University Admissions 2025 / 2026
Sri Lanka University Admissions
2025 / 2026
The complete student guide — eligibility requirements, key dates, how to apply online, and where to buy the official University Admissions Handbook across all 23 districts.
📋 Contents
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, you must have been officially declared eligible by the Commissioner General of Examinations based on your 2025 G.C.E. (Advanced Level) results. Two core conditions must both be satisfied:
-
A
Three 'S' grades in approved subjects — obtained in one sitting, within a maximum of three (03) attempts at the A/L examination.
-
B
Minimum 30% for the Common General Paper — this mark is a hard threshold; falling below it blocks registration even if your Z Score was sufficient for selection.
If you scored below 30% on the General Paper in 2025 but achieved 30%+ in an earlier attempt (within your three allowed sits), that earlier result can be used. If you have never reached 30%, you must resit and pass in a future year to register for any course you are already selected for based on Z Score.
Key Dates at a Glance
How to Obtain the University Admissions Handbook
The University Admissions Handbook 2025/2026 costs Rs. 1,000/= and is essential reading. It can be obtained in three ways:
Visit UGC Directly
University Grants Commission Secretariat, No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.
Authorised Bookshops
Purchase from any UGC-appointed distributing agent across all 23 districts. See the full list below.
By Post
Deposit Rs. 1,000 to Bank of Ceylon (A/C 0002323287, Torrington Branch) or People's Bank (A/C 167-1-001-4-3169407, Town Hall Branch). Send authenticated bank counterfoil + written request + 37cm × 26cm self-addressed envelope to UGC.
Applying Online — Step by Step
Applying online at www.ugc.ac.lk is compulsory. There is no paper-only option.
What you need before you start
- ✓Your valid National Identity Card (NIC) — mandatory.
- ✓Your A/L results and confirmation of eligibility from the Commissioner General.
- ✓Your ranked list of Uni-Codes (course + university preferences).
- ✓Access to a printer — you must post a signed printed copy of your completed application.
After submitting online
Print your completed online application and send it by registered post (in an A4 envelope) to: Deputy Secretary/University Admissions, UGC, No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07. Hand delivery is not permitted.
Free access to apply online is available at Regional and Study Centres of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL R&SC) and Internet Technology Distance Learning Hub (ITDLH) centres island-wide. Contact details are in Section 5 of the Handbook.
After selection — Registration
Once UGC announces minimum Z Scores and you receive your selection offer, you must pay Rs. 50/= as a registration fee (bank or online), register online, and send the signed printed registration form with proof of payment by registered post to UGC. You must also download, print, and submit the Anti-ragging Declaration to your university at enrolment.
Understanding Uni-Codes & Course Preferences
A Uni-Code uniquely identifies a specific course of study at a specific university. When applying, you rank your preferred Uni-Codes from most to least preferred.
Mark the maximum number of eligible Uni-Codes. You will only be considered for courses you list. If you omit a course you could have qualified for, you will not be considered for it — not even as a vacancy filler. The list of Uni-Codes is on pages 142–148 of the Handbook.
Courses Requiring Practical / Aptitude Tests
Certain creative, design, and performance-based courses require you to apply directly to the relevant university for an aptitude or practical test. Passing the test is necessary but not sufficient — you must also meet the Z Score cut-off.
| Course of Study | University / Institute | Uni-Code |
|---|---|---|
| Arts (SP) – Mass Media | Sripalee Campus, University of Colombo | 020S |
| Arts (SP) – Performing Arts | Sripalee Campus, University of Colombo | 041S |
| Architecture | University of Moratuwa | 023G |
| Design | University of Moratuwa | 024G |
| Fashion Design & Product Dev. | University of Moratuwa | 034G |
| Landscape Architecture | University of Moratuwa | 097G |
| Music | University of Sri Jayewardenepura | 068C |
| Music | University of Jaffna | 068E |
| Music | University of the Visual & Performing Arts | 068Z |
| Dance | University of Jaffna | 069E |
| Dance | University of the Visual & Performing Arts | 069Z |
| Drama & Theatre | University of the Visual & Performing Arts | 071Z |
| Visual Arts | University of the Visual & Performing Arts | 085Z |
| Physical Education | University of Jaffna | 081E |
| Physical Education | Sabaragamuwa University | 081L |
| Sports Science & Management | University of Sri Jayewardenepura | 082C |
| Sports Science | University of Kelaniya | 141D |
| Film & Television Studies | University of Kelaniya | 100D |
Who Is Disqualified from University Admission?
