If you have A/L 3S passes but did not qualify for a state university due to high district Z-scores, you do not need to abandon your higher education dreams. Studying at a top private university in Sri Lanka normally costs over Rs. 2,000,000, which is out of reach for many families.

The Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme (IFSLS) solves this exact problem. Under this program, the government covers 100% of your course fees (up to Rs. 1.5 million) alongside an optional living stipend, allowing you to earn a full degree from an approved non-state campus.

Applications for the 11th intake (Academic Years 2023 / 2024 / 2025) open on the official online portal. Students who passed their G.C.E. A/Ls in the 2023, 2024, or 2025 sittings can apply.

Scheme Summary & Quick Facts

Feature	Key Details
Scheme Name	Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme (IFSLS) – 11th Intake
Academic Years Covered	2023 / 2024 / 2025
Eligible A/L Sittings	2023, 2024, and 2025 G.C.E. A/L sittings (up to 3 sittings max)
Maximum Tuition Loan	Up to Rs. 1,500,000 (varies by subject stream and duration)
Optional Monthly Allowance	Up to Rs. 300,000 total (Rs. 6,250/month paid quarterly at Rs. 18,750)
Interest Rate for Students	0% (100% interest borne by the Sri Lankan Government)
Grace Period	1 Year after graduation before repayment begins
Repayment Window	7 Years (84 instalments for 4-year degrees) or 8 Years (96 instalments for 3-year degrees)
Approved Campuses	18 Degree Awarding Institutes (ICBT, SLIIT, NSBM, CINEC, SLTC, KIU, ESOFT, etc.)
Managing Authority	Non-State Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education

Why Apply for IFSLS? Solving the Z-Score and Tuition Gap

State universities under the University Grants Commission (UGC) can accommodate only about 25% of qualified A/L students. Thousands of capable students fall short of university entry purely due to high district Z-scores.

The IFSLS bridges this gap by funding market-oriented degrees in Information Technology, Engineering, Bio-Science, Business, and Humanities.

Key Benefits to Students

• No Upfront Tuition Costs: The bank transfers course fees directly to your chosen institute every semester. You or your parents do not need to pay initial course fees.
• Optional Living Stipend: You can opt for a stipend loan of up to Rs. 300,000 (disbursed at Rs. 18,750 quarterly) to cover daily transport, accommodation, and study materials.
• No Repayment While Studying: You pay zero main loan principal during your 3 or 4 years of study, plus a 1-year grace period after graduation.
• Manageable Instalments: Repayment starts only after you enter the workforce, divided over 7 to 8 years.

Eligibility Checklist: Do You Qualify?

To apply for the 10th intake, you must meet the following criteria:

1. A/L Results: Minimum of 3 Simple (S) passes in one sitting (from 2023, 2024, or 2025 sittings, not exceeding 3 sittings total).
2. Common General Test: Minimum of 30 marks obtained at any attempt.
3. English Qualification: At least an (S) pass in General English at G.C.E. A/L OR an (S) pass in English Language at G.C.E. O/L.
4. Age Limit: 25 years of age or below
5. Ineligibility Rules: Students already registered as internal undergraduates in state universities (UGC), National Colleges of Education (Pasala Vidyapitha), SLIATE, NAITA, or UNIVOTEC are not eligible.

Maximum Loan Allocations by Field of Study

The maximum loan amount depends on the field and degree duration:

4-Year Degree Programs

• Engineering: Up to Rs. 1,500,000
• Biological / Biomedical / Chemical Science: Up to Rs. 1,200,000
• Physical Science, Biotechnology, Engineering Tech, BSc IT: Up to Rs. 1,000,000
• Management & Commerce: Up to Rs. 900,000
• Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science: Up to Rs. 800,000

3-Year Degree Programs

• Engineering & Technology / BSc IT: Up to Rs. 800,000
• Management, Humanities, Computer Science: Up to Rs. 600,000

Participating Campuses (NSHEIs)

Degrees are offered by 18 approved Non-State Higher Education Institutes:

ICBT Campus, SLIIT, NSBM, CINEC Campus, SLTC Research University, KIU Campus, ESOFT Metro Campus, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (ICHEM), ICASL, Horizon Campus, Saegis Campus, Aquinas College of Higher Studies, BCI Campus, NIIBS, BMS, SIBA Campus, Lyceum Campus, and Gateway College.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Applications must be submitted through the official government portal:

• Official Online Portal: studentloans.mohe.gov.lk https://studentloans.mohe.gov.lk/loan_application/
• Registration Method: Create your account using your National Identity Card (NIC) number and G.C.E. A/L index number. Select your preferred degree programs and institutes in order of priority.

Contact Details for Support

• Address: Student Loans Division, Non-State Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education, 980/4A, Wickramasinghe Place, Ethul Kotte.
• Phone: +94-11-2879724 / +94-11-2879727
• Email: [email protected]