UGC Approved State Universities in Sri Lanka 2026
Complete guide to all 17 government universities - admission, courses, and rankings
Quick Overview
Sri Lanka has 17 state universities approved by UGC offering free education. Top universities: Colombo (comprehensive), Moratuwa (engineering/IT), Peradeniya (research). Admission through A/L Z-score system. Over 30,000 annual intake. Program duration: 3-5 years. Graduate employment rate 80-85%. See private universities or IT courses.
Complete List of State Universities
| University | Location | Est. | Students | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colombo | Colombo 03 | 1921 | 25,000+ | Medicine, Law, Management, Computing |
| University of Peradeniya | Kandy | 1942 | 23,000+ | Agriculture, Veterinary, Engineering, Arts |
| University of Moratuwa | Moratuwa | 1972 | 12,000+ | Engineering, IT, Architecture, Technology |
| University of Kelaniya | Kelaniya | 1959 | 15,000+ | Arts, Commerce, Medicine, Science |
| University of Sri Jayewardenepura | Nugegoda | 1959 | 14,000+ | Management, Medical, Applied Sciences |
| University of Ruhuna | Matara | 1978 | 12,000+ | Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Fisheries |
| University of Jaffna | Jaffna | 1974 | 10,000+ | Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Arts |
| University of Rajarata | Mihintale | 1996 | 8,000+ | Medicine, Applied Sciences, Management |
| University of Wayamba | Kuliyapitiya | 1999 | 7,000+ | Agriculture, Technology, Management |
| University of Sabaragamuwa | Belihuloya | 1995 | 8,000+ | Tourism, Agriculture, Management |
| University of Uva Wellassa | Badulla | 2005 | 5,000+ | Technology, Management, Science |
| Eastern University | Batticaloa | 1981 | 6,000+ | Agriculture, Arts, Science |
| South Eastern University | Oluvil | 1995 | 5,000+ | Management, Technology, Islamic Studies |
| Open University of Sri Lanka | Nawala | 1980 | 40,000+ | Distance Learning, Flexible Programs |
| University of Visual & Performing Arts | Colombo | 2005 | 3,000+ | Music, Dance, Drama, Fine Arts |
| Buddhist & Pali University | Homagama | 1996 | 2,000+ | Buddhist Studies, Pali, Sanskrit |
| General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University | Ratmalana | 1980 | 4,000+ | Defence Studies, Engineering, Medicine |
Admission Process
Eligibility Requirements:
- + GCE A/L with minimum 3 passes
- + Competitive Z-score for chosen field
- + Sri Lankan citizen or eligible resident
- + Minimum age 17 years
- + Medical fitness certificate
Application Process:
- 1. Apply online at UGC portal after A/L results
- 2. Submit certified documents
- 3. Select 5 degree preferences
- 4. Wait for selection list (July/August)
- 5. Register at selected university
Z-Score Cut-offs by Faculty (2025)
| Faculty | Colombo | Peradeniya | Moratuwa | Kelaniya |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 2.35+ | 2.30+ | - | 2.25+ |
| Engineering | - | 2.10+ | 2.00+ | - |
| Computer Science | 2.00+ | 1.95+ | 2.30+ | 1.80+ |
| Management | 1.70+ | 1.65+ | 1.60+ | 1.55+ |
| Law | 2.05+ | 2.00+ | - | 1.90+ |
Top Programs by University
University of Colombo
- Best for: Medicine, Law, Management
- Duration: 4-5 years
- Research: High output
- Placements: 85%+
University of Moratuwa
- Best for: Engineering, IT, Architecture
- Duration: 4 years
- Industry Links: Excellent
- Placements: 90%+
University of Peradeniya
- Best for: Agriculture, Veterinary, Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Campus: Largest (700 hectares)
- Placements: 80%+
Cost of Education (State vs Private)
State Universities (Free):
- + Tuition: Free
- + Registration: LKR 2,000-5,000
- + Hostel: LKR 1,000-3,000/month
- + Living: LKR 15,000-30,000/month
Private Universities:
- + Tuition: LKR 10-15 lakhs (4 years)
- + Registration: LKR 20,000-50,000
- + No hostel (private accommodation)
- + Compare: Private universities guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How many state universities are there in Sri Lanka?
There are 17 state universities in Sri Lanka approved by UGC: University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa, University of Kelaniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Ruhuna, University of Jaffna, University of Rajarata, University of Wayamba, University of Sabaragamuwa, University of Uva Wellassa, Eastern University, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Open University of Sri Lanka, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Rajarata University, and the Buddhist and Pali University.
