Sri Lanka
4 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodNovember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
This is a nine-month grant that offers the recipient an opportunity to independently develop a research proposal in a field of special interest or relevance to the grantee. The grant offers the opportunity for complete immersion in the research and is ideal for self-motivated and disciplined researchers.
The Commission welcomes research proposals in all fields of study (except clinical medical research) from applicants who display a strong commitment to their field of study as well as the promise of developing a long-term interest in Sri Lanka. Those who have not been to Sri Lanka before are encouraged to apply, as are applicants who display a genuine interest in new cultures and the willingness to be flexible and to adapt to a new environment.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Ideally students will start their 9-month grant in November and go through August, but the Fulbright Commission is open to working with students on appropriate timelines. Grantees must secure approval from the Fulbright Commission in Sri Lanka for their travel dates. The grant begins on the day the grantee arrives in Sri Lanka.
Orientation
Fulbright Grantees will have an in-country orientation program in Sri Lanka.
Candidate Profile
Preference will be given to candidates who are enrolled in a doctoral program in an American university. Applicants should present evidence of maturity and ability to adapt to conditions different from those in the United States. Fulbright Grantees should be capable of independent research without close supervision. The Commission staff will be available to provide guidance and support, where required.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Sri Lanka is a tropical island rich in wildlife, sandy coastlines, forested hills, and cultural heritage. It has a complex history spanning several thousand years, much of which is well-preserved in eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was ruled by three colonial empires – Portuguese, Dutch, and British - and gained independence in 1948. Opportunities abound for teaching, research, artistic exchanges, professional development, and exploring the bio-diversity of this island. Come for the fascinating culture, tasty food, world-renowned beaches, and fascinating history... but stay because you fall in love with the people!
Education is given high priority here. Students and their families have a great demand and interest in higher education. Sri Lanka’s educational system is modelled after the British system. Primary and secondary education is 13 years in total. Both public and private schools meet the demands of mandatory education for all children. Sri Lanka's high literacy rate of 92% far exceeds other countries in South Asia.
Access to universities is highly competitive because of the limited number of public higher educational institutions. Sri Lanka has undergone some educational reforms and further reforms are being debated. The bi-national United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission aims at contributing to these efforts. Cutting-edge pedagogy, innovative curriculum development, student-centered learning, critical and creative thinking, and exposure to new fields of study and research are all important priorities for the country.
There have also been challenges to stability and prosperity in Sri Lanka. Three decades of civil conflict, the Easter bombings of 2019, the global pandemic, and economic and political crisis in 2022 have had lasting impacts. However, the resilience of the Sri Lankan people has created hope amidst these challenges. And it is the youth of this country that are most hungry for positive change. All who are fortunate enough to visit will see why Sri Lanka is called "the Pearl of the Indian Ocean".
Eligibility
12 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information:
Knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil commensurate with the nature of the proposed project may be required prior to commencing the grant (but this is not essential). Applicants without local language skills should incorporate plans for language study into their Fulbright proposals. Projects should be designed in a manner appropriate for the language level of the applicant.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
It is recommended that applicants identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters along with their Fulbright application.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The Commission will secure free affiliations for grantees at universities (where there is an invitation letter provided with the application), however, this will not give grantees access to audit courses and to check out books from the library.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Colombo/Suburbs: $1,150
Outstations: $1,000
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Monthly Maintenance Allowances (MMA) / Stipends will be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees based on the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) exchange rate available on the first of each month. Stipend will be prorated if the grant period includes a part of a month.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Total amount of one-time allowances ranges from $950-$1,325 dependent on grant length.
Allowances will be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees based on the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) exchange rate available on the first of each month.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference
With funding provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (the Fulbright Commission in India) invites eligible Fulbright Students and Scholars in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Midyear Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for current Fulbright U.S. Students who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region at the time of the conference to gather to discuss each other’s work and educational exchange issues and to invite suggestions for the future development and enhancement of the Fulbright Program. Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Please note: The 2025-26 Fulbright Conference will be dependent on global travel conditions. More information will be provided prior to grant departure.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The cost of living in Sri Lanka is very affordable. After the 2022 economic crisis, the dollar exchange rate has been favorable. The grant stipend will be enough to live comfortably in the country.
Dependents
For all grantees, a monthly maintenance allowance is payable for one accompanying dependent only.