International Schools in Sri Lanka
Compare 35 international schools in Sri Lanka. Filter by curriculum, fees (average LKR 1,305,971), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
- Schools listed
- 35
- Curricula
- 15
- Average annual fee
- LKR 1,471,110
- Fee range
- LKR 97,500 – 10,735,103
More school facts
- Most common curriculum
- Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (27 schools)
- Average school size
- 2,561 pupils
- Largest by enrolment
- Lyceum International School - Katunayake
- Oldest
- Overseas School of Colombo (1957)
About international schools in Sri Lanka
International schools in Sri Lanka are concentrated in Colombo and Greater Colombo, with additional campuses and branches in Kandy, Galle, Negombo and a few other towns; families relocating to the island will usually find the widest choice of curricula and places in the capital region. Most listed international schools follow British exam boards (Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge pathways are common), while the Overseas School of Colombo is the country’s only authorised International Baccalaureate World School offering the full PYP - MYP - DP continuum. Instruction is overwhelmingly English-medium, with Sinhala and Tamil normally available as second-language or mother-tongue options and extra modern languages such as French or Mandarin offered at many schools. Annual tuition varies a great deal - roughly from the equivalent of a few hundred thousand Sri Lankan rupees at budget schools through mid-range bands up to LKR 1.1 - 2.0 million or more at premium schools - and parents should allow extra for registration, exam, transport and learning-support costs. Admissions practice differs school by school but many publish August/September term starts, ask for recent school reports, identity documents and an English assessment or trial day, so begin enquiries early and factor in deposits and any visa paperwork where relevant.
View by curriculum (3)
View by curriculum
14 international schools in Colombo
See all 14 →
2 international schools in Panadura
See all 2 →2 international schools in Kandy
See all 2 →1 international school in Malabe
See all 1 →1 international school in Galle
See all 1 →1 international school in Negombo
See all 1 →Choosing an international school in Sri Lanka
Curricula
There are 35 international schools in Sri Lanka covering 15 curricula. The most widely offered are Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (27), British Curriculum (13), Cambridge IGCSE (13), Bespoke Curriculum (12), Cambridge (Primary) (10). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Fees & what they cover
Annual tuition across Sri Lanka runs from about LKR 97,500 to LKR 10,735,103, averaging roughly LKR 1,471,110. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Admissions & timing
Sought-after schools in Sri Lanka run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
Boarding
Most schools here are day schools; check individual profiles for any boarding options.
How doris stays impartial
doris lists every international school in Sri Lanka we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.