University of Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka • World Rank #2569
Overview
A public institution based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, University of Colombo operates as a higher-education provider within Sri Lanka's academic ecosystem.
University of Colombo delivers higher education across bachelor's through doctoral programmes through numerous faculties and schools. The institution offers a catalogue of active programmes for prospective students.
On academic rankings, University of Colombo is ranked #2569 globally and #3 within Sri Lanka. The institution participates in Sri Lanka's academic ecosystem alongside other higher-education providers.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit University of Colombo? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
The figures below cover University of Colombo's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.
Degrees
Whether you're considering bachelor's, master's, or doctoral study at University of Colombo, qualifications are sorted by level. Stackable credentials (microcredentials adding up to full degrees) appear separately where available.
Bachelor's 17 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
Master's 42 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- American Studies
- Analytical Chemistry
- Applied Chemistry
- Art Education
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Clinical Psychology
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Environmental Management
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Languages Education
- Genetics
- Health Administration
- Human Resources
- Human Rights
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- Law
- Management
- Medicine
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Nuclear Physics
- Organic Chemistry
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Plant Pathology
- Science Education
- Statistics
- Toxicology
- Women's Studies
Doctoral 4 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Education
- Law
- Management
- Medicine
Faculties & Divisions
University of Colombo's academic units by subject area. New subject areas (data science, sustainability studies) often emerge as inter-departmental majors before settling into a single faculty.
Sripalee (Campus) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dance
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Theatre
Contemporary Indian Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- South Asian Studies
Education and Research Evaluation (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Rights (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Human Rights
Social Policy Analysis and Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Policy
Arts (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Religious Studies
- Demography and Population
- Economics
- English
- Geography
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Native Language
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Education (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Developmental Psychology
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Foreign Languages Education
- Science Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
- Clinical Psychology
- Development Studies
- East Asian Studies
- Environmental Management
- Gender Studies
- Human Resources
- Human Rights
- Information Management
- Peace and Disarmament
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Regional Planning
- Women's Studies
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 and Finance (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Finance
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
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) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Health Administration
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Physical Therapy
- Toxicology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Studies
- Information Technology
- Measurement and Precision Engineering
Agro-technology and Rural Sciences (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Rural Studies
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human Resource Advancement (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Human Resources
Indigenous Medicine (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Traditional Eastern Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Library and Information Sciences (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Postgraduate Medicine (Institute) 26 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Cardiology
- Community Health
- Dentistry
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Health Administration
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Oral Pathology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pneumology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Rheumatology
- Surgery
- Venereology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computing (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Media Studies
Programs Offered
University of Colombo's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
Bachelor's Degree
20 programmes
University of Colombo lists 20 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
BA General Degree in Economics Economics
BA in Banking and Finance Study Stream in Economics Finance, Banking & Insurance
BA in Business and Managerial Economics Study Stream Business Administration
BA General Degree in English English Language Studies
BA in Culture and Heritage Study Stream in History History
BA in Sports Studies Sport and Exercise Science
BA in Applied Sociological Studies Social & Cultural Studies
BA in Urban and Community Studies Social Sciences & Education
BA in Sinhala Study Stream Literature
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Law
MBBS Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Business Administration
Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) - External Information Systems & Technology
BSc in Financial Engineering Finance, Banking & Insurance
BSc in Chemistry Chemistry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
39 programmes
University of Colombo lists 39 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Master of Economics (MEcon) Economics
Master of Financial Economics (MFE) Finance, Banking & Insurance
Master of Tourism Economics and Hotel Management (MTEHM) Tourism & Leisure
Master of History History
Master of Arts in History (Research) History
Master of Arts in Sociology (One Year) Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Arts in Sociology (Two Year) Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Arts in Sociology (Online) Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Arts in Sinhala Literature
Master of Laws by Coursework (LL.M.) Law
Master of Laws in International Economics and Commercial Law (LL.M. IECCL) Law
Master of Laws by Research (LL.M.) Law
Master of Accounting and Finance (MAF) Accounting
Master of Management Studies (MMS) Business & Management
Master of Education (General) Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Management Business & Management
Master of Education in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages English Language Studies
Master of Education in Development Psychology Psychology
Master of Education in Science Education Education & Teaching
Master of Information Security (MIS) Cyber Security
Master of Computer Science (MCS) Computer Sciences
Master of Information Technology (MIT) Information Systems & Technology
Master of Business Analytics (MB.Analytics) Data Science & Analytics
Master of Cybersecurity (MC) Cyber Security
Master of Computing Technology (MCT) Information Systems & Technology
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Information Systems & Technology
Master in Information Management (MIM) Business & Management
Masters in Teacher Librarianship Information Systems & Technology
Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychosocial Support Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) Information Systems & Technology
Master of Arts in Japanese Studies Liberal Arts
MA in Media Research Media Studies & Mass Media
MSc in Financial Mathematics Mathematics
MSc in Mathematics Education Mathematics
MSc in Analytical Chemistry Chemistry
MSc in Applied Organic Chemistry Chemistry
MSc in Chemistry Education Chemistry
MSc in Applied Electronics Robotics & Automation
