Study in Sri Lanka

If you are a fan of the Asian region then welcome to RocApply Sri Lanka!

Situated just off the southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is a distinct and beautiful island nation with a long history and different culture.

Did you know that, during the British colonial times, the country, known as Ceylon, was famous for its tea exports, notably Ceylon Tea? But Sri Lanka is more than just a leading exporter of tea.

With tourism in Sri Lanka picking up and The Guardian reporting an all-time high of 2.1 million foreigners in 2019, you might wonder how you can double up and experience Sri Lanka as a scholar.

After all, what’s better than two weeks in a great destination? Well, a semester or year abroad to begin.

The Sri Lankan government has a strategy to "be an international home of excellence for higher education by 2025." Their mission is to delight scholars, industry, employees, and other stakeholders in the country's higher academic system, by actioning effective, efficient strategies to produce "the best intellectuals, professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs" and to make this country's The Wonder Of Asia.'

The nation is currently implementing a strategy to improve opportunities, rankings, employability, research, publications, and overall efficiency of the tertiary education sector.

Some institutions, like the University of Colombo, the country's oldest academic establishment and one of its most highly ranked, have stepped up efforts to attract foreign students by joining the Asian Universities Alliance to accelerate educational mobility in the region.

If you have been pondering how you are going to spend your semester abroad in Sri Lanka then you are welcome to check through our guide via the filters on the website on how to enjoy your study seamlessly!

To the adventure-lovers, Sri Lanka is the best place to pursue your studies as you will be presented with an endless list of activities to explore here across the islands! There is only one way to experience the glamor of this wonderful country, APPLY with us today and be set!

Not only does Sri Lanka want international students, but it also doesn't cost them much to study once they get there. In Sri Lanka, there are two types of universities: public and private.

Public higher education institutions in Sri Lanka charge little to no tuition, but entry to some courses and degrees is highly competitive. Private institutions set their own tuition fees, which vary depending on the type of institution and the field of study.

International students from Europe or America will find a significantly lower cost of living. The country is not the least expensive destination in Asia, but it is similar to countries like Thailand and Malaysia.

Foreign students should be aware that imported goods are both scarce and a bit expensive. Some schools, like the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, provide scholarships for international students which offer free tuition, room, and board for up to two years of study.

There are currently fifteen schools that fall under the University Grants Commission, too, which helps students coordinate funding for academics. Sri Lanka also makes benevolent allowance for student support.

According to World Education News and Reviews, “the Ministry of Higher Education offers various scholarship opportunities to offset the price of school supplies and other related expenses.”

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About Sri Lanka

Once termed an untouchable war zone, Sri Lanka saw its 26-year long civil war end in 2009, with the country now having re-opened its doors to foreigners. Past are the days of military missions and no-go regions.

Today, the country is one of the most popular foreign destinations in Asia. Sri Lanka offers visitors a wide variety of sights and events. Outdoor fanatics have a plethora of excursions to select from, from surfing the country’s impressive waves to trekking through its luscious forests.

There is something here to exuberate even the most hardened adventurers. There are, however, calmer things like drinking tea in the Sri Lankan highlands or watching a traditional game of cricket at a local cricket club that can be explored also.

There are as many things to tour as there are to do. Much of Sri Lanka’s popular sights revolve around the country's history. Both the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Anuradhapura are great spots for travelers to learn more about this wonderful country.

Some wonders, like the stunning Yala National Park, celebrate Sri Lanka’s natural environment.

There are many choices for accommodation on the island, ranging from five-star luxury hotels to bank-conscious backpackers and guesthouses.

Sri Lanka’s cuisine is a reflection of its culture, exciting and awesome. Sri Lankan fare is almost the same as the cuisine found in southern India, with many local restaurants making familiar favorites like curry and rice.

There are, however, many international options for travelers who have aversions to spiciness or who are simply looking for something from back home.

The country’s geography is extremely varied but therein lies its reputation. Whether visitors are looking to laze on a beach, hike in the Sri Lankan forests, or plan a trek in one of the challenging mountain ranges, this gem has it all.

Southern India is a stone’s throw away and makes for an awesome extension of any trip to the country. The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical, so it’s hot and humid most of the time. However, there is a distinct line between the wet and dry seasons.

The rainy seasons are important considerations in the country as they directly affect the ability of visitors to travel around the country; the North East Monsoon, known as the Maha Monsoon, runs between October to January.

And the South West Monsoon, known in the country as the Yala Monsoon, lasts from May to July. The climate is most enjoyable during the cooler dry season: in the south, this is between December and February and in the east, it is April. The best way of navigating the country is by rental car.

Most of the international rental agencies are renowned, but there are also several reputable local rental companies in Asia. Speaking of, RocApply offers Car rental services in Srilanka! There are two main forms of taxis here, including metered taxis and three-wheelers.

