Choosing the right university is crucial to shaping your future academic and professional journey. As you apply to universities in Sri Lanka, it’s essential to consider various factors that will ensure you make an informed choice. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten things to consider when applying to universities in Sri Lanka.

1. Student Life:

Student life plays a significant role in your overall university experience. Each university in Sri Lanka offers a unique campus culture and environment. Consider factors such as the diversity of the student body, extracurricular activities, social events, and the general atmosphere on campus. Researching the student life at your prospective universities will give you an idea of the community you’ll be part of and help you determine if it aligns with your personal preferences and interests.

2. Campus Facilities:

The facilities available on campus can greatly impact your academic and personal development. Explore the sports facilities, libraries, laboratories, student centers, and other amenities each university offers. Some universities in Sri Lanka even have swimming pools, which can be an added advantage for those interested in aquatic sports or recreational activities. Additionally, consider the availability of good quality university hostels, student societies, career guidance services, and counseling support, as these resources can enhance your overall university experience.

Goto University and Faculty websites

3. Courses/ Degrees:

Ensuring that your desired course of study is offered at a particular university is a fundamental consideration. Carefully review the course details from each university’s website and the program offerings of the universities you are interested in. Some students make the mistake of applying to a university without verifying if their desired course, (eg. criminology is in Japura University, yet they apply only University of Coombo and find that course is not available there).  or specific science programs, is available. It’s crucial to align your academic interests and career aspirations with the courses you are considering at the universities. Additionally, consider the reputation and quality of the programs, as well as potential job prospects and opportunities for further education based on your Z-score.

4. University Rankings and Reputation:

When considering universities in Sri Lanka, it’s essential to evaluate their global and national rankings and overall academic reputation. While rankings should not be the sole determining factor, they can provide valuable insights into the institution’s quality of education, research output, and global recognition. Additionally, research the university’s on-time graduation rates and the typical duration of the programs you’re interested in, as this can impact your academic timeline and future plans.

5. UGC University Handbook:

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka publishes an annual handbook that serves as a comprehensive guide for prospective students. This handbook is an invaluable resource that provides detailed information on 

• the admission procedures, 
• available courses across different universities, 
• unique course codes or Uni-codes, 
• application methods (including online application processes), and 
• provisions for students with special needs. 
• Furthermore, it includes web links to individual university websites and addresses 
• frequently asked questions, ensuring that applicants have access to all the necessary information.

Notably, the UGC University Handbook also includes the previous year’s Z-score cut-off marks for various degree programs, which can be instrumental in understanding the level of competition and the required academic performance for your desired course of study. Additionally, the handbook provides sample application forms, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the application process and ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application.

By thoroughly reviewing the UGC University Handbook, you can understand the admission process, course offerings, and eligibility requirements, enabling you to make an informed decision when applying to universities in Sri Lanka.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Download the 2022 A/L Z score table here.

6. Minimum Z-Score Values:

The UGC University Handbook and the respective university websites provide the previous year’s Z-score cut-off values for various degree programs. While the exact minimum Z-score for the current year can only be determined after the application process is complete, reviewing the previous year’s data can give you a rough estimate of the range you need to target. Use this information to gauge which university courses you may be eligible for based on your academic performance. However, it’s important to note that the cut-off values can fluctuate annually due to the number of applicants and available seats.

7. Uni-codes:

The University Grants Commission (UGC) utilizes a unique coding system called Uni-codes to organize and identify the different degree programs offered across universities in Sri Lanka. Each candidate is typically allowed to apply for up to 125 UNI codes, representing their preferred courses of study. It’s crucial to understand the Unicode system and carefully select the codes that align with your academic interests and career aspirations. Failure to specify the correct UNIcodes may result in missed opportunities for admission to your desired programs.

8. Failure to apply for University Admission:

Suppose you meet the minimum requirements, such as scoring at least 30% in the Common General Examination and obtaining the S3 at A/L examination. In that case, you are eligible for free education in Sri Lanka’s state universities. Applying for university admission through the UGC during the designated application period is essential. Some students make the mistake of sitting for repeat exams without applying, potentially lowering their Z-score and jeopardizing their chances of securing a preferred course. Remember, if you do not apply through the UGC, the commission will be unable to allocate a course for you, regardless of your academic performance.

9. Maximizing Uni-code Selection:

When applying to universities in Sri Lanka, it’s advisable to specify as many Uni codes as possible, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for those courses. Many students make the mistake of applying for only a limited number of Uni-codes, often missing out on potential opportunities. By not entering all the relevant Uni-codes, the computer system cannot accurately determine your interests and preferences, which may result in losing university admission opportunities. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully review the Unicode list and select all the courses you are interested in and qualified for.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Additionally, it’s important to include Uni-codes for courses with higher Z-score requirements, even if you think you might not qualify. For example, some students may only apply for Biological Sciences, assuming they may not meet the cut-off for Medicine. However, their Z-score could make them eligible for the Medicine program in certain instances. Since the UGC cannot allocate a course you have not applied for, it’s advisable to include Uni-codes for courses with higher Z-score requirements. This approach maximizes your chances of securing a spot in a program that aligns with your academic performance and aspirations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

10. Common Misconceptions on University Courses:

In Sri Lanka, there is a prevalent misconception among parents, students, and grandparents that only certain courses like Medicine, Law, Management Science, Computer Science, and Software Engineering offer promising future prospects. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), many other courses are being transformed and present exciting opportunities.

One such area is Biological Sciences and related fields. Apart from the highly coveted Medicine program, numerous other degree programs in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Bio-imaging, and Chemistry offer excellent career prospects. At StudentLanka.com and our Student Lanka YouTube channel, we provide comprehensive details on these diverse course offerings, highlighting their potential and relevance in the modern world.

Unfortunately, many parents and guardians hold on to outdated perceptions of what constitutes a “good” course based on their experiences from years ago. This can lead to them influencing their children or grandchildren to fill out the UGC application forms with limited options, potentially missing out on excellent opportunities in emerging fields.

As UGC Chairman, Professor Sampath Amaratunge rightly points out, students from families with lower educational backgrounds often fill out the applications themselves without being constrained by preconceived notions. This allows them to explore a wider range of course options and potentially secure admission to programs that align better with their interests and the changing job market dynamics.

It is crucial for students and their families to approach the university application process with an open mind, researching and understanding the diverse range of courses available, their respective career prospects, and the potential for growth in the evolving job market.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Prof Hiran Amarasekera (2024)

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