British Council launches ‘GREAT Scholarships 2021’ in Sri Lanka

• Initiative to support outstanding students gain world-class education in the UK

For many undergraduates, opportunities to pursue or continue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom (UK) is a lifelong dream. GREAT Scholarships 2021, launched in October 2020 by the Study UK campaign and delivered by the British Council, offers Sri Lankan students access to world-renowned UK higher education opportunities. Each scholarship is jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions.

The UK is recognised as one of the world’s most popular destinations for higher education with UK universities consistently highlighted for their teaching excellence and ranked among the best in the world. Additionally, UK higher education degrees and qualifications are accepted by employers and academics worldwide. UK postgraduate degrees provide world-class teaching and training, helping broaden students’ horizons in developing a range of desirable skills that are necessary to be part of today’s global workforce.

This project is part of the British Council’s role in partnering with the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign, encouraging people to visit, invest and study in the UK. The GREAT Scholarships 2021 is offering scholarships from 43 participating UK universities, with the aim of supporting exceptional postgraduate students from 13 countries.

An additional benefit is that under the UK’s new graduate route, international students are permitted to work or seek work for up to two years after they complete a post graduate course in the UK and up to 3 years after completing a PhD.

Through the British Council, GREAT Scholarships is offering nine UK scholarships, across a variety of subjects for students from Sri Lanka. Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course. 

These postgraduate scholarships are available for the 2021-22 academic year at the following institutions: Cranfield University, Teesside University, University of Edinburgh, University of Essex, University of Manchester, University of Northampton, University of Reading and University of York. 

The scholarships offer students access to a wide range of programs from the above universities, in a truly inspiring learning environment, with diverse educational perspectives and staff committed to providing the best quality education.

Interested students should apply directly to the UK universities offering the scholarships to be considered for the GREAT scholarships. Students should also note that the deadline for applications will vary depending on the selected institutions’ own application deadlines. Therefore, it is advised for students to check directly with the universities listed above. 

Other available scholarships schemes by the British Council can be viewed by visiting the following link - https://www.britishcouncil.lk/study-uk/british-council-scholarships-women-stem 

British Council’s Country Director Maarya Rehman said, “We are delighted to offer nine scholarships to Sri Lankan students, aspiring to complete a postgraduate education, through the GREAT Scholarships 2021 program. UK degrees are highly valued worldwide and also regularly receive top employer reputation ranking. The excellent educational infrastructure, distinguished teaching methodology, quality research, rich heritage and diverse culture of the UK provide a unique experience for post graduate students and help shape their future career prospects.”