USA Scholarships
Partial Funding Masters PhD Professional Research Award the USA

AISLS Language Instruction Grants 2027 - $400

Deadline Rolling (proposals reviewed year-round) 466 days left · Hosted by American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies (AISLS) · Published

AISLS Grants for Language Instruction support US-based students and scholars who need Sinhala, Tamil, or Pali to carry out humanities and social science work on Sri Lanka. The American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies runs the program with US Department of Education support, and the Colombo center can recommend tutors or programs whether you study in Sri Lanka or online. Most awards cap at $400, though you may request a follow-on grant after finishing the first. Applications are simple email packages reviewed on an ongoing basis rather than a single annual deadline.

Typical grant (renewable once)
Up to $400
AISLS member pathways
Graduate & faculty
Email proposal anytime
Rolling
Member institutions & scholars
US affiliates
How to apply Am I eligible? Official website

What is the AISLS Language Instruction Grant?

AISLS Grants for Language Instruction give US scholars a practical way to pay for Sinhala, Tamil, or Pali tutoring that feeds real research on Sri Lanka. The American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies has operated since 1996 as a bridge between US universities and Sri Lankan partners, and language training has always been part of that mission.

The grants are modest, usually capped at $400, yet they fill a gap graduate students hit right before fieldwork: departmental funding rarely covers intensive tutoring, especially if you need to start before a larger fellowship kicks in. AISLS accepts either travel to Sri Lanka or virtual lessons with tutors based there, and the Colombo staff will point you toward reputable programs.

Because proposals are emailed directly to the US director and reviewed rolling, you can align the grant with your dissertation timeline instead of waiting for a single national deadline. Finish one funded cycle and you can ask for a follow-on award if your project still needs language hours.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 6
  • ✓
    AISLS membership or member-institution affiliation
    You must qualify through one of five categories: individual AISLS member with a PhD living in the US, individual member studying language for US graduate work, faculty at an AISLS member institution, graduate student at a member institution, or US-citizen AISLS member studying language for graduate work abroad.
  • ✓
    Language focus on Sinhala, Tamil, or Pali
    Proposals must target instruction in Sinhala, Tamil, or Pali. Tutoring that works through translation of research texts is allowed, but pure translation fees without instruction are not covered.
  • ✓
    Instruction in Sri Lanka or with a Sri Lanka-based tutor
    Most grants fund study in Sri Lanka. Virtual instruction with a tutor resident in Sri Lanka is also eligible, and AISLS staff can suggest programs or tutors.
  • ✓
    Tied to long-range research plans
    Your one-page statement must explain how the language training supports dissertation fieldwork, teaching, or publication plans on Sri Lanka.
  • ✓
    Not double-funded for the same costs
    AISLS normally will not pay language instruction for someone already in Sri Lanka on another research award that could cover the same tutoring, though staff can still help you locate instruction.
  • ✓
    Previous AISLS language grantees may reapply
    Prior recipients remain eligible, including for a second grant after completing the first award when additional funds are available.
What you get

Benefits

  • Maximum award Normally up to $400
  • Instruction modes In Sri Lanka or virtual with Sri Lanka-based tutor
  • Colombo center advising Program and tutor referrals included
  • Follow-on funding Second grant possible after first is completed
  • Translation-only costs Not covered without instructional component
  • Duplicate funding while on other awards Generally excluded if other funds could pay
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 6
  • ✓
    Short curriculum vitae
    Send a current CV highlighting your academic background, Sri Lanka-related research, and any prior language study.
  • ✓
    One-page proposal statement
    Describe the planned instruction, how it fits your research agenda, and the skills you expect to gain by the end of the grant period.
  • ✓
    Proposed timetable
    Outline start and end dates, weekly hours, and whether travel to Sri Lanka is involved.
  • ✓
    Budget
    Itemize tutor fees, program tuition, or related instructional costs up to the $400 cap. Keep receipts if funded; AISLS may ask for documentation.
  • ✓
    Email submission to the US director
    Package the materials in a single email to John Rogers at [email protected]. Use a clear subject line such as AISLS Language Instruction Grant proposal.
  • ✓
    Member verification if requested
    Graduate students and faculty should note their AISLS member institution. Individual members should confirm membership status in the cover email.
Step by step

How to apply

Review the five membership pathways on the AISLS grants page. Graduate students should verify their university is an AISLS member institution before drafting the budget.
Contact the Colombo center if you need tutor recommendations. Decide whether you will travel to Sri Lanka or work online with a Sri Lanka-based instructor.
Explain how the language training unlocks archives, interviews, or texts you need for dissertation or faculty research. Be specific about proficiency goals.
Keep the budget at or below $400 unless you are requesting special consideration. Show weekly hours and total contact time.
Send your CV, statement, timetable, and budget to [email protected]. Proposals are considered on a rolling basis, so you do not wait for an annual portal to open.
After funding, follow any reporting instructions from AISLS. Successful grantees may apply again for supplemental language support.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
Rolling (proposals reviewed year-round)
466 days left
Year-round
AISLS accepts language instruction grant emails whenever you are ready to start tutoring.
Before travel
Apply early enough to arrange tutors through the Colombo center if you plan to study in Sri Lanka.
During instruction
Attend scheduled tutoring or coursework and track expenses against your approved budget.
After completion
You may submit a second proposal if you need additional language training for the same research agenda.
Questions

FAQ

What are AISLS Grants for Language Instruction?

They are small US-funded awards from the American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies that pay for Sinhala, Tamil, or Pali tutoring tied to academic research on Sri Lanka. Most grants are capped at $400 and can fund either in-country study or virtual lessons with tutors based in Sri Lanka.

Who can apply for an AISLS language instruction grant?

Eligible applicants include AISLS individual members, graduate students and faculty at AISLS member institutions, and US-citizen members studying abroad, provided the language training supports graduate-level research. You must meet one of the five categories listed on the official AISLS grants page.

How much is the AISLS language grant worth?

The maximum award is normally $400. After you complete a funded project, you may apply for a second grant if additional Department of Education funds are available.

Can I study online instead of traveling to Sri Lanka?

Yes. Virtual instruction with a tutor resident in Sri Lanka is explicitly eligible. AISLS staff can recommend tutors or programs whether you travel or study remotely.

Does the grant pay for translation services?

No. Pure translation costs are not covered. Instruction that uses translation exercises as part of language learning, such as working through texts with a tutor, is allowed.

Is there an annual deadline for AISLS language grants?

No fixed deadline is published. Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis when you email the US director with your CV, statement, timetable, and budget.

Which languages qualify for AISLS language instruction funding?

Funding is limited to Sinhala, Tamil, and Pali. Other South Asian languages fall under different institutes such as the American Institute of Indian Studies language programs.

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