Why Choose Faculty of Medicine, SUSL?

The Faculty of Medicine at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka presents an unparalleled opportunity for students seeking a blend of tradition, academic excellence, and cultural richness in their medical education journey. The faculty stands as a contemporary beacon of this ancient tradition of wisdom. Situated in the heart of Ratnapura, famously known as the "City of Gems," the Faculty of Medicine enjoys a unique setting amidst a rich historical and cultural backdrop. Ratnapura, nestled on the banks of the Kalu Ganga, not only serves as the capital of the Sabaragamuwa Province but also holds significant prominence in Sri Lanka's gem trade heritage. Its Sanskrit name’ Ratnapura’, meaning "city of gems," resonates with the region's historical significance dating back over two millennia.

Moreover, Ratnapura is surrounded by natural wonders, including the majestic Adam's Peak, a sacred mountain revered by multiple faiths and believed to house the footprints of spiritual figures such as the Buddha, Hanuman, or St. Thomas. The region's enchanting landscapes further include the mesmerizing Bopath Ella waterfall, aptly named for its resemblance to the leaf of the sacred Bo tree, and the revered Maha Saman Devalaya, dedicated to the deity Saman, guardian of the Sri Pada mountain.

Beyond its rich cultural heritage and natural splendor, the Faculty of Medicine at Sabaragamuwa University offers a rigorous and systematic education in the medical sciences. As the tenth Medical Faculty in Sri Lanka and the eighth within Sabaragamuwa University, it upholds a legacy of academic excellence and innovation. Students here benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and a curriculum designed to foster both intellectual growth and practical skills essential for future medical professionals.

Choosing the Faculty of Medicine at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka is not just about pursuing a medical degree; it's about immersing oneself in a holistic educational experience that encompasses tradition, diversity, and academic rigor. From the historical roots of knowledge to the vibrant tapestry of Ratnapura's cultural landscape, students embarking on this journey are poised to receive an education that transcends boundaries and prepares them to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine and society at large.

Eligibility for Foreign Student Admission 

1. Candidates with results at a foreign examination held outside Sri Lanka, deemed equivalent to G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination of Sri Lanka with a minimum of two Cs and an S in the subject of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are eligible to apply for admission to Universities in Sri Lanka.
   • The original letter obtained from the Examinations Board concerned, must be attached to the application to prove that their educational qualifications are equivalent as mentioned above or that their educational qualifications are considered for admission to a university in their own country for pursuing an undergraduate course leading to a Bachelor’s Degree.
   • All required passes must be obtained in one & the same sitting under a recognized Board of Examinations subject to the rules set out by the Education Authority of the country concerned.
   • The certified copies of the educational certificate AND the statement of results of their qualifying examination must be attached to the application. The copies should be certified by the relevant Examinations Board which conducted the examination concerned. (NOT by the other institutions such as school and embassy)
2. The eligible candidates for admission under this special provision are:
   • Candidates with Foreign passports
   • Candidates with Sri Lankan passports
3. Sri Lankan candidates should have studied abroad for a period of not less than three academic years immediately prior to sitting the qualifying examination.(N.B.: Applicants must provide the following documents and Refer Section 10.2 for more information).
   • Certified copies of the candidate’s Passports(with Visa)covering the period studied abroad.
   • Documentary evidence issued by a relevant authority of the foreign country confirming the candidate’s resided/ residing period there.
   • Originals of the Foreign & Sri Lankan(if any)School Leaving Certificates of the candidate.
   • Certified copy of the candidate’s birth certificate.
4. Father/Mother/Guardian(only if parents expired)of the Sri Lankan candidates should also have worked in the same country in which the candidate has studied, during his/her period studied abroad.(N.B.: Applicants must provide the following documents and Refer Section 10.2 for more information)
   • Originals of the Service Certificate/s of the Father/Mother/Guardian.
   • Documentary evidence issued by a relevant authority of the foreign country confirming the parents’/ guardian’s resided / residing period there.
   • Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ Passports (with Visa)covering the period worked abroad.
   • Documentary evidences to prove that the Guardian has been legally appointed.
5. Children of Sri Lankan diplomatic personnel attached to Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad or on foreign assignments sponsored by the Government of Sri Lanka, should have studied abroad at least for a period of three academic years in the six year period immediately prior to sitting the qualifying examination, along with their parents who are Sri Lankan diplomats. Sri Lankan diplomatic personnel are referred to as the Sri Lankan Foreign Service officers, officers from certain other Services and Ministries/Agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Public Administration, Department of Labour and the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment who have been appointed to serve in Sri Lankan Missions abroad for limited periods, the officers from other Services and Ministries / Departments attached to Missions abroad whose overseas assignments are not routine and serve only limited periods abroad, the appointments to Missions abroad made on the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers as approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Note: However, the children of Sri Lankan diplomatic personnel who have satisfied the requirements for admission at a foreign examination equivalent to G.C.E (Advanced Level) Examination of Sri Lanka held locally too will be considered, if;
   • They have sat the said examination locally within a period of 06 months from the date of their returning to Sri Lanka after completion of a continuous period of not less than 2 1/2 years of studies abroad immediately prior to sitting the qualifying examination. provided that;
   • Their parents have returned to Sri Lanka on completion of the assignment having served at least for a period of 03 years immediately prior to their child sitting the said examination locally. (N.B:Applicants must provide documentary proof.)
6. Candidates with foreign passports must also provide the originals of their School Leaving Certificates.

