University of Kelaniya
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka • World Rank #3628
Updated May 2026
Overview
The University of Kelaniya has its origin in the historic Vidyalankara Pirivena, founded in 1875 by Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thero as a center of learning for Buddhist monks.
With the establishment of modern universities in Sri Lanka in the 1940s and 1950s, the Vidyalankara Pirivena became the Vidyalankara University in 1959, later the Vidyalankara Campus of the University of Ceylon in 1972, and, ultimately, the University of Kelaniya in 1978
Location & Contact
Where University of Kelaniya is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
University of Kelaniya's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Degrees
Below: every degree level University of Kelaniya offers. Doctoral funding varies — some are fully funded studentships, others self-funded with no stipend; the difference materially affects access.
Bachelor's 53 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Arts and Humanities
- Banking
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Christian Religious Studies
- Cinema and Television
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Economics
- Electronics and Automation
- English
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Geography
- Germanic Studies
- Hindi
- History
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- International Studies
- Japanese
- Korean
- Leadership
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematical Physics
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Occupational Therapy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Robotics
- Sanskrit
- Software Engineering
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Statistics
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Visual Arts
- Zoology
Master's 50 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Analytical Chemistry
- Aquaculture
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Christian Religious Studies
- Civil Security
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Economics
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Fishery
- Food Technology
- Geography
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Indic Languages
- Industrial Chemistry
- Industrial Management
- Information Technology
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Museum Management
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Political Sciences
- Public Health
- Regional Planning
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Theatre
Doctoral 7 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
Subject coverage by faculty inside University of Kelaniya. Faculty groupings reflect both academic tradition and the institution's strategic positioning across disciplines.
Asian Studies (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Korean
Open and Distance Learning (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Distance Education
Commerce and Management (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business and Commerce
- Finance
- Human Resources
- 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.
Computing and Technology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Information Technology
Graduate Studies (Faculty) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Humanities (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Religious Studies
- Christian Religious Studies
- Classical Languages
- Design
- English
- Hindi
- Indic Languages
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Performing Arts
- Sanskrit
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Community Health
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Health Education
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Parasitology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Public Health
- Surgery
- Tropical Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Environmental Management
- Industrial Management
- Information Sciences
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Physics
- Plant Pathology
- Statistics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Mass Communication
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Sports
- Sports Management
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Archaeology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
Pali and Buddhist Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Religious Studies
Programs Offered
University of Kelaniya's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
124 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Sri Lanka
Bachelor's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Honours Degree 20 programmes
Showing 10 of 20.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master of Philosophy 10 programmes
Master's Degree 53 programmes
Showing 10 of 53.
Doctorate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Diploma 5 programmes
Higher Diploma 1 programme
Postgraduate Diploma 10 programmes
How to apply to University of Kelaniya
Practical steps to apply to University of Kelaniya, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
University of Kelaniya's catalogue includes 124 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for University of Kelaniya's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through University of Kelaniya's official website at www.kln.ac.lk. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 94 112 903 903. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Kelaniya
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about University of Kelaniya, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
Where is University of Kelaniya located?
University of Kelaniya is located in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
What is University of Kelaniya's control type?
University of Kelaniya operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of Kelaniya?
Student enrolment at University of Kelaniya is around 17,082.
Where does University of Kelaniya stand in university rankings?
It ranks #3628 globally and #9 in Sri Lanka.
What programmes are available at University of Kelaniya?
University of Kelaniya delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Who recognises University of Kelaniya?
The institution holds recognition from UGC, Sri Lanka.
What is University of Kelaniya's official website?
You can find University of Kelaniya online at www.kln.ac.lk.
Top-Ranked Universities in Sri Lanka
Top Sri Lanka universities often run international branch campuses. University of Kelaniya's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near University of Kelaniya. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose University of Kelaniya or a neighbour.
Where Else to Study Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy & Ethics is taught at multiple universities across Sri Lanka — these alternatives to University of Kelaniya are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Compared with University of Kelaniya
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
Studying in Sri Lanka: guides and resources
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