How to Become a Physiotherapist in Sri Lanka 2026

To become a physiotherapist in Sri Lanka, take A/L Physics, Chemistry and Biology, complete a four-year physiotherapy degree at the University of Colombo, the University of Peradeniya or KDU, and register with the Sri Lanka Medical Council. Qualified physiotherapists typically earn about LKR 50,000 to 110,000 a month, more in sports and private practice.

For course-by-course detail see our physiotherapy courses in Sri Lanka guide, and for pay by sector the physiotherapist salary guide.

Quick Overview

A/L: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (S or better)

Degree: 4 years (Colombo, Peradeniya, KDU)

Registration: Sri Lanka Medical Council

Government: LKR 50,000 - 110,000/month

Private hospital: LKR 45,000 - 90,000/month

Postgraduate: M.Sc. at Peradeniya (2 years)

Steps to become a physiotherapist

1
Take A/L in the science stream
State physiotherapy degrees are filled through the UGC on G.C.E. A/L Z-scores. Applicants need at least an S pass in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, along with the O/L English requirement. Cut-off Z-scores differ by university and district each year.
- A/L: Physics, Chemistry and Biology with at least S passes
- Good O/L English: degrees are taught in English
- Check the UGC minimum Z-scores for physiotherapy in your district
2
Choose a physiotherapy programme
The main route is a four-year degree. The University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine offers a B.Sc. Physiotherapy (about 60 places) and the University of Peradeniya Faculty of Allied Health Sciences a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (about 51 places). General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) runs a four-year B.Sc. Physiotherapy and has admitted civilian students since 2013.
- University of Colombo: B.Sc. Physiotherapy, 4 years, taught in English
- University of Peradeniya: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
- KDU: B.Sc. Physiotherapy, 4 years, civilian intake
3
Complete clinical training
Degrees combine basic sciences with supervised clinical placements in hospital wards and outpatient units, covering musculoskeletal, neurological, cardio-respiratory, paediatric and sports physiotherapy. Assessment includes clinical cases, OSCE and OSPE practical exams and a research project.
- Hospital placements across specialties
- Practical exams and viva voce
- Final-year research project
4
Register with the Sri Lanka Medical Council
Physiotherapy is one of the allied health professions registered by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). The SLMC register covers physiotherapists holding a BPT or equivalent qualification. Registration is the legal basis for practising, and employers ask for your SLMC number.
- Apply for first registration through the SLMC allied health section
- Keep your registration details up to date
- Request a Certificate of Good Standing if you plan to work abroad
5
Get a job in government or private practice
Government physiotherapists work in Ministry of Health hospitals and are recruited through gazetted calls. Private hospitals, sports clubs, rehabilitation centres and private clinics also hire. Many physiotherapists combine a salaried job with evening private practice.
- Ministry of Health hospitals: apply when posts are gazetted
- Private hospitals, sports teams and rehabilitation centres
- Home visits and private clinics after gaining experience
6
Specialise and keep learning
The University of Peradeniya offers a two-year M.Sc. in Physiotherapy (60 credits, SLQF Level 10) for graduates of a four-year physiotherapy degree. Specialising in sports, neurological or paediatric physiotherapy, or moving into teaching, raises earning power.
- M.Sc. in Physiotherapy at Peradeniya (2 years)
- Short courses in sports injury, manual therapy or dry needling
- Overseas work requires registration with that country's regulator

Where to study physiotherapy

Institution	Programme	Length	Entry
University of Colombo	B.Sc. Physiotherapy	4 years	UGC, A/L Z-score (about 60 places)
University of Peradeniya	Bachelor of Physiotherapy	4 years	UGC, A/L Z-score (about 51 places)
KDU	B.Sc. Physiotherapy	4 years	KDU civilian intake
School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (Ministry of Health)	Diploma	Check current intake notice	Gazetted Ministry of Health intake
University of Peradeniya	M.Sc. in Physiotherapy	2 years	4-year physiotherapy degree + interview

Physiotherapist salary in Sri Lanka

SalaryLK editorial estimates, monthly gross. Government pay follows the public service scales revised in 2025, with increases paid in stages until 2027.

Role	Experience	Monthly (LKR)
Private hospital physiotherapist	0 - 3 years	45,000 - 90,000
Government physiotherapist	By grade	50,000 - 110,000
Senior / sports physiotherapist	5+ years	60,000 - 150,000

Compare pay at private hospitals in Sri Lanka and across the healthcare industry. Related careers: how to become a nurse and how to become a doctor.

What raises a physiotherapist's income

Private practice: evening clinics and home visits add to a salaried job.
Specialisation: sports, neurological and paediatric rehabilitation are in demand.
Postgraduate study: an M.Sc. opens teaching and senior clinical roles.
Location: Colombo private hospitals and sports bodies pay more than rural posts.
Overseas registration: many physiotherapists move abroad once registered there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a physiotherapist in Sri Lanka?

Sit A/L in the science stream with S passes or better in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, gain entry through the UGC to a four-year physiotherapy degree at Colombo or Peradeniya (or apply to KDU), complete your clinical training and register with the Sri Lanka Medical Council.

Which universities offer physiotherapy in Sri Lanka?

The University of Colombo (B.Sc. Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine), the University of Peradeniya (Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences) and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (B.Sc. Physiotherapy). Peradeniya also offers an M.Sc. in Physiotherapy.

What A/L subjects do I need for physiotherapy?

Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with at least an S pass in each, plus the required O/L English result. Selection to state universities is by Z-score, which varies by district and year.

How many years does it take to become a physiotherapist?

The degree route takes four years. Add time for registration and job applications. A further two-year M.Sc. is available for those who want to specialise or teach.

Is there a diploma in physiotherapy in Sri Lanka?

Yes. The Ministry of Health's School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, linked to the National Hospital in Colombo, has trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists since 1976 through diploma programmes. Private institutes also run physiotherapy diplomas, but check that any course leads to SLMC registration before enrolling.

Do physiotherapists need SLMC registration?

Yes. The SLMC registers physiotherapists as an allied health profession, for holders of a BPT or equivalent qualification. Employers ask for your registration number.

What is the salary of a physiotherapist in Sri Lanka?

SalaryLK estimates around LKR 50,000 to 110,000 a month in government hospitals depending on grade and service, LKR 45,000 to 90,000 in private hospitals, and LKR 60,000 to 150,000 or more for experienced sports or private-practice physiotherapists.

Can Sri Lankan physiotherapists work abroad?

Yes, but each country requires registration with its own regulator, often with an assessment or exam and English test. A four-year degree and an SLMC Certificate of Good Standing are the usual starting documents.

Sources

Allied Health Professionals registration - Sri Lanka Medical Council
Department of Allied Health Sciences - Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences - University of Peradeniya
B.Sc. Physiotherapy - General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy diploma - World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapy degree places and A/L requirements - FindMyDegree.lk

Level	Gross	EPF 8%	APIT	Take-home
Private hospital physiotherapist	LKR 67,500	LKR 5,400	LKR 0	LKR 62,100
Government physiotherapist	LKR 80,000	LKR 6,400	LKR 0	LKR 73,600
Senior / sports physiotherapist	LKR 105,000	LKR 8,400	LKR 0	LKR 96,600

How to Become a Physiotherapist in Sri Lanka 2026

Quick Overview

Steps to become a physiotherapist

Take A/L in the science stream

Choose a physiotherapy programme

Complete clinical training

Register with the Sri Lanka Medical Council

Get a job in government or private practice

Specialise and keep learning