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Sri Lanka Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship
by Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund (MHESTF) · All State Universities under the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💛 Partial Funding 🟩 Active 🎓 Undergraduate (Bachelors) 🌍 Sri Lanka 📌 Merit-based and Need-based
75%
Match
50%
Win Rate
6/10
Effort
7/10
Reward
20-35 hrs
Time Needed
Award
LKR 5,000 to LKR 5,500 per monthly installment
Duration
Entire duration of the undergraduate degree program (typically 3 to 4 years)
Deadline
Concurrent with the University Grants Commission (UGC) university admission registration period
Level
Undergraduate (Bachelors)
Acceptance
Varies based on the annual government budget and Trust Fund capacity
Difficulty
Moderate to High (Depends primarily on gaining admission to a state university)
Quick Summary

Aimed at sri lankan domestic undergraduate students, Sri Lanka Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for study in Sri Lanka. The award covers Provides a consistent monthly financial allowance to assist with the daily living expenses and educational materials for university students. and is open to undergraduate (bachelors) students studying all academic disciplines offered at state universities including medicine, engineering, law, arts, and management. The scholarship runs for entire duration of the undergraduate degree program (typically 3 to 4 years) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on based on Z-score ranking (Merit) or a combination of Z-score and parental income (Ordinary). Must be under 25 years of age. The application deadline is Concurrent with the University Grants Commission (UGC) university admission registration period, with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies based on the annual government budget and Trust Fund capacity. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.

✨ Should I Apply for Sri Lanka Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Reward Score
20-35 hrs
Time Required
High for students from low-income families who secure a university seat
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
LKR 5,000 to LKR 5,500 per monthly installment
Duration
Entire duration of the undergraduate degree program (typically 3 to 4 years)
📅
Deadline
Concurrent with the University Grants Commission (UGC) university admission registration period
⚙️
Fields
All academic disciplines offered at state universities including Medicine, Engineering, Law, Arts, and Management
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new awards per academic year
🌏
Study Country
Sri Lanka
🏛️
Provider
Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund (MHESTF)
📊
Acceptance
Varies based on the annual government budget and Trust Fund capacity
The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship is Sri Lanka's premier national scholarship program for university students. Established in 1981 by the Late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, it aims to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. The fund is primarily financed through Mahapola trade fairs and dedicated lotteries, ensuring that academic merit is rewarded and financial barriers to higher education are reduced.
👥 Who Should Apply
Based on Z-score ranking (Merit) or a combination of Z-score and parental income (Ordinary). Must be under 25 years of age.
🏛️ Host University
All State Universities under the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka
🤝 Sponsor
Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund / Ministry of Trade
⚙️ Fields of Study
All academic disciplines offered at state universities including Medicine, Engineering, Law, Arts, and Management
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a consistent monthly financial allowance to assist with the daily living expenses and educational materials for university students.
🎯 Target Students
Sri Lankan domestic undergraduate students
🏷 Tags
Sri Lanka Undergraduate Mahapola UGC Stipend State University
📊 Statistics & Competitiveness
Approximately 160,000 G.C.E. A/L candidates applying for university
Applicants Last Year
Estimated 18,500 students
Winners
Varies based on the annual government budget and Trust Fund capacity
Acceptance Rate
High for students from low-income families who secure a university seat
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
No (Note: Tuition is already free for Sri Lankan citizens in state universities)
Living Stipend
LKR 5,000 for Ordinary Scholarship; LKR 5,500 for Merit Scholarship per month
Total Award
LKR 5,000 to LKR 5,500 per monthly installment
✈️ Travel: No 🏠 Accommodation: No 💊 Health Insurance: No 🔄 Renewable: Yes 💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
No (Note: Tuition is already free for Sri Lankan citizens in state universities)
🏠 Living Stipend
LKR 5,000 for Ordinary Scholarship; LKR 5,500 for Merit Scholarship per month
🏡 Accommodation
No
✈️ Travel Allowance
No
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
Payments are made for 10 months of each academic year
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintaining active student status, meeting minimum attendance requirements, and successful completion of academic years
Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka, have passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level exam, and be selected for a state university
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate (Bachelors)
📊 Minimum GPA
Not applicable (Selection is based on Z-score ranking and district quota)
🗣️ English Requirement
No specific English score required for the scholarship itself
🍢 Age Limit
Under 25 years at the time of university admission registration
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not required
💰 Financial Need
Required for the 'Ordinary' scholarship tier (Parental income must be below a set threshold)
🎯 Target Students
Sri Lankan domestic undergraduate students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
No
Rec Letters
No
Interview
No (Selection is automated via UGC and Trust Fund data)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Passport / National ID
  • No Recommendation Letters
  • CV / Resume
  • No specific English score required for the scholarship itself
  • Interview: No (Selection is automated via UGC and Trust Fund data)
  • Min GPA: Not applicable (Selection is based on Z-score ranking and district quota)
📋 Application Process
Ensure all details in the UGC university admission form are accurate, particularly family income and district information.
💡 Insider Tip: Maintain a valid bank account in your name at a state bank (Bank of Ceylon or People's Bank) for the stipend disbursement.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Following the release of G.C.E. Advanced Level results and the publication of the UGC Admission Handbook
⏰ Deadline
Concurrent with the University Grants Commission (UGC) university admission registration period
🎤 Interview
No (Selection is automated via UGC and Trust Fund data)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies by specific university and faculty intake calendar
Following the release of G.C.E. Advanced Level results and the publication of the UGC Admission Handbook
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Concurrent with the University Grants Commission (UGC) university admission registration period
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No (Selection is automated via UGC and Trust Fund data)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies by specific university and faculty intake calendar
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Z-score merit (10%), District-based merit (30%), and parental income/need (60%)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on Z-score ranking (Merit) or a combination of Z-score and parental income (Ordinary). Must be under 25 years of age.
This scholarship covers: Provides a consistent monthly financial allowance to assist with the daily living expenses and educational materials for university students.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is Concurrent with the University Grants Commission (UGC) university admission registration period. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: High for students from low-income families who secure a university seat. Acceptance rate: Varies based on the annual government budget and Trust Fund capacity. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, No specific English score required for the scholarship itself, No recommendation letters, CV. Check official website for the complete list.
🌎 Official Information
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
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