Commonwealth Scholarships 2026/27 for Sri Lankan Students – Fully Funded Masters & PhD in the UK

The Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Sri Lanka, as a Commonwealth member nation, is eligible for both the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and Commonwealth PhD Scholarships. These awards enable talented Sri Lankan students to study at top UK universities, contributing to sustainable development goals and strengthening Commonwealth ties.

Types of Commonwealth Scholarships for Sri Lankans

• 🎓 Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships — Full-time Master’s programmes at UK universities. Sri Lanka is among eligible countries for this award.
• 🎓 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships — Part-time, fully online Master’s degrees through The Open University (UK) — ideal for working professionals who cannot study abroad full-time.
• 🎓 Commonwealth PhD Scholarships — For students from least developed and vulnerable Commonwealth countries for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.

What Commonwealth Scholarships Cover

• ✅ Full tuition fees at UK universities
• ✅ Monthly living stipend for the full duration
• ✅ Economy class return airfare to the UK
• ✅ Thesis and study grants
• ✅ Warm clothing allowance
• ✅ For Distance Learning: Internet and study material support

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka (a Commonwealth country)
• Hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard
• For PhD: Must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant subject
• Must be committed to development goals in Sri Lanka
• Cannot hold citizenship of a high-income country
• For Distance Learning Scholarships: Must be in full-time employment and studying part-time

How to Apply

1. Applications are processed through the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
2. Submit application to the Ministry’s scholarship division (18, Ward Place, Colombo 07) with all required certified documents
3. Documents required: Academic transcripts, degree certificates, two referee reports, birth certificate, NIC/passport, and a university placement letter if available
4. The Ministry shortlists candidates and conducts an interview
5. Shortlisted nominations are forwarded to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for final selection
6. Successful candidates are notified and must enter into a scholarship agreement

Commonwealth Distance Learning – A Special Opportunity for Working Professionals

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are particularly valuable for Sri Lankan working professionals who want to earn a UK Master’s degree without leaving their jobs. Delivered fully online through The Open University (UK), this scholarship allows you to study part-time from Sri Lanka while remaining in employment — a rare combination of UK academic quality and practical flexibility.