Study in Sri Lanka

Who this applies to

Students at Sri Lankan universities. English + Sinhala/Tamil medium. State universities (UGC) + non-state institutes.

Governing authority

Ministry of Education; University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka.

Degree system

Bachelor 3–4 yrs (medicine/engineering longer) · Master · PhD. British-derived; ~17 state universities (free) + growing non-state sector.

Admission

How

G.C.E. Advanced Level (Z-score) — highly competitive; UGC allocates limited free state seats by district quota + merit; international/private students apply directly.

Language

English (+ Sinhala/Tamil in many programs).

Tuition

Public

Free for state-admitted nationals (very limited seats).

Private

Fee-paying non-state institutes + overseas-affiliate programs.

Note

Severe seat scarcity drives large outbound study (India/UK/Australia/Malaysia); 2022 economic crisis strained the sector.

Student visa & residence permit

Student visa for non-nationals.

Scholarships

Government (Mahapola) & institutional.

Sources & references

• UGC/17 universities — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_in_Sri_Lanka (2026-06-12)
• ministry — https://www.mohe.gov.lk/index.php?Itemid=222&lang=en (2026-06-12)