Study abroad
Study in Sri Lanka
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with agriculture, tourism and digital technology shaping much of the country’s economy.
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo and Kandy are among the places students often consider. Teaching is often in Sinhala and Tamil. English is also widely used. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Why study in Sri Lanka?
Students choose Sri Lanka for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Agriculture, tourism and digital technology matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Computing & Information Technology, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo and Kandy each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Sri Lanka means everyday contact with Sinhala and Tamil and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Sri Lanka
Students heading to Sri Lanka often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Computing & Information Technology
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Fashion & Textiles
- Business & Management
Because agriculture, tourism and digital technology matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Sri Lanka on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Sri Lanka
- University of ColomboColombo, Sri Lanka
- THE 2026 1001–1200
- University of PeradeniyaPeradeniya, Sri Lanka
- THE 2026 1201–1500
- Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologyColombo, Sri Lanka
- THE 2026 1501+
Scholarships to Study in Sri Lanka
Finding funding for Sri Lanka takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Sri Lanka
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Sri Lanka
Start dates in Sri Lanka are set by each institution, and they can change from year to year.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Sri Lanka
Before you commit to a course in Sri Lanka, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Sri Lanka
Whether you need a visa to study in Sri Lanka depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Sri Lanka in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Sri Lanka
Living costs in Sri Lanka depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte can differ noticeably from those in Colombo or Kandy and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Sri Lanka
What are the advantages of studying in Sri Lanka?
It depends on your goals. Sri Lanka offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South Asia and study in Sinhala and Tamil (with some English-taught options). Students interested in agriculture, tourism and digital technology may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Sri Lanka?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Computing & Information Technology and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies. The subjects page for Sri Lanka lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Sri Lanka?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Sri Lanka?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Sri Lanka?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Sri Lanka.
Are scholarships available for international students in Sri Lanka?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Sri Lanka?
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo and Kandy are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Sri Lanka?
Many courses are taught in Sinhala and Tamil. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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