India–Sri Lanka Educational Partnership

Building Bridges Through Knowledge, Innovation, and Shared Heritage

Overview

Education is a cornerstone of the enduring relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Rooted in centuries of civilizational ties, academic and cultural exchanges continue to deepen people-to-people links, foster innovation, and support Sri Lanka’s human resource development.

The Government of India provides extensive support to Sri Lankan students, scholars, researchers, and professionals through fully funded scholarships, capacity-building programs, institutional partnerships, and cultural exchanges. Thousands of Sri Lankan alumni of Indian institutions today hold leadership positions in government, academia, medicine, engineering, diplomacy, business, media, and the arts.

India for Higher Education

• Globally Ranked Institutions: Access to premier Central Universities, Institutes of National Importance (IITs, NITs, IIMs, IISc), and top-tier empanelled higher educational institutions.
• Affordable, Quality Education: World-class academic degree programs at competitive tuition and living costs.
• English-Medium Instruction: Academic programs across disciplines are taught entirely in English.
• State-of-the-Art Research Facilities: Cutting-edge laboratories, digital libraries, and innovation hubs.
• Geographical and Cultural Proximity: Shared history, familiar living environments, and seamless travel connections.
• Global Career Opportunities: Degrees recognized worldwide with strong international industry links.

Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students

The Government of India offers hundreds of fully funded scholarships annually to Sri Lankan nationals to pursue Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees across recognized Indian universities.

These scholarships are administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and coordinated in Colombo by the High Commission of India in consultation with the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka.

Aid to Sri Lanka Scholarship Scheme (ASLS)

To streamline and enhance educational assistance, the Government of India consolidated its existing scholarship schemes - including the Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme, Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme, and the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme - under a flagship umbrella scheme: the Aid to Sri Lanka Scholarship Scheme (ASLS).

ASLS serves as the principal scholarship framework for Sri Lankan students, reflecting India’s commitment to capacity building and human capital development in Sri Lanka.

Academic Fields Covered

Note on Medical Fields: Professional clinical degree programs such as MBBS, BDS, and specialized medical postgraduate courses are not covered under the general ICCR/ASLS scholarship scheme.

Scholarship Benefits

A standard fully funded ICCR/ASLS scholarship covers:

1. 100% Tuition & University Fees
2. Monthly Living Allowance / Stipend
3. Annual Contingency Grant
4. Accommodation Allowance / Hostel Fees
5. Thesis / Dissertation Support (for eligible postgraduate & Ph.D. scholars)
6. Medical Insurance Cover as per ICCR norms

Specialized Scholarship Opportunities

1. Scholarships in Culture & Performing Arts

Administered by ICCR, these dedicated scholarships support students and practitioners wishing to pursue formal degree or diploma studies in Indian classical music (Vocal/Instrumental), Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Theatre, Painting, and Fine Arts.

2. Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (Central Institute of Hindi) Scholarships

Specialized scholarships are awarded annually for Sri Lankan students to study advanced Hindi language and literature at the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (Agra), promoting linguistic harmony and cross-cultural understanding.

How to Apply

All ICCR scholarship applications are invited annually through the official online portal:

1. Explore Programs: Visit the ICCR A2A Portal to review eligible universities, course catalogs, and admission guidelines.
2. Check Eligibility & Requirements: Review age limits, academic qualifications, and English proficiency guidelines.
3. Online Application: Register, select up to 5 preferred university choices, and submit the required transcripts, medical certificates, and passport details online.
4. Official Announcements: Notifications are published annually on the official website and social media channels of the High Commission of India, Colombo, as well as through the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka.

Study in India (SII) Program

The Study in India (SII) program is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, designed to streamline admissions for international students.

Through a centralized portal, Sri Lankan students can explore over 1,000 top Indian universities, apply directly for self-financed or fee-waiver seats, and obtain mandatory SII-IDs required for streamlined e-Student Visas.

• Official Portal: Study in India Portal
  
  

Capacity Building: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)

The ITEC Programme is India’s bilateral assistance platform offering fully funded short-term professional training courses to Sri Lankan government officials, public sector executives, researchers, and technical experts.

Key Training Focus Areas

• Digital Governance, AI, & Cyber Security
• Public Administration & Good Governance
• Renewable Energy & Climate Resiliency
• Banking, Finance, & Microfinance
• Smart Cities & Infrastructure Development
• Defence & Strategic Studies

Interested candidates can explore and apply directly via the official ITEC Portal.

Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Colombo

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) - the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo - serves as a hub for academic and cultural interactions.

SVCC regularly conducts:

• ICCR Scholarship awareness sessions and guidance workshops.
• Regular classes in Carnatic/Hindustani Music, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Yoga, and Hindi language.
• Academic lectures, literary seminars, and India Alumni networking events.

Distinguished Sri Lankan ICCR Alumni

India takes pride in the achievements of Sri Lankan scholars who completed higher studies in India and returned to serve their nation:

• Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (Alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi)

• H.E. Ms. Mahishini Colonne    

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India (Alumna of University of Pune)

• Ven. Dr. Homagama Dhammananda Thero

Head of Department / Senior Academic, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

• Prof. P. M. C. Thilakarathne

Former Vice Chancellor, The Open University of Sri Lanka

• Prof. T. Mangaleswaran

Founding Vice Chancellor, University of Vavuniya

• Prof. Ranjan Hettiarachchi

Senior Academic, Department of Mass Media, University of Colombo

• Dr. A. S. Chandrabose

Distinguished Scholar in Social Sciences & Economics

• Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathi

Master Percussionist, Choreographer, and Cultural Ambassado

Useful Web Links & Portals

July, 2026