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University of Kelaniya

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Kelaniya is on a 35-acre (140,000 m2) campus at Ragama. It is one of eight medical schools in Sri Lanka. The faculty began classes with the admission of 120 students in September 1991 after the government, in 1989, nationalised the North Colombo Medical College (NCMC), the first privately funded medical school in Sri Lanka established in 1980.

6 Years

Course Duration (incl. internship*)

English

Medium of Instruction

Sept / Feb

Intakes

NEET

Qualification Required

All figures are indicative — verify latest updates before applying.

University of Kelaniya

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Clear breakup of tuition, hostel, mess and service charges so parents can plan confidently.

ON-GROUND SUPPORT

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Local coordinators help with SIM, currency, hostel allocation and settling-in support.

LONG-TERM MENTORING

Beyond admission

Guidance for university academics, NExT / FMGE prep and future residency planning.

Important Note

Recognition & regulations can change. Always cross‑check the latest NMC Gazette 2021 requirements, WDOMS listing, and local authorities’ updates before finalizing your decision. We’ll help you verify every step.

University Highlights

  • Globally Recognised Medical Degree
    University degree recognised by leading medical councils and organisations, enabling graduates to pursue licensing exams and medical practice in multiple countries.

  • Modern Campus & Teaching Hospitals
    Well-equipped classrooms, simulation labs and affiliated teaching hospitals that provide strong clinical exposure and hands-on learning from early years.

  • Experienced & Supportive Faculty
    Highly qualified professors and clinicians focused on building strong medical fundamentals, clinical skills and problem-solving abilities in students.

  • Student-Friendly Environment & Hostel Facilities
    Safe campus with separate hostel facilities, Indian/foreign student support, and access to essential amenities to ensure a comfortable study-life balance.

  • Affordable Education & Transparent Fee Structure
    Competitive tuition fees, clear cost breakdown and good return on investment compared to many private medical colleges in India.

Key Features

  • Structured MBBS Curriculum Aligned with Global StandardsWell-organised syllabus with progressive learning from basic sciences to clinical subjects, aligned with international medical education norms.

  • FMGE / NExT & Licensing Exam-Oriented Teaching

    Focus on building strong concepts and exam-oriented preparation to help graduates perform better in FMGE, NExT and other licensing exams.

  • Multinational Student Community
    Diverse batch of students from different countries, helping Indian students build global exposure, networking and intercultural skills.

  • Support for Visa, Documentation & Arrival Formalities
    Dedicated assistance for admission letters, visa process, travel guidance and airport pickup support (where applicable) to ensure a smooth start.

  • Opportunities for Clinical Rotations & Observerships
    Access to clinical rotations, observerships and practical exposure in affiliated hospitals to strengthen real-world medical skills.

MBBS Syllabus at University of Kelaniya

MBBS Curriculum – 5 Years + Internship
Academic Structure
Year-wise breakdown of subjects across the 5-year MD/MBBS program + mandatory internship.
First Year
Anatomy
Histology
Physiology
Biochemistry
Second Year
General Pathology
General Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Third Year
Pathology - Anatomy & Physiology
Pediatrics
Fourth Year
General Surgery
Neurology
Primary Care Medicine
Oncology
Fifth Year
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics & Gynecology
ENT
Psychology
Emergency Medicine
Cardiology
Neurology & Psychiatry
Sixth Year - Internship
Clinical Rotations
Internal Medicine
General Surgery
OBG
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine
Community Medicine
Hands-on hospital training in all major departments.
Quick Review

University of Kelaniya

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School Type:

Year Instruction Started:

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Academic Affiliation:

Qualification Title:

Year Instruction Began:

