How to Study in Colombo for International Students
Colombo, one of the beautiful cities in Sri Lanka, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Colombo currently has 3 universities, from which 3 universities are a part of the public sector and 0 universities are private institutions.
In case you are not just searching for a place to study, but you are trying to be a part of the best schools available, you have several choices, such as University of Colombo and University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Being able to study in Colombo as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Colombo, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Colombo
The cost of your studies in Colombo may vary depending on various factors such as your degree, program, and chosen university. In Colombo, the average tuition fee for international students is 0 LKR.
Here are some of the universities here with their tuition fees for bachelor's and master's degrees:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean University of Sri Lanka | 200,000 LKR - 300,000 LKR | |
| University of Colombo | 125,000 LKR - 869,100 LKR |
If you're looking for an affordable school to enter in Colombo, check out our article on cheapest universities in Colombo for international students.
Aside from tuition fees, you also need to consider other costs like your accommodation, travel, and daily expenses. It's a good thing to compute these costs beforehand to make sure that you have enough budget for your studies.
2. Requirements to Study in Colombo for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Colombo might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Colombo.
Application Procedure to Study in Colombo
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Colombo have online applications available on their websites, like University of Colombo and University of the Visual and Performing Arts. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Colombo.
University of Colombo
University of the Visual and Performing Arts
Ocean University of Sri Lanka
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Colombo differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Colombo.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Colombo
If you’re going to study in Colombo, you will need to apply for a student visa in Sri Lanka
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Sri Lanka. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Residence Visa - 1 (Class III).
To start your student visa application in Colombo, you will need to present the following:
- Valid travel document
- Acceptance notice from the educational institution
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds for study and living expenses
- Travel insurance
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Sri Lanka is 200 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Prepare the documents you need for the entry visa application.
- Apply for an entry visa approval at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
- Request a student visa endorsement from the nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission.
- Collect your student visa endorsement after you have arrived at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
- Pay for the visa fees.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Colombo. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!