The following categories are ineligible to apply as internal students to any State University or UGC-supervised Higher Education Institute:
- Students who sat the G.C.E. (A/L) Examination on more than three (03) occasions.
- Students who are or were registered as internal students at a State University / Higher Educational Institute under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978.
- Students registered under free education for a first degree at: Bhiksu University, Buddhist & Pali University, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (as Enlisted Officer Cadets), University of Vocational Technology, or Ocean University (registered from 2017 onward).
- Students registered in a College of Education as internal students.
- Students registered under free education for a 3-year diploma programme in a University College under the University of Vocational Technology.
- Students registered full-time in a 3+ year HND at a SLIATE institution or National Diploma in Engineering Sciences (NDES) at NAITA/IET — unless they withdrew registration within 60 days of the institute's registration deadline.
- Students who accepted a foreign scholarship channelled through the Ministry of Education for first-degree study.
- Students who have already obtained a first degree from any of the institutions above.
- Students who made a false declaration or submitted forged documents for any prior or current application.
Selections for all courses at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine are temporarily suspended for 2025/2026 due to curriculum reviews. This includes Indigenous Medicinal Resources, Biomedical Technology, Health Tourism, Yoga & Parapsychology, and others.
Official Handbook Bookshop Directory
All 23 districts — UGC-appointed distributing agents for Academic Year 2025/2026
01 · Colombo
50+ shops- S. Godage & Brothers, 675, Maradana Road, Colombo 10
- Sadeepa Bookshop, 1060, Maradana Road, Borella, Colombo 08
- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, Unity Plaza, 02, Galle Road, Colombo 04
- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, 32, Thurstan Road, Colombo 03
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 30, Stanly Tillakaratne Mawatha, Nugegoda
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 4th Floor, One Galle Face Mall, Colombo 02
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 92A, Parliament Road, Pelawaththa, Battaramulla
- Sarasavi Bookshop, No. 24, Hill Street, Dehiwala
- Sarasavi Bookshop, No. 413, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07
- Welfare Society, UGC, No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07
- M.D. Gunasena, 217, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 11
- M.D. Gunasena, 27, Galle Road, Bambalapitiya
- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, G 6A, Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 03
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 82, Moratuwa Road, Piliyandala
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 175, Horana Road, Kottawa, Pannipitiya
02 · Gampaha
40+ shops- Shanthi Book Depot, 50, Main Street, Gampaha
- K.A. Ariyadasa & Co., 32, Main Street, Veyangoda
- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, 135, Rajapaksha Broadway, Negombo
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 87, Minuwangoda Road, Gampaha
