Study Abroad Programs in Sri Lanka

Though overshadowed on a map by its giant neighboring country of India, Sri Lanka has long flourished under its own national identity. The island of Sri Lanka is fairly small, but its population of over 20 million citizens makes it one of the more densely populated countries in the world. Sri Lanka is also one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, home to thousands of endemic plant and animal species amidst its beautiful landscape.

With a population nearing 6 million people, Colombo is the country’s largest city by a considerable margin, and not coincidentally also the most popular location where to study abroad in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the cultural and economic center or Sri Lanka, and also sits adjacent to the country’s capital city of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. The University of Colombo, which rests in the heart of the city, is also the largest and most prestigious university in the country.

Kandy, the country’s second largest city, is another popular destination where to study abroad in Sri Lanka for many international students. Located in the heart of the country on the shores of a lake with its namesake, Kandy was formerly the capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdom and today is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a population of just 125,000, Kandy will make for a much more laid back experience than Colombo while you study abroad in Sri Lanka.

Higher education in Sri Lanka is extremely competitive for enrollment among local students, but many of the country’s colleges make room for international students to study abroad as part of exchange programs nonetheless. There is no standardized language medium in Sri Lanka’s higher education system, so many universities will list course offerings taught in all three of the country’s recognized languages (Sinhala, Tamil, and English).

Study abroad programs in Sri Lanka will generally enable you to enroll in courses at either a local university or at a smaller international or satellite school. Courses taught at smaller schools or as part of a structured program are often custom tailored toward international students, offering a survey of course topics regarding Sri Lanka’s culture and history. Some additional specific subject areas for students who study abroad in Sri Lanka include medicine, nutrition, and the liberal arts.

International students can typically choose to study abroad in Sri Lanka during summer session, fall or spring semesters, or for a full academic year. There are in total 15 state universities in Sri Lanka, and a variety of smaller private and international schools which provide students with an alternative to these institutions.

Undergraduate universities in Sri Lanka are essentially free for citizens of the country, but international students might incur some additional charges while they are studying abroad. Different study abroad programs in Sri Lanka will vary in their affordability; you can check out our scholarship directory to learn all about the financial aid opportunities which are available in the country.

The good news is that Sri Lanka is a largely affordable destination for most international students, with on-the-ground costs remaining comparatively low by international standards. The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee, which fluctuates at about 150 LKR to $1 USD.

Homestays are typically the most common form of housing while you study abroad in Sri Lanka, providing a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the country’s family culture. Student dormitories or individual apartments are also sometimes made available by study abroad programs in Sri Lanka, so take the different types of available accommodation into account while deciding on the perfect program.

International students travelling from most countries will need to obtain a student visa with the endorsement of the host school in order to study abroad in Sri Lanka. The exact type of documentation you will need may depend on factors such as your home country and the planned duration of your stay; you can check out our Sri Lankan Embassy Directory for more information regarding your individual circumstances.

Diversity. Having long been an active player in international affairs, Sri Lanka has a rich history of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Studying abroad here will expose you to a tremendous amount of new experiences.

Buddhist Heritage. Sri Lanka has a long tradition of practicing Buddhism, and is home to some of the religion’s most important ancient temples. Students who are interested Buddhism can embark on a spiritually awakening experience while they study abroad in Sri Lanka.

Break Boundaries. If you are traveling from the English speaking world, then Sri Lanka will feel much different than home. This is your opportunity to break free and completely redefine your comfort zone.