Sri Lankan athletes with exceptional international sporting achievements can now apply for special admission to selected university programmes for the academic year 2025/2026.

The University Grants Commission has opened this intake for specific programmes in Sports Science & Management, Sports Science and Physical Education. Applications must be submitted by registered post on or before 8 September 2026.

Available courses and universities

The special intake covers three areas of study across five university-course combinations.

Who can apply under the sports special intake?

The official notice lists the following sporting achievements as qualifying routes. Applicants should compare their records carefully with these exact categories.

• Winning a medal or participating in the Olympic Games.
• Winning a gold, silver or bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or SAARC Games.
• Being a member of a national team representing Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or SAARC Games.
• Being a member of a Sri Lankan national team at a recognised World Cup in cricket, football, rugby, volleyball, netball or another sport accepted by the UGC.

What academic qualifications are required?

The application form asks candidates to enter their G.C.E. O/L and G.C.E. A/L subjects and grades. However, the special admission notice does not state minimum grades, a required Z-score, an eligible A/L year or other detailed academic requirements.

Applicants should not assume that sporting achievements automatically satisfy every academic requirement. If your academic eligibility is unclear, contact the UGC University Admissions Department before submitting the application.

View official UGC admissions contact details

Foundation course requirement

Candidates selected through this special category must complete a suitable foundation course conducted by the Open University of Sri Lanka before beginning their university academic programme.

The UGC notice does not state the foundation course duration, fee, delivery mode or commencement date. Selected candidates should follow the instructions subsequently issued by the UGC or the relevant institution.

How to complete the application

1. Download the official UGC notice and application PDF.
2. Print the application form included on pages two and three.
3. Enter your name, address, date of birth, nationality, NIC number and contact details.
4. Enter your G.C.E. O/L and G.C.E. A/L subjects and grades accurately.
5. List your sports qualifications, including the year, sport or event, country, number of participating countries, junior or senior level, and medal or placing.
6. Attach certified copies of the relevant certificates supporting your sports achievements.
7. Enter your course and university preferences where requested in the form.
8. Read the declaration carefully, then add the date and your signature.
9. Keep a complete copy of the signed application and supporting documents.
10. Send the completed application by registered post early enough to reach the UGC by 8 September 2026.

Documents confirmed by the notice

• Completed official application form
• Certified copies of relevant certificates supporting the stated sports qualifications
• Signed and dated applicant declaration

The notice does not provide a longer attachment checklist or explicitly state that copies of the NIC, O/L result sheet or A/L result sheet must be attached. Applicants should ask the UGC if additional supporting documents are required for their circumstances.

Where should the application be sent?

The completed application and certified certificates must be sent by registered post to:

Important dates

Details not stated in the official notice

At the time of checking, the UGC notice does not state:

• An application fee
• Minimum O/L or A/L grades
• A required Z-score
• An age limit
• The number of available places
• An interview or practical selection process
• Course duration, medium or commencement date
• Foundation course fees or schedule

These details should not be guessed. Applicants should rely on further instructions issued by the UGC and the relevant university.

Frequently asked questions