Nursing Courses in Sri Lanka: Certificate to MPhil Routes

TL;DR Nursing courses in Sri Lanka on Uplift range from a short caregiver certificate for school leavers to top-up degrees and master's programs for registered nurses. Most degree and postgraduate routes build on a nursing qualification you already hold, so the right course depends on where you are in your career today.

If you are choosing between routes, this guide lines them up on entry rules, length, delivery and award. You can also browse the health science study area or go straight to the nursing programs. The programs come from KIU University, ESOFT Uni and Achievers International Campus.

What are the nursing courses in Sri Lanka?

Uplift lists nursing study in two layers, so start by working out which layer matches your qualifications today. The first is entry-level care training that asks for O/L results. The second is degree and postgraduate study that asks for a nursing diploma, an HND in Nursing or registration with the Sri Lanka Nursing Council.

The programs listed today appear below. Open a course page for entry rules, fees and intake dates.

Which nursing course suits a school leaver?

If you have just finished your O/Ls, the entry point on Uplift is the Caregiver Certificate Course at KIU University. It runs for 3 months full-time and asks for a simple pass in English at the O/L. The program page describes training in safe, person-centred care for caregiving roles.

This is a caregiving certificate, so ask KIU how it connects to later nursing study before you enrol. Our caregiver course guide explains it in more detail. If you want a health field with an A/L route, the health science courses guide shows the other options.

Which nursing degree suits a registered nurse?

The degree routes listed today differ in length, delivery and award.

Top-up degrees

The BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Top Up) at ESOFT Uni is a 1-year part-time program awarded by London Metropolitan University. The listed local tuition is LKR 690,000 in total. It asks for a Registered Nurse qualification or an equivalent nursing diploma recognised in Sri Lanka.

The BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Nursing) Top Up at Achievers International Campus runs for 12 months. Entry is an HND in Nursing, a recognised 3-year diploma in nursing, or Sri Lanka Nursing Council registered nurse status, plus a C pass in English at the O/L. Check the current fee with the institute on its Uplift page.

Honours degree at KIU

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing at KIU University lasts 2 years full-time. KIU lists entry as registration with the Sri Lanka Nursing Council or the Sri Lanka Medical Council, together with a Diploma in Nursing from the Ministry of Health or an equivalent qualification.

The program page describes the degree as recognised by the University Grants Commission and approved by the Ministry of Higher Education. Our guide for working nurses compares these degree routes in more depth.

What postgraduate nursing courses can you study?

KIU University lists postgraduate programs for nurses who already hold a nursing degree. Each one is full-time.

• Master of Science in Nursing: 2 years, for graduates with a BSc Honours in Nursing at SLQF Level 6.

• Master of Nursing Education: 1 year, built for teaching and curriculum roles.

• Master of Nursing Management: 1 year, built for leadership and administration roles.

• Master of Philosophy in Nursing: 1 year, research-focused with a thesis, and the page notes it can lead on to doctoral study.

KIU describes these programs as accredited and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and the University Grants Commission. Our master of nursing guide goes deeper on each one.