Before you pay fees for a degree in Sri Lanka, there is one question worth answering first: is this programme recognised? This guide shows where the official lists are, what they cover, and what to check for local degree-awarding institutes and for foreign universities. It is based on the Ministry of Higher Education page on degree awarding institutes and the University Grants Commission (UGC) notice on foreign universities.
In short: Non-state institutes are listed with their approved programmes on the Ministry of Higher Education website. Foreign universities are recognised by the UGC if they appear in two named international directories, and the UGC says the public must verify before registering.
Three kinds of institutions to check
Most students meet one of these three: state universities, non-state degree awarding institutes, and foreign universities (including their local partner programmes). The checking route is different for each.
Non-state degree awarding institutes
The Ministry of Higher Education publishes a table of recognised degree awarding institutes. The page says these institutes operate under Section 25A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. For each institute, the table shows the accredited programmes, the date of accreditation, and links to the gazette notification in English, Sinhala and Tamil.
When we checked, the list named 17 institutions and more than 400 degree programmes, with the latest accreditation date in 2026. These numbers change as new programmes are added, so read the live page rather than relying on this guide.
Check the programme, not only the institute: The Ministry list gives accredited programmes and dates. An institute being on the list does not by itself show that the exact degree you want is approved. Look for your programme and its date.
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Foreign universities
The UGC is responsible for recognising foreign universities and higher educational institutes. Its notice says an institution is recognised at present if it is listed in the Commonwealth Universities Yearbook of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, or in the International Handbook of Universities of the International Association of Universities.
The same notice says it is the responsibility of the general public to verify recognition from those sources, or from the UGC, before registering. The page we checked does not explain how to apply for recognition of an individual degree, what fees apply, or what documents are needed, so ask the UGC directly if you need that.
How to check a degree step by step
- Write down the exact institute name, the degree title and who awards the degree (a Sri Lankan institute or a foreign university).
- For a local non-state institute, open the Ministry of Higher Education list of degree awarding institutes and find the institute and your programme.
- For a foreign university, check whether it appears in the Commonwealth Universities Yearbook or the International Handbook of Universities, and ask the UGC to confirm.
- Check the SLQF level of the qualification so you know what it is worth. Our SLQF levels guide explains the levels.
- Keep the written confirmation, screenshots of the official listing and the date you checked, before paying any fee.
BrightNook tips
- Do not rely on an institute’s own advertisement. Check the official list yourself, then check again close to the day you register.
- Ask for the gazette notification or approval details for your programme in writing.
- Be careful with phrases such as “UGC approved” or “internationally recognised” when no list or document is shown.
- If a foreign degree is delivered locally, confirm who awards the degree and check that awarding university, not only the local partner.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the official list of recognised non-state degree institutes?
On the Ministry of Higher Education website, under degree awarding institutes. It shows institutes, accredited programmes, accreditation dates and gazette links.
Who recognises foreign universities in Sri Lanka?
The University Grants Commission. It recognises institutions listed in the Commonwealth Universities Yearbook or the International Handbook of Universities.
Does the UGC page explain how to get a foreign degree recognised?
The notice we checked does not give application steps, fees or documents. Contact the UGC for the process.
Is it enough that the institute is on the list?
Check that your specific programme is listed, because the list is organised by programme and accreditation date.
Official sources
- Ministry of Higher Education: Degree Awarding Institutes
- Ministry of Higher Education: Recognition of Foreign Universities
- University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website and is not affiliated with the UGC or the Ministry of Higher Education. Recognition lists change, so always confirm with the official bodies before you pay any fee.
