Applications have opened for the Australia Awards Scholarships, offering Sri Lankan citizens the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia commencing in 2027.
The scholarships, funded by the Australian Government, are aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s development priorities by equipping emerging leaders with academic qualifications, professional skills and international networks.
Under the 2027 intake, scholarships will be awarded for Master’s degree programmes by coursework or research at Australian tertiary institutions. Priority fields of study include climate change and disaster risk reduction, economic development, education, governance, gender equality, disability and social inclusion, as well as inclusive growth and stability .
Applicants from women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will also be given to candidates working in priority districts including Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Monaragala, Puttalam, Ratnapura and Nuwera Eliya .
The scholarship package includes return air travel, full tuition fees, a contribution towards living expenses, a one-off establishment allowance, overseas student health cover, an introductory academic programme and supplementary academic support. Research students and coursework students with compulsory fieldwork components are also eligible for a fieldwork allowance .
Eligible applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens with at least three years of post-qualification work experience in a field relevant to their proposed course of study. Candidates must also meet English language requirements and hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree.
Applications for the 2027 intake opened on February 1, 2026, and will close on April 30, 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the Australia Awards OASIS system, along with the required supporting documents.(Newswire)