- Ganga Bookshop, 134, Kandy Road, Nittambuwa
- Rohana Bookshop & Hardware Stores, New Kandy Road, Delgoda
- Dileepa Bookshop, No. 07, Pasyala Road, Mirigama
- Mahajana Bookshop, 141, Kandy Road, Kadawatha
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 134A, Old Negombo Road, Wattala
- M.D. Gunasena, 04, Kandy Road, Kiribathgoda
- M.D. Gunasena, No. 64, De Croos Road, Negombo
- Fonseka Bookshop, No. 77, Chilaw Road, Kochchikade
- Ridee Bookshop & Communication, Chilaw Road, Wennappuwa
03 · Kalutara
25+ shops- Orchid Enterprises, 109, Anguruwathota Road, Horana
- Wijaya Bookshop, No. 54E, Main Street, Kalutara South
- Lak Isuru (Pvt.) Ltd., 324, Main Street, Panadura
- New Nipuna Bookshop, 404, Galle Road, Kalutara South
- Sarasavi Bookshop, No. 41, Anguruwathota Road, Horana
- Godage & Brothers, 507, Galle Road, Panadura
- M.D. Gunasena, No. 92, Galle Road, Kalutara South
- Luminex Bookshop, No. 232, Main Street, Kaluthara South
- Minsara Poth Medura, 55E, Main Street, Kaluthara South
04 · Matale
5 shops- Malaka Traders (Pvt.) Ltd., 55/57, Main Street, Matale
- Amarasinghe & Sons, No. 7, Dambulla Road, Galewela
- Sumaga Bookshop, No. 6, Matale Road, Ukuwela
- New Jayathissa Bookshop, 469, Kurunegala Junction, Dambulla
- New Jayathissa Bookshop, Anuradhapura Road, Dambulla
05 · Kandy
13 shops- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, 05, Kotugodella Street, Kandy
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 86, D.S. Senanayaka Street, Kandy
- Lanka Central Book Depot, 84, Colombo Street, Kandy
- Wimarshi Education Circle, University of Peradeniya
- M.D. Gunasena, No. 33, Yatinuwara Veediya, Kandy
06 · Nuwara Eliya
7 shops- Kumarans Trade (Books) Centre, 19, Daily Fair Complex, Kandy Road, Nuwara Eliya
- Nishan Bookshop, Ratmetiya Road, Rikillagaskada
- Cheapside Bookshop, 40, Gampola Road, Nawalapitiya
- Chamilani Communications, No. 01, Main Market, Hanguranketha
- Samagi Bookshop, Hospital Road, Rikillagaskada
07 · Galle
14 shops- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, No. 12, Wackwella Road, Galle
- G.H. Ariyadasa Bookshop, No. 73, Dangedara Street, Galle
- Royal Book Depot, 152, Main Street, Ambalangoda
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 1st Floor, Central Bus Stand, Galle
- M.D. Gunasena, No. 02, Matara Road, Galle
08 · Matara
18 shops- H.B. Eramanis Appuhamy & Sons, 87, Dharmapala Mawatha, Matara
- Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, 05A–1/1, Dharmapala Mawatha, Matara
- Sarasavi Bookshop, 04, Station Road, Matara
- Hameem Bookshop, No. 07, Borala Road, Weligama
- M.D. Gunasena, No. 27, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Matara
09 · Hambantota
11 shops- Muthumala Bookshop, 117, Main Street, Tangalle
- M.A.S. Traders, 24, Super Market, Walasmulla
- Ruksevana Poth Medura, 92, Dickwella Road, Beliatta
- New Sumihiri Trade Centre, No. 11, Main Street, Ambalantota
- Seevali Bookshop, School Road, Sooriyawewa Town
10 · Jaffna
4 shops- Poobalasingham Book Depot, 04, Hospital Road, Jaffna
- Mack Milan Bookshop, No. 3, Bus Stand, Jaffna
- Thurka Stationers, Bus Stand View, Chunnakam
- Annai Book Depot, No. 7Z, Hospital Road, Jaffna
11 · Vavuniya
1 shop- Ramachandiras, 20A, Bus Stand Complex, Vavuniya
12 · Trincomalee
5 shops- Rainbow Minilab (Pvt.) Ltd., 113, Vidyalayam Road, Trincomalee