Both are reliable modes of transport, only three-wheelers tend to be outstandingly cheaper. An extensive network of buses and trains operates around the region. Visitors can choose their preferred class, with prices determined accordingly.

About Sri Lanka's Economy

We value your itinerary! This is evidenced by the services we offer students who intend to study abroad right onto our website! We have transitioned from traditional agents that will only focus on the application process (which we do offer for free) to help the student appreciate more about their desired study abroad country.

To this aid, we have made this guide to share with you the economic performance of Sri Lanka to strengthen your research for the study abroad decision you made!

Sri Lanka is a lower-middle-income country with a gross domestic product per capita of USD 3,852 (2019) and a total population of 21.8 million.

Following thirty years of civil war that ended in 2009, the economy improved at an average of 5.3 percent during the period 2010-2019, showing a peace dividend and a determined policy thrust towards reconstruction and development; although growth slowed in the last few years.

The economy is transforming from a predominantly rural-based economy towards a more urbanized economy oriented around manufacturing and services.

Social indicators rank among the top in South Asia and compare favorably with those in middle-income countries. Economic development has translated into shared prosperity with the national poverty headcount ratio declining from 15.3 % in 2006/07 to 4.1 percent in 2016.

Extreme poverty is uncommon and concentrated in some geographical pockets; however, a relatively huge share of the population subsists on slightly more than the poverty line.

Low fiscal revenues combined with largely non-discretionary expenditure in salary bills, transfers, and interest payments have constrained critical development.

Spending on health, education, and social protection, which is low compared to peer countries. Public debt levels are high while the overall debt portfolio shows some important challenges.

The country’s economic freedom score is 57.4, making it's economy the 112th freest in the 2020 Index. Its overall score has increased by one point due to a higher fiscal health score.

Sri Lanka is ranked 24th among forty-two countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is well below the regional and global averages.

The economy of Sri Lanka has been rated mostly unfree for the sixth year in a row. Economic development during that time was strong, however, showing a peace dividend that helped the transition from a predominantly rural-based economy toward a more urbanized economy oriented around products and services.

Nine of Sri Lanka’s twelve Index indicators are below global average levels. For economic freedom to grow, the government will need to prioritize anti-corruption strategies, reduce debt, and turn the judiciary to improve its independence and integrity.

DISCLAIMER: This update is as of 2020! Due to the sensitivity of economic information and data privacy, RocApply publishes only authentic information as gathered from relevant and trusted sources as attached.

Why Study in Sri Lanka

Affordable Tuition Fees in Sri Lanka
Competitive Education

Higher education industry in the country is booming and is very competitive. Several academic establishments are offering various degree programs from international universities. Scholars get good quality higher education and value for money due to high competition and low tuition. Sri Lanka's education industry and the economy is set to grow further in the coming decade.

Affordable Accomodation in Sri Lanka
The Country is prosperous

Sri Lanka is noting revolutionary changes with its political scene stabilizing and its tourist economy expanding. When you study abroad in Sri Lanka, you will enjoy and benefit from the lively atmosphere and affordable expenses along with its cultural diversity and Sinhala-speaking opportunities. With its tropical nature, national parks, historic ruins, and Asian vibe counteracting the social matters that still plague the country, the country is ripe for an influx of international students.

International Environment in Sri Lanka
The Visa process for students is simple and reliable

the Sri Lankan Government is highly dedicated to making Sri Lanka, the knowledge center of Asia. Therefore, international students are highly encouraged to study in Sri Lankan higher education establishments. It is relatively very easy to apply and acquire the student VISAs to study in the country. Official information about the student VISA application process can be found on our VISA page right here.

Great Weather in Sri Lanka
The Language of Instruction is English

Despite having its local languages, Sri Lanka observes English as the language for instruction in the schools! English is the medium of instruction for almost all higher education programs in the country. All communication between academic staff and students are generally done in English. The general population in the country is fairly proficient in English. International students find it very easy to integrate into student life in Sri Lanka.

Scholarships in Sri Lanka

Surprise! Students in Sri Lanka are always lucky when it comes to scholarships provided by the government and private institutions. You are here because you searched for an undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship for Sri Lanka.

You are not on the wrong page. We have arranged different fully funded undergraduate scholarships for students intending to study in Sri Lanka right here.

If you can spend your precious time to toggle through these scholarships for Sri Lankan students that can financially change your life, why not grab this opportunity.

Sri Lanka Student Visa

To study in Sri Lanka you need a Sri Lankan Student visa or permit depending on where you are coming from.

RocApply is glad to assist you in figuring the best way to obtain your student visa with much hassling! To apply for a student visa, you require a passport valid for at least six months after your intended return from Sri Lanka.

You will need to enter Sri Lanka on a standard student visa, then proceed to register your name and address at the nearest local police station within 7 days of your arrival.