How to Study in Sri Lanka for International Students

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Considered to be one of the best education systems in South Asia, Sri Lanka is an amazing study destination for international students. Universities focus on learning English and class sizes are manageable so students will get the optimum learning experience. Immerse yourself in the exotic beaches and incredible biodiversity while finishing your degree in Sri Lanka!

When it comes to the choices that are available, Sri Lanka currently has 20 universities, from which 20 universities are a part of the public sector and 0 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Sri Lanka you should definitely check out are University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, and University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Being able to study in Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Sri Lanka

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Sri Lanka, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 7,000 LKR to 3,180,000 LKR, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 18,300 LKR and 2,520,000 LKR.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Sri Lanka

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Sri Lanka, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Buddhist and Pali University 13,100 LKR - 18,400 LKR 175,500 LKR - 412,600 LKR
Eastern University of Sri Lanka 636,000 LKR - 954,000 LKR
University of Sri Jayewardenepura 970,000 LKR - 2,600,000 LKR
Ocean University of Sri Lanka 200,000 LKR - 300,000 LKR
Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine 350,000 LKR - 400,000 LKR
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka 954,000 LKR - 3,180,000 LKR
University of Moratuwa 966,000 LKR
University of Kelaniya 174,000 LKR - 199,000 LKR
University of Peradeniya 378,000 LKR - 2,520,000 LKR
University of Colombo 125,000 LKR - 869,100 LKR
University of Ruhuna 30,000 LKR
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 7,000 LKR 100,000 LKR - 195,000 LKR
Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka 20,000 LKR 18,300 LKR - 35,500 LKR

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Sri Lanka

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Sri Lanka, check out the Cheap Universities in Sri Lanka!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Sri Lanka for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Sri Lanka, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Sri Lanka, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Sri Lanka may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Sri Lanka are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Sri Lanka and their required minimum scores for each program level.

University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Bachelor’s degree

South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Bachelor’s degree

University of Moratuwa

Bachelor’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Sri Lanka

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Sri Lanka have online applications available on their websites, like University of Colombo and University of Peradeniya. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Sri Lanka.

University of Colombo

University of Peradeniya

University of Sri Jayewardenepura

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 Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka.

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 Sri Lanka

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Sri Lanka. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Sri Lanka as an international student.

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 Sri Lanka, you will need to present the following:

  1. Valid travel document
  2. Acceptance notice from the educational institution
  3. Proof of accommodation
  4. Proof of sufficient funds for study and living expenses
  5. 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:

  1. Prepare the documents you need for the entry visa application.
  2. Apply for an entry visa approval at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
  3. Request a student visa endorsement from the nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission.
  4. Collect your student visa endorsement after you have arrived at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
  5. 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 Sri Lanka. 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!