- Surfa Communication Stationery, 160, Main Street, Kinniya-03
- Surfa Communication Stationery, Main Street, Muthur
- Surfa Communication Stationery, Main Street, Thopoor
- Surfa Communication Stationery, Kandy Road, Mullipothanai
13 · Batticaloa
3 shops- Rajah's Book Centre, 111, Main Street, Batticaloa
- Noori Bookshop, Main Street, Kaththankudy
- R.D. Book Centre, No. 05, Main Street, Periyakallar-02, Kallar
14 · Ampara
12 shops- Photo Rio, 120A, Main Street, Kalmunai
- Central Bookshop, Potuvil Road, Akkaraipattu
- Weligama Stores, 4th Lane, Ampara
- A2Z Book Centre, 154, Hospital Road, Nintavur
- Megaline Mega Bookshop, No. 53, Main Street, Kalmunai
15 · Puttalam
8 shops- Samanthi Bookshop, 39, Marawila Road, Nattandiya
- The Paper House, 12, Colombo Road, Puttalam
- Chilaw Mayura Bookshop, 8, Colombo Road, Chilaw
- Rambasewana Bookshop, Wennappuwa
- A2Z Bookshop, No. 230, Mannar Road, Puttalam
16 · Kurunegala
25+ shops- Samudra Bookshop, 10, Puttalam Road, Kurunegala
- Sarasavi Bookshop, No. 56, Colombo Road, Kurunegala
- Richard Trading Co., 64, Parakumba Street, Kurunegala
- M.D. Gunasena, No. 67, Colombo Road, Kurunegala
- Karies Bookshop, 577, Meegahakotuwa, Kuliyapitiya
17 · Anuradhapura
7 shops- Gunasekara & Co., 234, Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha, Anuradhapura
- Buddhika Bookshop, 282, Main Street, Anuradhapura
- Sanjeewa Pharmacy & Bookshop, No. 136, Main Street, Kekirawa
- Muthukuda Paper Corner, New Town, Thambuththegama
- Samudra Consolidated, 56/248, New Bus Stand, Anuradhapura
18 · Polonnaruwa
7 shops- Deepani Book Depot, 70, Public Market, Hingurakgoda
- New Deepani Book Depot, No. 125, D.S. Senanayake Street, Hingurakgoda
- Puwasa Book Medura, Hospital Junction, Polonnaruwa
- Priyankara Bookshop, No. 09, Main Street, Kaduruwela
- Paper Light Bookshop, Hospital Road, Medirigiriya
19 · Badulla
9 shops- Jhan's Bookshop, 89, Lower Street, Badulla
- E.M.G. Karunaratne Bookshop, 58, Dharmawijaya Mw., Bandarawela
- Mahindas Book Centre, No. 50–52, Bazar Street, Badulla
- Isuru Fair, 80, Nuwara Eliya Road, Welimada
- Channel Net Bookshop, No. 06, Badulla Road, Mahiyanganaya
20 · Monaragala
6 shops- Myson Trade Centre, 26, Main Street, Monaragala
- A.D.S. Agencies, No. 14, Main Street, Bibile
- Tharidu Gift Centre, 65, Tissa Road, Wellawaya
- Sumadura Bookshop, No. 22, Pothuwil Road, Monaragala
- Suhada Bookshop, Thissa Road, Wallawaya
21 · Kegalle
10 shops- Sri Lanka Bookshop, 89, Court Junction, Kegalle
- Lanka Bookshop, 122, Main Street, Warakapola
- A.J. Communication & Bookshop, 21A, Courts Road, Mawanella
- Kalyani Bookshop, No. 44, Main Street, Ruwanwella
- Seevali Bookshop, No. 43, Main Street, Kegalle
22 · Ratnapura
14 shops- Karunaratna Brothers, 16, Church Road, Ratnapura
- Jinasiri Trade Centre, 96, Main Street, Balangoda
- Sumanagiri Trade Centre, Main Street, Embilipitiya
- Sarasavi Bookshop, No. 23/1, Seneviratne Building, Colombo Road, Ratnapura
- Buddhika Agencies, No. 24, Bus Stand Road, Ratnapura
23 · Kilinochchi
1 shop- Arivunathy Bookshop, No. 06, Kankapuram Road, Kilinochchi
Need Help? Contact UGC
For difficulties with the online application form, call the Government Information Centre or UGC Information Centre:
University Grants Commission · No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07 · www.ugc.ac.lk
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