Financial Assistance Programmes available at ESOFT

After exploring the benefits and programme options of Transnational Education (TNE) in previous articles, many families may face the practical concern of how to finance these aspirations.

Addressing this financial barrier, ESOFT has partnered with the LEAP Foundation to award financial aid to promising students.  This initiative aims to bridge the financial gap for qualified students, allowing them to pursue their desired careers without the traditional burden of student loans.

The LEAP Programme: A Vision for Self-Sufficiency

The LEAP Foundation, established as a non-profit organisation, plays a key role in this financial support programme. Operating under the “Learn, Earn and Pay” philosophy, LEAP offers interest-free loans for higher education in high-demand fields. Unlike traditional scholarships, LEAP empowers graduates to manage their futures by enabling repayment upon completion of their degree. This sustainable model fosters a sense of ownership and equips students with future-proof skills, maximising their earning potential.

The LEAP Foundation meticulously manages the programme, from selecting recipients and fostering a robust donor community to overseeing administrative matters to ensure the programme’s sustainability.

Helping 100 Take a LEAP to Dream Careers

This year, the LEAP Foundation offers 100 financial aid awards (50 full, 50 half), valued between Rs. 1.2 million and Rs. 1.6 million for each full award, depending on the program. The total commitment is over Rs.100 million, empowering Sri Lankan youth.

Full award recipients will not have to worry about program fees while studying at ESOFT. Half-award recipients benefit from a flexible payment plan, making their educational investment commitment more manageable.

To be eligible for LEAP financing, students must have passed their local or London A/Ls in either 2023 or 2024.

Evaluation and Selection

LEAP employs a meritocratic and holistic evaluation and selection process based on a points system:

Academic Excellence (50 Points): Strong performance on A/L exams is crucial for these financial aid awards.

Extracurricular Activities (25 Points): Students’ involvement and achievements beyond academics showcase their well-roundedness and potential.

Vision and Deservingness (25 Points): A personal statement and an in-person interview will assess future goals, motivation, and financial needs.

Financial Aid -Eligible Degree Programmes

LEAP financial aid awards-eligible programmes include prestigious British Degrees from London Metropolitan University, Kingston University and UGC-approved degrees offered by ESOFT Metro Campus. These cover the disciplines of Information Technology, Management, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Law, Fashion Design, and Engineering, empowering youth to pursue their desired career paths in a variety of disciplines.

Visit the LEAP Foundation website for further information and application details: https://esu-cms.hostweblankan.in/scholarship/

Other Options for Financial Support at ESOFT

In a move to widen access to higher education, ESOFT offers various financial support options alongside the LEAP programme. These options address a significant concern for students and families considering Transnational Education (TNE) and alternative higher education pathways. This commitment to affordability ensures deserving students can pursue their academic goals.

Government-funded Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme (IFSLS): Sri Lankan A/L graduates can apply for IFSLS loans for ESOFT’s UGC-approved IT and Management degrees (this scheme does not cover British Degrees). ESOFT Metro Campus offers application guidance.

Student Loans from Leading Banks: ESOFT facilitates access to student loans from leading banks for any programme of choice.

ESOFT’s Flexible Monthly Instalment Plans: This option allows payment of programme fees for the chosen British Degree in manageable monthly instalments, ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000, rather than semester-wise or annual payments.

Interested students can visit https://esu-cms.hostweblankan.in/scholarship to submit their online application and make use of this limited time opportunity.