Sri Lanka

If you’re from Sri Lanka and interested in studying in the UK, the University of Portsmouth is a great place to fulfil your ambitions. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to help you get here.

On this page, you'll find information about where you can meet us in your region, what you need to do to apply for a course with us and contact details for our people in your area.

Entry requirements for students from Sri Lanka

If you're joining us from Sri Lanka, the entry requirements you need to meet will depend on the course you want to study.

We consider all applications we receive. However, to make sure you get the most out of your time studying with us and have the best chance of applying successfully, we recommend the following minimum qualifications:

Foundation courses

If you have completed Sri Lankan O levels, you'll usually need to do a foundation year before doing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree.

We recommend you take a foundation course at our associated college International College Portsmouth (ICP).

Undergraduate courses

If you've completed a foundation course, we'll consider you for admission onto an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree. You must have studied relevant subjects and achieved strong grades.

You can apply with:

A levels

Please check your specific course page to find the exact number of points needed. Your A level grades should equal or exceed the total points required. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your total points.
Some courses will require you to have studied specific subjects at A level. For example, to study a science course you will usually need to have achieved passing grades in scientific subjects at A level.
A level points: A* = 56 A = 48 B = 40 C = 32 D = 24.

International Baccalaureate

Most courses will require between 24 and 31 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB), depending on the degree you apply for.

You must have studied relevant subjects and achieved strong grades.

If you have a High National Diploma (HND) or Higher Diploma you can apply for advanced entry onto a relevant undergraduate programme.

You may be able to join an undergraduate course with other qualifications, including Sri Lankan A Levels. We do consider qualifications from a range of sources. Contact us to find out more.

Postgraduate courses

For entry to our postgraduate Master's programmes, you'll usually need to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognised Higher Education institution. Grade requirements vary depending on the course you wish to study, but as a guide:

70% to 100% - equivalent to UK First class honours
60% to 70% - equivalent to UK Higher second class honours
55% to 60% - equivalent to UK Second class honours
40% - Pass

Many of our other postgraduate courses will ask for relevant work experience, and some will require you to have studied relevant subjects. Please see our courses for more details.

If you don't meet the postgraduate entry requirements, you can do a pre-Master's programme at International College Portsmouth (ICP) for many of our courses.

PhDs

We'll consider you for a PhD if you have a good Master’s degree and submit a research proposal.

Find a PhD

English language requirements

When you join us, it’s important that you can speak and understand English to the level that your course requires. The specific English language requirements will be on your chosen course page.

We accept IELTS, IGCSE and several other certificates, but don’t worry if you're currently short of the standard required – we offer English Language Programmes that will get you to the necessary level.

All eligible applicants who have received an offer will be invited to complete an online Credibility Interview and pre-CAS questionnaire checks through CAS Shield.

The Credibility interview recording will be retained for 6 years. If you have received an offer but not received an invitation to CAS Shield, please get in touch with india-office@port.ac.uk

For the credibility interview you must:

Have a strong, reliable internet connection
Your passport for ID verification

If you have taken the Duolingo English language test, the English language condition will be cleared after a successful credibility interview.

UK Alumni Sri Lanka Network

UK Alumni is a virtual community for all Sri Lankans holding UK qualifications. You can use it to:

Access the Sri Lankan job market through the alumni jobsite
Create your own alumni group
Link up with alumni groups in Sri Lanka and the UK
Learn about events organised by alumni groups and the British Council
Share events and messages on the bulletin board

Registration is free, and Sri Lankan undergraduate students can access the website by registering as a 'current student'. For more information, please contact the British Council Sri Lanka - ukalumni@britishcouncil.lk.

What to do next

Ready to start your adventure with us? Whether you know which degree course you want to do or not, get in touch with us now or meet us at an event near you to discuss your next steps.

Our Global Officers are experts in helping students from Sri Lanka, like you, to apply to join us. Whatever you want to know, just ask.

Scholarships and Bursaries

As a student from Sri Lanka, you may be eligible for a scholarship. You can find out what is available to you on our funding pages.

Deposits

You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on your course. This will be a 50% deposit based on your first year tuition fees (minus any discounts). This will automatically be applied to your Applicant View.