MSc in Physics Education Physics & Astronomy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
4 programmes
University of Colombo lists 4 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Medicine Medicine
MPhil in Computing Information Systems & Technology
MPhil/PhD in Multidisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts
MPhil in Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
3 programmes
University of Colombo lists 3 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Business Administration
MBA Weekday Business & Management
MBA Weekend Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
16 programmes
University of Colombo's 16 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (DM) Medicine
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Business Administration
PhD in Computing Information Systems & Technology
MD in Ayurveda Kaumarabrithya (Pediatrics) Medicine
MD in Ayurveda Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine) Medicine
MD in Ayurveda Prasutitantra and Streeroga (Obstetrics and Gynecology) Medicine
MD in Ayurveda Shalyatantra (Surgery) Operating Room & Surgical Technology
MD in Ayurveda Swastavrita (Preventive Medicine) Medicine
MD in Ayurveda Pharmaceutics and Alchemy Pharmacy
MD in Ayurveda ENT, Ophthalmology and Oral Medicine Optometry
MD in Unani Moalijat (Internal Medicine) Medicine
MD in Unani Gynaecology and Obstetrics Medicine
MD in Unani Pharmacology Pharmacy
MD in Siddha Medicine Medicine
MD in Siddha Pharmacology Pharmacy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
84 programmes
University of Colombo offers 84 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
BA Special Degree in Economics Economics
Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Development Economics
Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management Economics and Hotel Tourism & Leisure
BA Special Degree in English English Language Studies
BA Special Degree in History History
Postgraduate Diploma in History History
BA Honours in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
BA Special Degree in Sinhala Literature
Diploma in Sinhala Literature
Honours Degree in Communication and Creative Arts Communication Studies
Diploma in Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
BSc Honours in Nursing Nursing
Advanced Certificate in Health Research
Advanced Certificate in Caregiving
Advanced Certificate in Clinical Nursing Leadership Nursing
Advanced Certificate in Child Care Social Work
Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Diploma in Banking and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Diploma in Human Resource Management (DHRM) Human Resource Management
Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management (HDHRM) Human Resource Management
Diploma in Computer Based Accounting and Information Systems (DCAIS) Information Systems & Technology
Diploma in Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Business Management (DEBM) Entrepreneurship
Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Entrepreneurship
Higher Diploma in Logistics and Digital Marketing (HDLDM) Advertising & Digital Marketing
Certificate in Human Resource Analytics (CHRA) Data Science & Analytics
Certificate in Yoga Therapy Health Sciences
Certificate in Massage Therapy Health Sciences
Certificate in Herbal Cosmetic Products Development Health Sciences
Certificate in Research Methodology
Certificate in Ayurveda Wellness Tourism Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours in Agriculture Agriculture
Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours in Environmental Technology Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Instrumentation and Automation Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology Honours Communication Studies
BSc Honours in Computer Science Computer Sciences
BSc Honours in Software Engineering Software Engineering
BSc Honours in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science (PGLIS) Information Systems & Technology
Diploma in Library and Information Management (DLIM) Business & Management
Diploma in School Librarianship (DSL) Information Systems & Technology
Diploma in Public Librarianship (DPL) Information Systems & Technology
Higher Diploma in Library and Information Management (HDLIM) Business & Management
Advanced Certificate in Librarianship (ACL) Information Systems & Technology
Certificate in Records Management (CRM) Business & Management
Bachelor of Agro-Technology Honours Agriculture
Advanced Certificate in Plant Tissue Culture Technology
Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Orthopaedic Treatment Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Panchakarma
Postgraduate Diploma in Kaumarabhritya in Women's Health Development
Postgraduate Diploma in Ayurveda Paediatrics in Child Nutrition Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Dravyaguna Vignana in Nutraceutical Product Development
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management Business & Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Manufacturing Management Industrial & Systems Engineering
Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations and Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychosocial Support Counselling & Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration Public Administration
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Postgraduate Diploma in Gender and Women's Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies
Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Media Media Studies & Mass Media
BSc Honours in Mathematics Mathematics
BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics Mathematics
BSc Honours in Computational Mathematics Mathematics
BSc Honours in Mathematical Finance Mathematics
BSc Honours in Finance and Insurance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Certificate in Quantum Computing Information Systems & Technology
Certificate in Basic Python Programming Computer Sciences
BSc Honours in Chemistry Chemistry
BSc Honours in Computational Chemistry Chemistry
BSc Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
BSc Honours in Pharmacy Pharmacy
BSc Honours in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Molecular Biology
Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry Chemistry
BSc Honours in Physics Physics & Astronomy
BSc Honours in Engineering Physics Physics & Astronomy
BSc Honours in Computational Physics Physics & Astronomy
BSc Honours in IT and Electronics Robotics & Automation
BSc Honours in Zoology Biological Sciences
BSc Honours in Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
BSc Honours in Immunology and Molecular Biology Biological Sciences
BSc Honours in Business and Environment Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Colombo
How to apply to University of Colombo — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Colombo runs 166 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to University of Colombo, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Sri Lanka.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Colombo's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (cmb.ac.lk). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Colombo
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about University of Colombo, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
Where is University of Colombo located?
University of Colombo is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Is University of Colombo public or private?
University of Colombo is a public institution.
How is University of Colombo ranked?
It ranks #2569 globally and #3 in Sri Lanka.
What programmes are available at University of Colombo?
University of Colombo delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
What is University of Colombo's official website?
The institution's website is cmb.ac.lk.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Other institutions in University of Colombo's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.
Where Else to Study Information Systems & Technology
Programme-level scholarships for Information Systems & Technology students vary substantially across Sri Lanka institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.
Universities Often Compared with University of Colombo
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at University of Colombo's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
