BRIGHT FUTURES

Navigating Indian Scholarship Opportunities for Sri Lankan Students

A guide from the Education Wing, High Commission of India, Colombo • Updated July 2026

1. A Shared Journey: The India–Sri Lanka Educational Bridge

For over two millennia, India and Sri Lanka have shared a profound civilisational connection built on intellectual, cultural, and spiritual exchange. This bond began in the ancient centres of learning at Nalanda and Takshashila and continues today through modern institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and premier central universities.

Through India's education diplomacy, young Sri Lankan students gain access to world-class academic ecosystems. By studying in India, students earn globally recognised degrees and become part of a vibrant regional network that supports research, shared prosperity, and future innovation. The partnership also extends beyond the classroom into non-formal avenues such as Indian classical music and dance, connecting shared heritage to future careers.

This long-standing partnership has produced several structured scholarship programmes that support Sri Lankan students at every stage of their academic journey — from secondary school through to doctoral research.

2. Choosing Your Path: The Three Flagship Scholarships at a Glance

Start by identifying which programme matches your current academic level and long-term goals.

Once you've identified the scheme that matches your academic level, review the specific requirements and benefits below.

3. Focusing on the Foundation: The Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship

The Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship is a "merit-cum-means" award, granted on the basis of both academic excellence and financial need. It is designed to help students transition smoothly from secondary school into Advanced Level (A/Level) studies.

• Districts & Distribution: To ensure geographic fairness, the programme allocates awards to six meritorious students from each of Sri Lanka's 25 districts (150 scholarships in total), giving rural and urban talent equal visibility.
• Selection Basis: Scholars are chosen in consultation with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education, based on GCE O-Level results and merit-cum-means criteria.
• Award Ceremony: Scholarships are formally presented at an annual ceremony jointly held by the High Commission of India and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education.

While the Mahatma Gandhi scheme secures your secondary foundation, the next tier of support opens doors to full degree programmes and specialised research across India.

4. Expanding Horizons: The Aid to Sri Lanka Scholarship Scheme

Administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), this is the premier scheme for students ready to enter university and pursue specialised higher education. Around 200 fully funded scholarships are offered each year.

The 3 Most Important Features

1. Wide Range of Academic Levels: Opportunities span Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), and PhD research programmes.
2. Diverse Disciplines: Students can pursue Engineering, Science, Business, Economics, Commerce, Information Technology, Agriculture, and the Humanities.
3. Prestigious Institutions: The scheme places students in over a hundred of India's respected central and state universities/institutes.

Beyond general university admissions, the Government of India also provides targeted assistance to make higher education accessible to students from the estate worker community.

5. Empowering Communities: The CEWET Scholarship

The Ceylon Estate Workers' Education Trust (CEWET) is a cornerstone of India's commitment to educational equity in Sri Lanka, providing financial assistance to underprivileged children of estate workers. In 2026, the programme underwent a major expansion, announced during the Vice President of India's official visit to Sri Lanka in April 2026.

Old vs. New: The 2026 Expansion

• Annual Intake: Capacity has doubled from 350 to 700 scholarships per year.
• A-Level Monthly Stipend: Increased from LKR 750 to LKR 2,500 per month.
• Undergraduate Monthly Stipend: Increased from LKR 1,500 to LKR 7,500 per month.

This scholarship is versatile, covering GCE Advanced Levels, undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical education at Government Technical Colleges. Eligible applicants must have passed GCE O-Level (minimum 6 credit passes) or A-Level, and be under 25 years of age.

Applications typically open in the first quarter of the year and close around late April (for example, 28 April in 2025 and 2026) — check the High Commission's website for the current year's exact deadline, as it can shift slightly year to year.

6. Your Roadmap: Application Pathways and Checklists

Pathway A: ICCR / Aid to Sri Lanka (Digital & Local)

For university degrees in India, applications follow a seasonal timeline. Begin preparing digital documents early to avoid delays during online onboarding.

• January – March: Monitor Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education website (mohe.gov.lk) and submit the local nomination application before the deadline (typically mid-March).
• February onward: ICCR's national A2A Scholarship Portal opens for online applications; you may list up to five preferred universities/institutes in order of preference.
• March – April: Undergo academic screening and interviews conducted by the High Commission and the Ministry of Education.
• After Selection: Complete digital onboarding on the ICCR A2A Portal, then register on the SII portal to obtain a Unique ID for visa and FRRO processing.

Pathway B: CEWET (Physical Submission)

Applications for CEWET must be submitted physically. Duly completed hardcopy forms must be sent to: Honorary Secretary, CEWET, c/o High Commission of India, P.O. Box 882, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Forms can also be collected from the High Commission (36-38, Galle Road, Colombo 03) or the Assistant High Commission in Kandy.

☐ Birth Certificate: A valid copy of the applicant's certificate.

☐ Result Sheets: Certified copies of GCE O-Level or A-Level results.

☐ Estate Superintendent's Certificate: Original document validating parental occupation.

☐ Salary Slips: Latest official slips for both parents.

☐ Bank Passbook: A clear copy of the first page of the applicant's latest passbook.

For students who find the full-scholarship quotas highly competitive, or who are set on specific professional tracks, self-financed reserved slots offer an alternative pathway.

7. Alternative Route: Self-Financed Reserved Slots

For students pursuing highly competitive, specialised fields not covered by the main scholarship schemes, the Government of India offers reserved seats in top-tier government institutions on a self-financed basis.

• Available Fields: Undergraduate professional degrees in Medicine (MBBS), Pharmacy (B.Pharm.), and Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech.).
• Application Window: Forms are made available exclusively in June/July each year.
• Location: Forms must be obtained from the Education Wing of the High Commission of India in Colombo.

Whether pursuing a full scholarship or a reserved seat, having the correct contact details and verified web portals is essential to a successful application.

8. Student Reference Desk & Contact Directory

Essential Portals

Contact the High Commission Education Team

For inquiries regarding eligibility or application status, contact the dedicated Education Wing helpdesk:

• Head of Wing: Mr. Sandeep Chaudhary, First Secretary (Education)
• Official Email: edu.colombo@mea.gov.in/ eduwing.colombo@mea.gov.in
• Direct Landline: 011-2327515
• General Enquiries (Switchboard): +94 11 2327587 / +94 11 2421605
• Mailing Address: High Commission of India, Education Wing, 36-38, Galle Road, Colombo 03.