The NSF Research Scholarship scheme is implemented in order to increase the number of postgraduate research studies conducted by Sri Lankan graduates at local Universities. It is also intended to attract and encourage graduates from recognized Universities to conduct fulltime research leading to postgraduate research degrees and to encourage them to take up careers related to research.
The NSF Research Scholarship scheme was initiated with the specific objective of encouraging young and outstanding graduates to conduct postgraduate research leading to MPhil or PhD/ MD. This scheme will assist in providing financial support to graduates to conduct full time research (within Sri Lanka) leading up to 2 years for MPhils or up to 3 years for PhDs/MDs.
Applications are now called for NSF Research Scholarships for under the 2026 first call.
Eligibility Criteria. Applicants should be:
- Citizens of Sri Lanka/ residing in Sri Lanka
- Registered with the STMIS database of the NSF
- Committed for fulltime research only and completely within Sri Lanka
- Graduates with a class in a Bachelors degree from a recognized University OR without a class in the Bachelors but with a Masters (with a research component) or MPhil Degree
- Registered and be accepted by a Faculty of Graduate Studies/ Postgraduate Institute/ Faculty of a recognized University, in Sri Lanka, with the acceptance letter in hand
- In need of financial support to conduct full time research (only within Sri Lanka) leading up to a maximum of 2 years for a MPhil and up to a maximum of 3 years for a PhD/ MD
How to Apply :
Only soft copies of applications are entertained. Please download the application, complete it (the signature page needs to be printed, signed, scanned and attached to the application) and email to the given email address (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) together with all other required documents.
Letters from the Supervisors (in confidence) need to be sent directly to the given email address by the Supervisors, with the name of the applicant in the Subject line and not by the applicant with the application.
The deadline for submitting applications is 18th May, 2026
Downloads
The Application and the Programme Brief can be downloaded from here
- Programme Brief ( pdf, 144kb )
- Appliation ( doc, 174kb | pdf, 715kb )
- Printable Announcement ( pdf, 366kb )
Grants will be awarded to successful applicants subject to availability of funds. Incomplete applications and applications received after the given deadline will not be processed. Decision of the National Science Foundation will be final.