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Student visa for Sri Lanka, for students from United Arab Emirates
As a citizen of United Arab Emirates you will normally need a student visa or residence permit for Sri Lanka before your course starts. Some nationalities may enter Sri Lanka without a visa and apply for the residence permit there instead; check the official page below for the rule that applies to your passport.
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
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 the United Arab Emirates, 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. Checked 2026-11-07. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you apply.
Questions students ask
Do students from United Arab Emirates need a visa to study in Sri Lanka?
As a citizen of United Arab Emirates you will normally need a student visa or residence permit for Sri Lanka before your course starts. Some nationalities may enter Sri Lanka without a visa and apply for the residence permit there instead; check the official page below for the rule that applies to your passport.
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). (source: University of Peradeniya: International Relations Office, checked 2026-11-07).
Can I work while I study in Sri Lanka?
Not allowed: the residence visa covers only its stated purpose.
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.