Interest Free Student Loan Scheme 2026 – 11th Intake Applications

Interest Free Student Loan Scheme 2026 – 11th Intake Applications Open

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has called applications for the 11th intake of the Interest Free Student Loan Scheme 2026 for eligible Sri Lankan students.

The scheme provides an opportunity for students who passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination in 2023, 2024 or 2025 to follow selected degree programmes offered by recognized Degree Awarding Institutes.

Eligible students can apply online for the scheme from 17 August 2026. The closing date for applications is 27 September 2026.

Interest Free Student Loan Scheme 2026 – Key Details

Who Can Apply for the Interest Free Student Loan Scheme?

Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements mentioned by the Ministry. The main requirements include the following:

• Applicants must have obtained at least a Simple (S) pass for all three subjects in one and the same sitting at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination.
• The relevant G.C.E. Advanced Level examination must be from 2023, 2024 or 2025, subject to the conditions regarding the number of sittings stated by the Ministry.
• Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 30 marks for the Common General Test.
• Applicants must have a Simple (S) pass for General English at G.C.E. Advanced Level or a Simple (S) pass for English at G.C.E. Ordinary Level.
• Candidates must be 25 years of age or below as at 27 September 2026.

Applicants should also check the official Student Handbook for any additional qualifications required for particular degree programmes.

Degree Programmes Available Under the Scheme

The Interest Free Student Loan Scheme allows selected students to follow approved degree programmes conducted by Degree Awarding Institutes recognized by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

According to the official announcement, all degree programmes under the scheme are conducted in English medium.

The complete list of available degree programmes, participating institutes and programme-specific requirements can be found in the official Student Handbook available through the student loan website.

Maximum Interest Free Student Loan Amount

The maximum loan amount available under the scheme is Rs. 1,500,000. However, the actual maximum amount applicable to a student depends on the stream of study and the selected degree programme.

The Ministry states that the approved loan amount is intended to enable students to complete the relevant degree programme.

In addition to the main student loan, students may obtain an interest-free stipend loan of Rs. 75,000 per year at their discretion.

How Students Are Selected

Selection for degree programmes under the Interest Free Student Loan Scheme is based on several factors, including:

• Whether the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications.
• The order of preferences submitted by the applicant for degree programmes.
• The number of seats allocated for each degree programme by the relevant Degree Awarding Institute.
• The applicant’s G.C.E. Advanced Level Z-Score merit order when the number of applications exceeds the available seating capacity for a programme.

Applicants should therefore carefully select and arrange their preferred degree programmes when submitting the online application.

Student Responsibilities Under the Loan Scheme

Students selected under the Interest Free Student Loan Scheme are required to maintain the academic and attendance standards specified by the programme.

Students must obtain at least a Credit (C) pass for each compulsory subject of the degree programme and maintain at least 80% attendance.

Interest Free Student Loan Repayment

The total loan period is 12 years, and the interest on the loan is borne by the Government.

Loan repayment begins after the completion of the relevant three-year or four-year study period together with an additional one-year grace period.

For four-year degree programmes, repayment is completed through 84 equal instalments. For three-year degree programmes, repayment is completed through 96 equal instalments.

How to Apply for the Interest Free Student Loan Scheme 2026

Eligible applicants must submit their applications online through the official Interest Free Student Loan Scheme website.

Official Application Website: www.studentloans.mohe.gov.lk

Applications are accepted from 17 August 2026 to 27 September 2026. Candidates are advised to read the Student Handbook carefully before selecting degree programmes and submitting the application.

Contact Details

Further information can be obtained from the Student Loans Division, Non-State Higher Education Division of the Ministry.

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 070 355 59 70 / 979
WhatsApp: 070 355 59 79
Address: Student Loans Division, Non-State Higher Education Division, No. 980/4A, Wickramasinghe Place, Ethul Kotte

Important Notice for Applicants

Students who passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and meet the required eligibility criteria should check the official Student Handbook before applying. Degree programme availability, additional entry qualifications and the applicable maximum loan amount may vary according to the selected programme.

Applicants should complete the online application before the 27 September 2026 closing date and ensure that the information submitted is accurate.

Get Full Details

Jobs/CVs SMS Alerts