common General paper at G.C.E A/L examination 2024, conducted by the Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka.

• Should possess a good knowledge of English (Minimum “C” Grade for General English at G.C.E A/L examination or equivalent).

• Should be in good health and ready to live overseas (relevant country) during the period of study.

The award encompasses the following components, applicable for a maximum duration of four years:

• Tuition and other academic fees

• Monthly stipend to assist with food and accommodation expenses

• Contribution for health insurance

• One-time economy class round-trip airfare, including local transportation from the nearest airport to the host university.

The total value of the award package for a year is Rs. 20,000,000 (twenty million rupees). However, the Ministry will decide the grant amount given to each student according on the candidate’s academic standing and selected area of study. Students pursuing globally expanding fields will be given preference, especially those who have a significant chance of advancing the nation’s sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Application Process

1. Identify your preferred degree program

• Choose a field of study that aligns with your academic and professional interests.

• This program should be commenced in 2026.

• Check the eligibility criteria and entrance exam requirements (if any).

2. Select the university ranked within the top 500 globally

• Find an international university that offers your chosen degree and is listed in the top 500 of recognized global university ranking.

3. Create an Login Account on the Ministry’s Online Application Portal.

https://foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk

4. Complete the online application form

• Fill in all required details accurately and upload the necessary supporting documents. Ensure that your application is successfully submitted. You should receive a confirmation message upon successful submission.

5. Ensure exclusive online submission

• Only applications submitted via the portal will be accepted.

• Hard copies sent by post will not be considered.

6. Submit the application before the deadline

• All applications must be submitted on or before 15th September 2025 to this Ministry.
  (Due to significant demand and heavy website usage, candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute issues)

7. Shortlisting by the Ministry

• The Ministry will evaluate applications and shortlist candidates based on eligibility and Academic merit (special consideration will be given to the All Island and District Merit criteria).

8. Attend a structured interview (if shortlisted)

• Shortlisted candidates will be called for a structured interview by the Ministry at short notice to assess the eligibility to award the scholarship grant.

9. Check your selection status to confirm eligibility for the grant

10. Apply to the selected foreign university

• Students selected through the structured interview will be advised to apply to their chosen international university.

11. Follow the university’s admission procedures

• Complete all required steps (applications, documentation etc.) as per the university’s instructions.

12. Obtain the official placement letter

• Secure an official admission/placement letter from the foreign university

13. Submit the placement letter to the Ministry.

14. Sign the bond agreement

15. Receive the scholarship grant

• Upon verification of the placement letter and signing the bond agreement, the scholarship funds will be released.

16. Pursue and complete your degree abroad successfully

• Fulfill all academic requirements and complete the program as per university standards.

17. Return to Sri Lanka upon graduation

• After the successful completion of the degree, report to the Ministry.

• Contribute to the economic growth and sustainable development of the country by applying the knowledge and skills gained abroad.

Important : If you encounter technical issues while completing your application, contact the IT Division:

Email: d-ict@mohe.gov.lk
Telephone: 011-2687637

For clarifications regarding the scholarship program contact:

Email: ovse@mohe.gov.lk

Telephone:
011-2698994 – Sinhala / English
011-4849122 – Sinhala / English
011-4849121 – Tamil / English

For more information including the terms and conditions, visit the official Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education website for Undergraduate Scholarships at High-Ranking Universities for 2024 A/L High Achievers.

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