Applications have opened for the Australia Awards Scholarships, offering Sri Lankan citizens the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia beginning in 2027. Funded by the Australian Government, the programme aims to support Sri Lanka’s development priorities by equipping emerging leaders with academic qualifications, professional skills and valuable international networks.
The 2027 intake will provide scholarships for Master’s degree programmes by coursework or research at recognised Australian tertiary institutions. Priority study areas include climate change and disaster risk reduction, economic development, education, governance, gender equality, disability and social inclusion, as well as inclusive growth and stability.
Women, persons with disabilities and applicants from marginalised communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will also be given to candidates working in priority districts such as Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Monaragala, Puttalam, Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya.
The scholarship package covers return air travel, full tuition fees, living expenses, a one-off establishment allowance, overseas student health cover, an introductory academic programme and additional academic support. Eligible research and coursework students with compulsory fieldwork components may also receive a fieldwork allowance.
Applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens with at least three years of relevant post-qualification work experience, meet English language requirements and hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree. Applications opened on February 1, 2026, and will close on April 30, 2026, with submissions required through the Australia Awards OASIS online system along with supporting documents.
