A diverse group of graduates in academic gowns throwing their caps in the air.

United States 2027 cycle: applications close end of May 2026; programme start August 2027

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Sri Lanka)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the US government's flagship academic exchange initiative — and for Sri Lankan applicants, the most prestigious fully-funded pathway to a US Master's degree. Administered locally by the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission in Colombo, the programme typically awards 8-12 scholarships per year to Sri Lankan citizens. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, return airfare, ASPE health insurance, and a small books allowance. Fulbrighters are placed at US universities through IIE's matching process — applicants do not pre-apply to specific universities. The programme is highly competitive: strong academics, demonstrated leadership, and a clear plan to return and contribute to Sri Lanka are essential.

Institute of International Education / US Department of State

External Organization-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend)

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Duration

1-2 Years (Master's)

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Extras

Flights + Health + Settlement

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Sri Lankan Citizen

You must be a Sri Lankan citizen residing in Sri Lanka at the time of application. Dual nationals (US-Sri Lankan) and US permanent residents are NOT eligible — this is for Sri Lankans returning to Sri Lanka after the programme.

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Bachelor's Degree + Work Experience

Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with strong academic record (typically first-class or strong second-upper). At least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience is preferred — most successful candidates have 3-5 years.

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TOEFL / IELTS + GRE

TOEFL iBT 80+ (recommended 100+) or IELTS 6.5+ is required. GRE may be required for specific programmes — the Commission provides free TOEFL and GRE testing for shortlisted candidates.

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Commitment to Return

Fulbrighters sign a 2-year home-residency requirement (J-1 visa). You must return to Sri Lanka for at least 2 years after the programme. This is non-negotiable — applicants planning to settle in the US should consider alternatives.

account_tree Application Process

Apply online by end-May

Submit your application via the Fulbright online portal (run by IIE). Application includes academic CV, study objective, personal statement, three references, transcripts, and TOEFL/IELTS scores. The US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission's website (fulbrightsrilanka.com) carries the local timeline.

Shortlist + interview in Colombo

The Commission reviews all applications and shortlists candidates for in-person interviews in Colombo (typically August-September). Interview panels include the US Ambassador or Cultural Attaché and Sri Lankan academics.

IIE university placement

Successful national finalists are forwarded to IIE in Washington DC, which approaches US universities on the candidate's behalf to secure admission and additional cost-sharing. Final placements are usually confirmed by April.

Pre-departure + J-1 visa

Selected Fulbrighters attend a pre-departure orientation in Colombo, receive their DS-2019 form, and apply for the J-1 visa at the US Embassy Colombo. Programme starts in August at the matched US university.

Why Fulbright?

Fulbright is the world's largest international academic exchange programme — operating in 160+ countries, with 400,000+ alumni globally and 62 Nobel laureates among them. The Sri Lanka programme dates to 1952 and has produced senior civil servants, ambassadors, vice-chancellors, and corporate leaders. The alumni association in Colombo remains active and offers strong networking for returning Fulbrighters.