Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Fulbright is the flagship international academic exchange programme of the US government, administered in Colombo by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission. The Foreign Student Program typically funds 8-12 Sri Lankan candidates each year for a one or two year Master's degree at a US university chosen by the Commission. Award covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, return airfare, and J-1 visa support.
US Department of State
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Fully Funded
Duration
1-2 Year Master's
Travel
Return Airfare + J-1 Visa
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's Degree
Strong Bachelor's degree (first-class or upper second-class) from a recognised institution. Sri Lankan applicants are typically at the top of their graduating class.
2+ Years Work Experience
At least 2 years of full-time professional experience post-graduation is preferred. Exceptional research-track applicants without the full window can still be considered.
Sri Lankan Citizen, Sri Lanka Resident
Must be a Sri Lankan citizen residing in Sri Lanka at the time of application. Cannot hold US citizenship, US permanent residency, or be applying for a green card.
Commit to Return
Awardees travel on a J-1 visa with a 2-year home-residency requirement — you must return to Sri Lanka for at least 2 years after the programme before applying for US work or immigrant visas.
account_tree Application Process
Apply via US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission
Submit the online application at fulbrightsrilanka.org — research proposal, personal statement, study objectives, and 3 academic/professional references.
Standardised Tests
TOEFL iBT 80+ required for most fields. GRE or GMAT may be required depending on your discipline — the Commission will advise after shortlisting.
Colombo Interview
Shortlisted applicants interview at the Fulbright Commission in Colombo, usually February to April.
Placement (You Do Not Choose)
The Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington places successful candidates at US universities based on your field, fit, and the Commission's recommendations. Final placement is confirmed before the August/September intake.
Why Fulbright?
Decades of Sri Lankan alumni in senior public-sector, academic, and civil-society roles. Full funding plus access to a global Fulbright network of 400,000+ alumni in 160+ countries.
USD 80k+
Avg. Total Value
160+
Eligible Countries
8-12
Sri Lankan Awards / Year
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