Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme (IFSLS) 2026 – 11th Intake Applications Open from 17 August
he Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education – Higher Education Division has announced that applications for the 11th Intake of the Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme (IFSLS) will be opened on 17 August 2026.
Students who have passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and fulfil the required eligibility criteria will be able to submit applications during the official application period.
The Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme is implemented by the Ministry to expand higher-education opportunities for students through selected degree programmes offered by approved Non-State Higher Education Institutes (NSHEIs). Under the scheme, the Government bears the interest on the student loan during the applicable loan period.
Who Can Apply?
According to the newly announced notice, students from the following G.C.E. A/L examination years may be eligible to apply:
- G.C.E. A/L 2023
- G.C.E. A/L 2024
- G.C.E. A/L 2025
Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility requirements specified by the Ministry for the 11th Intake.
Important: The complete 11th Intake eligibility criteria should be checked against the new official handbook/instructions once released. Previous-intake requirements should not automatically be treated as the final requirements for this intake.
What is the IFSLS?
The Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme (IFSLS) provides eligible students with an opportunity to follow selected degree programmes at approved non-state higher education institutions.
The scheme is intended particularly to expand access to higher education for students who qualify for university entrance but have limited opportunities within the state university system.
For the previous intake, degree programmes covered areas such as Humanities & Social Sciences, Management & Commerce, Science, Engineering & Technology, and Information & Communication Technology. Selection was based on eligibility, programme preferences, available seats and, where necessary, the applicant’s Z-score.
Important Dates
Application Opening Date: 17 August 2026
Intake: 11th Intake
Eligible A/L Years announced: 2023 / 2024 / 2025
Closing Date: Not yet confirmed in the information currently available
Application Method
Applications are expected to be handled through the official Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme online system. Applicants should carefully read the new 11th Intake handbook and instructions before finalising an application.
For the previous intake, application submission was compulsory through the online system, with applicants registering using details including their NIC and G.C.E. A/L information.
Important Notice to Applicants
Applicants should not rely solely on requirements from previous IFSLS intakes, because eligibility criteria, participating institutions, degree programmes, loan limits and application procedures may change for the 11th Intake.
The new official Student Handbook / Application Instructions should therefore be checked before applying.
Handbook Preview
Handbook not available yet
Source Note:This information has been prepared with reference to the official advertisement and relevant institutional sources. Applicants are advised to verify all details from the official source before applying.