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Active

State Government and Medical Council

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

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English

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About University

Overview The University of Kelaniya (Sinhala: කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය, Tamil: களனி பல்கலைக்கழகம்) is a state university in Sri Lanka. Just outside the municipal limits of Colombo, in the city of Kelaniya, the university has two major campuses, seven locations, six faculties and four institutions. School Profile The University of Kelaniya has its origin in the historic Vidyalankara Pirivena, founded in 1875 by Ratmalana Sri Dharmaloka Thera as a centre 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. The University of Kelaniya has pioneered a number of new developments in higher education. It was one of the first universities to begin teaching science in Sinhala and the first to restructure the traditional Arts Faculty into three faculties: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Commerce and Management. It has several departments not generally found in the Sri Lankan University system and some Kelaniya innovations have been adopted subsequently by other universities. These include the Departments of Industrial Management and Microbiology in the Faculty of Science; Departments of Linguistics, Fine Arts, Modern Languages and Hindi in the Faculty of Humanities; and Mass Communication and Library and Information Sciences in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Kelaniya is on a 35-acre (140,000 m2) campus at Ragama. It is one of eight medical schools in Sri Lanka. The faculty began classes with the admission of 120 students in September 1991 after the government, in 1989, nationalised the North Colombo Medical College (NCMC), the first privately funded medical school in Sri Lanka established in 1980. The first batch of students, of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya completed their five-year course and graduated MBBS in September 1996. Prof. Carlo Fonseka was the first dean of the faculty. Subsequent deans were Prof. Janaka de Silva, Prof. Rajitha Wickremasinghe and Prof. Nilanthi de Silva. The current dean is Prof. Prasantha S. Wijesinghe . The faculty now has over 1,000 medical students. This number includes international students, mainly from other South Asian countries, who have been admitted on a fee-levying basis. The faculty also welcomes students for elective appointments. Students from medical schools in Europe, USA and Australia have spent their elective periods with the university. In addition to the MBBS course, it conducts a BSc programme in speech and hearing sciences.

University of Kelaniya Ranking

University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka Country Ranking is 5

University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka World Ranking is 3698

Affiliation and Recognition of University of Kelaniya

  • World Health Organization (WHO); 

  • World Federation for Medical Education (WFME); 

  • Foundation for the Advancement of Medical Education and Research (FAIMER); 

  • Organization of PhD training programs in the field of biomedical and medical sciences in the European system (ORPHEUS); 

  • Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE); 

  • Association of Medical Universities of the Kyrgyz Republic (AMUKR);

  • Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE); 

  • Asian Medical Education Association (AMEA); 

  • International Network of Higher Education Quality Assurance Agencies (INQAAHE); 

  • International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA); 

  • Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN); 

  • Asian Medical Students Association (AMSA);

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University Additional Details

Why Study MBBS at University of Kelaniya

  • Medical University provides education in the English language.

  • There is no donation fee or additional charge.

  • Faculty members are highly experienced and skilled in their fields.

  • Moreover, the university engages its students in a range of cultural and extracurricular activities.

  • There are also hostel facilities with all the essentials for students.

Advantages of MBBS at University of Kelaniya

  • Tuition fees are low, affordable, and provide a great exposure to clinical settings.

  • There are many affiliated hospitals where students can gain practical experience.

  • This Medical University's medical degrees are internationally recognized and ranked by WHO.

  • For Indian students who wish to study MBBS in this Medical University, English medium MBBS courses are available.

  • Because the class size is limited, each student receives individualized attention from the teachers.

  • Students enjoy staying in hostels and accommodations.

  • Upon completion of the MBBS program, students may practice medicine in government hospitals in the same country.

Students life at University of Kelaniya

IHSM students are coming from different countries with their own distinct cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles. The main goal of the faculty and administration is to help them get accustomed to the new environment. Sometimes simple information about housing, food, shopping, postal and bank services is essential to keep students well functioning.

IHSM provides the opportunity to live in school dormitories and rent apartments. However, we advise to choose dormitory options for students of the first years of studies. Although modern connection capabilities highly depend on internet, postal and courier services they are still important. Many courier and postal services are available to transfer documental and non-documental goods. Along with the well-established EMS postal service, others like DHL, Express have always been available. IHSM students can receive any postal correspondence and any other messages delivered to the IHSM headquarters, which dispatch them safely to the addressees.

