Quick Answer: Oxford Brookes University offers multiple scholarships for Sri Lankan students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £3,000), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship (up to £4,000), and country-specific awards. The minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, and applications typically open in January 2026 for September intake.

Introduction

For Sri Lankan students aspiring to study at a prestigious UK institution, Oxford Brookes University presents an exceptional opportunity with its comprehensive scholarship program for 2026. Located in the historic city of Oxford, this university has consistently ranked among the top modern universities in the UK, placing 51st in the Complete University Guide 2026. With over 18,000 students from 140 countries, Oxford Brookes offers a truly international learning environment that makes Sri Lankan students feel welcomed and supported.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through all available Oxford Brookes University scholarships for Sri Lankan students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, application processes, deadlines, and practical tips to maximize your chances of securing funding for your UK education journey.

Oxford Brookes University Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students

International Excellence Scholarship 2026

The International Excellence Scholarship is Oxford Brookes' flagship award for outstanding international students, including those from Sri Lanka. This merit-based scholarship recognizes academic achievement and potential.

Award Amount: Up to £3,000 per year for undergraduate programs, £2,500 for postgraduate programs Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum 3 A-levels with AAB grades or equivalent Sri Lankan A-Level qualifications (3 A passes)
• IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
• First-year international student status
• Demonstrated academic excellence in previous studies

Application Process: The scholarship is automatically considered when you apply for admission - no separate application required. Awards are granted based on academic merit during the admissions review process.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program

This prestigious scholarship targets exceptional international students who demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership potential.

Award Amount: Up to £4,000 per year (renewable annually based on performance) Eligibility for Sri Lankan Students:

• Minimum GPA equivalent to UK 2:1 (65% or above in Sri Lankan university system)
• Strong personal statement demonstrating leadership experience
• Two academic references
• IELTS 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 for September 2026 intake

Country-Specific Scholarships for Sri Lanka

Oxford Brookes has developed targeted funding specifically for students from South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka.

South Asia Excellence Award:

• Amount: £2,000 one-time payment
• Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Focuses on students from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
• Based on academic merit and financial need assessment

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Business and Management Scholarships: For Sri Lankan students pursuing business degrees, Oxford Brookes offers specialized funding through its internationally ranked Business School (ranked 15th in the UK for Business Studies by The Guardian 2026).

• Award: £2,500 for MBA programs, £1,500 for undergraduate business degrees
• Eligibility: Relevant work experience and strong GMAT/academic scores

Engineering and Technology Scholarships: With Oxford Brookes' strong reputation in engineering (85% graduate employment rate), these scholarships support Sri Lankan students in STEM fields.

• Award: £2,000 per year
• Eligibility: Strong mathematics and science background
• Special consideration for female students in engineering

Healthcare and Life Sciences Awards: Recognizing the growing healthcare sector collaboration between UK and Sri Lanka:

• Award: £1,800 per year
• Available for nursing, public health, and biomedical science programs
• Preference given to students with healthcare volunteer experience

Admission Requirements for Sri Lankan Students

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Programs:

• Sri Lankan A-Levels: Minimum 3 passes (preferably A grades for competitive programs)
• University entrance examination results
• Strong performance in relevant subjects for chosen field of study

Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree from recognized Sri Lankan university
• Minimum 65% overall average (equivalent to UK 2:1)
• Relevant work experience may be considered for professional programs

English Language Requirements

Standard Requirements:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: 80 overall with minimum 18 in each skill
• Pearson PTE Academic: 59 overall with minimum 59 in each skill

Higher Requirements for Specific Programs:

• Business and Law: IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
• Healthcare programs: IELTS 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5
• Education and Social Work: IELTS 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5

English Test Alternatives: Sri Lankan students who completed their previous education in English may be eligible for English language requirement waivers. Contact the admissions office with your academic transcripts for assessment.

Application Process and Timeline 2026

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: University Application (October 2025 - June 2026)

1. Submit UCAS application for undergraduate programs or direct application for postgraduate
2. Include all required documents: transcripts, English test scores, personal statement
3. Pay application fee (£27 for UCAS, £50 for direct postgraduate applications)

Step 2: Scholarship Applications (January - March 2026)

1. Complete online scholarship application forms
2. Submit supporting documents: financial statements, reference letters
3. Write scholarship-specific essays (typically 500-1000 words)

Step 3: Interview Process (April - May 2026) Selected candidates may be invited for:

• Video interviews via Skype or Zoom
• Portfolio presentations for creative subjects
• Skills assessments for technical programs

Step 4: Decision and Confirmation (May - July 2026)

• Scholarship decisions typically announced by late May 2026
• Accept scholarship offer and confirm university place
• Begin visa application process immediately

Required Documents Checklist

Academic Documents:

• Certified copies of A-Level certificates and transcripts
• University degree certificates and transcripts (for postgraduate applicants)
• Academic references from teachers or professors

Financial Documents:

• Bank statements showing financial capacity
• Income certificates from parents/sponsors
• Scholarship application forms with financial need assessment

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport
• English language test certificates
• Personal statement (2 pages maximum)
• CV/Resume highlighting achievements and experiences

Tips for Sri Lankan Students

Maximizing Scholarship Success

1. Apply Early: Scholarship funds are limited. Submit applications as soon as they open in January 2026.

2. Demonstrate Sri Lankan Connection: Highlight how your UK education will benefit Sri Lanka's development in your personal statement.

