Are you a postgraduate student? Would you like to study or train abroad? Are you 35 years old or younger? Are you working in a Sri Lankan organisation in the private or commercial sector? Then the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme could help you.

What is the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme?

The Scheme can help you if you are a graduate who wants to study in the UK and is unable to because of costs. The Scheme awards scholarships to students who are likely to work in economic, social or technological fields when they return to Sri Lanka after study - therefore, awards are granted to studies in these areas.

What does the funding cover?

The Scheme funds your UK postgraduate study for one to two years. This includes:

			all your academic fees
			a books and equipment allowance
			travel costs to and from the UK
			approved travel for your study
			a personal allowance

What courses does the Scheme cover?

The scholarships fund courses at postgraduate or equivalent level (running for one to four years) at selected institutions in the UK. A list of the institutions is available, and changes year to year. Scholarships are available for subjects connected to development, such as economics, social sciences and technology.

Sometimes a scholarship is awarded for undergraduate study if the course satisfies the conditions of the scheme and is not available in Sri Lanka. There are no awards for PhD level.

Can I apply?

You can apply for a scholarship if you are 35 years or under, resident in Sri Lanka (or a Commonwealth country listed under the scheme) and a postgraduate student with an upper second class degree or actice.

You must be fluent in English (your application is likely to need an IELTS score).

You must not be a government employee or worker for an international organisation.

Why should I choose a DFID Shared Scholarship?

The scheme can help fund your study in the UK, which is world-renowned for the quality of its education.

How do I apply?

You need to apply directly to the institution where you want to study. Institutions taking part in the scheme can change from year to year. You can find out which insititutions are involved with the scheme this year through the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Applications sent directly to the Association of Commonwealth Universities will not be accepted.

When do I apply?

You need to apply to your chosen institution before the end of April. They will then forward their nominations for the awards by the end of May each year.

If your application is successful

To help you prepare for your study abroad, we can provide lots of information on studying in the UK. We can also help you with information packs and pre-departure briefings before you leave for your studies. We can also help you with visa applications.

You will be funded to live in the UK for the period of your study. During this time, you will be able to work part-time (no more than twenty hours per week), or full-time during the academic holidays.

You will not be able to work permanently in the UK once your course is finished. You are expected to return to your country, where you can put your new skills and experience into practice.