General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Colombo, Sri Lanka • Founded 1980
Overview
Founded in 1980, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University is a public university based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The institution operates as a higher-education provider, providing higher-education access in Sri Lanka.
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University runs a catalogue of active programmes across bachelor's through doctoral programmes, with teaching organised under numerous faculties and schools. The breadth of its catalogue serves a varied applicant profile.
Student enrolment at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University reaches 5,800 students. The institutional environment is shaped by its campus environment, where students, faculty, and support staff interact daily.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.
Degrees
The qualifications available at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University are grouped to make level comparison easy. Joint and dual degrees combine multiple awards and often span institutions or faculties.
Bachelor's 30 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture
- Bachelor of Medicine
- Bachelor of Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Management
- Marine Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Social Sciences
- Software Engineering
- Surveying and Mapping
- Technology
- Transport Management
Master's 18 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- E-Business/Commerce
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Management
- Military Science
- Nursing
- Radiology
- Safety Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Transport Management
Doctoral 8 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Management
- Medicine
- Technology
Faculties & Divisions
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's departmental layout. Some institutions use 'school' for what others call 'department' — terminology varies but the function (subject area management) is similar.
Allied Health Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medical Technology
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Built Environment and Spatial Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Surveying and Mapping
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computing (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Software Engineering
Criminal Justice (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminology
- Police Studies
Defence and Strategic Studies (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Military Science
Engineering (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- E-Business/Commerce
- Information Technology
- Law
- Management
- Military Science
- Transport Management
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management, Social Sciences and Humanities (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Finance
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Management
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Building Technologies
- Construction Engineering
- Information Technology
- Medical Technology
- Technology
Programs Offered
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
Bachelor's Degree
13 programmes
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University delivers 13 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Bachelor of Technology in ICT Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in Biomedical Instrumentation Technology Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in Building Services Technology General Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in Construction Technology Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in Aircraft Maintenance General Engineering
Bachelor of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) English Language Studies
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Law
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) Pharmacy
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) Architecture
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Information & Communication Technology Communication Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
3 programmes
Explore 3 programmes of postgraduate study at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Master of Business Administration in Logistics Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Master of Business Administration Business Administration
Master of Business Administration in E-Governance Public Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
17 programmes
Explore 17 programmes of postgraduate study at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Master of Laws in Public Law Law
Master of Laws in Business Law Law
Master of Laws in International Law Law
Master of Laws (LLM) - General Law
Master of Science in Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Civil and Structural Engineering General Engineering
Master of Science in Police Science Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Criminal Psychology Psychology
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Criminal Law & Justice
Master of Science in Military Science and Technology General Engineering
Master of Science in Strategic Studies and International Relations Politics & International Relations
Master of Science in Security & Strategic Studies Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Reduction and Development Emergency & Disaster Management
Master of Science in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering Robotics & Automation
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
1 programme
Explore 1 programme of postgraduate study at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
These 1 programme make up General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
45 programmes
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University lists 45 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Biotechnology Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Police Science Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Criminology & Criminal Justice Criminal Law & Justice
Postgraduate Diploma in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Certificate in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Diploma in Graphics and Animation Visual Arts
Diploma in Web Development
Diploma in Java Programming Computer Sciences
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods and Allied Aspects
Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Data Science & Communication Data Science & Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Mechatronic Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Radiotherapy Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Radiography Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Engineering Software Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Marine Engineering Marine Science
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Electrical & Electronic Engineering Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Building Services Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Biomedical Engineering Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Aeronautical Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Financial Analytics Data Science & Analytics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Social Sciences Social Sciences & Education
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Strategic Studies & International Relations Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geoinformatics Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Surveying Sciences Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Property & Investment Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Industrial & Service Quality Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in International Business & Economics International Business
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Analytics Data Science & Analytics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Logistics Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Management & Technical Sciences Business & Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science & Business Analytics Data Science & Analytics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Application guidance for General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University offers 80 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's online portal at kdu.ac.lk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, drawn directly from institutional records.
In what year was General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University established?
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University was founded in 1980 (approximately 46 years ago).
In which city is General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University?
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Is General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University?
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University has approximately 5,800 students.
What programmes are available at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University?
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Who recognises General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University?
The institution holds recognition from University Grants Commission (UGC); Ministry of Defence.
Where can I learn more about General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University?
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's official website is kdu.ac.lk.
Top-Ranked Universities in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
General Engineering is taught at multiple universities across Sri Lanka — these alternatives to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Often Compared with General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
