Considering a Career in Medicine or Dentistry?
Before beginning a degree programme in Medicine or Dentistry, it is essential to choose a programme recognised by the SLMC. Only graduates of SLMC-recognised programmes are eligible to practise Medicine or Dentistry in Sri Lanka. This section outlines the key requirements to consider before selecting your degree programme.
What do you need to know before you select a degree programme?
A career in Medicine or Dentistry allows you to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, but it also demands dedication, compassion, and lifelong learning.
Whether you study in Sri Lanka or abroad, you must understand the educational pathways and legal requirements for practising medicine in Sri Lanka. All medical practitioners who wish to practise in Sri Lanka (whether it is government or private sector) must be registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). Prospective students should therefore complete the minimum standards and choose a degree programme that meets the eligibility requirements for SLMC registration. Please go through the following steps before you select your degree programme.
Ensure You Meet the Minimum Standards
Ensure that you have completed the minimum standards to enrol for a degree programme in Medicine and Dentistry.
If you fail to ensure these minimum standards stipulated in the Medical (Maintenance of Minimum Standards of Medical Education) Regulations No. 01 of 2018, your degree may not be recognised by the SLMC and you will not be able to obtain SLMC registration to practise Medicine or Dentistry in Sri Lanka.
Minimum Standards
Minimum standards you need to fulfil to study Medicine and Dentistry and obtain SLMC registration
- General Certificate of Education – Advanced Level (G.C.E. A/L conducted by the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka) — should have passed in the subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics with a minimum of two "C" grades and one "S" grade in combination of these subjects at one and the same sitting.
- Or any other examination equivalent to the Sri Lankan GCE (A/L) Examination and obtained results comparable to the above.
Confirm Your Degree Programme Is Recognised
Ensure that the medical or dental degree programme you choose is included in the recognised degree programmes list.
The SLMC recognises individual degree programmes, not medical schools; therefore, some programmes offered by the same medical school or university may be recognised while others may not.
Complete the Degree, Graduate, and Obtain the Degree Certificate
Graduation Certificate
After completion of a medical degree programme, the graduate should obtain the final printed certificate of graduation from the university for presentation to the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
Application for Transfer Between Foreign Medical Degree Programmes
The SLMC may entertain applications for transfer between SLMC-recognised degree programmes of two countries in exceptional circumstances, such as closure of borders preventing return to the country, or war conditions. Students have to submit the completed application to da@slmc.gov.lk.
The application processing time is 1–3 months.
After You Graduate
Once you complete your degree, please visit the section on Graduates of Sri Lankan Universities or Graduates of Foreign Universities, depending on the degree programme that you have completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions regarding transfer between foreign medical degree programmes.