Intake breakdown by degree
About
🎓 Overview
The University of the Visual & Performing Arts (UVPA) is a public university in Sri Lanka dedicated entirely to visual and performing arts education.
It is located in Colombo, and was established as a separate university in 2005, although its roots go back much earlier through art education institutions under the University of Kelaniya system.
🏫 Academic Structure
UVPA is a specialized arts university with faculties such as:
Dance
Drama & Theatre
Music
Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Design, etc.)
It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, mainly:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Degrees in Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts
Postgraduate diplomas and Master’s programs in arts disciplines
🌟 Reputation
The University of the Visual & Performing Arts is known for:
Being the only dedicated state university for performing and visual arts in Sri Lanka
Preserving and promoting traditional and contemporary Sri Lankan art forms
Producing professional artists, musicians, dancers, and educators
It holds a unique and respected position in Sri Lanka’s higher education system for arts.
🎭 Training & Focus
The university emphasizes practical, performance-based learning, including:
Stage performances and concerts
Dance recitals and theatre productions
Studio-based visual art creation
Cultural and artistic research
Students spend a large portion of their studies in hands-on artistic practice.
🔬 Research & Cultural Contribution
UVPA contributes to:
Research in musicology, theatre, and visual arts
Preservation of traditional Sri Lankan dance and music
Promotion of cultural heritage and national identity
It plays a key role in sustaining Sri Lanka’s artistic traditions and creative industries.
🌍 Campus & Facilities
The main campus in Colombo includes:
Music and dance studios
Art workshops and studios
Theatre halls and performance spaces
Libraries and exhibition areas
The environment is creative and performance-oriented, designed specifically for arts training.
👩🎓 Student Life
Student life at UVPA includes:
Frequent performances, exhibitions, and concerts
Participation in cultural festivals and national events
Strong artistic collaboration among students
A highly expressive and creative campus culture
💼 Career Opportunities
Graduates from UVPA often work in:
Music and performing arts
Visual arts and design
Theatre and film industries
Art education and teaching
Cultural organizations and media
✅ Summary
The University of the Visual & Performing Arts is Sri Lanka’s only dedicated state university for arts education, focusing entirely on music, dance, drama, and visual arts.
It is the top choice for students passionate about creative and performing arts careers, with strong emphasis on both traditional and modern artistic expression.