All Disciplines
Sri Lanka
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
One or more of these may be pursued:
- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses
- Research in area of specialization
- Develop curriculum and train faculty
- Consult with NGOs and community leaders to meet local needs
Criteria for selection will include:
- Feasibility of research projects
- Impact of teaching/research to build local capacity
- Impact of teaching/research once you return home
- Fill a gap in expertise locally
- Suitability of the host institution
- Opportunities to conduct guest lectures at other universities, NGOs, or public events
- Potential for continued future collaborations
Prospective applicants are encouraged to develop their research and/or teaching proposals in consultation with a potential host institution. If the Fulbright program plan entails research on human or animal subjects, ethical considerations need to be explicitly addressed. Applicants who plan to both teach and conduct research at their Sri Lankan host institution should specify the percentage of the grant for each activity and define this in their project statement.
The Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and people of Sri Lanka and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars will be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Any appropriate institution. In addition to universities, affiliations with think-tanks, research centers, non-governmental organizations, arts and cultural organizations, etc. can also be included.
It is highly recommended that applicants contact potential host institutions to find the best fit and obtain a letter of invitation. If the preferred host institution is not yet identified, the US-SLFC is happy to assist in identifying a good match. While we want to encourage wider affiliations with institutions beyond the "usual suspects," we also know the value of deepening current partnerships for mutual benefit. The Fulbright Commission may need to change the affiliation if the indicated host is not suitable for any reason. We look forward to working with the applicant and institution to create a transformational experience for all!
Four to nine months
Contingent upon alignment with the host institution's academic calendar, grants may begin any time after October 1, 2025 but all must conclude by November 30, 2026.
Start dates that meet the host university academic calendar will be supported, in consultation with and approval by the US-SLFC.
Due to year-end examinations and vacation periods, teaching and research are not possible in a majority of Sri Lankan institutions during certain times in the academic year. Applicants should take this into consideration in proposing grant dates to a potential host university or institution and ensure that there is sufficient time to complete the teaching, research, performances, or other engagements proposed.
Based on the strategic priorities of the U.S. government (see the U.S. Department of State's Bilateral Relations Fact Sheet) and the President of Sri Lanka (see National Transformation Roadmap) projects in the following areas are especially welcomed: climate change, bio-diversity, entrepreneurship and job creation, banking and finance, English language, good governance, peace and reconciliation, agricultural science, citizen participation, culture and arts, open seas, and marine science.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission encourages applicants to contact prospective hosts to discuss and mutually create a project that works benefits all. This ensures buy-in from the host and, ultimately, a more impactful project by the grantee. Affiliation letters and/or correspondence with potential host institutions should be included in the application. The Fulbright Commission will finalize institutional affiliations upon selection.
For information on host institutions that match an applicant's field and proposed activities, the US-SLFC will be happy to assist in identify potential institutions. Please visit the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission website or contact Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., for further information.
All teaching will be in English. However, it would be best to discuss expectations of English language levels with the host. Proficiency in another language or proficiency assessment is not required.
For research applicants, English is almost always sufficient. Some knowledge of the local languages could be advantageous if you are in rural or underserved areas, but translators are easily available at reasonable rates and can be secured once in country. For an enriching cultural experience, grantees may take one-on-one language lessons once they are in Sri Lanka.
Non-academic professionals without terminal degrees but possessing relevant teaching experience and/or significant relevant experiences are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Feasibility of research projects, impact of teaching and/or research to build local capacity - especially in areas of need with the potential for continued future collaborations - will be favorably weighed.
Preference will be given to scholars without previous experience in/with Sri Lanka.
Preference will not be given to individuals who have retired or are not actively engaged in full time teaching, research, artistic, or professional activities, including faculty emeriti.
The Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars will be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
For details of higher educational institutions and the higher education system, visit the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka.
Possible academic host institutions/national universities under the purview of the University Grant Commission:
- University of Colombo
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- University of Kelaniya
- University of Moratuwa
- University of Peradeniya
- The Open University of Sri Lanka
- University of Ruhuna
- University of Jaffna
- Eastern University, Sri Lanka
- South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
- Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
- Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
- Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
- Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
- University of Visual & Performing Arts
- Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine
- University of Vavuniya (new state university status gained in June 2021 and was the Vavuniya campus of University of Jaffna before)
Other Government Universities/Institutes:
- The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU)
- Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
- Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
- University of Vocational Technology
- Ocean University of Sri Lanka
- National Institute of Education (NIE)
- Other Institutes
For a list of non-academic institutions, please refer to the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations
For more information on applying, including alumni perspectives, please view our webinars on Fulbright Opportunities in South Asia.
For application assistance, join a regional Office Hour or contact the South and Central Asia Team.
$2,400 per month, payable in U.S. dollars or local currency.
Living allowance: $750-$950 per month (paid in Sri Lankan Rupees), based on the number of dependents who will accompany the grantee for at least 80% of actual grant duration in Sri Lanka, up to a maximum of two dependents, will be provided.
Housing allowance: $850-$1,250 per month (paid in Rupees), based on the number of dependents who will accompany the grantee for at least 80% of actual grant duration in Sri Lanka, up to a maximum of two dependents, will be provided. Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing and may contact their host institution contact for assistance.
Round-trip, Fly America Act compliant, economy class travel from the home of record in the United States to host country will be provided for the grantee and up to two dependents, as long as the dependents accompany the grantee for at least 80% of actual grant duration in Sri Lanka.
Reimbursement of excess baggage expenses on return to the United States of up to $350 for grants up to four months in duration and $600 for grants longer than four months, upon submission of receipts and final reports to IIE and the Fulbright Commission.
A one-time teaching/research allowance up to US $500 for grants of six months or less and up to $750 for grants longer than six months, for specific allowable expenses, reimbursed on submission of receipts and paid in Sri Lankan Rupees.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
With additional funding provided by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, during their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to engage in a variety of activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Activities that U.S Scholars may engage in include: faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, conferences, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, or some combination thereof. Scholars in the arts may be invited to give master classes or recitals, participate in exhibitions or workshops, or consult with cultural institutions. Activities may not include research. This grant will cover travel to and from the destination and lodging may be offered by the hosting institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant, and as funds are limited, may only participate in one Regional Travel Grant during their Fulbright grant.
Before traveling to another country on a Regional Travel Grant, it is important to confirm trip details with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in that country.
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 grantees in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for Fulbright U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Researchers who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region at the time of the conference to gather to discuss each other’s work, network, and share their experiences as international exchange participants.
Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Sri Lanka
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."
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.