Documentary Evidence to be Submitted by the Candidate

1. Documents in proof of the requirements above.
2. Duly certified copy of the certificate in proof of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), if the considered educational qualification of a candidate is a High School Diploma.
3. Duly certified copy of the certificate of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if a candidate studied in a language other than English.
4. Documentary evidences in proof of funds in relevant foreign currencies [Candidate must submit original letters issued by the banks stating the bank balances of the Father/ Mother/ Guardian in relevant foreign currencies (currency of the relevant country they have/are worked/working) as documentary evidences in proof of the availability of sufficient funds]. [Not relevant for children of Sri Lankan diplomats (Category a)].
5. Legally valid affidavit, if there is a difference in the names of the candidate mentioned in the educational certificate, statement of results, school leaving certificates, birth certificate, passport and any other submitting documents.

English Language Proficiency

English is the medium of instructions for most of the degree programmes as indicated in Annexure III. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English or whose previous education has been conducted in another language, must demonstrate a command of English sufficient to meet the demands of classroom instructions, written assignments and participation in tutorials and discussions. Note: See the Check List given in Section 10.2 for a complete list of documents to be submitted along with the applications. Therefore, applicants whose primary language is not English or whose previous education has not been in English must provide evidence of proficiency in English i.e. achieve a minimum score of 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or achieve a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) etc.

Academic Year in Sri Lankan Universities

The universities in Sri Lanka follow the semester system and there are two semesters per year. The date of commencement of the first term/semester of a particular academic year may vary from one university to another or from one Faculty of a university to another.

1. The number of places reserved for this category of students are very limited and at present it is up to 0.5 % of the total number of places available in each course of study. Selections of candidates with foreign qualifications are based on the following order of priority;
   • Children of Sri Lankan diplomatic personnel who are/have been stationed in other countries.
   • Children of foreign diplomatic personnel working in Sri Lanka.
   • Applicants from SAARC countries who seek admission.
   • Sri Lankan applicants not covered under (a) above.
   • Other foreign applicants not covered under (b) or (c) above.
   • All selected candidates will be admitted on fee levying basis except for the candidates selected under Category (a) above
2. Up to 4.5 % of the places over and above the proposed intake in each course of study will be allocated to students who satisfy the criteria for admission under this provision. All candidates under this category will be admitted on fee levying basis.
3. Selected candidates who wish to accept the offer should make arrangements to get themselves registered at the universities to which they will be assigned in consultation with the Registrar of the relevant university.
4. All prospective foreign students should be noted that the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka will not convert a tourist visa to student visa. Therefore, no person who wishes to gain admission to a university should enter the country on a tourist visa and they should make arrangements to obtain visas in advance.