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.
2027/28 cycle open — Sri Lanka deadline via US-SL Fulbright Commission
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
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Government awards like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
US Department of State — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
Full Tuition + Living + Travel. Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
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
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat USA actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for USA, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
US Department of State
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Aga Khan Foundation (tenable at top global universities)
CMU Tepper Fellowship
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business