Students-University-of-Kelaniya-Sri-Lanka
Students-University-of-Kelaniya-Sri-Lanka
Students-University-of-Kelaniya-Sri-Lanka
Students-University-of-Kelaniya-Sri-Lanka

Documents Required for Admission at University of Kelaniya

  • Applicants must submit the following documents during the admission process:

  • Copy of 10th-grade mark sheet

  • Copy of 12th-grade mark sheet

  • NEET scorecard (latest valid attempt)

  • 10 recent passport-size photographs (white background preferred)

  • Official Invitation Letter issued by the university

  • Copy of the student’s international passport (with adequate validity)

  • Copy of Birth Certificate (must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation)

  • Medical Examination Report, including general health check-up, blood test, chest X-ray, and HIV test (as required by the destination country)

  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) (optional but required in many countries)

  • Affidavit of financial support / Bank statement (depending on visa requirements)

  • Document translation, notarization, apostille, or attestation certificates (if required for visa processing)

Hostel And Mess Facilities available at University of Kelaniya

University has a very good hostel campus with free Wifi access. Accommodations for students are available as singles, doubles and triples. Additionally, there are separate hostels for women and men. All hostels are furnished with beds, chairs, tables, and other necessary items. Facilities within the campus include a supermarket, a clinic, a pharmacy, etc. The hostel is monitored by CCTV 24 hours a day. For Indian students on campus, Mess is also available. All students are subject to strict hostel rules. The hostel also serves Indian food.

Tuition Fees in USD
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Tuition Fees University of Kelaniya
Tuition Fees in INR
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MBBS Duration at University of Kelaniya

The University of Kelaniya provides a six years course of MBBS including 1 year of internship. The students also get an excellent opportunity to practice at University-affiliated hospitals after getting a 5-year MBBS degree dedicated to theoretical education of medicine.

​Benefits of Studying MBBS at University of Kelaniya

Medical university offer world-class infrastructure, modern facilities, and globally recognized degrees, ensuring students receive a premium education experience similar to or better than leading institutions in India. Most universities use English as the primary language of instruction, making it easier for Indian and international students to adapt, while basic knowledge of the local language remains an added advantage.

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The cost of MBBS abroad is significantly lower compared to private medical colleges in India, offering a better return on investment. Students can also practice in the host country after graduation, creating strong earning potential. With more available seats and affordable tuition fees, overseas universities provide a realistic path for thousands of students who miss out on Indian government seats.

Many universities also offer scholarships and financial aid, supporting deserving students and reducing their overall expenses. Additionally, graduates gain access to global career opportunities, enabling them to pursue medical practice or higher studies in various countries once they meet the respective licensing requirements.

Sri Lanka | City at a Glance
Sri Lanka | City at a Glance

About City

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is in Southern Asia. It is an island country in the Indian Ocean, south of India.

History
Sri Lanka has more than 2,550 years of continuous written history by means of the Mahawansha, and was also mentioned in several ancient Indian texts. One of the most famous is the Ramayana, in which the island, which was referred to as Lanka, was the island fortress of the king Ravana. And over many centuries Sri Lanka has had many names.

Climate
Since Sri Lanka is a tropical country, you can expect rain anytime of the year in different parts of the country. However, the two major rainy seasons are South-West monsoon (May to July) which predominantly affects the west & south coast of sri lanka and North-East monsoon (October to January) predominantly affecting the east coast.

The climate of Sri Lanka changes dramatically from central highlands to the coastal belt. For example at Nuwara Eliya, in the hills of Central Sri Lanka, has a temperature around 5-20°C throughout the year, whereas Hambantota, located in the dry zone, has a temperature consistently around 30-35°C.

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