For Students

The Open University of Sri Lanka is pleased to announce that the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka 2026 (IRC-OUSL 2026) will be held as a hybrid conference on 11, 12 and 13 November 2026.

Researchers, academics and professionals are invited to participate in this international forum for sharing research and knowledge.

Please refer to the attached flyer, leaflet and video for further details.

Leaflet- IRC OUSL 2026 Leaflet.pdf - Google Drive

Video - IRC OUSL 2026 VIDEO.mp4 - Google Drive

The Open University of Sri Lanka is pleased to announce that the International Research Conference of the Open University of Sri Lanka 2026 (IRC-OUSL 2026) will be held as a hybrid conference on 11, 12 and 13 November 2026.

Researchers, academics and professionals are invited to participate in this international forum for sharing research and knowledge.

Please refer to the attached flyer, leaflet and video for further details.

Leaflet- IRC OUSL 2026 Leaflet.pdf - Google Drive

Video - IRC OUSL 2026 VIDEO.mp4 - Google Drive

The Association of Commonwealth Universities shares the June edition of Synthesis, featuring the latest news and funding opportunities, along with stimulating events organised by the ACU's members and partners around the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026: Waves of Change has just opened for entries. It is free to enter, open to anyone aged 18 to 30 from across the Commonwealth's 56 member nations. The competition is run by the Royal Commonwealth Society, in partnership with the City of London Corporation's Youth Natural Environment Board, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

What is it?

A photography competition asking young people to document a world in motion. The theme, Waves of Change, invites entrants to photograph the ocean and its relationship to communities, environments, and the future. Entries are accepted across four categories:

• Human-Ocean Connection
• Hope and Resilience
• Threats and Challenges
• Innovative Solutions

Who can enter?

Any of your students or members aged 18 to 30 who hold citizenship or residency in a Commonwealth nation. No prior photography experience is required. They simply submit one original photograph and a statement of up to 300 words. It is free.

Why does it matter?

This is a genuine platform on a global stage. Winners will be celebrated across the Commonwealth's institutional networks, reaching audiences across 56 nations and 2.7 billion people.

Prizes

There are four category winners in total. The overall winner (selected from those four) receives a cash prize of £1,000. The three remaining category winners each receive £250.

Key dates

• Entries open now: 5 May 2026
• Deadline: 8 June 2026 (World Oceans Day)
• Enter free at: www.royalcwsociety.org/environment/cypc

Kate McNab

Communications and Public Affairs Officer

T: +44 (0)20 3727 4300 | M: +44 (0)7912 892318 | W: www.royalcwsociety.org

The Association of Commonwealth Universities shares the May (Part II) edition of Synthesis, featuring the latest news and funding opportunities, along with stimulating events organised by the ACU's members and partners around the Commonwealth.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships – 2027
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Sri Lanka)
Applications are now open for Sri Lankan students for Undergraduate Scholarships for the academic year 2027.

📅 Key Deadline:

* Submission Date: 18th May 2026

🎓 Eligibility Highlights:

* Nationality: Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
* Age: Born on or after April 2, 2002.
* Academic: Minimum 3 passes in G.C.E. (A/L) 2025 in the Mathematical Stream (Chemistry, Physics, Combined Mathematics).
* Language: Good knowledge of English is required; basic Japanese is an added advantage.
* Note: Applicants must not be currently registered as internal students in a Sri Lankan state university.

💰 Benefits of the Award:

* Monthly Allowance: 117,000 yen (plus regional allowances of 2,000–3,000 yen in specific areas).
* Education Fees: Entrance exams, matriculation, and tuition are fully paid by MEXT.
* Travel: Economy class airfare to and from Japan is provided.
* Preparatory Course: Includes a one-year intensive Japanese language and preparatory education course.

📝 Selection Process:

1. Written Test: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Japanese.
2. Interview: Conducted by the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka.
3. Final Selection: Confirmed by the Government of Japan by February 2027.
🔗 How to Apply:
Apply online only through the official portal. Do not send applications by post.
* Online Application Portal: https://foreignscholarships.mohe.gov.lk/
* Guidelines & Past Papers: Study in Japan - MEXT Exam Resources

https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/scholarships/mext-scholarships/examination.html

Apply if you are a Sri Lankan academic, artist, or professional interested in post-doctoral research, teaching, performance, consulting or other similar activities in the United States.

The award includes a living stipend, airfare, health insurance, and other support.

Apply by October 1, 2026. Details: https://fulbrightsrilanka.org/award/visiting-scholar/

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer fully-funded Master’s scholarships to Commonwealth citizens. Successful applicants can travel to a different country in the Commonwealth, where they can study a variety of courses and benefit from the expertise provided by leading universities. Developing new skills, gaining a qualification and experiencing life in another country benefits both the individual and their home country.

Three fully funded Master’s scholarships are available, hosted by member institutions in Papua New Guinea and South Africa. Further details of the scholarships, including eligibility, host universities and details on how to apply, are available on the ACU website.

Applications close on 3 June 2026 at 15:00 UTC.

We have developed a marketing toolkit with materials that you can use to share these scholarship opportunities with your networks. The toolkit includes:

• Email and social media templates
• Social media graphics
• QECS student flyer
• QECS student poster

The Association of Commonwealth Universities

Woburn House, 20-24 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HF, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 73806700

Our Patron is His Majesty King Charles III

The ACU is registered in England and Wales as a charity, number 314137
VAT registration number: 195 9141 72 | OISC authorisation number: N201000012

The Association of Commonwealth Universities shares the April edition of Synthesis, featuring the latest news and funding opportunities, along with stimulating events organised by the ACU's members and partners around the Commonwealth.