2026 EducationUSA Roadshow Highlights Strength of U.S. Universities in STEM Programs, Workforce Competitiveness

EducationUSA at the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) hosted a U.S. University Fair across Colombo, Kurunegala, and Kandy between September 14–18, 2026. 

The free fairs brought together 10 accredited higher education institutions from across the United States who shared academic programs, research opportunities, and scholarships available to Sri Lankan students seeking Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Institutions also emphasized their robust STEM programming. Participating colleges and universities included:

• Albright College
• Baylor University
• Bowling Green State University
• Fisher College
• New York University
• North Dakota State University
• University of Arkansas
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Vermont

US-SLFC provided information on several of its flagship programs including the Master’s Degree Scholarship, which is awarded to six Sri Lankan students per year to pursue a fully-funded Master’s degree in the U.S. EducationUSA answered questions about the university application process and explained its free advising services including a reference library, workshops and events, and one-on-one personalized appointments. 

Other participants included the USBus Mobile American Space and the American Corner Kandy, which hosted interactive experiences including Virtual Reality and 3D printing available at American Spaces across the island. British Council also shared information on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Additional events during the representatives’ tour in Sri Lanka included visits to local schools and universities plus a networking reception with local school counselors, reaching nearly 1,000 students in total. “We were impressed not only by how many Sri Lankan students we met, but also by their knowledge, curiosity, and enthusiasm for higher education,” said Andrew Van Lew, Associate Director of Graduate and International Recruitment at the University of Arkansas.

The roadshow communicated the unique value of a U.S. higher education degree, among them access to cutting-edge technologies, innovative research opportunities, workforce competitiveness, and career readiness. US-SLFC Executive Director Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., said “These fairs connect Sri Lankan students directly with U.S. universities, opening new opportunities for study while strengthening educational ties between our two countries.”

The 2026 EducationUSA Roadshow builds on the momentum of the 2024–2025 academic year, which saw an increase in Sri Lankan student enrollment across U.S. higher education institutions. Van Lew said, “In addition to being incredibly gracious and hospitable hosts, the Sri Lankan students, staff and faculty we met were knowledgeable and curious about U.S. higher education opportunities. We hope to be back in Sri Lanka again soon.”

Students, parents, and school administrators departed the fairs with a greater understanding of the role of U.S. universities as driving forces of technological advancement and workforce development, providing a valuable connection between Sri Lanka and America to increase the safety, security, and prosperity of both nations.

About EducationUSA: EducationUSA provides free counselling services to prospective students in Sri Lanka who wish to pursue higher education in the United States. It is housed at the US-SLFC. EducationUSA Sri Lanka offers guidance through the EducationUSA Adviser, who helps individuals navigate the application process for over 4,000 accredited American institutions and plan their educational journey. It is the sole official source of information on U.S. higher education in Sri Lanka. For more information about EducationUSA in Sri Lanka, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org/educationusa-advising. 

About the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission: The US-SLFC is an autonomous, bi-national organization established in 1952 and funded by the U.S. Department of State. Over the past seven decades, Fulbright Sri Lanka has facilitated educational exchanges for more than 2,000 Sri Lankans and Americans, fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. For more information about US-SLFC, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org.