What are the admission requirements for state universities?
Admission requirements: Minimum 3 passes in GCE A/L with required Z-score for each course. Competitive courses (Medicine, Engineering) require higher Z-scores. Age requirement: minimum 17 years. Sri Lankan citizenship or special residency status. Specific subject requirements for each degree program. Medical fitness certificate required. Admission is based solely on Z-score ranking from A/L results.
Are state universities free in Sri Lanka?
Yes, state universities in Sri Lanka are tuition-free for citizens. Government covers all tuition costs. Students pay only for registration (LKR 2,000-5,000), examination fees, and library fees. Accommodation in university hostels costs LKR 1,000-3,000/month. Food and living expenses average LKR 15,000-30,000/month. International students pay tuition fees ranging LKR 300,000-800,000 per year.
What is the Z-score cut-off for medical faculty?
Medical faculty Z-score cut-off varies by university: University of Colombo 2.35+, University of Peradeniya 2.30+, University of Kelaniya 2.25+, University of Sri Jayewardenepura 2.20+, University of Ruhuna 2.15+, University of Jaffna 2.10+, Rajarata University 2.05+, Eastern University 2.00+. Cut-offs change annually based on applicant pool. Around 1,200-1,500 medical seats available each year across all faculties.
Which state university is best for engineering?
University of Moratuwa is ranked #1 for engineering, followed by University of Peradeniya and University of Ruhuna. Moratuwa engineering faculty admission requires Z-score 2.30+ for Computer Science, 2.00+ for Civil Engineering. Peradeniya excellent for Electrical/Electronic Engineering. Moratuwa partners with industry for placements with starting salaries LKR 100K-200K for graduates.
What is the duration of degree programs in state universities?
Degree duration: Bachelor degrees 3-4 years, Engineering degrees 4 years, Medical degrees 5 years (MBBS), Law degrees 4 years, Bachelor of Education 4 years. Honors degrees typically 4 years. Postgraduate diplomas 1-2 years. Masters degrees 1-2 years. PhD programs 3-5 years. Medical degrees include 1-year internship after graduation.
How to apply for state university admission?
Apply through UGC online portal at www.ugc.ac.lk after A/L results release (typically April/May). Registration fee LKR 2,000. Submit certified copies of A/L results, O/L results, birth certificate, NIC. Select up to 5 degree preferences. Application deadline usually 30 days after results. Selection lists published July/August. Academic year begins October/November.
Are part-time degree programs available in state universities?
Yes, part-time degree programs available. Open University offers flexible study options for working adults. External degree programs available at most universities. Duration extends to 5-6 years for part-time. Eligibility: A/L qualification + relevant work experience (3-5 years or more). Fees apply for part-time programs (LKR 100,000-300,000 for complete degree). Evening and weekend classes available.
What are the postgraduate programs available?
Postgraduate programs include: Masters by Coursework (1-2 years), Masters by Research (2-3 years), MPhil (2-4 years), PhD (3-5 years). Popular fields: Medicine, Engineering, Management, IT, Education, Law. Admission requires bachelor degree with minimum GPA 3.0 or equivalent. Fees: LKR 200,000-500,000 for Masters, LKR 100,000-300,000 annually for PhD (variable by field).
Can international students apply to state universities?
Yes, international students can apply to state universities through special admission quotas. Requirements: equivalent qualifications to Sri Lankan A/L, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent), valid visa. Tuition fees LKR 300,000-800,000 per year depending on program. Medical and Engineering faculties have limited seats for internationals. Application through Sri Lankan embassies or direct to UGC. Scholarship programs available for SAARC countries.
What facilities do state universities provide?
Facilities include: libraries with online access, computer labs with high-speed internet, science laboratories,engineering workshops, medical training hospitals,sports complexes and gyms,hostel accommodation (limited), cafeterias, medical centers, auditoriums and seminar rooms. Major universities have WiFi coverage throughout campus. Research facilities available for postgraduate students and faculty.
What is the ranking of Sri Lankan state universities?
QS rankings 2026 (Asia): University of Colombo #451-500, University of Peradeniya #501-550, University of Moratuwa #551-600. Locally ranked: 1) University of Colombo (comprehensive), 2) University of Moratuwa (engineering/technology), 3) University of Peradeniya (research), 4) University of Kelaniya (arts/humanities), 5) University of Sri Jayewardenepura (management/health sciences). Rankings based on research output, graduate employability, and international collaborations.