3. Show Financial Need: Provide clear documentation of your family's financial situation and explain why scholarship support is essential.

4. Academic Excellence: Maintain strong grades throughout your final year of current studies, as updated transcripts may be requested.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Late Applications: Missing deadlines is the most common reason for scholarship rejection
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all documents are properly certified and translated if necessary
• Generic Personal Statements: Customize your essays for each scholarship application
• Ignoring Small Awards: Multiple smaller scholarships can add up to significant funding

Living Costs and Financial Planning

Estimated Annual Costs for Sri Lankan Students (2026)

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: £15,500 - £18,900 per year
• Postgraduate taught: £16,800 - £22,500 per year
• MBA: £28,500 for full program

Living Expenses in Oxford:

• Accommodation: £8,000 - £12,000 per year
• Food and groceries: £3,600 - £4,800 per year
• Transportation: £1,200 - £1,800 per year
• Personal expenses: £2,400 - £3,600 per year

Total Annual Budget: £31,000 - £41,000 including tuition and living costs

Funding Gap Analysis

For most Sri Lankan families, the total cost represents a significant investment. With scholarships reducing costs by £1,500-£4,000 annually, students typically need to secure additional funding through:

• Education loans from Sri Lankan banks (Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank offer UK education loans)
• Part-time work (up to 20 hours per week on student visa)
• Family savings and support

Before committing to study abroad, you may want to explore UK universities and compare scholarship opportunities across different institutions to find the best financial fit for your situation.

Banking and Money Transfer

Sri Lankan students should consider:

• Opening a UK bank account upon arrival (Lloyds and HSBC offer international student accounts)
• Using services like Western Union or Remitly for family money transfers
• Understanding foreign exchange regulations from Central Bank of Sri Lanka

Career Prospects and Return on Investment

Oxford Brookes graduates enjoy strong career outcomes, with 92% of international students finding employment or pursuing further study within six months of graduation. For Sri Lankan students, popular career paths include:

High-Demand Sectors:

• Technology and IT services (average starting salary £28,000-£35,000)
• Business and consulting (£26,000-£32,000)
• Healthcare and nursing (£25,000-£30,000)
• Engineering and construction (£27,000-£34,000)

Return to Sri Lanka Opportunities:

• Multinational corporations value UK qualifications
• Government sector increasingly recognizes international degrees
• Entrepreneurship opportunities in growing Sri Lankan economy
• Academic careers in expanding university sector

Conclusion

Oxford Brookes University scholarships provide valuable opportunities for Sri Lankan students to access world-class education in 2026. With careful planning, strong applications, and early preparation, you can secure funding that makes your UK education dreams achievable. Start your application process early and consider multiple scholarship options to maximize your financial support.

Key Statistics

📊 Oxford Brookes ranks 51st in Complete University Guide 2026 among UK universities

💰 Scholarships worth £1,500-£4,000 annually available for Sri Lankan students in 2026

🎓 92% of international graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation

📈 Over 18,000 students from 140 countries study at Oxford Brookes

💼 Average starting salary for graduates ranges £25,000-£35,000 depending on field

🏆 Business School ranked 15th in UK for Business Studies by The Guardian 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Oxford Brookes University scholarships as a Sri Lankan student?

Most scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission, but some require separate applications. Submit your university application first, then complete specific scholarship forms between January-March 2026. You'll need academic transcripts, English test scores, financial statements, and scholarship essays. The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship requires a separate application by March 31, 2026.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for Sri Lankan students at Oxford Brookes?

The minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for most programs. However, competitive programs like Business and Law require 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, while Healthcare and Education programs need 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5. Sri Lankan students who completed previous education in English may qualify for language requirement waivers.

How much money can I save with scholarships at Oxford Brookes University?

Sri Lankan students can save £1,500-£4,000 per year through Oxford Brookes scholarships. The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship offers up to £4,000 annually (renewable), the International Excellence Scholarship provides up to £3,000 per year, and the South Asia Excellence Award gives £2,000 as a one-time payment. Multiple smaller scholarships can be combined for greater savings.

What are the admission requirements for Sri Lankan students at Oxford Brookes?

For undergraduate programs, you need minimum 3 A-Level passes (preferably A grades) and IELTS 6.0. For postgraduate programs, you need a bachelor's degree from a recognized Sri Lankan university with minimum 65% average (equivalent to UK 2:1). Some programs may consider relevant work experience, and English language requirements vary by subject area.

When should I apply for Oxford Brookes scholarships in 2026?

Applications for September 2026 intake should be submitted as early as possible. University applications run from October 2025 to June 2026, while scholarship applications typically open in January 2026. Key deadlines include March 31, 2026 for Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship and March 15, 2026 for South Asia Excellence Award. Apply early as scholarship funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I work while studying at Oxford Brookes as a Sri Lankan student?

Yes, Sri Lankan students on Tier 4/Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This can help supplement scholarship funding and cover living expenses. Popular part-time jobs include campus roles, retail, hospitality, and tutoring, with average wages of £8-£12 per hour in Oxford.

Key Takeaways

✅ Oxford Brookes offers multiple scholarships worth £1,500-£4,000 annually for Sri Lankan students

✅ Applications for 2026 intake open in January with key deadlines in March

✅ Minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0 overall, with higher requirements for competitive programs

✅ Total annual costs range £31,000-£41,000 including tuition and living expenses

✅ 92% graduate employment rate provides strong return on investment

✅ Early application and strong academic performance are crucial for scholarship success