Flagship Programme

MBA at University of Peradeniya

The unique learning experience, academic excellence and its recognition make the Peradeniya MBA a sought-after qualification.

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Academic Excellence

Learn from leading academics and industry practitioners

Our panel of teachers blends rigorous theory with real-world business insight, delivered through a flexible weekend-learning format.

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A Transformative Journey

Two semesters. 31 courses. One research year.

Build a strong business foundation, specialise through advanced electives, and complete a supervised dissertation in 2.5 years.

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Career Impact

Advance your career with a recognised MBA

Join a network of alumni leading across Sri Lanka and beyond in finance, agribusiness, entrepreneurship and the public sector.

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An MBA built for Sri Lanka, recognised around the world

Founded in 1998 and administered by the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya, our MBA was designed with significant input from the University of Stirling (UK) and the British Council. It has since proven its calibre throughout the corporate sphere of Sri Lanka and beyond.

The programme is a totally immersive learning experience. The salubrious Peradeniya campus, an academic staff unmatched in the country, and a compulsory one-year research component make this MBA an intellectually demanding qualification.

Crucially, the Peradeniya MBA is recognised as equivalent to Western MBAs for migration and employment purposes — a status not enjoyed by many other Master's programmes offered by leading universities in Sri Lanka.

Quick facts

Duration 2.5 years
Schedule Weekends
Degree level SLQF 9 / 10
Format In-person
Location Peradeniya
Min work exp. None required

Fee structure →

Why the Peradeniya MBA

Since 1998 we have trained business leaders who shape Sri Lanka's economic landscape. Here is what sets our programme apart.

International recognition

Recognised as equivalent to Western MBAs for migration and employment. Backed at inception by University of Stirling (UK) and the British Council.

Weekend-friendly format

Classes on Saturday and Sunday so working professionals can complete the MBA without interrupting their careers.

Open to everyone

No minimum work experience required. Fresh graduates, mid-career professionals and senior managers all find their place in the same classroom.

Compulsory research

A full-year research project applies real-world theory — a distinguishing feature that adds genuine academic weight to your qualification.

Two semesters. 31 courses. One research year.

First semester builds a strong foundation in accounting, finance, marketing, operations and human resources. Second semester opens up advanced electives — from project management and agribusiness to e-business strategy and international corporate finance.

The degree completes with a compulsory research year where you apply real-world theories to a subject area of your choice. The whole programme runs over 2.5 years on weekend classes.

View all 31 courses → Our teaching approach →

Semester 1

Foundation courses: Organisational Behaviour, Accounting, Business Economics, MIS, Business Law and more.

8 compulsory + 7 electives · 30+ credits

Semester 2

Advanced courses: Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing Management.

7 compulsory + 8 electives · 30+ credits

Research year

A full-year compulsory dissertation supervised by faculty. Apply theory to practice in a field of your choosing.

Required for SLQF 9 and SLQF 10 degrees

The programme at a glance

What you will be joining when you enrol in the Peradeniya MBA.

2.5 yrs

Programme length

Courses across two semesters

30+

Outstanding academic staff

1 yr

Compulsory research project

SLQF 9/10

Two degree pathways

Minimum work experience required

Who we're looking for

We look for future potential rather than present position. A holistic assessment is used to select the crème de la crème of applicants — we welcome fresh graduates alongside CEOs and senior managers in the same classroom.

Intellectual capacity and curiosity
Compassion and concern for society
Ability to manage work, studies, and personal life
Leadership potential and social intelligence

What you need to apply

Recognised degree

Or BCS-PGD, CIM, CIMA, or SLIM qualification

No minimum work experience

Fresh graduates welcome

Two non-related referees

Academic or professional

Application fee

Rs. 1,000 to PGIA

Full entry requirements → What makes the ideal candidate →

How to apply

Applications open during the first half of each calendar year. The process is straightforward — grab a form, pay the fee, submit your documents.

Get the form

Download it from the PGIA website or pick up a copy from the PGIA registration branch.

Prepare documents

Birth certificate, NIC, two reference letters, and academic certificates.

Pay the fee

Rs. 1,000 to the PGIA Accounts Department — online or at branch.

Submit

Mail or hand over your completed application before the deadline.

Full application guide → FAQs →

Fees at a glance

The Peradeniya MBA delivers a world-class qualification at a cost accessible to Sri Lankan professionals. All fees are paid directly to PGIA.

Full fee breakdown →

Estimated total (2.5 years)

Application Rs. 1,000
Registration Rs. 25,000
Per semester Rs. 75,000
Textbooks (per sem.) Rs. 10,000
Research supervision Rs. 15,000
Approx. total Rs. 430,000

Alumni story

"The Peradeniya MBA changed how I think about leadership, not just management."

Kumara Perera entered the MBA in 2020 as a mid-level manager in a manufacturing firm. Two and a half years later he was leading strategic change across the organisation — a shift he traces directly back to the strategic management, research and team-based learning components of the programme.

Today, as CEO of Global Holdings, Kumara mentors current MBA students and is one of thousands of graduates shaping Sri Lanka's business landscape.

Meet more alumni → Read student perspectives →

Where our graduates end up

Through professional career assessment and one-to-one coaching, we help students take ownership of their career development. The numbers speak for themselves.

10,000+

Graduates

32+

Years of excellence

95%

Employed within a year

1,230+

Partner universities

Explore careers → Meet our alumni →

Your MBA community

A Peradeniya MBA is more than classes. You will join a close-knit cohort of working professionals and a student-run MBA Association that adds real value through events, fundraisers and industry connections.

Weekend classes become a second community — team-based learning means you work in pre-defined teams on almost every aspect of the programme, from case competitions to the research project.

MBA Association → Events →

Ready to start your MBA journey?

Applications open during the first half of each calendar year. Join a community of 25 years, 10,000+ graduates, and one of Sri Lanka's most respected MBAs.

Apply now Get in touch

Still have questions? Read our FAQs or contact PGIA directly.