Sri Lanka: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

There are 15 state-run universities in Sri Lanka. Several universities offer postgraduate programmes, mainly in business and education. There are no opportunities for foreign students to join Sri Lankan universities other than students who are engaged on exchange programmes with UK universities or who have parents working in Sri Lanka. There are no private universities; however, there are institutes (mostly in partnership with foreign universities) offering diplomas and degrees to foreign students.

What courses are available?

Postgraduate courses in business and management are run by Sri Lankan institutions. Many medical, engineering and science courses are taught in English. Degree courses usually take three to four years. Postgraduate courses typically take one to five years to complete. Online study resources are available for many courses which help prepare for the Sri Lankan examination system.

Where can I study?

A list of the universities in Sri Lanka is available from Universities Worldwide . Some offer postgraduate courses for students who have parents working in Sri Lanka, or who are on an exchange programme, such as the University of Colombo which operates a programme with the University of London.

Also included in the list on the Universities Worldwide website are the postgraduate institutes in Sri Lanka, such as the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies and the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture.

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

For a postgraduate course you would typically need a Bachelors degree. Mature students with substantial work experience are welcomed and will be considered for postgraduate or undergraduate study as appropriate. Contact the relevant university or institute for specific details.

When do I apply?

All courses have their own application deadlines and entrance requirements, but applications are usually due by September or October. Check with individual institutions for exact dates.

How do I apply?

Information and application forms can be obtained from individual institutions and/or downloaded online. The University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka  has an application form that can be downloaded. Among the documents that need to be submitted with any application is a letter confirming eligibility to study, copies of relevant educational certificates, copies of your passport and visa and an original letter stating the financial situation of a parent or guardian.

How much will it cost?

Check with the individual institution for specific course costs as they will vary in each one. There is a fee for international students on an exchange programme or if their parents are working in Sri Lanka.

Are any scholarships available?

Scholarships are not widely available but it is worth checking with individual institutions to see if they offer any.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Demand for international qualifications continues to grow and a number of UK institutions are establishing jointly run courses with institutions in Sri Lanka. Leeds Metropolitan University is one such institution that offers an exchange programme. Contact individual universities to see if they have any connections with Sri Lanka.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

UK nationals wanting to compare their UK qualifications with those of Sri Lanka should contact UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) , which is able to give information and advice on qualifications for more than 180 countries.