Quick Summary
University of Colombo is a public founded in 1921, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 26500 students including 1.2% from outside Sri Lanka. Known for strengths in Medicine, Biological Sciences, Arts & Humanities, it maintains an acceptance rate of 5%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest university in Sri Lanka, offering a highly competitive and prestigious academic environment located in the heart of the capital city.
Subject Strengths
MedicineBiological SciencesArts & HumanitiesLawManagement
Founded1921
TypePublic
Total Students26500
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio17
CampusUrban
Campus Size50 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNational Hospital of Sri Lanka,Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children,De Soysa Hospital for Women,Castle Street Hospital for Women
AccreditationUniversity Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor of Arts,Bachelor of Science,Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery,Bachelor of Laws,Bachelor of Business Administration,Master of Business Administration,Doctor of Philosophy
Programs
PhD in Science,PhD in Medicine,PhD in Law,PhD in Education,PhD in Management
PhD Programs
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems Management,External Degree in Arts (B.A.),Online Certificate in English
Online Programs
Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB),National Institute of Business Management (NIBM),Staff Development Centre,Colombo University Computer Science (UCSC)
Research Centers
High
Research Output
University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate5%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · December 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · June 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For local students, admission is strictly via the Z-score competitive ranking. International students should apply via the UGC and provide evidence of English proficiency and equivalent A-level results.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Sri Lankan Rupee
UG Tuition
$1,800/yr
per year · LKR
Living Cost
Rs.1,050,000/yr
per year · LKR
PG Tuition
Rs.450,000/yr
per year · LKR
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
Rs.1,505,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · LKR
Scholarships AvailableMahapola Higher Education Scholarship,Bursaries,Commonwealth Scholarships,University of Colombo Alumni Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$600
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor of Arts,Bachelor of Science,Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery,Bachelor of Laws,Bachelor of Business Administration,Master of Business Administration,Doctor of Philosophy programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Management & Finance | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$7,200
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship Placementtrue
Industry Connections
John Keells HoldingsDialog AxiataVirtusaStandard Chartered BankUnilever Sri Lanka
Notable Alumni
J.R. Jayewardene,Ranil Wickremesinghe,Kumar Sangakkara,Siri Gunasinghe
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Cricket Ground,Gymnasium,Athletic Track,Tennis Courts
Student Clubs
Rotaract Club,Gavel Club,AIESEC,Leo Club,Art Council
Library Resources
Main Library,Medical Faculty Library,Science Faculty Library,E-Repository
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Not Available