Overview
Sri Lanka has no separate student visa page. Students are placed in Residence Visa Category 4, the Educational Category, run by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Study routes and options
University students
Needs a recommendation from the Ministry of Higher Education, a letter from the university and the passport bio page, plus the Health Protection Plan (HPP).
Students at government-approved institutions
Needs a request letter from the institution, a DIE form, a recommendation from the relevant Embassy or High Commission, and bank encashment receipts worth US$1,500 for a year per person.
Who this visa is for
How it works with Visafeast
- 1Free 15-minute call
Tell us where you want to go and why. We tell you honestly what to prepare. - 2File review
We check your documents against the official list and point out weak spots before you pay any embassy fee. - 3Preparation
Your personal checklist, a clear travel plan and a cover letter that explains your funds and purpose. - 4Application support
Help with the online form, payment steps and appointment booking. - 5Decision and next steps
We update you on WhatsApp. If a file is refused, we read the letter and plan the next step honestly.
Validity
A student residence visa is valid for one year, or the period recommended by the line Ministry or institution. It can be renewed. The Health Protection Plan has been required for residence visa applicants since 3 June 2019, with some exemptions.
Total cost
| Item | Paid to | Amount | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embassy / government fee | Embassy | US$200 for a year or part of a year (residence visa for students) | 6 Nov 2026 |
| Visa centre (VFS) fee | Visa centre | — | — |
| Visafeast service fee | Visafeast | Contact for quote | 6 Nov 2026 |
Official sources
We read these official pages on 6 Nov 2026. Rules, fees and status can change, so check the page before you apply.
- Residence visa categories (Department of Immigration and Emigration)
- Visa fees (Department of Immigration and Emigration)
Latest news
- Issa Compass, an Online Visa Platform, Hits 4.8 on Google and 4.6 on Trustpilot - StreetInsider · News reports — Sri Lanka · 5 Nov 2026
- Govt Relaxes Passport, Visa Rules For Pak Nationals, Refugees - Deccan Chronicle · News reports — Sri Lanka · 5 Nov 2026
- Centre relaxes passport, visa rules for select foreign nationals; revises Nepal, Bhutan travel norms - The Economic Times · News reports — Sri Lanka · 5 Nov 2026