The Fulbright Master’s Degree Scholarship Awards is administered by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) in partnership with Institute of International Education (IIE). These awards, given to a limited number of top Sri Lankan students selected for their academic excellence, fund graduate study for a Master’s degree at a U.S. university. This award is valid for a maximum of 2 academic years.

• Pre-departure orientation program in Colombo.
• Tuition, fees and monthly living stipend (this may include cost-sharing from U.S. universities)
• Round-trip economy class air travel from Sri Lanka to the host institution in the U.S.
• Health insurance
• U.S. university admission advising and placement support
• Support for standardized tests
• Fulbright enrichment activities
• Immigration advising and immigration sponsorship support

The Fulbright program does not provide any financial support for accompanying dependents.

Students studying in all disciplines except clinical medicine can apply. To apply, you must:

1. Be a Sri Lankan citizen.
2. Have continuously resided in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years immediately prior to the award application deadline.
3. Possess a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized Sri Lankan university.
   • Applicants with degrees from non-Sri Lankan universities are welcome to apply provided they possess the equivalent of a 4-year Sri Lankan degree.
   • Applicants with 3-year degrees from Sri Lanka and India are required to possess a relevant post-graduate qualification (for example, a post-graduate diploma or a Master’s degree).
4. Demonstrate a high level of academic and professional achievement.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and superior communication skills.
   • Depending on which American university you attend, certain TOEFL scores may be required.
6. Have at least 1 year of full-time paid professional work experience in the proposed field of study by the application deadline.
7. Not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
8. Not be applying for or holding permanent resident visa (Green Card) in the United States, not be dual U.S.-Sri Lanka citizen, and not hold work or resident visa in another country.
9. [If employed] Provide evidence that leave will be granted for the fellowship period if selected.
10. Maintain a commitment to foster understanding and peace between the people of the U.S. and people of Sri Lanka.
11. Reside in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of the grant.

While not mandatory, priority will be given to candidates that:

1. Have very few or preferably no opportunities to travel to the U.S.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to return to Sri Lanka to live and work for at least 5 years after the conclusion of the program.
3. Demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential.
4. Demonstrate the ability to function well in a U.S. institute of higher education.
5. Are comfortable with international travel.
6. Can serve as a good representative for Sri Lanka.

Priority will be given to students that will return to build the capacity of Sri Lanka, and to students who have not had prior exposure to the U.S.

To learn more about and apply for the Fulbright Master’s Degree Scholarship Awards for Sri Lankans, please see this website from our partners at IIE: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2027. You must register on this website to access information and apply.

The application for the Master’s Fellowship Program must be submitted online using the link above and must be completed fully with all the required support documents uploaded to the online application by the deadline.

• Please read the Fulbright Master’s Awards Application Instructions carefully, prior to starting the online application.  All instructions on completing the online application are described in the instructions.
• You need to have an email address to create a log-in to complete the application
• You are recommended to provide 3-4 universities that best fit your educational objectives and academic background in your application, as your initial choice of institutions. US-SLFC’s free Educational Advising service, including the US-SLFC library and other resources, can assist you to research and identify potential U.S. universities to pursue a Master’s degree in your fields of study.

For questions, write to US-SLFC Program Officer Shanaka Premarathna: shanaka@fulbrightsrilanka.org

The application deadline is May 31st of each year. Mandatory interviews of shortlisted candidates only will take place in July/August of each year.

IMPORTANT:

• Each applicant may not apply to more than one award category during a competition cycle.
• Applications (including all support documents) received after the deadline will NOT be considered.