The Fulbright Master’s Scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for Sri Lankan students to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the United States. Administered by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, this prestigious award supports academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange for a maximum of two academic years.
The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) partners with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to administer these awards. The commission fosters mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Sri Lanka through educational and cultural exchange programs.
Fulbright Master’s Scholarship Benefits
- 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
Fulbright Master’s Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a Sri Lankan citizen.
- Have continuously resided in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years immediately prior to the award application deadline.
- Possess a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized Sri Lankan university.
- Demonstrate a high level of academic and professional achievement.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and superior communication skills.
- Have at least 1 year of full-time paid professional work experience in the proposed field of study by the application deadline.
- Not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
- 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.
- [If employed] Provide evidence that leave will be granted for the fellowship period if selected.
- Maintain a commitment to foster understanding and peace between the people of the U.S. and people of Sri Lanka.
- Reside in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of the grant.
How to Apply for Fulbright Master’s Scholarship
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Fulbright Master’s Scholarship for Sri Lankans. These answers cover eligibility requirements, application procedures, benefits, and important deadlines based on the official program information.
What is the Fulbright Master’s Scholarship?
The Fulbright Master’s Degree Scholarship Awards fund graduate study for a Master’s degree at a U.S. university for top Sri Lankan students. It is administered by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) and is valid for a maximum of 2 academic years.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens who have resided in Sri Lanka for at least 2 years prior to the deadline. They must possess a 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), have at least 1 year of full-time paid work experience in their field, demonstrate English proficiency and academic excellence, and not hold a U.S. degree, Green Card, or dual citizenship.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship is fully funded and includes a pre-departure orientation, tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip economy air travel, health insurance, university admission advising, support for standardized tests, Fulbright enrichment activities, and immigration advising. Note that it does not provide financial support for accompanying dependents.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is May 31st of each year. For the 2026 cycle, the deadline is May 31, 2026. Applications received after the deadline, including all support documents, will not be considered.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online via the IIE website at https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2027. Applicants must register on the site, carefully read the Fulbright Master’s Awards Application Instructions, and complete the application fully with all required documents uploaded by the deadline. An email address is required to create a login.
Are there any preferences in the selection process?
Priority is given to candidates with few or no prior opportunities to travel to the U.S., those committed to returning to Sri Lanka for at least 5 years after the program, and those demonstrating strong academic and leadership potential, ability to function in a U.S. university, comfort with international travel, and capacity to represent Sri Lanka well.
Can applicants with 3-year degrees apply?
Applicants with 3-year degrees from Sri Lanka and India are required to possess a relevant post-graduate qualification, such as a post-graduate diploma or a Master’s degree. Applicants with degrees from non-Sri Lankan universities must possess the equivalent of a 4-year Sri Lankan degree.
What happens after the application is submitted?
Mandatory interviews for shortlisted candidates only will take place in July/August of each year. The US-SLFC provides free Educational Advising to help applicants research and identify potential U.S. universities for their Master’s degree.
Is there a residency requirement after the program?
Yes, award recipients must reside in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of the grant. Additionally, priority is given to those demonstrating a commitment to return to Sri Lanka to live and work for at least 5 years after the program.
Who can I contact for questions about the application?
For questions, you can write to US-SLFC Program Officer Shanaka Premarathna at [email protected]. It is also important to note that each applicant may not apply to more than one award category during a competition cycle.
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