Approximately, 25,000 students are admitted to universities annually and nearly 12,000 of them receive Mahapola Scholarships, while nearly 7,000 students receive bursaries.

 

 

According to a concept of the late Minister Lalith Athulathmudali, the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Scheme was launched in 1981 to support the higher education of students.  Accordingl,  a bursary scheme is being implemented by universities under the Treasury funds to support needy students of low income families. 

 

 

At present a Mahapola scholarship holder receives a monthly payment of Rs.5,000/- while the bursary payment is only Rs. 2,500/-.