About
The University of the Visual & Performing Arts (UVPA) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, stands as the nation's sole university exclusively dedicated to the visual and performing arts. It is academically renowned for its comprehensive programs in traditional Sri Lankan arts, music, dance, and drama, alongside contemporary artistic expressions, with strong faculties in Visual Arts, Music, and Dance & Drama. International students at UVPA can expect a deeply immersive cultural experience, engaging directly with Sri Lankan artistic heritage and contemporary practices. While dedicated international offices or extensive English-taught programs for all courses may vary, the university welcomes global learners for cultural exchange and specialized studies, often accommodating English instruction for specific programs or research. Its distinctive characteristic is its unique position as the only higher education institution in Sri Lanka solely focused on nurturing talent across the entire spectrum of visual and performing arts.
Background
University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) (Sinhala: සෞන්දර්ය හා කලා විශ්වවිද්යාලය; Tamil: கட்புல, அரங்கேற்றக் கலைகள் பல்கலைக்கழகம்) is a public university located primarily in Colombo, Sri Lanka, specialising in art, design, fashion and the performing arts. It was formerly known as the Government College of Fine Arts, Heywood Institute of Art and the Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the University of Ceylon. It has no known date of foundation, but there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1893. It is the only university in Sri Lanka to exclusively offer special degree programs in visual and performing arts.
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Nearby universities
Also in Colombo
Elsewhere in Sri Lanka
- Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka · Homagama
- Eastern University of Sri Lanka · Vantharumoolai
- National School of Business Management · Homagama
- Uva Wellassa University · Badulla
- Wayamba University of Sri Lanka · Kuliyapitiya
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SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.