Scholarships Sri Lankan students 2025 are becoming more accessible — both full scholarships to study abroad and high-quality free online courses that build job-ready skills. This curated guide lists the best global and local scholarships, verified application steps, and top free online learning platforms so parents, teachers, and students can plan next steps confidently.
Quick TL;DR
- Top global scholarships in 2025: Chevening, Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth, Australia Awards, MEXT (Japan), Chinese Government Scholarships.
- Local scholarships announced via the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Ministry of Higher Education.
- Free course platforms: Coursera (with financial aid), edX, Google Career Certificates, FutureLearn, Khan Academy, Saylor Academy.
- Step-by-step application checklist included below for students, parents, and teachers.
Top Global Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students (2025)
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Who: Postgraduate students with leadership potential.
Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, flights, visa costs.
Why apply: Prestigious, network and leadership training.
Practical steps: create a MyChevening account → check country eligibility → prepare two references and a strong leadership essay → submit by the Chevening deadline.
2. Fulbright (U.S.)
Who: Graduates and early-career professionals (master’s, research, some professional programs).
Covers: Tuition, living stipend, travel, health insurance in many cases.
Practical steps: review Fulbright Sri Lanka specific eligibility, prepare transcripts, statement of purpose, and referee letters; follow the self-placement or hosted program instructions. Fulbright Online
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Who: International students (master’s level).
Covers: Tuition, travel, living stipend for top candidates.
Practical steps: pick an Erasmus Mundus program from the EACEA catalogue, apply directly to the consortium/university and the scholarship selection scheme per programme instructions. Erasmus
4. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Who: Talented Commonwealth citizens (masters & PhDs).
Covers: Tuition, living allowance, airfare.
Practical steps: check the national nominating body (often Ministry of Higher Education / British Council), apply via CSC portal during open window (usually Sept–Oct). CSCT UK
5. Australia Awards
Who: Mid-career and postgraduate applicants from Sri Lanka.
Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, travel, pre-departure briefings.
Practical steps: prepare evidence of work experience, employer release (if required), and English tests; apply during the opening window (dates published on official Australia Awards Sri Lanka pages). dfat.gov.au
6. Other Government Scholarships
- MEXT (Japan) — embassy/consulate recommendations; submit to local Japanese embassy in recommended timeline. 日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan
- Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) — apply via Chinese embassy / university channels (annual application windows). China Scholarship 2025
Local Scholarships & University Grants
Local government ministries, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and ministries occasionally publish country-specific scholarship nominations (for example China, Commonwealth nominations or university exchange scholarships). Check the UGC and MOHE portals often and subscribe to their newsletters. Practical tip: local nomination windows are time-sensitive — gather academic and police-clearance documents early. University Grants Commission+1
Free Online Courses for Sri Lankan Students (2025)
Free and low-cost online courses can improve applications, boost skills, and enhance employability.
Top platforms to try:
- Coursera — offers financial aid for certificates.
- edX — MicroMasters & certificates from leading universities.
- Google Career Certificates — fast, job-ready programs.
- FutureLearn — short courses and microcredentials.
- Khan Academy — exam prep & fundamentals.
- Saylor Academy — 100% free online courses.
Tip: Always list completed courses (with institution and completion date) on your CV or scholarship application.
Step-by-Step Scholarship Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility (age, nationality, degree requirements).
- Request transcripts early (can take weeks).
- Book IELTS/TOEFL or other required language tests.
- Secure letters of recommendation (ask at least one month in advance).
- Write a strong personal statement tailored to each scholarship.
- Update your CV with measurable achievements.
- Check passport validity (must be valid for 6+ months).
- Submit your application early — portals close exactly at deadline time.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
- Help students plan timelines for tests and documents.
- Review essays and conduct mock interviews.
- Support with document translations and verifications.
- Teacher references should highlight leadership and community service.
Conclusion
2025 brings excellent opportunities for Sri Lankan students — from global scholarships like Chevening, Fulbright, and Australia Awards to local UGC-supported grants and free online learning platforms. With the right preparation, students can secure life-changing educational experiences.
👉 Share this guide with parents, teachers, and friends — the right information at the right time can change a future.
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