The Ministry of Education is offering an interest-free student loan scheme to help high school graduates unable to secure spots in state universities. 

Accordingly, as part of the 2017 budget proposals, the scheme provides up to Rs. 800,000 for degrees at approved non-state higher education institutions. 

So far, 17,313 students across seven groups have benefited, with 2,353 graduates and 10,258 current students. 

The Ministry is finalising agreements with the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and the People's Bank, with loans for 2022 high school graduates set to begin soon.