Sri Lanka Student Guide to Studying in the UK

The UK has become a highly sought-after study destination for Sri Lankan students due to the presence of several world-renowned universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, consistently ranking among the top 10 universities globally. In addition, UK universities offer a wide range of courses across various fields, allowing Sri Lankan students to study subjects that may not be available in their home country.

Studying in the UK gives Sri Lankan students a unique opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that are highly valued by employers worldwide. The exposure to diverse cultures, languages, and people also helps Sri Lankan students develop a global outlook, making them more competitive in the job market. UK universities offer various scholarships for Sri Lankan students, ensuring it is accessible to all.

Studying in the UK can offer Sri Lankan students a chance to experience a different culture and way of life, which can be a valuable and enriching experience. Since English is the language of instruction in most UK universities, studying there can help Sri Lankan students improve their language skills and fluency, which can benefit their future careers.

Why do Sri Lankan students want to study in the UK?

Scholarships for Sri Lankan students

The UK government and several UK universities offer scholarships to deserving Sri Lankan students. Scholarships for Sri Lankan students in the UK include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and British Council Scholarships.

UK Study Visa for Sri Lankan students

To study in the UK, Sri Lankan students must acquire a student visa. The following are the general steps that Srilankan students must follow to obtain a UK student visa:

• Apply to the desired university and course.
• Pay the corresponding course fees once you receive an unconditional offer letter for the chosen course.
• The university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is mandatory for applying for a student visa.
• Complete the visa application form, pay the visa application fees, and collect all the necessary documents, including a passport, CAS, proof of English language proficiency, and bank statement.
• Schedule a visa appointment at Sri Lanka's UK Visa application centre to provide biometric data and submit supporting documents.

- Is it difficult to obtain a student visa as a Sri Lankan student?

Irrespective of nationality, obtaining a UK student visa is a complex and time-consuming process. As a Sri Lankan student, you must fulfil certain eligibility criteria to qualify for a UK student visa, such as getting admission to a recognised educational institution in the UK, demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses, and meeting the English language proficiency requirements.

The UK government has a points-based system for student visas. The difficulty of obtaining a student visa as a Sri Lankan student will depend on whether the applicant meets the requirements and has the required documents.

Popular UK universities with Sri Lankan students

Many universities in the UK are popular among Sri Lankan students for their quality of education and reputation. Some of the top universities in the UK for Sri Lankan students include the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, which are renowned for their academic excellence and a strong focus on research-based education.

Other popular universities where Sri Lankan students apply the most are Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Warwick.

Which UK universities have the most Sri Lankan students?

According to the latest available data from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), the top UK universities with the highest number of Sri Lankan students were:

• University of Salford
• University of Central Lancashire
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of Westminster
• University of Hertfordshire

What cities in the UK have the biggest communities of Sri Lankan?

The cities in the UK with the largest communities of Sri Lankans are London, Leicester, and Birmingham. However, other cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Coventry, and Reading also have significant Sri Lankan communities. In these cities, you can find Sri Lankan restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural events that cater to the Sri Lankan community.

Cultural and religious celebrations for Sri Lankan students in the UK

Sri Lankan students in the UK celebrate a variety of cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. Some of the major cultural and religious celebrations are:

• Sinhala and Tamil New Year
• Vesak: A Buddhist festival celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. 
• Thai Pongal: Harvest festival celebrated by Tamil Hindus
• Deepavali: The Hindu festival of lights 
• Christmas: Celebrated by Sri Lankan Christians in the UK

Sri Lankan student societies at UK universities

Many UK universities have Sri Lankan student societies that provide a platform for Sri Lankan students to connect, share their culture and traditions, and engage in social and educational activities. Some of the universities with active Sri Lankan student societies include:

• University of Cambridge Sri Lankan Society
• Imperial College London Sri Lankan Society
• University College London Sri Lankan Society
• University of Warwick Sri Lankan Society
• King's College London Sri Lankan Society
• University of Edinburgh Sri Lankan Society
• University of Nottingham Sri Lankan Society

These student societies organise a range of events and activities throughout the year, such as cultural shows, food festivals, sports tournaments, and guest lectures. They also provide support and guidance for new Sri Lankan students arriving in the UK, helping them to settle into university life and connect with other Sri Lankan students.

UK University entry requirements for Sri Lankan students

Sri Lankan students typically need to have completed their GCE Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations to be eligible for undergraduate degree programs in the UK. These exams are usually taken after completing the GCE Ordinary Level (O-Level) exams and are considered equivalent to the UK's A-Level exams.

In Sri Lanka, A-Levels are typically taken in the arts, commerce or science streams, and the qualifications are awarded by the Department of Examinations in Sri Lanka. To be eligible for undergraduate study in the UK, students would need to have achieved grades that meet the minimum entry requirements for their chosen degree.

• Academic qualifications: Students must have completed their secondary education and obtained qualifications that UK universities recognise. For undergraduate degrees, students must have completed their A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Students must have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent for postgraduate study.
• English language proficiency: All students whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS or TOEFL. The required score may vary depending on the university and the course of study.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary depending on the university and the course of study. Students are advised to check the specific entry requirements for the universities and courses they are interested in before applying. Universities may also have additional requirements for certain courses, such as entrance exams or interviews.

Foundation courses for Sri Lankan students

Foundation courses are designed to prepare international students for undergraduate study in the UK. These courses are particularly useful for Sri Lankan students who may still need to complete A-levels or other qualifications that UK universities recognise. Foundation courses help students to improve their academic skills, language proficiency, and subject knowledge and provide a pathway to degree-level study.

Many UK universities, including Sri Lankan students, offer foundation courses for international students. Some popular foundation courses for Sri Lankan students include:

• International Foundation Programme at the University of Sheffield
• International Foundation Year at the University of Leeds
• International Foundation Programme at the University of Warwick
• International Foundation Programme at the University of Nottingham
• International Foundation Year at the University of Surrey
• International Foundation Programme at the University of Exeter

These foundation courses typically last for one year and cover a range of subjects, including the English language, academic writing, study skills, and subject-specific modules. After completing the foundation course, students can progress to an undergraduate degree at the same university or another UK university.

Study in the UK

If you want to join the many Sri Lankan students studying in the UK, don’t delay and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.