TL;DR. A PhD in Sri Lanka is a research degree at SLQF Level 12, the top of the national qualifications framework, and the framework sets a minimum of three years of original research. Universities set their own entry rules, which usually ask for a strong honours degree, a master's degree with research or an MPhil.
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Here the word philosophy means advanced research in any field, not the subject. This guide explains how a PhD works in Sri Lanka, what universities ask for and how an MPhil can lead into one.
What is a PhD in Sri Lanka and where does it sit?
The Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF), published by the University Grants Commission (UGC), has twelve levels. The PhD is at Level 12 and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is at Level 11. The framework sets a minimum of three years of original research for a PhD after a qualification at SLQF Level 6 or above, and a minimum of two years for an MPhil.
You will spend most of your time on one supervised research project and write a thesis, rather than attending taught lessons.
How long does a PhD take?
Public universities publish their own schedules, and they agree on the basic pattern.
The Open University of Sri Lanka lists its PhD by research with a minimum duration of three years and a maximum of seven.
The University of Kelaniya gives an official duration of three years, with a total of seven years from registration.
The University of Moratuwa lists three years full-time or four years part-time.
The Faculty of Education at the University of Colombo lists three years full-time or four years part-time.
Part-time study is possible at some universities, but the exact rule depends on the faculty, so read its by-law before you plan around work.
What do you need to apply?
Entry rules differ, and the pattern is a strong first degree or a research master's degree.
The Open University of Sri Lanka accepts an MPhil in the relevant field, a master's degree at SLQF Level 9 or above with a significant research component, or an honours degree with a GPA of at least 3.00. Applicants without these may be offered provisional registration.
The University of Moratuwa asks for an honours degree with at least second class honours upper division, or an MPhil from the university.
The Faculty of Education at the University of Colombo asks for an MPhil at SLQF Level 11, or a master's degree of at least two years with a one-year research component, plus an interview.
You also need a research proposal and a willing supervisor in most cases. Contact the graduate studies office of your target faculty early, since supervisors are matched to topics.
How does an MPhil lead to a PhD?
Some universities register applicants for an MPhil first and let them continue to the PhD after they complete the requirements. The University of Colombo Faculty of Arts follows this pattern, according to its published programme page.
On Uplift, the Master of Philosophy in Nursing at KIU University is a research focused program for graduate nurses. Its course page says completion can lead to doctoral studies at SLQF Level 12, and that the program is accredited and recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and the UGC. The page lists no fee and no open intake date today, so ask the institute for both. You can start an application for the MPhil in Nursing on Uplift when you are ready.
For a plain explanation of the degree, read our MPhil meaning in Sri Lanka guide.
