TL;DR: KIU University in Colombo offers acupuncture training at certificate, diploma and degree level: a short professional certificate, an NVQ diploma and an honours degree. The degree asks for A/L passes in the Biological Science stream, while the diploma asks you to contact KIU for entry rules. Choose by how much time you have and whether you want a short skill or a full health science career.
Acupuncture is one of the complementary medicine fields students ask about when they want a health career without following the medicine route. KIU University is the partner institute on Uplift that lists acupuncture programs, and the three levels suit very different students.
Levels of acupuncture study at KIU
The programs below are described on their Uplift pages. Each level has a different purpose, so read all three before you decide.
Apply nowBSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Nursing) (Top Up)
Achievers International Campus · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
Apply nowBSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science
KIU University · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
Apply nowBSc (Hons) in Nursing (TOP UP) - London Metropolitan University (UK)
Esoft Uni · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
- Apply now
BSc. Honours in Medical Science in Acupuncture
KIU University · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
- Apply now
Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing
KIU University · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
Certificate in Clinical Competency in Acupuncture
This is a short professional training program. The record describes it as built for healthcare practitioners and students who want to add clinical acupuncture skills, with theory, practical sessions and live demonstrations. A final examination leads to the certificate.
The entry note on the page refers to foreign-registered healthcare professionals and medical or healthcare students seeking hands-on training. Read the Certificate in Clinical Competency in Acupuncture at KIU page and confirm with KIU that you qualify.
Diploma in Acupuncture
The Diploma in Acupuncture at KIU is described as an NVQ Level 3 qualification delivered over 2000 contact hours. The core modules are:
Anatomy and Physiology
Massage Therapy
Philosophies and Theories of Acupuncture
Meridians Aetiology and Pathogenesis
Diagnostics and Techniques
Clinical Practice
Students observe real patient treatments at the KIU Acupuncture Clinic and apply techniques under supervision. The page does not list a fixed academic entry rule, only that you should contact KIU University for the specific requirement.
BSc (Hons) in Medical Science in Acupuncture
The BSc Honours in Medical Science in Acupuncture at KIU is a 4 years full-time degree. KIU describes it as UGC-approved and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education, with a curriculum aligned to World Health Organization standards. Confirm the approval status with KIU and the UGC before you apply, as you would for any degree.
The degree covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology, acupuncture diagnostics and techniques, clinical observation and a research dissertation. Training includes hands-on work at KIU's Acupuncture Clinic.
Entry asks for three passes at A/L in the Biological Science stream, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Careers and practice
The degree record says the program prepares graduates for careers in integrative healthcare, research and academia. The diploma record describes a foundation for professional caregiving and for higher studies in acupuncture. These are the institute's own descriptions. Rules for practising acupuncture and for patient treatment can change, so ask KIU which registration or licence applies to the qualification you choose, and ask the relevant Sri Lankan authority to confirm it.
