Overview
The University of Colombo, established in 1921, is one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in Sri Lanka. Located in the heart of Colombo, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as medicine, science, law, management, arts, and technology. It is widely recognized for research output, academic achievement, and its long-standing contribution to national development.
Today, the University of Colombo supports a diverse student community of over 11,000 learners and a large academic staff. The university places emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, and international engagement through research collaboration and academic partnerships. If you are comparing leading public universities in the country, you may also want to review related options such as the University of Peradeniya, the University of Moratuwa, or the University of Kelaniya.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Colombo |
| Established | 1921 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Student Population | Over 11,000 students |
| Academic Staff | Over 800 members |
| Website | cmb.ac.lk |
3. Fee Structure
Public university tuition policies can vary by student status and program intake. The information below provides a general overview of commonly stated fee expectations for local students, and you should verify the latest details directly with the university before applying.
| Program | Duration (Years) | Estimated Annual Fee (LKR) |
| Medicine | 5 | Free for local students |
| Law | 4 | Free for local students |
| Science | 3-4 | Free for local students |
| Management and Finance | 4 | Free for local students |
| IT and Computing | 4 | Free for local students |
4. Academic Programs
Academic offerings at the University of Colombo are organized through faculties and schools that support both foundational and advanced study. Depending on the degree level, students may also have opportunities to engage in research activities, practical training, and academic exchanges.
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Management and Finance
- School of Computing
- Institute of Indigenous Medicine
If you are exploring technology- and engineering-focused alternatives, the University of Moratuwa is often a popular comparison point for computing and applied research interests.
5. Facilities
The university provides learning spaces and student support systems aimed at helping students balance coursework, research, and day-to-day campus life.
- Well-equipped laboratories and IT centers
- Central and faculty libraries
- Sports and recreational complexes
- Student hostels and canteens
- Medical and counseling services
- Wi-Fi and e-learning platforms
6. Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is generally designed to support student convenience and study routines. Availability and allocation can depend on year of study and intake requirements, so applicants should plan ahead and follow the latest hostel guidance from the university.
- On-campus hostels for both male and female students
- Basic furnished rooms with study areas
- Shared kitchen and common rooms
- Subsidized rates for local students
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@cmb.ac.lk
- Phone:+94 11 2581835
- Address: 94 Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
More Universities in Sri Lanka
- University of Peradeniya
- University of Moratuwa
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- University of Kelaniya
- University of Ruhuna
- Open University of Sri Lanka
- Eastern University, Sri Lanka
- South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
- Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
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