Universities in Sri Lanka

Explore top-rated universities and colleges in Sri Lanka. Discover rankings, campus details, and key information about top Sri Lankan higher education institutions to help you choose the best place to study.

Sri Lanka is home to 31 universities and colleges listed in our directory, spread across 12 cities. Of these, 21 are public and 7 are private institutions. The highest-ranked institution is University of Colombo. The oldest dates back to 1974. Use the filters to compare them by ranking, campus setting, and control type.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities are there in Sri Lanka?

Our directory lists 31 universities and colleges in Sri Lanka across 12 cities. You can filter them by control type, campus setting, and more.

Which is the top-ranked university in Sri Lanka?

Based on the QS 2027 rankings, University of Colombo is the highest-ranked institution in Sri Lanka in our directory at #1001-1200.

Are there public and private universities in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Sri Lanka has 21 public and 7 private institutions in our directory. Public universities are typically state-funded, while private institutions are independently run.

How do I choose the right university in Sri Lanka?

Compare institutions by world and country ranking, location, campus setting (urban, suburban, or rural), and control type. Open any university profile for detailed admission information, programs, and fees.

What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?

An urban campus sits in or near a city, putting internships, public transport, and cultural life within easy reach, though living costs are often higher. A rural or suburban campus offers a quieter, community-focused environment with more space and typically lower costs. Use the Campus Type filter to match the setting to your lifestyle.

Top Universities in Sri Lanka

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31 universities found

Open University of Sri Lanka

Nugegoda, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

Type: Research Institute

Founded: 1974

Sri Lanka Law College

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

Type: College

Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

Homagama, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1981

Informatics Institute of Technology

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

Type: Institute of Technology

Founded: 1990

South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Oluvil, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1995

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1980

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Universities in Sri Lanka

Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities are there in Sri Lanka?

Which is the top-ranked university in Sri Lanka?

Are there public and private universities in Sri Lanka?

How do I choose the right university in Sri Lanka?

What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?

Top Universities in Sri Lanka

Open University of Sri Lanka

Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies

Sri Lanka Law College

Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka

Informatics Institute of Technology

South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University

Helpful Resources

Explore Universities in Other Countries

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