University of Colombo
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 78.3%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (16,142 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:24
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $2,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at University of Colombo blends academic intensity with political engagement and cultural activities. The student union tradition runs strong in Sri Lankan universities, and Colombo's students participate actively in campus politics, sometimes organizing demonstrations that connect to broader national issues. This political dimension of student life reflects the university's historical role in Sri Lanka's independence movement and ongoing social debates. The urban campus lacks the contained environment of residential universities, with students commuting from across the Colombo metropolitan area rather than living in dormitories. Limited hostel accommodation exists for students from distant areas who lack family in the city, but most students navigate daily commutes on buses or trains. The fragmented campus layout means students in different faculties may have little interaction, with social life centered on faculty-based associations and interest groups. Cultural activities include performances of traditional Sinhalese and Tamil dance and music, theatrical productions, and literary events. Interfaculty sports competitions generate school spirit, with cricket, football, and volleyball drawing participation and spectators. The university library provides study space, though crowding during examination periods sends students to other locations across the city. Religious observances for Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity accommodate the country's religious diversity, with Buddhist practices particularly visible given the faith's majority status in Sri Lankan society.
Location & Surroundings
Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital and largest city with a metropolitan population exceeding 5 million, surrounds the university with the energy and complexity of a major South Asian urban center. The city stretches along the southwestern coast of the island nation, with the Indian Ocean shaping its climate, history, and economy. Colonial-era architecture from Dutch and British periods mixes with modern high-rises, Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, mosques, and churches in a visual representation of the country's layered history. The university's central Colombo location places students within reach of government ministries, corporate headquarters, hospitals, and cultural institutions where many will eventually work. Internships and part-time employment with organizations throughout the city complement academic study, providing practical experience and professional connections. However, the same central location means students contend with notorious Colombo traffic, making commutes unpredictable and time-consuming during peak hours. Tropical climate brings consistent warmth year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The monsoon seasons from May to September and December to February bring heavy rainfall that sometimes disrupts daily life. Beaches along the coast provide recreation, while inland areas offer access to historical sites including ancient capitals and Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The cost of living in Colombo runs higher than elsewhere in Sri Lanka, creating financial pressure for students from rural areas or modest family backgrounds.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The University of Colombo offers free education to Sri Lankan students admitted through the national system, eliminating tuition as a financial consideration. However, students still face costs for housing if from outside Colombo, transportation, books and supplies, and daily living expenses. Government bursaries and scholarships help offset these costs for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, though financial strain remains common for those without family support in the city. Career prospects vary considerably by field of study. Medical graduates enter a profession with guaranteed employment in Sri Lanka's public health system, with opportunities for private practice and overseas positions as careers develop. Law graduates face a more competitive job market but can achieve high earnings in private practice or distinguished careers in the judiciary and government legal positions. Business and management graduates find positions with corporations, banks, and professional services firms, while arts and science graduates may face more limited immediate job prospects. The university's reputation opens doors throughout Sri Lankan society, with Colombo alumni disproportionately represented in leadership positions across sectors. This network effect benefits graduates seeking employment, professional advancement, or business opportunities. For international students, a Colombo degree provides credentials recognized across South Asia and in Sri Lankan diaspora communities worldwide. Graduate studies and professional certifications can further enhance career trajectories for those seeking advancement beyond entry-level positions.
Campus Location
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