Study
Where a degree, the cost of getting it, and the right to stay afterwards line up.
UNESCO Institute for Statistics and national education agenciesLatest published intake data
For most Sri Lankan applicants, study is not the goal on its own. It is the most reliable route to a work permit, so read this together with the post-study work list.
1.1 million
International students enrolled
Largest system in the world, and the highest cost
760,000
International students enrolled
One-year masters, so the total cost is lower than it looks
620,000
International students enrolled
Study permit caps introduced in 2024, so places are tighter
| Rank | Country | International students enrolled | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th place | 520,000 | ||
| 5th place | GermanyNo tuition at public universities, even for non-EU students | 460,000 | No tuition at public universities, even for non-EU students |
| 6th place | 430,000 | ||
| 7th place | JapanMEXT scholarships are open to Sri Lankan applicants every year | 340,000 | MEXT scholarships are open to Sri Lankan applicants every year |
| 8th place | NetherlandsThe widest choice of English-taught degrees in Europe | 130,000 | The widest choice of English-taught degrees in Europe |
| 9th place | 70,000 | ||
| 10th place | 35,000 |
UNESCO Institute for Statistics and national education agencies
Latest published intake data
See the full published listThis is information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules and figures change without notice. Confirm anything you plan to act on with the official authority for that country, and check your own position with the eligibility checker.
Quality of public education and access to higher education, judged as a system.
University quality, student mix, affordability and graduate hiring, scored per city.
What a public university actually charges a non-EU student, per year.
