Russia Increases Free University Seats for Sri Lankans

COLOMBO (News 1st) The Russian Federation has increased the number of fully funded scholarships available to Sri Lankan students pursuing higher education in Russia.

A ceremonial gathering was held to honor the selected students who will soon depart for Russia under the scholarship program on Wednesday (10).

Following the selection campaign for the 2025/26 academic year, 53 Sri Lankan citizens were awarded quota places. This marks a key milestone in the growing academic partnership between the two nations.

Speaking at the event, Maria L. Popova, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka, stated that considering the growing demand of Sri Lankan people for Russia's higher education, Russia has raised the number of free scholarships up to 100. 

This year’s cohort will study not only in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also in a diverse range of Russian cities including Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Stavropol, and Tomsk, offering students broader exposure to Russia’s academic and cultural landscape.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia, while empowering Sri Lankan youth with global learning opportunities and advanced academic training.