Rationale

The Research Scholarship Scheme at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), University of Colombo, is established to encourage talented and outstanding candidates to enrol in the postgraduate research programmes leading to MPhil or PhD degrees offered by FGS. This scheme provides financial support in the form of a fee-waiver scholarship for a maximum of two years for MPhil programmes and three years for PhD programmes. By reducing financial barriers, the scheme aims to attract exceptional candidates to FGS’s research programmes, thereby strengthening the faculty’s research culture and promoting the production of impactful research outcomes as a leading graduate faculty.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Should have been selected to the MPhil/PhD programme for the respective intake.
2. Should formally apply for the scholarship programme
3. Research projects already funded or supported by another institution will not be eligible to apply.

Detailed Conditions and Guidelines

1. Two full scholarships will be awarded annually.
2. Applications for the research scholarships will be advertised once a year on the FGS website, aligned with the annual MPhil/PhD intake.
3. Applications will be screened for alignment with the eligibility criteria and MPhil/PhD programme requirements.
4. Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, theoretical framework, philosophical stance, and anticipated contributions.
5. Priority will be given to research projects that demonstrate significant theoretical contributions and clear academic grounding.
6. Eligible applicants will be shortlisted and invited for an interview.
7. Selection is based on merit, following a formal marking scheme adopted by the FGS.
8. Recommended applications are forwarded to the Board of Studies (BoS) of the FGS for approval.
9. Once approved by the relevant authorities of University of Colombo, the scholarship shall be awarded.
10. The scholarship covers tuition fee waivers for the approved duration.
11. Recipients must meet the expected performance requirements stipulated in the programme to retain the scholarship for the specified period.