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Student visa for Sri Lanka
Money to show for the visa: Encashment receipts for USD 1,500 a year. Work while you study: Not allowed: the residence visa covers only its stated purpose. Checked against the official pages on 7 November 2026.
The numbers
- Money you must show
- Encashment receipts for USD 1,500 a year
- Visa fee
- USD 200 a year (residence visa for students)
- Work while you study
- Not allowed: the residence visa covers only its stated purpose
- Stay after you graduate
- No post-study visa found
Proof that you changed at least this much foreign currency into rupees, asked for with the residence visa (University of Peradeniya).
University of Peradeniya: International Relations Office, checked 2026-11-07
Charged for a year or part of a year. Your university may quote it in rupees.
Department of Immigration and Emigration: visa fees, checked 2026-11-07
A residence visa holder must not engage in any activity other than the condition of the visa.
Department of Immigration and Emigration: residence visa, checked 2026-11-07
The student residence visa ends with your course.
Department of Immigration and Emigration: residence visa, checked 2026-11-07
Worth knowing: Get the residence visa within 30 days of arriving; bring encashment receipts for USD 1,500 a year. Students may not work.
The residence visa for students
1. Get admitted. For state universities, apply to the UGC scheme by its closing date (17 August 2026 for 2025-26 entry). The UGC places you at a university. 2. Enter Sri Lanka on the entry visa your university's offer supports. A tourist visa does not let you start your studies. 3. Apply for the residence visa within 30 days of arrival at the Department of Immigration and Emigration, with your university's recommendation letter.
Peradeniya lists: the IM 35 residence visa form, a recommendation from the university, a certified colour copy of your passport page, two photos (35 x 45 mm), your letter of admission, the USD 1,500 encashment receipts, the health protection plan and the visa fee. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Where to apply
At the embassy or consulate of Sri Lanka that covers your country, or through the visa application centre it names. Book early: in the busiest months appointments can be weeks away. Apply only through the official website; nobody can sell you a faster place in the queue.
Official pages: inro.pdn.ac.lk · immigration.gov.lk · immigration.gov.lk · cmb.ac.lk. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you apply.
By nationality
From Algeria
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From ZimbabweQuestions students ask
How much money do I need to show for a Sri Lanka student visa?
Encashment receipts for USD 1,500 a year. Proof that you changed at least this much foreign currency into rupees, asked for with the residence visa (University of Peradeniya). (University of Peradeniya: International Relations Office, checked 2026-11-07).
How much is the student visa fee for Sri Lanka?
USD 200 a year (residence visa for students).
Can international students work in Sri Lanka?
Not allowed: the residence visa covers only its stated purpose.
Can I stay in Sri Lanka after I graduate?
No post-study visa found.
This page is general information from official sources, not immigration advice. For a decision about your own case, the official source or a regulated adviser is where that belongs.